Community

At the IIDC, we are proud to showcase content from individuals with disabilities, including voices like IIDC staff member Adria Nassim, who share their personal insights on disability. Our community engagement includes supporting student organizations like the Students on the Spectrum club, which is open to all Indiana University students, faculty, and staff who identify as autistic. These self-directed groups promote social connections, empower effective self-advocacy, and help members explore resources and activities on campus and in the community.

We are also pleased to partner with the Neurodiversity Coalition at Indiana University, which consists of students, staff, faculty, and community members dedicated to initiatives that enhance inclusivity for all IU Bloomington students. Contact the Coalition at neurodiv@iu.edu.

Additionally, the Indiana Resource Center for Autism, one of the IIDC's seven Centers, hosts the Hoosier Autism Caregivers Virtual Support Group, where mothers of autistic children can connect, share experiences, and find support in a welcoming environment. All Hoosier moms are invited to join! For more information, please contact irca@iu.edu.

Adria's Perspective

Adria Nassim in blue sweater squatting beside her golden dog
Adria Nassim is an IIDC staff member with multiple disabilities who lives and works independently in Indiana. We are lucky to not only have her on staff at the Institute, but also that she is willing to share her experiance and educate others throughout our community! 
Nassim has learned what support she needs and what works for her, and one of those supports is her service dog Thomas. Adria's Perspective contains her posts and thoughts on what it's like to live independently with supports in her community.

To request Nassim as a speaker for your organization, contact the IIDC at iidc@iu.edu.

Adria's Perspective

Home and Community-Based Service Waiver

Hear from Adria Nassim, disability advocate and IIDC research assistant, as she addresses the importance of home and community-based services (HCBS) in supporting daily living and the employment of people with disabilities.

This video, made for the Association for People Supporting Employment First, is in response to a call by APSE to provide voice to critical policy debates and help Congress determine what the most pressing needs are for people with disabilities, their families, and those who support them. 

Resource: FSSA Indiana Medicaid home- and community-based services

FSSA Indiana Medicaid website

Resource:  An Introduction to Indiana’s Medicaid Waiver Program for Home- and Community Based Services from The Arc of Indiana

The Arc of Indiana Medicaid Waiver Guide

Students on the Spectrum (SOS) and Faculty/Staff on the Spectrum (FSOS) Clubs

Three students talking

The IIDC's Indiana Resource Center for Autism sponsors two group on the Bloomington campus of Indiana University: Students on the Spectrum (SOS) and Faculty/Staff on the Spectrum (FSOS).

All Indiana University students, faculty, or staff who identify as Autistic are welcome. These are primarily self-directed clubs that help individuals stay socially connected, become effective self-advocates, and explore supports and activities on campus and in the community. Events are scheduled with club members only, and in conjunction with the Neurodiversity Coalition and the College Internship Program. (Please note: SOS and FSOS are not counseling programs.