Ability Allies

05/27/2026

Recently, Ability Allies board member, Raechelle Mills, shared a touching reflection about her son with autism on social media. With her permission, we’re honored to share it with you:

This picture, taken five years ago during quarantine, reflects a time of uncertainty held together by unconditional love. While in ABA therapy at Bierman Autism Centers, my Ausome boy was learning how to use words to communicate his needs and learning how to play with peers.

5 years later he is playing basketball, riding his bike over friends house, and in advanced math. I’m so proud of how far he has come!

My love and passion for autism advocacy drive my role as a board member with Ability Allies. Together, we are dedicated to creating a more inclusive society for all abilities!

05/25/2026

Wishing you a meaningful Memorial Day from everyone at Ability Allies.

05/21/2026

Are you familiar with the “Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard”? The airline industry is using it to improve the travel experience for neurodivergent travelers. Airline staff are being trained and some airports have sensory or quiet spaces. This is great news as we head into the busy summer travel season! https://www.msn.com/en-au/health/other/the-airlines-giving-staff-autism-training-to-improve-flying-experience-for-neurodivergent-passengers/ar-AA23i9yW

05/18/2026

Check out this list of summer camps aimed at kids with disabilities from @ Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative! Thanks for putting that together!
This is provided for informational purposes and does not imply endorsement by Ability Allies.

Summer Programs Beyond the Spectrum: 6807 W 25th Ave, Gary, IN (219) 614-0049 Beyond the Spectrum provides inclusive childcare, ABA support, and educational services for children ages 18 months-12 years in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children of all abilities. Camp Lakes...

05/16/2026

Meet Mimi Huybers, Ability Allies attorney, and check out Easterseals Crossroads’ new sensory garden! Mimi will be at Community in Bloom on Thursday, May 21st from 5-7 p.m. The event is free with refreshments and activities provided.

Crossroads is located at 4740 Kingsway Drive in Indianapolis.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CtgA5HQ6Y/

05/13/2026

Wealthy students are more likely to get Section 504 accommodations, according to a recent study. Learn more from The 74, including one expert’s opinion that 504 plan decisions compared with IEP decisions “seem like they’re more subject to advocacy on the part of families.”

If you have questions about whether your child might qualify for a Section 504 plan or need assistance with how to request a Section 504 plan evaluation, contact Ability Allies.

https://www.the74million.org/article/wealthy-students-more-likely-to-get-disability-accommodations-study-finds/

05/11/2026

Important information for families whose neurodivergent kids keep it together at school but crash once they get home. Our clients share information about this often. If you need assistance addressing these types of issues in your child’s IEP or Section 504 Plan, reach out to Ability Allies.

Listen to “Everyone Gets a Juice Box,” as host Jessica Shaw discussed this topic. Thanks to Understood.org for keeping families informed!

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2877603952594474

Understood.org is the leading nonprofit empowering the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences in the United States.

05/09/2026

Celebrate the rededication of Indiana's first accessible playground! Children with disabilities and their families are invited to enjoy the new park equipment, including accessible playgrounds, basketball courts, and trails, during a rededication at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 30. Independence Park is part of Johnson County Parks and Recreation.

05/06/2026

Children with special needs will be prioritized for vouchers from the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). The CCDF helps low-income families pay for child care so parents can work, go to school, or attend training. Many families have been waiting for months for vouchers, and a recent announcement shares how those on the waitlist will be prioritized. See this WFYI article for more information. https://www.wfyi.org/statewide/2026-04-28/about-14-000-families-could-get-child-care-vouchers-starting-in-may-heres-who-gets-first-priority

05/05/2026

Victory for disability rights in Indiana! - We’re pleased to share that Attorney General Todd Rokita has withdrawn Indiana from Texas v. Kennedy—a lawsuit that challenged key protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Thank you to the organizations, families, and self-advocates who share in this victory. We are grateful to the attorney general and his staff for the careful attention they devoted to hearing our shared concerns over the past several months. Their openness to listening thoughtfully to people with disabilities, families, and the broader disability community showed a genuine commitment to understanding every perspective before making this final decision.

The Attorney General’s decision underscores the core principles of Section 504 and Olmstead v. L.C., that people with disabilities should have the opportunity to live, work, and participate fully in their communities. Maintaining a strong system of community-based services is consistent with federal law and Indiana’s decades-long transition away from institutional care.

The Arc looks forward to continuing its work with the Attorney General and other state leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to strengthen supports for people with disabilities and to uphold the principles of inclusion, independence, and community integration.

Read our full statement here: https://www.arcind.org/?p=24475