ABOUT IIDC
Jane Harlan-Simmons has been a Research Associate at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community (Indiana’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities) for over 22 years. At the Institute’s Center on Aging and Community, Jane has conducted research, developed model programs, provided technical assistance, and produced training materials in the fields of aging, disability, and the arts. She has authored journal articles, book chapters, and reports, and produced videos, media presentations, exhibits, and web pages on topics including community membership, family support, home modification, careers in the arts, and self-expression through creative visual art activities.
Jane has been instrumental in work to improve opportunities for arts-related careers for people with disabilities. She has supported the emergence of the statewide association ArtsWORK Indiana, a statewide initiative on arts-related employment for people with disabilities. She developed the comprehensive internet resource www.artsworkindiana.org. ArtsWORK’s web site and other activities were recognized by the 2009 National Assembly of State Arts Agencies’ National Accessibility Leadership Award.
Prior to her appointment to the Institute, she was employed as an Art Therapist by the 92nd Street YMHA Alzheimer’s Day Activity Program and the Bowery Residence Committee, and worked as an arts administrator at Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (New York City) and the Connecticut Commission on the Arts.
Education
- New York University | M.A., Art Therapy
- Trinity College, Hartford, CT | B.A.
Presentations & Publications
- “Voices of Families: The Critical Role of Aging Parents and Siblings” presented by Jane Harlan-Simmons and Sharon Hauss on November 8, 2011 at the Association of University Centers on Disabilities Annual Conference in Crystal City, VA.
- Harlan-Simmons, J., (2008 – 2011). Featured artist profiles on the ArtsWORK Indiana Website: an ongoing series of articles about artists with disabilities in Indiana.
- Harlan-Simmons, J. & Mooney, M., (2010). What does growing older mean to me? Some thoughts from adults with disabilities. Impact, 23(1), 4. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota.
- Todd, J., Harlan-Simmons, J., & Walker, P., (2007). Promoting a good old age: Strategies for identifying interests and developing community connections. In P. Walker, & P. Rogan (Eds.), Make the day matter! Promoting typical lifestyles for adults with significant disabilities (pp. 105-117). Baltimore, MD: Brookes.
Areas of Expertise
- Aging and Late Life Supports
- Computer Graphic Design
- Technical Writing/Editing
- World Wide Web/Media Design
Additional Information
- Jane has served on a variety of community boards and committees related to the Institute's mission, including Citizen Advocacy of South Central Indiana, the Bloomington Creative Aging Festival, MOSAIC Diversity Film Festival, Art of Mental Health, and the Bloomington Arts Access Committee.