Self-Advocates of Indiana

Transcript: Betty Williams Interview

In 2016, Betty Williams received the Champions of Equal Opportunity Award from the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities. Betty received the award for her leadership in promoting voting rights, serving on committees…

Transcript: Darcus Nims Interview

"That's only for regular people, not for us kind of people." That’s what Darcus Nims says she was told when she wanted to take a typing class in school. Darcus founded Self-Advocates of Indiana, the statewide group of advocates with…

Darcus Nims Receiving Community Spirit Award

Darcus Nims (center), the founder of Self Advocates of Indiana, receives a Community Spirit award from the Indiana Governor's Council for People with Disabilities at their annual conference in 2006. Pictured with her is Duane Etienne, Council…

Passion for Advocacy - Betty Williams on Becoming A Self-Advocate

Betty Williams, an active self-advocate, received the Champion of Equal Opportunity Self-Advocacy award from the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities in 2016. Betty speaks about getting involved in the self-advocacy movement…

Change the Name - Betty Williams on Self Identification

Betty Williams, an active self-advocate, discusses the importance of getting rid of the R-word and shares the story of how self-advocates helped change the name of the state commission in 2008.Betty was interviewed October, 2016.

Infant Betty Williams with Incubator

This is a photograph of Betty Louise Williams (1959-2018) as an infant. She is being held in front of an incubator in the hospital. Betty grew up in Richmond, Indiana in the 1960s and 70s. She became a leader in the self-advocacy movement, serving as…

Infant Betty Williams in White Dress

This photograph shows Betty Louise Williams (1959-2018) as an infant, wearing a white dress. Betty grew up in Richmond, Indiana in the 1960s and 70s. She became a leader in the self-advocacy movement, serving as president of both Self-Advocates of…

Betty Williams in Pink Dress

This photograph shows Betty Louise Williams (1959-2018) as a young girl, wearing a pink dress. Betty grew up in Richmond, Indiana in the 1960s and 70s. She became a leader in the self-advocacy movement, serving as president of both Self-Advocates of…

Betty Williams with Bicycle

This photograph shows Betty Louise Williams (1959-2018) as a girl, sitting on a bicycle in front of a Christmas tree. Betty grew up in Richmond, Indiana in the 1960s and 70s. She became a leader in the self-advocacy movement, serving as president of…

Betty Williams in 2007

Richmond, Indiana native Betty Williams was appointed to the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities in 2014. She served as President of both the national organization Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered and of the statewide…

Darcus Nims - "Just Like Anybody Else"

In 1991, Darcus Nims traveled to Washington D.C. to receive the national Victorian Award for Achievement from President George H. Bush, for overcoming overwhelming challenges in her life. She had lunch at the White House and it was "the first time I…

Betty Williams Interview

In 2016, Betty Williams received the Champions of Equal Opportunity Award from the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities. Betty received the award for her leadership in promoting voting rights, serving on committees…

Darcus Nims Interview

"That's only for regular people, not for us kind of people." That’s what Darcus Nims says she was told when she wanted to take a typing class in school. Darcus founded Self-Advocates of Indiana, the statewide group of advocates with…

Kelsey Cowley - Being a Voice for Change

“We have an opinion and it matters,” states Kelsey Cowley. Unfortunately, Kelsey didn’t feel many people listened to her during her school years. She says, “They just didn’t understand people with disabilities to the whole extent.” As President of…

Darcus Nims - "They Didn't Think I Could Do It"

In 2006, we asked Darcus Nims to discuss her biggest accomplishment. She said, “Most proudest thing would be getting self-advocates started, that showing people that what all the special stuff that disability people can do, you know.” Darcus founded…

Darcus Nims Speaking at ADA Celebration

This photograph shows Darcus Nims addressing attendees at a celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The celebration was held on July 26, 2005 at the Indianapolis Artsgarden. Darcus was the founder of Self-Advocates…