Dedicated to finding resources and filling the gaps in or between services for individuals.
Written by Advocacy-Links
Recreational Therapy for Children It’s really important for parents that have children with disabilities to find good ways to help them in all areas of their lives. Recreational therapy is a great way to do this because it gives lots of benefits to kids who are dealing with different challenges. It doesn’t matter if they … Continue reading “Recreational Therapy for Children and Adults with Disabilities”
Written by Advocacy-Links
Navigating the landscape of disability resources in Indiana can feel overwhelming, especially for individuals and families who are new to seeking support. However, Indiana offers a wide range of resources and services designed to assist individuals with disabilities in various aspects of life. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how to find … Continue reading “Navigating Indiana Disability Resources: A Comprehensive Guide”
Written by Advocacy-Links
In today’s tech-driven world, having the right tools can make all the difference, especially for individuals with disabilities. But what happens when those tools come with a hefty price tag? That’s where lending libraries for assistive technology step in, offering a helping hand to make accessibility a reality for everyone. Let’s dive into what these … Continue reading “Breaking Barriers: Exploring Lending Libraries for Assistive Technology”
Written by Advocacy-Links
As a parent of a special needs child, navigating the educational system can be overwhelming. However, in Indiana, there are resources and support systems in place to ensure that your child receives the education they deserve. Understanding the options available and knowing how to advocate for your child are crucial steps in ensuring their success. … Continue reading “Understanding Special Education in Indiana”
Written by Advocacy-Links
Music has always been a universal language that transcends barriers and connects people on a deep emotional level. It has the power to evoke memories, express feelings, and create a sense of unity. But did you know that music can also be a powerful tool for therapy? We will explore music therapy and how it is used to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
Written by Advocacy-Links
Cooking is more than just mixing ingredients; it’s about creating something delicious, having fun, and feeling accomplished. For adults with intellectual disabilities, joining cooking classes opens up a world of possibilities. In this article, let’s dive into why these classes are awesome and how they’re changing lives for the better.
Written by Advocacy-Links
Joining a support group can be incredibly beneficial for caregivers and parents. It provides an opportunity to connect with others who are going through similar experiences, share advice and resources, and offer each other emotional support.
Written by Advocacy Links Site Admin
Dawn is a Wraparound Facilitator with Advocacy Links Child Mental Health Wraparound Supports. This is a new service for Advocacy Links and Dawn has done an amazing job at getting in and hitting the ground running. Dawn has been engaged and was one of the most responsive individuals at training for new Facilitators. We have … Continue reading “Employee Spotlight: Dawn Alvarado”
Written by Advocacy Links Site Admin
Written by Advocacy Links Site Admin
Our November Employee Spotlight goes to Aunah! Aunah is a Life Consultant with Advocacy Links’ PLACE Division. Life Consultants plan, coordinate, and facilitate community events in the areas they live. Aunah has been creating events in Fort Wayne and the surrounding area, and always has fun and fresh ideas! She brings boundless energy and enthusiasm … Continue reading “Employee Spotlight: Aunah Knab”
Written by Advocacy Links Site Admin
Advocacy Links Connections Specialist, Valerie Cassity, was awarded the Claudia Thomas Lifetime Achievement award in September 2022 for her unwavering commitment and dedication to helping others. This special award is a tribute to our friend and co-worker, Claudia Thomas, who was taken from us in 2021. The award’s namesake, Claudia Thomas, dedicated her life to … Continue reading “Employee Spotlight: Valerie Cassity”
Written by Advocacy Links Site Admin
SUPPORTING AN AGING LOVED ONE Many of us understand and accept that, as we age, we will likely need support to stay independent in our homes. The first people who will see that we need help will likely be our loved ones. A spouse, a child, or a sibling may be the first partners helping … Continue reading “Elder Care: Supporting Loved Ones as Caregivers”
Written by Advocacy Links Site Admin
Many of us are never really ready to plan or make preparations for the additional support we will require as we age. Throughout our lives, we look forward to adolescence, adulthood, the years of family and careers, and retirement, but we certainly don’t look forward to those final years when our health is declining. Things … Continue reading “Elder Care: Preparing for Your Future as you Age”
Written by Advocacy Links Site Admin
Finding reliable and useful resources for the challenges you or your loved ones face can be a daunting feat. When you do start to find services or supports that fit, you then must make sure the sources you’ve found are reliable, hope the information is current and accurate, and that it applies to you. Next, … Continue reading “Finding Disability Resources: How to Get Started”
Written by Advocacy Links Site Admin
Gracie is a bright and beautiful 4-year-old girl that is likely using her charm to hide a multitude of hidden plans to take over the world. She lives with her parents and 3 of her siblings in a small rural town in north-central Indiana. Her mother, Sara, has worked in social services for about 15 … Continue reading “Gracie’s Story: When a Diagnosis is Elusive, so are Services and Supports”
Written by Advocacy Links Site Admin
Updated January 12, 2023 Advocacy Links offers Child Mental Health Wraparound Support Services in northern Indiana to both CMHI (Children’s Mental Health Initiative) and CMHW (Children’s Mental Health Wraparound) eligible youth. Children’s Mental Health Wraparound Support provides resources, support, and guidance to children, youth, and their families/caregivers in difficult situations. Wraparound brings together a committed … Continue reading “Child Mental Health Wraparound Support”
Written by Advocacy Links Site Admin
Despite the strides and awareness that have been brought to mental health issues over the years, stigma still exists. We live in an era that is often blind to misinformation and focused on projecting images of positivity. For people who are struggling with mental health concerns, openly discussing their challenges can easily lead to unsolicited … Continue reading “Mental Health: Holding Space, Children, and Resources”
Written by Advocacy Links Site Admin
Seeking an Autism diagnosis for your child can be overwhelming. Getting a diagnosis can be a long and complicated process for parents between the initial identification of symptoms, voicing their suspicions to medical professionals, and then finding the right services and supports. Often parents find themselves navigating new services to find the right supports for … Continue reading “Evelyn’s Story: Navigating a New Autism Diagnosis”
Written by Advocacy Links Site Admin
People with developmental disabilities have existed in society since the beginning of time, but they have rarely been given the opportunity to showcase their strengths and successes in conjunction with their challenges and diagnoses. The remarkable people highlighted here will show that limitation is not an inherent part of a developmental disability diagnosis. There are … Continue reading “Remarkable People with Disabilities”
Written by Advocacy Links Site Admin
Why is developmental disability awareness so important? It’s a vital step towards equity, inclusion, and representation. In this post we are taking a brief look at the long history of the mistreatment of people with disabilities BEFORE awareness and advocacy were “a thing”. WHAT IS A DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY? Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions … Continue reading “Why Developmental Disability Awareness is Important”
