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Nobody Asked Me - Darcus Nims on Self-Advocacy

"What do they mean, us kind of people?" Darcus wanted to learn math skills. She wanted to learn how to type. Unfortunately, her teachers would tell her those skills were for "regular" people. When Darcus turned 18, no one asked her what she wanted to…

A Whole Other Facet - Courtney Clark on Service Dogs Making Life Better

“We can get things done. Yes, so it just made me more independent,” explains Courtney of her service dog, Donner. After applying for a service dog, it took two more years before Courtney was matched with Donner. Courtney talks about how his presence…

The Day Was Pretty Packed - Kim Davis on School Days at the Developmental Training Center

In the 1970s, schools systems throughout the state of Indiana sent children with challenging behaviors to the Developmental Training Center (DTC) for educational support and service. Kim Davis, an employee at the DTC during that time, talks about the…

I've Come a Long Way - Beverly Rackley on Advocacy

Beverly Rackley's mother said, "You can take those papers and tear them up, or I will tear them up in front of you." In this video, Beverly shares stories of her mother's advocacy on her behalf during her childhood, and discusses how, over the years,…

I Will Not Race in the Halls - Frank Epperson Jr. on Becoming a Successful Wheelchair Racing Athlete

After getting in trouble in middle school for racing in the hallways, Frank Epperson's parents decided he needed an outlet for all his extra energy. In this video, Frank speaks about discovering wheelchair racing, and becoming a Paralympic athlete.…

Blind Works Progress Administration Worker

This photograph shows a blind Works Progress Administration (WPA) worker operating a Braille machine at the Indiana State Library in Indianapolis. The photo, from the collection of the National Archives and Records Administration, was taken between…