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“I remember her having a lot of apprehension,” recalls Patrick Sandy of a meeting with a mother on why her son could succeed in supported employment. When her son was born, physicians told her to put him in an institution and forget about him. Now,…

Karen Scherer began her career as a work adjustment specialist at Morgan County Rehabilitation Center in Martinsville, Indiana. She was soon asked to serve as the coordinator for the supported employment grant received by the center in 1986.

In…

"Let's wait and see what he can do," is what doctors told Sharon after the birth of her son in the 1980s. Fortunately, Sharon didn't wait around. She searched out services for him and as he got older, she continued to advocate for him by enrolling…

“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…

"Costa was one of the most passionate individuals you would ever meet," says Jim Hammond of his friend Costa Miller, former CEO of the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities. Jim reflects on Costa's career and the impact he had on the…

"I fell through the cracks bad," describes Karen Ricci of her school experience in the '70s and '80s. Karen discusses her challenges in school, such as teachers not having the training to adapt curriculum. Despite the challenges, Karen did go to…

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…

Andy Imlay, a part-time stand-up comedian who performs across southern Indiana, shares stories about life, school, and relationships, and using the power of laughter to address common misconceptions about people with disabilities. Andy is from…

This model C-1 Cassette Book Machine was part of the free Braille and Talking Book service provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). This model became available in 1981 and has variable-speed control,…

This single-hand keyboard is one of three keyboards co-designed for users with a physical disability by British electronic products manufacturer Stephen Hobday and keyboard training expert Lillian Malt. The original single-hand keyboard was developed…