Ability Allies (formerly Disability Legal Services of Indiana)

The Autism Society of Indiana is hosting on November 20th from 7:00 to 8:30pm a virtual presentation on educational rights for students with disabilities, presented by Ability Allies Executive Director, Margaret Jones. This session will provide an overview of the federal laws and state laws protecting the education of students with disabilities with a focus on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Attendees will learn how to recognize and resolve disputes regarding special education matters including eligibility, services, accommodations, and discipline. The session will also highlight some recent changes in education laws. Come prepared with questions for the Q & A session following the presentation! Sign up: https://lnkd.in/gNi4CJqG

Meet our newest Board Member Becky Shields! Becky is an Advocacy Manager and the Self-Advocates of Indiana Administrator at The Arc of Indiana. She has a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s in public affairs with a concentration in Non-Profit Management. Becky has been working in the disability field for over ten years. Becky works to educate community members and leaders about the lived experiences for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. When she isn’t working, Becky enjoys reading non-fiction and spending time with her four nieces and nephews.

Our staff attorney, Mimi Huybers is participating in the Hands in Autism Project ECHO Series regarding Transitions & Post-Education Planning on Friday, November 8th. If you have concerns regarding your students IEP transition plan for life after high school, feel free to contact Ability Allies. Register now and be a part of the conversation! https://lnkd.in/gh3Hu-Pp

Are you a family member of a person with complex needs? Are you interested in learning strategies to support their learning and transition? Then the Limitless Ability Conference is for you! Because we believe in teaching best practices to all stakeholders, this conference is FREE to families! Email [email protected] for the promotional code Join us at the Nexus Impact Center on Tuesday, December 10th from 8:00-4:00. Find tickets and registration at: https://lnkd.in/gstpfEK3

Ability Allies is presenting information to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Guardian ad Litem (GAL) this week. If your organization is interested in a presentation about special education laws and our services contact Ability Allies.

Ability Allies attorney, Mimi Huybers is presenting at the FEAT session on Friday, October 25th. If you have a student with a disability and have concerns about your child's transition to life after high school contact Ability Allies. https://lnkd.in/g_4a7fKX

Join the Ability Allies Board! -Ability Allies’ mission is to provide free and affordable educational advocacy and legal services and informs the public about the educational rights of persons with disabilities. We collaborate with organizations, families, and schools to ensure Indiana students with disabilities receive an appropriate education. -Our vision is to serve students across the State of Indiana, so we are expanding our reach. As such, passionate, driven, and dedicated board members are needed in 2024 and beyond. -Opportunities exist in every facet of board involvement: Treasury, expansion of services, IT, strategic planning and financial viability are just a few of the exciting initiatives that the Ability Allies is working on. -Ability Allies is committed to diversity and inclusion. Interested applicants should complete the application at?https://lnkd.in/e5vujp5j. -Applications will be accepted for 30 days after call outs are posted on social media. -Applicants will be contacted regarding next steps, which may include an interview unless a potential conflict of interest is identified.?

Ability Allies often receives inquires from families in connection with discipline of students with disabilities for behavior at school.?The American Academy of Pediatrics recently highlighted the harmful impact of school suspensions and expulsions on students, and the disproportionate impact on students with disabilities.?Contact us with questions regarding discipline matters involving students with disabilities. https://lnkd.in/g7gu-842

Please join Ability Allies for a free, online, 30-minute presentation to learn more about our services: -We provide free and affordable educational advocacy and legal assistance to families of students with disabilities. -We focus on educational issues to ensure students receive appropriate educational services. -We work collaboratively with parents and schools to improve the educational outcomes for students, so they are prepared for further education, employment and independent living. We are hosting two virtual “About Ability Allies” presentations in October. October 8th, 5-5:30pm EST: https://lnkd.in/gZcDcEfp October 9th, 12:30-1pm EST: https://lnkd.in/gSiSThcK Choose the one that works best for you. Registration is required to receive the link to join.

The deadline to apply for free tutoring for eligible students is November 1, 2024. Indiana Learns is a statewide grant program that provides qualifying families with $1,000 to spend on approved Mathematics and English/language arts high-dosage tutoring.