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"People coming into the business today, I can't imagine them seeing the advancement and the progress that we saw." Randy Krieble talks about witnessing the evolution of institutional custody and control of people with disablities into…

"I train psychiatrists, psychologists, police officers, and correctional officers." Ray Lay is an Indiana Certified Recovery Specialist and Veterans Administration Peer Support Specialist. He describes how his life evolved from being homeless to…

In 1973, the Developmental Training Center (DTC) on the Indiana University Bloomington campus created a deinstitutionalization project utilizing a halfway house approach. It provided residents of Muscatatuck State Hospital and Training Center…

“I mean, you know, people 40 years ago were locked in isolated areas,” describes Randy Krieble of restraints used in institutions. “The ammonia sprays were used especially in the children’s unit,” explains Sue Beecher. Professionals in the field of…

"The first part of the day I'd be downstairs, the second part they'd carry me up 10 steps, a landing, 10 more steps." Ric Edwards shares the story of his transfer from Culver Military Academy to a school in Spencer, Indiana after he became a…

This was not just a thing that was going to affect us,” Ric Edwards recalls, “it was going to affect our kids and our kids' kids, and many generations to follow.” The work to win support in Indiana for passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act…

"It is something that is going to change minds as well as break down the barriers," states Ric Edwards on the impact of the ADA. He goes on to explain, “The most significant change has to be the mindset that has been changed because that has much…

“He was very gracious, and he was definitely a character.” That is how Ric Edwards described Justin Dart. Ric shares a story about the first time he met Justin Dart. He says, “I didn’t know anything about him but by his reputation.” Ric found their…

“We would get referrals from the workshops usually, and we would meet with the individuals to determine their eligibility.” Roberta Stafford worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for almost 24 years. Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation…

“That was a huge experience for me,” Ronelle Johnson recalls of her term as President of Indiana Chapter of Black Deaf Advocates (ICBDA). “I decided to be involved in the Deaf community because their needs for advocacy was great.” Having lost her…