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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…

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…

Darcus Nims and Betty Williams, two of the founding leaders of Self-Advocates of Indiana, describe how their self-advocacy skills helped the inexperienced travelers maneuver around Washington, D.C.. Darcus was interviewed in 2006 and Betty was…

"Darcus had such a beautiful way of speaking the truth about people's experiences, the lack of freedom and choice in people's lives." In this interview excerpt, Deborah McCarty, executive director of the Back Home in Indiana Alliance, reminisces…

"What she has taught me, there's no way to ever repay it." Dan Stewart met self-advocacy leader Betty Williams in 1997, when he was applying for the position of executive director of the agency now known as Achieva Resources, a disability service…

This is a photograph of the Board of Directors of Self-Advocates of Indiana (SAI) in 2002. SAI is a statewide organization of adults with intellectual disabilities. It was founded in 1990 with a mission “to learn our rights and to speak out about…

This is an undated photograph of Darcus Nims (1957-2008), a member of the Back Home in Indiana Alliance Steering Committee, speaking at a National Home Ownership Month (June) celebration in Greencastle, Putnam County, Indiana. Darcus lived in…

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…

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…

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…