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Major change to supports andservices for people with intellectualand developmental disabilities isunderway in Indiana through theefforts of the Indiana’s Family andSocial Services Administration(FSSA). At the same time, The Arcof Indiana continues to work torealize change through goals set outone year ago in our Blueprint forChange. We can report that theseefforts dovetail one another in manyways – with a focus for both beingon jobs, the economy and givingfamilies and individuals the sup-ports they need to lead better lives incommunities throughout the state.

FSSA aims to bring MedicaidWaiver services to over 7,000

Hoosiers over three years, using theshared resources of state and federalfunds to provide supports that willdevelop career paths toward employ-ment for people with I/DD, growthe economy by adding people withI/DD to the workforce, and allowparents to stay employed.

The Arc’s Blueprint for ChangeSteering Committee continues tomove The Arc forward in realizingkey principles of the Blueprint—building career pathways, support-ing resourcefulness by increasingflexibility in how funding is used,and looking to new models that sup-port people in ways that honorchoice, build careers and create fulllives—while also saving scarceresources so others can have thosesame opportunities.

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Medicaid Services (CMS) haveapproved FSSA’s proposals to estab-lish a new Family Supports Waiverand a new Community Integrationand Habilitation Waiver.

FSSA’s goal is to bring 6,600people onto the Family SupportsWaiver and 1,000 people onto theCommunity Integration and Habili-tation Waiver by March 2015.

The Family Supports Waiver isnow the basic entry point to receivewaiver services. Individuals whohave been on waiting lists for theformer DD, Autism or Support Ser-vices Waivers will be targeted toreceive services through the newFamily Supports Waiver based ontheir earliest date of application.

The Family Supports Waiver pro-vides up to $16,250 in waiver ser-vices and increases flexibility in howan individual’s Medicaid Waiverbudget can be used. A new service,Participant Assistance and Care, willprovide a new level of support to anindividual either in the family homeor in an individual’s own home.

There will be no waiting list forthe Community Integration andHabilitation Waiver—designed tobe a needs based waiver for peoplewith specific needs. Individuals willreceive services through the CIHWaiver only if and when those needshit.

The CIH waiver expands the abil-ity of providers to serve people withextremely challenging needs and cre-ates a process to offer a higher rate ofreimbursement to providers whomeet high performance measures.

It is important to note that indi-viduals who currently receive servicesthrough the former DD or AutismWaivers are transitioning onto thenew Community Integration andHabilitation Waiver.

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To help you be an informed voter, this

issue of The Arc News in Indiana includes

a special Election Guide. We invite you

to read, learn, share and discuss – and

then be sure to vote at an early voting

site, by absentee ballot or at the polls on

November 6th.

Page 3 Election Guide Overview

Pages 4-5 Candidates for Governor

Pages 6-7 Candidates for U.S.Senate

Pages 8-9 Important VotingDeadlines

Pages 10-11 Candidates for StateSuperintendent of PublicInstruction

Pages 12-13 Candidates for Presidentof the United States

Page 14 Election GuideMessages

Continued on page 15

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�!��"������#��$���"Hosted by Michelle Fischer

The Arc of Indiana welcomes you to listen in to A View from MyWindow, our podcast hosted by Michelle Fischer.

Visit www.arcind.org/AViewfromMyWindow to listen to the latestedition and past broadcasts of A View from My Window, including theserecent shows:

A View into the 2012 Elections

A View into The Arc and SAI Employment Campaign

A View into the “My Life, My Choice” Project

A View with The Arc US CEO Peter Berns

Is Abuse Inevitable? A View from the NCE Conference

A View into Assistive Technology

A View Into the Special Olympics Indiana State Games

In Celebration of Mother’s Day – A View with Two Moms

Be sure to join Michelle on Facebook “A View from my Window withMichelle Fischer”; subscribe to her blog, “Behind the Mic” http://michellefischersmic.blogspot.com; and follow her on Twitter @MFVIEW.

The Arc of Indiana and Self-Advocates of Indiana have launcheda major Employment Campaign,designed to speak directly to em-ployers about why employingpeople with intellectual and devel-opmental disabilities (I/DD) is agood business decision.

Over the next 12 months a seriesof ads, featuring employers of peoplewith I/DD, will run on “InsideINdiana Business with Gerry Dick”on PBS stations across the state, aswell as local network stations that airthe show.

Ads with the message, “Good forBusiness, Good for People, Goodfor the Economy” are also runningon InsideIndianaBusiness.com andin the INSide Edge e-newsletter.

“An untold story in Indiana andacross the nation is that businesseshave found that people with I/DDare a ready, willing, and ableworkforce. Who better to tell thisstory than business men and women?That is why our employment cam-paign television ads feature businesspeople talking about how hiringpeople with I/DD has benefited theirbusinesses. We hope this will lead tomore employers realizing that thereis an untapped resource of workersout there, and that this will lead toan increase in employment of peoplewith I/DD,” John Dickerson, TheArc of Indiana Executive Director,said.

“When I began working and got apaycheck, not just disability benefits,I could rent a better house, ride thebus more often, buy an extra outfitnow and then. And the person who

hired me got an employee who washappy to have a job. That is what Ilike about our campaign message,employing people with disabilities isgood for business, good for peopleand good for the economy,” MelodyCooper, Self-Advocates of IndianaPresident, said.

Employers to be featured on theInside INdiana Business ads include:

❖ Walgreens, Kokomo—Large Private SectorEmployer/Businesses

❖ Bits & Bytes, Evansville—Small Private SectorEmployer/Businesses

❖ Turkey Run Inn, Marshall—Large Public or GovernmentNon-Profit Employer

❖ Community AccessTelevision Services (CATS),Bloomington—Small Public or GovernmentNon-Profit Employer

❖ Nathaniel Boutelle/Passages,local chapter of The Arc inWhitley County—Entrepreneur/InnovativeEmployment Opportunity

The ads can be viewed on TheArc of Indiana’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/arcadvocate

The featured employers are re-cipients of the 2012 Keystone Award.The Arc of Indiana and SAI estab-lished the award to recognize out-standing employers of people withI/DD. Funding for the project wasmade possible through a grant fromthe Indiana Family and Social Ser-vices Administration (FSSA).

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Indiana is nationally recognized forthe strong partnership of The Arc ofIndiana, Self-Advocates of Indiana(SAI), Direct Support Professionalsof Indiana (DSPIN) and INARF.Our Count Me IN! Campaign is ajoint, statewide effort to help fami-lies, people with developmental dis-abilities, caregivers and providersregister to vote and be engaged in the2012 elections.

Our role is not to endorse candi-dates or tell you how to vote. Ourrole is to provide you with informa-tion and resources so that you can bean informed voter.

The Election Guide includes state-ments from the major candidates fornational and state office, includingthe candidates for President of theUnited States, U.S. Senate, Gover-nor of Indiana, and State Superin-tendent of Public Instruction. Thesecandidates were asked to respond tothis question:

“If you were talking directlyto someone, one on one,what would you say abouthow you will work toaddress issues of concern topeople with Intellectual andDevelopmental Disabilities(I/DD), their families andthe workers who supportthem?”

Their responses, as well as photossubmitted by their campaigns oravailable on public sites, are includedin the guide.

On pages 8 and 9 of the guide youwill find important information onregistering to vote, voter ID require-ments, absentee voting and accessi-bility for voters with disabilities.

As Election Day nears, we encour-age you to seek out opportunities tomeet your candidates for State Rep-resentative and State Senate and talkwith them about issues important toyou and your family. No matterwhat the issue is, you have the rightto know where candidates stand tohelp you decide how you will castyour vote.

In addition to the question posedto candidates for national and stateoffice, following are questions onmajor topic areas of concern thatyou may choose to ask your localcandidates:

Employment – The un-employment rate for peoplewith disabilities is a staggering78%. As conversations takeplace regarding increasingjobs in Indiana and reducingthe unemployment rate, whatwill you do to ensure thatpeople with intellectual anddevelopmental disabilities are

included in those discussionsand plans?

Public Transit – A majorobstacle to people withdisabilities being employed isthe lack of accessibletransportation. Do youbelieve local governmentsshould have increasedauthority to let voters decideon local funding options fortransit?

Affordable Care Act –The Affordable Care Act willprovide access to health careto many people who otherwisewould not have healthcare. What is your position onhow the Affordable Care Actshould be implemented inIndiana, including thequestion of establishing ahealth care exchange network?

Medicaid/MedicaidWaivers – Medicaid providesbasic health care to peoplewith intellectual and develop-mental disabilities and homeand community based servicesthrough Medicaid Waivers.What is your position onfederal proposals to makeMedicaid a block grantprogram to states? If Medicaiddoes become a block grant

program, how should Indianamake use of those funds?

Seclusion and Restraint –There is currently no state lawregarding the use of seclusionand restraint in schools, includ-ing standards for trainingteachers and support staff inthe proper use of seclusionand restraint. What is yourposition on the need forlegislation and/or regulationsto provide statewide stand-ards, including standards fortraining, regarding seclusionand restraint in schools?

Charter Schools/SchoolVouchers – The use ofcharter schools and schoolvouchers to provide familiesand students with publicschool options and choice iscentral to school reformdiscussions. What, if any,policies, guidelines or reg-ulations do you believe shouldbe in place to assure studentswith disabilities have equalchoice and equal access tocharter schools and schoolsthat accept vouchers.

The Arc of Indiana, SAI, DSPIN andINARF hope you find this guide in-formative and helpful, and encour-age you to exercise your right to vote.

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I believe in an Indiana that works for every-one, and where no one gets left behind. Toooften those with intellectual and developmen-tal disabilities, and their families, fall throughthe cracks in our society, and as Governor I willdo all that I can to ensure this does not happen.

Those with disabilities are really just like anyother Hoosier—they want to be productivemembers our society, and to make a contribu-tion to their communities. I want all Hoosiers,regardless of ability, to be able to earn anhonest living at a decent wage. That means jobtraining for people of all abilities, so that theycan take advantage of the growing sectors ofour economy in the life sciences, agricultureand advanced manufacturing, energy and trans-portation.

Whether you have an intellectual or devel-opmental disability yourself, or are supportingsomeone who does, bringing more and betterpaying jobs to Indiana will lift all of us up. Myplan will cut taxes on businesses that headquar-ter here in Indiana, which will help us attractnew companies and help the ones already heregrow, prosper and hire more workers. I willeliminate the sales tax on gasoline, making itcheaper for Hoosiers to drive loved ones toneeded medical appointments.

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I believe that society is judged by how wetreat our most vulnerable populations, andthis particularly applies to children withdevelopmental and learning disabilities. TheIndiana Department of Child Services has letdown too many kids, and we cannot allowthat to happen. As governor I will reinstatepreventive services for parents of at-risk chil-dren, and I will also promote adoption ofchildren with intellectual and developmen-tal disabilities. First, it is better for the chil-dren to live in loving, full time homes.Second, it just makes financial sense to re-duce the number of children living in fostercare when possible.

All of our children deserve a safe andloving home, and parents need to know thatthere are services available, including coun-seling, tutoring, as well as assistance fundingspecial medical equipment, for families whoadopt children with special needs.

I believe that in Indiana, we are all in thistogether. When we start putting petty parti-san squabbling aside, and get to work forIndiana, creating jobs and growing oureconomy, investing in our workforce and inthe next generation, it will lift all of us uptogether.

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Indiana can, and will be, a national leaderin dealing with the challenges facing indi-viduals with intellectual and developmentaldisabilities, their families and the entireservice delivery system. It is important to bemindful of the need to maximize access toservices for those in need, but to do so in asthoughtful manner as possible.

When we talk about making Indiana thestate that works for all Hoosiers, we trulymean ALL Hoosiers. That means tacklingone of the most prevalent challenges for theI/DD population – employment. There aremany ideas and theories around employ-ment for individuals with I/DD. Thoseideas need to be translated to action. To dothat well, Indiana must bring together notonly the best thinkers and policy makersaround this subject, but also those mostimpacted by the decisions that are made –individuals with I/DD.

It is important to build a service deliverysystem around the idea that every individualin the system has the opportunity to beemployed and have a meaningful, inte-

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grated life. We must stop thinking aboutthe I/DD service delivery system as apure funder of services, but rather viewit as an employment system that pro-vides wrap-around services to facilitateemployment opportunities.

Additionally, much work has beendone to eliminate the waiting list forwaiver services. There is still a lot ofwork to be done on that front. We mustcontinue to push to ensure everyonewaiting for services has the ability to getsome support. And, we must make surethat those with the highest needs havethe ability to get additional supports toensure a meaningful, integrated life.

We can accomplish these goals, but itis going to take the hard work fromeveryone: families, providers of services,policy makers, advocacy groups and theindividuals with I/DD. As we work to-gether to make this the state that works,I look forward to working with you tosolve these problems.

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On July 26, 2012, we celebratedthe twenty-second anniversary ofthe enactment of the Americanswith Disabilities Act. Due to thislandmark legislation, millions ofAmericans with intellectual anddevelopmental disabilities are nowable to more equally participate inour society. As congressman fornorth central Indiana, I was proudto support an update to this law in2008, and I remain dedicated to thegoals of increased inclusion andequal opportunity for Americanswith disabilities.

I am running to be a U.S. Sena-tor with the Hoosier common senseto get things done for middle classfamilies. This means balancing thebudget, lowering the debt, andcreating jobs—all the while ensur-ing we protect good programs thatsupport community efforts to takecare of children, seniors, and peoplewith disabilities. I often say thebest social program is a good-pay-ing job for mom or dad, so theycan take care of their family, pro-vide their children with a greateducation, and retire with dignity.

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I will work with anyone and every-one to create more economic oppor-tunity for Indiana families.

My opponent, Richard Mour-dock, holds extreme positions thatwould affect all Hoosiers, includingthose impacted by intellectual anddevelopmental disabilities. He has aproposal to eliminate the Departmentof Education and the Departmentof Housing and Urban Develop-ment, two departments that assistyour community. He has questionedthe constitutionality of Medicare,Medicaid, and Social Security—pro-grams essential to delivering healthand retirement benefits to millionsof Hoosiers, including those withintellectual and developmental dis-abilities. I would rather support andstrengthen these programs for futuregenerations.

Together, I know that we will beable to further our shared goal ofincreased opportunities for allHoosiers. I have enjoyed meetingand working with many of you overthe past few years. I look forward tocontinuing to work alongside yourcommunity.

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I take special pride and honor inwriting to you, The Arc of Indiana,as we approach one of the mostimportant elections in our nation’shistory. As a former board memberof Evansville ARC, I feel a personalconcern for those with special needsand the issues affecting us all as westrive to better ourselves and ourfamilies in these challenging times.

With unemployment over 8% for42 consecutive months, economicgrowth at record lows, and the un-ending threat of tax hikes, the pastfour years have been difficult for usall, regardless of ability. But thesedifficulties have not been sharedequally, as those with disabilitieshave borne the brunt of ourgovernment’s failed economic poli-cies. Though the unemployment ratefor people without disabilities is8.4%, it is even higher for Ameri-cans with special needs, standing at13.6% and increasing steadily. Si-multaneously, 70% of people with-out disabilities are members of theworkforce, while only 20% of dis-abled Americans are able to join.Essentially, our economy is discrimi-nating against people with specialneeds twice, not only as they seek ajob, but as they simply try to enterthe workforce.

This needs to stop, and that’s whyI’m running for Senate: to put allAmericans regardless of ability backto work through policies that em-power consumers to earn, save, andspend as they please. It is my beliefthat a rising tide lifts all boats, and aswe fight to lower taxes, repeal oner-ous business regulations, and fosterconfidence in our economy, we willcreate stronger job markets for eventhe most vulnerable. I fully supportefforts to increase the labor forceparticipation rate for those withdisabilities to 44% by 2015, andbelieve we can do so with market-based liberal economic reformswhich will spur growth and createjobs. But just as a rising tide ofgrowth can lift us to prosperity, atidal wave of debt from Washingtoncould wash such hopes away. Nomatter how hard or smart we work,it will be for naught if the national

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ner. From education to health care,providing the best services for ourHoosier disabled will revolvearound Hoosiers helping Hoosiersand, as such, I oppose attempts bythe federal government to assumeunconstitutional powers and forceupon us its one-size-fits-all policieswhich have failed us too many timesbefore.

And to me, this election is a refer-endum on Washington’s failed poli-cies. We can either continue withthe policies that have made us poorer,racked up trillions of dollars of debt,and ended our economic liberties,or we can try something new. I thinkit’s time for a change. I supportlower taxes, smaller debt, and bettergovernment. For work. For inde-pendence. For all. I thank you foryour support and I look forward toseeing you on the trail.

debt continues to grow. So, as westrive to cut taxes and invest in thefuture, we must cooperate to trimthe fat and eliminate wasteful pro-grams holding us back.

However, we will not attain em-ployment and self-sufficiency for ourdisabled Americans by simply fos-tering growth and limiting our debt.

The vulnerable among us need ourhelp as they transition to adulthoodand working lives. But, there is aright way and a wrong way to dothis. The right way starts at home,empowering our states and commu-nities to draft policies most appro-priate for their disabled citizens inan inclusive and transparent man-

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Indiana law requires that voters show a governmentissued photo ID, with an expiration date, when they go tothe polls to vote. Accepted government IDs include:

Valid Driver’s License

State Identification Card

Valid Passport Issued by the U.S. State Department

Valid U.S. Military Identification Card

If you do not have a photo ID, you can go to any Bureau ofMotor Vehicles office/License Branch to obtain a photo ID.

,������-First day a voter may cast anabsentee ballot in person atthe county clerk’s office. If anoffice is closed for ColumbusDay, early voting will beginOctober 9.

,������./Deadline to apply for anabsentee ballot to vote bymail. The request must bereceived by the county clerk’soffice by 11:59 p.m.

,������.0First day that a voter who isconfined to his or her home,voter with a disability, or avoter who is a caregiver canvote absentee at his or herresidence.

,������/Deadline to register tovote or to transfer yourregistration to a newaddress.

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��������������!������"����)�����������The Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) requires at

least one accessible voting machine be placed in eachpolling place in addition to making the facility physicallyaccessible.

If you have a complaint about accessibility at your pollinglocation, call the Hoosier Voter Hotline to report the issueat 866-IN1-VOTE (866-461-8683). HAVA staff will beanswering calls from 6:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. EDT on ElectionDay, and 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on normal business days.

1��������0Noon deadline to vote absenteein person at the county clerk’soffice; deadline for voters whoare disabled and voters whoare caregivers to request tovote at home.

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�������������� ��� ������������ ����All registered voters in Indiana are eligible to vote“absentee in-person” (also called “Early Voting”)at their county election board office beginningMonday, October 8 and ending Monday, Novem-ber 5 at 12:00 noon. However, because October 8th

is Columbus Day, county election board offices maybe closed. This means that in all likelihood “absen-tee in-person” or “early voting” will begin onOctober 9th.

���������� ������������Applications to vote absentee by mail must bereceived by the county election board by October29, 2012. Absentee ballots must be received at thepost office by noon on Election Day, November 6,2012.

Registered voters can apply to vote absentee if:

• You expect that you will not be in the countywhere you live on Election Day.

• You have a disability.

• You are age 65 or older.

• You are scheduled to work the entire timethe polls are open.

• You will be confined due to illness or injury.

• You will be caring for an individual confineddue to illness or injury.

• Your religion prevents you from voting whilethe polls are open.

• You are a member of the military or a publicsafety officer.

• You will have official election duties outsideof your voting precinct.

���������� ��������� ��Voters who expect they will be confined due toillness or injury, voters who expect they will becaring for a person who is confined at a privateresidence on Election Day, and voters with disabili-ties who believe their polling place is not accessiblecan vote “absentee-by-traveling board.” Contactyour county election board to make this request byMonday, November 5, 2012.

Absentee Voting Applications are available at:www.in.gov/sos/elections/2402.htm. The linkincludes addresses and phone numbers forIndiana’s County Election Boards. If you do nothave access to the Internet, call information or lookin the blue pages of the phone book to find thenumber for your County Clerk/County ElectionBoard.

Absentee voters are NOT required to show orprovide a photo ID when they submit theirabsentee vote.

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Polls are open for voting from 6:00 a.m.to 6:00 p.m.

Remember to bring a government issuedphoto ID that has an expiration date.

Remember, if you are voting absenteeby mail, your absentee ballot must bereceived at the post office by noon onNovember 6th.

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I am a public school teacher of 33years running for State Superinten-dent of Public Instruction. I amlicensed in the areas of special edu-cation (K-12), general education(K-6) and library science (K-12). Ihave taught students with a broadrange of disabilities in MSD Wash-ington Township Schools, India-napolis. As an educator, I know thechallenges and rewards of workingwith students with intellectual anddevelopmental disabilities. I knowof the excitement that students, edu-cators, and parents/caregivers feelwhen students have the opportuni-ties to discover and develop theirindividual gifts and talents.

I have an in-depth knowledgeregarding federal and state laws ofIDEA and Article 7 respectively. Iwhole-heartedly support the intentof the laws to provide individual sup-port and opportunities for studentswith disabilities to live successfully inthe community upon graduationfrom public schools. As State Super-intendent of Public Instruction youcan count on me to do the followingfor students with disabilities:

• Expand the role of the IndianaDepartment of Education towork with other agencies tosupport infants and toddlerswith disabilities and toprovide more support forpublic preschool specialeducation programs.

• Monitor the services providedto students with disabilitieswithin our public schools toensure high-quality program-ming by gathering input fromeducation professionals andparents and streamlining theprocess for addressingIndividual Education Plans.

• Identify high quality pro-fessional standards forpre-service training for

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special education teachersand provide professionaldevelopment opportunitiesfor practicing educators toimprove their teachingtechniques to reach allstudents. Current schoolfunding levels haveeliminated much of theprofessional developmentopportunities, and theeducation field is constantlyevolving. My administrationwould restore professionaldevelopment priorities for allaspects of public education.

• Increase the opportunities forgraduation and careerpathways for students withdisabilities. The currentrequirement for all students topass Algebra I holds back toomany students. At the sametime, emphasis on Algebra I islimiting access to applied andpractical math courses thatmany students need in thework place and to liveindependent lives.

• Work with communityagencies to identify andincrease support for families.

• Support legislation thatimproves public policy andprovides adequate andappropriate funding for

programs that serve studentswith disabilities.

I think you will agree that mygeneral platform for our Indiana edu-cation system will also provide sup-port for students with disabilities:

• Give more time to education,less time to testing – Ourstudents are more than testscores!

• Give more control to localschool districts to implementstate and federal standards –The best ideas happen whenparents, teachers, and studentswork together.

• Make sure every child is safeand respected at school andschool activities – Fundtraining programs for studentsand educators to stop bullying.

• Make teacher licensing andevaluation standards top inthe nation, with respect andprofessionalism – Lettingunqualified people teach isbad for Indiana’s children.

• Clear the barriers to qualityvocational career/techeducation – Schools mustprepare all students, not justthe college bound.

I look forward to serving Hoosierstudents as State Superintendent ofPublic Instruction.

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During my time as a biology teacher,principal and local superintendent,I was constantly inspired by the chil-dren and adults around me. Myexperiences in Indiana’s schoolsreinforced my belief that all chil-dren, no matter their background orunique needs, have the ability tolearn and grow. When we set highexpectations and embrace a cultureof academic excellence, all studentsbenefit. I brought this fundamentalbelief with me to my current job asIndiana’s Superintendent of PublicInstruction, and I’m pleased to reportto you today on our results.

Through the hard work of educa-tors and students across Indiana,we’ve set three all-time academicrecords. Test scores have improvedby eight percent over the past threeyears, Indiana is second in the nationfor improvement for advanced place-ment gains, and last year more stu-dents graduated from high schoolthan ever before. While these resultsare encouraging, I believe we can doeven more, especially for studentswith developmental disabilities.

As a father of a child with a learn-ing disability, I understand that read-ing is critical to future success.Research shows that students whostruggle to read in the early gradescontinue to lag behind their peersthroughout their time in school andbeyond. This is why I supported andimplemented a policy that requiresall children learn to read before theyleave third grade.

We must continue to set highexpectations for principals, teach-ers, and students—so kids whorequire specialized instructionreceive the help they need. To makeit happen, we need great teachers inevery classroom. Indiana madechanges that ensure all teachers areexperts in the subjects they teachand require all teachers and princi-pals to receive meaningful yearlyperformance evaluations. Together,these changes help us recognize,

keep our focus on further reducingthe number who drop out.

We must not only prepare stu-dents for college, but we must alsoensure students who take anotherpath have the skills they need to findgood jobs. We must work to giveparents more opportunities to beinvolved in their child’s education.As education leaders, we must con-

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reward, develop and keep the mosteffective teachers in our schools.Over the next four years, we’ll con-tinue our work to ensure every class-room has a great teacher, all childrenlearn to read, and every student hasthe opportunity to reach his or herfullest potential. We’ll work hard tomake sure even more students aregraduating high school, and we’ll

tinue to hold ourselves accountableto a high set of standards. This vision,combined with the hard work of ourstudents and educators, is a winningformula for the future of our state.

There’s no doubt that collabora-tion will be key to our shared andcontinued success. I’ve greatlyappreciated the partnership andopen dialogue I’ve had with yourorganization over the past fouryears. Thank you for your leader-ship and for all of the work you doon behalf of students across Indiana.

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I am committed to providing peoplewith disabilities access to the sameopportunity to live rich and fulfill-ing lives – the same as every Ameri-can. As a country, we value thecontributions of all of our citizensand residents, including the over 50million people in this country livingwith disabilities.

I am committed toproviding people withdisabilities access tothe same opportunityto live rich andfulfilling lives – thesame as everyAmerican.

But while people with disabilitiesare integrated into society as neverbefore, we must do more. My Ad-ministration has achieved real re-sults, and I will continue to stand upfor the millions of Americans withdisabilities and ensure that they havea fair shot and a chance to succeed.

For example, Obamacare stopsinsurance companies from denyingcoverage based on pre-existing con-ditions or disabilities, and expandsMedicaid coverage, while providingnew supports that will help peoplewith disabilities live in their com-munities. I have also increased fund-ing for programs that ensure youngadults with disabilities receive theeducation and training they need tocompete for jobs, and expanded pro-tections against violence motivatedby gender, sexual orientation, gen-der identity or disability.

Additionally, we will continue towork actively with the communityso that Americans with disabilitieshave a voice in ensuring a level play-ing field. Our policies will be guidedby this principle today and in thefuture.

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As president, I will work to ensurethat Americans living with intellec-tual and developmental disabilitieshave the opportunity to prosper. Iunderstand the challenges that theseAmericans and their families faceand how important advocates in allareas of government are to ensuringthat their concerns are heard andtheir most pressing needs are ad-dressed. As president, I will be anadvocate for these Americans andthe families and workers who sup-port them.

I understand that one of the mostpressing needs that individuals withdevelopmental and intellectual dis-abilities face is that of affordable andquality health care. As president, Iwill work to break down the barriersto care and services that those withdevelopmental disabilities currentlyface. My reforms will reduce costsand increase choice, ensuring thatevery American is able to find a planthat meets their needs.

The promise of opportunity in-herent in the American Dream isone that is linked with the ability toobtain a world class education andall of the benefits it brings. As presi-dent, I will work to provide im-proved educational opportunities forspecial needs students and their fami-lies by taking unprecedented stepsto provide increased school choice.For too long, the parents of specialneeds students have battled bureau-cracy and numerous other barriersto secure an education for their childthat fits their unique needs in anenvironment that is inclusive andsafe. A Romney Administration willbreak down these barriers, allowingIDEA funding to follow the studentto the school of their choice. Thisflexibility will place the power withthe parents and acknowledges anessential truth – that parents are the

most ardent advocates for their chil-dren and should have a say in theireducation.

I realize that gains have been madein providing a good education tospecial needs students, but there isalso much room for improvement.As president, I will put in place aneducation policy that provides choicein conjunction with high standards,accountability, great teachers, andimportantly, increased informationfor parents. All parents strive to pro-vide their children with the best lifepossible and the most prosperousfuture imaginable. To do this, theyneed not only the flexibility to makechoices but also the information tomake sure that choice is the rightchoice for their child.

As president, I willwork to ensure thatAmericans living withintellectual anddevelopmentaldisabilities have theopportunity toprosper.

As a parent of five sons and thegrandfather of eighteen grandchil-dren, I know the sleepless nightsthat come with parenting. As presi-dent, I will work to make sure thatthese worries are lessened by gettingour economy back on track so thatthe families can rest a little easierknowing that they will not have toworry about the next paycheck orthe price at the pump. A soundeconomy also means more jobs forindividuals of all talents to pursuetheir passions.

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The Board of Directors and membership of the Direct Support Professionalsof Indiana (DSPIN) are proud to partner with Self-Advocates ofIndiana to promote the Count MeIn! Voter Registration & MedicaidWaiver Waitlist Campaign. As theonly membership organization dedi-cated to advancing the direct supportprofession through public policyadvocacy and professional develop-ment, exercising the right to vote isnear and dear to us. From research-ing candidates to waiting in line at thepolls, we all have the right to becounted. Through an internal edu-cation campaign DSPIN is encouraging DSPs to support self-advocates asthey consider candidates and incumbents and cast their ballots. DSPs supportself-advocates every day – for us, Election Day is no exception.

As Indiana’s primary membership association for disability service providers,INARF is proud to partner with Self-Advocates of Indiana (SAI), The Arc ofIndiana, and Direct Support Professionals of Indiana (DSPIN) to promote theCount Me In! Voter Registration & Waiver Waitlist Sign-Up Campaign.

With the gubernatorial election fast approaching, and many key legis-lative seats in play, it is more important than ever for our community to

stay informed and engaged. Fromvoter education to transportationto the polls, INARF believes thatwe all deserve to be counted onElection Day – and we’re commit-ted to achieving this goal one per-son at a time.

�������������� Melody Cooper

President

November is election month, andon Tuesday November 6, I’ll be atthe polls. In 2008, I thought thatwas the most important election. AsI look around, listen to the radio andwatch the news about the 2012 elec-tion, I realize that this one is incred-ibly important, too. The fact is, everyelection matters. And with every

election, it is important to vote.Whether you have a disability ornot, it does not change the fact thatevery vote counts, including yours!

I’m not here to tell you who tovote for – I’m here to encourage youto get out and vote! I think we needto educate ourselves. Get to knowthe candidates – what do they be-lieve? What is their motive? Whatwould happen if they were elected?Will each candidate do what theysay they will do? Listen to what theysay – watch the news, listen to the

radio, read the paper, talk withfriends. If it’s happening in yourarea, attend a Legislative Forum tomeet the candidates in person.

Voting is really important. Weneed to be serious about it – it’s ourright, it’s our responsibility and it’sour chance as a nation to decide howwe want the future to be. The worldis changing, and we need to let peopleknow that we will be there to standup for our rights. We will be part ofthe change.

Hope to see you at the polls!

For tips on voting and other elec-tion news, check out Self-Advocatesof Indiana’s September newsletter.Call (317) 977-2375 to request acopy.

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John DickersonExecutive Director

This is a first for The Arc News inIndiana in many respects. We arepartnering with Self-Advocates ofIndiana, INARF and Direct Sup-port Professionals of Indiana to bringyou this special issue as part of ourjoint COUNT ME IN statewidevoter registration and Medicaidwaiver signup campaign. Forty thou-sand families, self advocates and pro-fessionals across the state will receivethis special Election Guide issue – anew milestone in our statewide dis-tribution of The Arc News in Indi-ana. Then there is the guide itself,with messages from incumbents andcandidates for President, U.S. Sen-ate, Governor and Superintendant

of Public Instruction – key leadersseeking your vote.

Why this special effort?

Our role is not to endorse candi-dates or tell you how to vote. Ourrole is to help you be an informedvoter.

The candidates included in ourguide were asked to respond to thisquestion, “If you were talking di-rectly to someone, one on one, whatwould you say about how you willwork to address issues of concern topeople with I/DD, their familiesand the workers who support them?”

We hope their answers will help youmake an informed choice as a voteron November 6th.

We encourage you to ask yourlocal candidates for public office,including those running for statesenate and state representative, thisand other questions (see a few sug-gestions on page 3) that will helpguide you in casting your vote.

Many of my friends are disap-pointed with politics today andchoose to just not vote. That’s un-derstandable, but I do not agree.People have fought and died acrossthe oceans and in this country toprotect our right to vote. We owe itto them to participate. And we oweit to those who count on us. Peoplelike Stephanie, a valued employeeof the Bitz and Bites deli team inEvansville. And the Fletcher fam-ily, who found that a diagnosis ofFragile X was not as scary when

First Steps began to provide impor-tant early intervention services totheir children. And Susan and Larry,who became friends while living ina nursing home and now enjoyliving in their apartment with sup-ports from the Medicaid Waiver.Check out our YouTube channel,www.youtube.com/arcadvocate, tosee their stories in these videos:“Employment Campaign/Bits &Bytes,” “Steps to Take When YourChild has a Disability,” and “Mov-ing from a Nursing Facility to aHome in Your Community.”

We have come so very far, buthave so much more to do. Ournational and state leaders of all par-ties need to know these stories. Theyneed to know your story. They needto know that their actions impactmany lives in many ways. Thankyou for all you do, and thank you forexpressing your voice by voting.

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���������Equally as important to The Arc is the ongoing

call for education reform – bringing change to theover 120,000 Hoosier school children who have anIndividual Education Plan. The Arc’s EducationCommittee continues to work closely with stateofficials to assure education reform, including char-ter schools and vouchers, always includes a voice forstudents with special needs. Again, we see a positivepush toward approaches to prepare all children fora career, and even post-secondary education. Weare watchful, however, that financial pressuresfacing local school districts are leading to largerclassrooms and concerns that children with specialneeds are negatively impacting standardized testscores. Inappropriate use of seclusion and restraintfor children with behavior challenges remains anissue. The Arc will champion legislation in the2013 session of the Indiana General Assembly toaddress the use of restraints and seclusion inschools. We will also work to bring positiveattention to schools and educators who, despitedifficult financial times, find new and creativeways to provide the best education and futureopportunities to all children.

�������������������� ������Hoosier families and individuals with I/DD

have been making a difference through The Arcsince our founding 56 years ago. The history of The

Arc is one of families who have always sought forways to build a better life for their loved ones, ratherthan looking to government for all of the answers.That innovative spirit is at the heart of the Blueprintfor Change and is exemplified by the success of TheArc Master Trust. In 2013 we will celebrate 25years of The Arc Master Trust – established throughthe efforts of forward thinking families and impor-tant seed money from our local chapters.

The Arc of Indiana is working with the State ofIndiana on an initiative to ensure people withintellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)currently living in nursing facilities are offeredchoices about where they live.

The goal of the “My Life, My Choice” projectis to educate, empower, and remind individualswith I/DD that they have choices regarding their

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living situations, whether it is choosing to live ina nursing facility, an ICF/DD, in the communityor elsewhere.

To achieve this goal, The Arc has trained fortyindividuals who are working in two-person teamsto conduct interviews across the state. Interviewteams include a Lead Interviewer who is a personwith I/DD and a Support Interviewer who doesnot have I/DD.

During interviews, the Lead Interviewer, withassistance from the Support Interviewer as needed,engages residents in a peer-to-peer discussion abouttheir quality of life, ideal living situation, and theirdaily experiences in their current living situation.

During this time the Support Interviewer gathersthe information using a specialized iPad applica-tion that helps track results. If the individualexpresses an interest in community living, infor-mation about community living options is pro-vided, empowering individuals to make aninformed choice about where they live.

The project began in June 2012 and is sched-uled to run through December 2012. For moreinformation about options for people with I/DDcurrently living in nursing facilities:

• View “Moving from a Nursing Facility to aHome in Your Community” on YouTubeby visiting: www.youtube.com/arcadvocate

• Read “A Guide to Transitioning from aNursing Facility to a Home in YourCommunity” by visiting www.arcind.org,click on “Help for Families,” click on“Home and Community Based Services,”and scroll down to find a link to the guide.

• Listen to the “A View into the My Life, MyChoice Project” podcast by visitingwww.arcind.org/AViewfromMyWindow

• Contact The Arc at 317-977-2375, 800-382-9100, or thearc@arcind.org

Through our special needs trust program, fami-lies have saved and invested over $45 million toprovide for their sons’ and daughters’ futures; andthis year, thanks to that planning, The Arc MasterTrust will provide over $5 million to trust benefi-ciaries whose parents are no longer here – thanksto their forethought. Learn more about The ArcMaster Trust and the Blueprint for Change byvisiting www.thearctrust.org and www.arcind.org.

Jobs, Economy, Building Better Lives, continued from Page 1

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�������������� ��������Visit www.arcind.org for more information

on upcoming events!

September 24-28Count Me In! Voter Registration &Waiver Wait List Campaign, Statewide

September 25The Arc of Indiana 56th Anniversary

October 3The Arc of Indiana Annual Conference,Appreciation Luncheon & AnnualMeeting; Self-Advocates of Indiana StateMeeting & Board of Directors Election,Marriott East, Indianapolis

October 24The Arc Master Trust 24th Anniversary

October 25-29The Arc of the United States NationalConvention, Washington D.C.

November 1The Arc of Indiana 2013 Winter HeatingAssistance Program Opens

November 14-28The Arc of Indiana Annual OnlineAuction, www.arcind.org

December 1The Arc of Indiana Board of DirectorsMeeting, Indianapolis

December 10-11Self-Advocates of Indiana Board ofDirectors Meeting, Indianapolis

Works of Arc, an online art gallery and storefeaturing the work of Indiana artists with intellec-tual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), isscheduled to launch in early October. ThroughWorks of Arc, www.worksofarc.com, featured art-ists can share their talents and earn an income.

Each incrediblepiece of art is uniqueand handmade. Thepieces are quite var-

ied, featuring the artists’ wide variety of mediumsand talent. You will find everything from water-colors to jewelry, purses to bird houses, note cardsto photo frames. Please be sure to check back oftenas new pieces and new artists are continually beingadded.

Whether you are looking for a special piece foryour personal collection or the perfect gift, Worksof Arc has something for everyone.

Works of Arc is a division of The Arc Develop-ment Group, LLC and is operated by The Arc ofIndiana.

The mission of The Arc Development Group isto provide unique avenues and training opportu-nities that lead to employment and greater self-sufficiency for people with I/DD.

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Throughout 2012 we are sharing stories fea-tured in our 2012 calendar that exemplify thegood work that is happening through local chap-ters of The Arc to help individuals with I/DDbuild career pathways and use their unique gifts –key goals of the Blueprint for Change.

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Madi Barnes got a head start on her careerthrough an internship with St. Vincent CarmelHospital’s business office, thanks to ProjectSEARCH—an innovative project run in partner-ship with Noble of Indiana, Hamilton-Boone-Madison Special Services Cooperative, Indiana

Institute on Disability and Community, and theIndiana Department of Vocational Rehabilita-tion. Project SEARCH gives students an opportu-nity to gain the job skills they need to transitionfrom the classroom to the workforce.

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Zachary Vada felt out of place in school formany years, until he gained confidence throughexcelling in a computer class at a Career Center.Following high school, Zach applied for job train-ing assistance through vocational rehabilitationand was connected with a job developer at The Arcof Northwest Indiana. After spending time con-tinuing to improve his computer skills, The Arcconnected Zach with Al Konieczka, the owner ofAlkon Consulting Group, Inc., a web site design,development and hosting company. After review-ing his work and interviewing Zach, Al hired himto join the Alkon team as an HTML Programmer.

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With the help and support of Evansville ARC,Mike Hufnagel enjoys a full life in the Evansvillecommunity through his long-time job at G.D.Ritzy’s restaurant, and as an active communityvolunteer. His restaurant career is supported byEvansville ARC’s Community Job Link’s pro-gram, and his volunteer efforts, including assistingthe Muscular Dystrophy Association, are facili-tated by Evansville ARC’s Connections for LifeProgram.

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