A diverse group of seven smiling individuals of different ages and ethnicities participating in a virtual support group meeting.
Join the Hoosier Autism Caregivers Virtual Support Group on Wednesday, May 6, at noon ET! This month’s session focuses on "Preparing for Summer," offering tips on routines and transitions to help your family thrive during the break. Connect and share in a safe space. Register: go.iu.edu/T1IGvm
Two CCLC staff members are standing by a conference booth and smiling at the camera. The table has a cloth that shows a logo saying "Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Center on Community Living and Careers." The table top has various flyers.
Are you attending the 34th annual #INAPSE Conference in Muncie, Indiana? Visit the #CCLC booth to connect with our team, pick up some swag, and learn more about our latest professional development trainings and resources.
#INAPSE2026 #DisabilityEmployment #InclusiveEmployment #SocialSecurity
Wow! That is such a massive testament to the support and care you have provided this year. Amazing.👏
What’s Next? is a free monthly newsletter with tips and resources for individuals with disabilities preparing to transition from high school to adult life. We include information on benefits, health coverage, state identification, guardianship, supported decision-making, and more.
Young male job candidate with Down syndrome answering a recruiter's questions in a job interview.
Spring is here and summer jobs are hiring! Get ready to impress employers and feel confident in job interviews. In April's issue of What’s Next?, learn how to prepare, answer questions clearly, and follow up.
Read What's Next?: go.iu.edu/jRQ8jq
Lea ¿Qué Sigue? en español: go.iu.edu/KW1zW2
Flyer for the Southwest Community Family Network Barbecue Social. The headline reads “Barbecue Social” with a graphic of a charcoal grill and colorful triangular bunting across the top. Event details include Saturday, April 18, 2026, from noon to 3 p.m. CDT at the YMCA, 516 Court Street, Evansville, Indiana 47708. A badge notes guest speakers on transportation and epilepsy. Text invites attendees to outdoor games and free food. An RSVP link and QR code are displayed. Logos for the Indiana Consortium for Family Networks and the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Center on Community Living and Careers appear at the bottom.
Join the Southwest Community Family Network for barbecue and outdoor games next week! Come for the conversations, stay for new connections.
RSVP today: go.iu.edu/8vSH
Where: YMCA, 516 Court Street, Evansville, IN 47708
When: Saturday, April 18, from noon to 3 p.m.
We hope to see you there!
On the top left is a logo for the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community. Center on Community Living and Careers. A large red text box reads, “Want to learn more? Subscribe to Tuesday’s Transition Tips,” followed by a description of a weekly email publication for educators and rehabilitation staff. A person stands on the right side holding a yellow folder. A white button at the bottom contains the subscription link that says “Link to Subscribe: go.iu.edu/8rDN”
Promotional graphic from Indiana University’s Center on Community Living and Careers titled “How Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs) Support Student Success—Tips for Teachers.” A teacher sits beside a student using a laptop, offering guidance. Text reads “Swipe for more.”
Promotional slide from Indiana University’s Center on Community Living and Careers showing two people working behind a café counter, preparing drinks together. Text reads: “CRPs can provide the tools for real-world independence, including career discovery, hands-on experience, workplace readiness, and life skills.” A “Swipe for more” prompt appears at the bottom.
Promotional slide from Indiana University’s Center on Community Living and Careers showing a diverse group of adults sitting around a table in a classroom or meeting space, engaged in discussion and taking notes. Text reads: “Schools are incredible, but they can’t do it all alone. CRPs work alongside Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors and educators to provide job coaching, supported employment, and ongoing stability.” A “Swipe for more” prompt appears at the bottom.
Promotional slide from Indiana University’s Center on Community Living and Careers titled “3: Why Start Now?” An educator and two adults support a student working on a laptop at a desk with stacks of papers. Text explains that connecting students with Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs) early supports a smooth transition from school to community life and advises educators to connect with local Vocational Rehabilitation counselors. A “Swipe for more” prompt appears at the bottom.
Teachers and Parents: Have you connected with Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs) yet? Now is the perfect time to start the conversation! 🗣️
CRPs can partner with you to bridge the gap between graduation and a successful career.
Read Tuesday’s Transition Tips for more info: go.iu.edu/8rDN
Join CEC for an informative session on Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning.
A child holds a rainbow-colored infinity symbol outdoors. Text below reads, “To learn more, visit the CCLC Learning Academy webpage at go.iu.edu/8sQQ.” The Indiana Institute on Disability and Community and the Center on Community Living and Careers logo is displayed at the bottom.
Photo of a child holding a rainbow-colored infinity symbol, commonly associated with autism acceptance. Beneath the image, bold text reads, “Today is World Autism Awareness Day.” The Indiana Institute on Disability and Community and the Center on Community Living and Careers logo is displayed at the bottom.
Graphic with text that says, “Awareness is the start. Action is the change.” Text promotes enrolling in the CCLC Learning Academy to build inclusive classrooms and workplaces that support autistic individuals. The Indiana Institute on Disability and Community and the Center on Community Living and Careers logo is displayed at the bottom.
Graphic with text that says “Foundations of Autism” describing a course that builds understanding of autism within community contexts, explores neurodiversity, and applies Universal Design and Universal Design for Learning principles to create inclusive settings across the lifespan. The Indiana Institute on Disability and Community and the Center on Community Living and Careers logo is displayed at the bottom.
Graphic with text that says “Autism: Transitioning to Adult Life” describing a course that focuses on supporting autistic individuals as they transition from high school to adulthood, addressing cultural perspectives, stigma, and bias, and providing guidance on career decision-making and training toward quality employment. The Indiana Institute on Disability and Community and the Center on Community Living and Careers logo is displayed at the bottom.
Today is World Autism Awareness Day. Awareness is a great start, but true support for our autistic family members, colleagues, and students requires real action. Ready to make a meaningful impact in the classroom and the workplace? Explore our autism courses & training catalog: go.iu.edu/8sQQ
This program is not sponsored by Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library.
Want to attend the next meeting? Fill out the interest form at go.iu.edu/8tnk
The Southwest Community Family Network helps families in Vanderburgh, Posey, Warrick, and Gibson counties navigate disability by promoting social inclusion and building supportive communities.
A wide-angle photo of a large group gathered indoors, arranged diagonally and facing the camera. Some individuals are seated in wheelchairs in the front row, while others stand behind them. The space is a bright, open room with carpeted flooring, glass-walled offices along one side, structural shelves or frames behind the group, and overhead ceiling lights.
A wide-angle photo of a meeting room with multiple people seated around tables arranged in a U-shape, facing a presentation area. A screen displaying a slide is visible at the front of the room, with notebooks, laptops, and water bottles on the tables, and glass-walled rooms lining one side of the space.
A wide-angle photo of a large group gathered in a bright, open indoor space, arranged in several rows facing the camera. Some people are seated in wheelchairs while others stand behind them. The room has glass-walled offices along one side, a high ceiling with recessed lighting, and an open floor area in front of the group.
Last Saturday, the Southwest Community Family Network met with the city of Evansville's engineers to discuss street accessibility and safe travel. Members shared photos and firsthand accounts of infrastructure gaps to help make the city more inclusive.
Join us for the next meeting: go.iu.edu/8tnk
Flyer marketing CCLC’s Virtual Open Office Hours. The top shows a desk with a laptop, notebook, phone, pen, and coffee cup. Large text reads “Join CCLC’s Virtual Open Office Hours.” Below, a section titled “Got Questions About Transition?” lists topics including using an IEP to create a portfolio, writing compliant annual goals, individualized transition services, writing postsecondary goals, and finding additional resources. Text states, “We’re here for you!” and invites participants to join every Thursday on Zoom from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. A Zoom link is provided: go.iu.edu/8q12. The bottom includes the Indiana University trident logo and the text “Indiana Institute on Disability and Community – Center on Community Living and Careers.”
If you’re a parent, a student with a disability, or a special educator looking for support, CCLC is here for you.
Join us for our Virtual Office Hours every Thursday from 2:30–4:30 p.m. ET.
🔗Join us on Zoom: go.iu.edu/8q12
Exceptional Children’s Week is an annual celebration of students with exceptionalities and the professionals who serve them. Hosted by @cecmembership.bsky.social, an international group serving as the voice and vision of special education to shine a spotlight on exceptional children.
A promotional graphic for the CCLC Learning Academy features a circular photo of a female teacher. To the right, bold text reads “What participants say about our courses,” followed by five gold stars. Below, a testimonial says, “I have been in this field for years and still learned so much from this training. Thank you!” At the bottom, the name “Bridget Lueken” appears with the title “Special Education Teacher, Noblesville High School.” The CCLC Learning Academy logo is displayed in the upper left corner.
Teachers are among the busiest professionals we know. When an experienced educator like Bridget Lueken says our training was worth her time, we take it to heart. Despite her years in the field, Bridget walked away with new strategies to support her students.
Review our trainings: go.iu.edu/8sQQ
An educational graphic for World Down Syndrome Day 2026 on a blue and white background. The header reads, "To feel connected and belong, every person needs:" followed by a numbered list with simple white line-art illustrations of people. 1. Real inclusion (illustrated by three people talking). 2. Welcoming spaces (illustrated by a group huddle). 3. Meaningful relationships (illustrated by three people holding hands). The bottom features the World Down Syndrome Day 21 logo and the 2026 theme: "Together Against Loneliness."
Tomorrow is World Down Syndrome Day! 💛💙 This year’s theme, Together Against Loneliness, reminds us that true inclusion means genuine friendship and shared laughter. Reach out, connect, and visit worlddownsyndromeday.org to help break social barriers.
#WDSD2026 #TogetherAgainstLoneliness #LotsOfSocks
A person using a wheelchair is seated in a classroom or office setting, looking toward a large digital screen displaying charts and graphs. The text on the left reads, “4. Teach students how to use health technology tools,” with a list of technology-related tasks for practice. On the top left is a logo for the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community. Center on Community Living and Careers.
At a sunlit table, two young adults with developmental disabilities collaborate with an older mentor to review documents. The scene captures a moment of active engagement and empowerment. Overlaid text on the left highlights "5. Build self-advocacy skills through question stems," featuring the "Ask Me 3" framework. The top left corner displays the logo of the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community and the Center on Community Living and Careers.
On the top left is a logo for the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community. Center on Community Living and Careers. A large red text box reads, “Want to learn more? Subscribe to Tuesday’s Transition Tips,” followed by a description of a weekly email publication for educators and rehabilitation staff. A person stands on the right side holding a yellow folder. A white button at the bottom contains the subscription link that says “Link to Subscribe: go.iu.edu/8rDN”
Part 2: For students transitioning to adulthood, navigating doctors’ visits, medication management, and health tech is a vital step toward independence. You can provide the tools students need to build health literacy skills.
Start teaching these lifelong skills today: go.iu.edu/8rDN
A female teacher wearing a yellow shirt with white dots holds a tablet. On the left, a red box displays the title “Empowering Students Through Health Literacy Skills” with the subtitle “Tips for Teachers.” On the top left is a logo for the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community. Center on Community Living and Careers.
A medical provider sits across from a student in a clinical setting, holding a tablet. The student is seated on a couch next to a yellow cushion. The text below reads, “1. Teach students how to speak up and actively participate during medical appointments,” followed by several example prompts. On the top left is a logo for the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community. Center on Community Living and Careers.
A close-up image of a clipboard with a form showing checkmarks next to several boxes. A pen rests on the paper. On the left, text reads, “2. Create a Personal Health Profile (PHP)” along with a bulleted list of items to include in the health profile. On the top left is a logo for the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community. Center on Community Living and Careers.
A classroom scene where several students stand in a semicircle around a visitor wearing a stethoscope and carrying medical equipment. A chalkboard behind them reads “Career Day.” Text on the left says, “3. Practice health safety,” with a list of safety-related skills for students. On the top left is a logo for the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community. Center on Community Living and Careers.
Part 1: For students transitioning to adulthood, navigating doctors’ visits, medication management, and health tech is a vital step toward independence. You can provide the tools students need to build health literacy skills.
Start teaching these lifelong skills today: go.iu.edu/8rDN
An informational flyer for "Intensive 3-Day Training" by HANDS in Autism focuses on preparing adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities for employment. The design features red and navy blue accents with three circular photos of vocational settings labeled "Applicable," "Practical," and "Hands-On." The training is designed for employment providers, coaches, and educators at the Indiana University Bloomington Smith Research Center. Scheduled dates for 2026 are April 15 through 17 and November 18 through 20. Highlights include proactive supports, skills assessment, and hands-on practice in simulated and live job settings. Interested parties can find more information at HANDSinAutism.iupui.edu or by calling (812) 856-1600.
🌟 Supporting a teen with autism preparing for life after high school? Join HANDS in Autism® for a 3‑Day Transition Intensive! Learn practical, person‑centered tools for planning goals, supports, and post‑school options. Register now—$250 early bird discount through April 7! 🚀
This infographic by the Profound Autism Alliance defines profound autism as a condition requiring lifetime, 24/7 care. According to CDC data, 26.7% of 8-year-old children with autism meet this criteria. These individuals are statistically more likely to be female, from minority groups, or born with low birth weight. They often face additional challenges like seizure disorders and self-injurious behaviors. Despite these intense needs, a 2019 study revealed that only 6% of clinical research includes people with profound autism. This systemic exclusion extends to most home and community-based services, leaving many caregivers without the necessary support. The organization emphasizes that these unseen challenges require urgent, dedicated solutions for both the individuals and their families.
Today, we recognize Profound Autism Day to see, hear, and acknowledge those with high support needs. While 15 states officially recognized this day in 2025, the Profound Autism Alliance plans to reach all 50. Join the mission and help them reach their goal here: www.votervoice.net/ProfoundAuti...
Campaign graphic reading “We’re Here. Then, Now, Always.” featuring a historic black-and-white photo of disability rights activists at the U.S. Capitol and color photos of people with developmental disabilities advocating and smiling in community settings.
Gráfico de la campaña que dice "Estamos aquí. Antes, ahora, siempre". Presenta una foto histórica en blanco y negro de activistas por los derechos de las personas con discapacidad en el Capitolio de los Estados Unidos y fotos a color de personas con discapacidades del desarrollo abogando y sonriendo en entornos comunitarios.
Yesterday, we commemorated the 36th anniversary of the Capitol Crawl, a powerful protest where disability advocates crawled up the U.S. Capitol's inaccessible steps to demand Congress pass the ADA.
Join us as we honor the past and continue to build a future where everyone belongs.
#DDAM2026
In a bright office with a brick wall, a young man with Down syndrome in a blue button-down shirt reviews documents alongside a woman in a grey blazer. In the background, two other colleagues work at a desk, creating a collaborative and inclusive professional environment.
Stepping into your first career is exciting. During your job search, you may wonder whether to disclose a disability. It’s a personal choice that can lead to better workplace supports.
To learn more, read What's Next?: go.iu.edu/pnT5B3
Lea ¿Qué Sigue? en Español: go.iu.edu/gyFS5b
A square graphic on a dark blue background featuring the text "Brain Injury Awareness Month" in bold white sans-serif font. To the right of the text is a line-art illustration of a human brain; the left hemisphere is depicted as blooming flowers, while the right hemisphere shows the traditional anatomical folds. At the bottom, the Indiana University "IU" trident logo appears above the text "Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Center on Community Living and Careers."
Join us in recognizing National Brain Injury Awareness Month, led by the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), as we strive to create supportive environments in workplaces and schools. Take your support to the next level with our Acquired Brain Injury course. Register today: go.iu.edu/8r9W.
Join us tomorrow for Let's Talk Benefits, a FREE 2-hour info session explaining how state and federal benefits support employees with disabilities! Register now at go.iu.edu/8wCh to learn more.
• When: Thursday, March 5
• Time: 10 a.m.– 12 p.m. ET
#Benefits #DisabilityBenefits #SSI #SSA #SSDI
An image featuring the text "TUESDAY'S TRANSITION TIPS" in a bold, sans-serif font. The word "TUESDAY'S" is white and set within a black speech bubble at the top. Below it, the words "TRANSITION TIPS" are white and set within a larger, orange speech bubble. The background is white, accented with small black and orange triangular shapes that resemble confetti or motion sparks.
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a good time to spotlight transition practices that elevate student strengths. Educators can use person-centered planning to help interagency teams honor each student’s real interests and emerging adult identity.
Read today’s tip: go.iu.edu/zS71FQ
Two professional women, one with Down syndrome, sit at a wooden desk collaborating over business documents and charts. They are both smiling toward the camera; the woman in the foreground wears glasses and a tan blazer, while the woman behind her has curly red hair and wears a black blazer. A smartphone and a coffee cup sit on the desk alongside various printed reports.
Employment Specialists: Want stronger discovery insights? Try incorporating informational interviews.
They help you uncover a job seeker’s interests, strengths, and long-term goals while also supporting exploration of new industries and fresh career possibilities.
🔗: go.iu.edu/yJLcp6
We're proud to present the first installment in The Business Case for Inclusion – a new series examining why #disability #inclusion is one of the smartest investments a company can make. We will explore how inclusion benefits staff, businesses, and customers. Read the introduction at the link below!
The national campaign recognizes a simple truth: people with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities — and always will be.
