2019 Picnic Registration Now Open!
By Courtney Clark
Summer means one thing for Self Advocates of Indiana: the annual SAI Picnic. The picnic is always full of fun, food and tons laughter and this year was no different. Games were played, music was pumping through speakers, but best of all, memories were being made with friends from all over the state.
In addition to music and food, there was a voter registration tent hosted by Indiana Disability Rights where attendees could register to vote and practice voting on accessible voting machines. Attendees also had the opportunity to have their caricature drawn by Nick Mangos or stop by the Special Olympics Hydration Station. Also, many people took advantage of the photo booth and were able to take their photos home that day.
The picnic took place on Friday, July 19 at Hummel Park in Plainfield, IN. Over 550 self-advocates, staff, volunteers, and community members attended this year's event. Despite the extremely hot temperatures, we had a great turnout and everyone had a really good time.
A big thank you goes out to our 2019 event sponsors:
- Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities
- The Arc of Indiana
- FSSA in support of the Arc Advocacy Network
- Advocacy Links
- Indiana Disability Rights
- IPMG
- ICEArc
- Indiana Institute on Disability and Community
- Unity of Indiana
- Home City Ice
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Welcome Student Self-Advocates of Monroe County
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Welcome Student Self-Advocates of Monroe County, SAI's newest chapter member. The Student Self-Advocates of Monroe County is based out of Bloomington and is the first SAI chapter specifically for youth. The chapter is made up of transition-age young adults who are preparing to exit high school. We are so excited to have them join SAI and begin empowering the next generation of Self-Advocates. Check out their video!
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Registration is now open for Impact Awards Luncheon
The Impact Awards Luncheon hosted by Self-Advocates of Indiana and The Arc of Indiana will take place from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM on October 23 at the Embassy Suites in Plainfield, IN.
Join us as we recognize some amazing self-advocates, professionals,  allies, and advocates who are doing great things for people with disabilities.
The luncheon will also feature a presentation from Nina G. Nina G is a comedian, professional speaker, storyteller, writer and educator. She brings her humor to help people confront and understand disability culture, access, and empowerment. Nina shares her wit and wisdom with corporations, colleges, disability awareness events and media interviews. Nina’s book “Stutterer Interrupted” is available for preorder here and she will have books available to purchase at the luncheon. |
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Save the date for the SAI Annual Meeting
The Self-Advocates of Indiana Annual Meeting will take place on October 23rd from 9:30 AM-11:00 AM at the Embassy Suites in Plainfield, IN.
This meeting is open to all chapter members and individual members of Self-Advocates of Indiana. We will be holding elections for the SAI Board of Directors. All SAI members who have paid their dues by October 23 are eligible to vote or run in the elections.
There are several open positions on the SAI Board of Directors. If you are looking for the opportunity to advance your leadership and advocacy skills, please click below for more information.
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Join your fellow Hoosiers for the 2019 Indiana Conference on Disability presented by the Indiana Governor's Council for People with Disabilities. The Conference will take place November 17-19 at the Downtown Indianapolis Marriott.
This premiere event brings together administrators, educators, service providers, health professionals, parents, family members, youth and adults with disabilities, and advocates from throughout Indiana to share experiences, network, and learn the latest in disability-related policies and practices.
A limited number of scholarships are available for Indiana SSI, SSDI, SNAP, or Medicaid recipients. Scholarship applications are due on or before October 25, 2019. Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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It's Time to Pay Your SAI Member Dues
It is time again for members and chapters of Self-Advocates of Indiana to pay membership dues for the upcoming year. With these dues, your membership will be effective October 23, 2019 to November 1, 2020.
Chapter dues are $20 and individual independent member dues are $5. If you are a part of a chapter that has paid their dues, you are covered under the chapter membership.
Your member dues help support the work of Self-Advocates of Indiana throughout the year, as well as provide your group access to leadership and advocacy training and a network of self-advocates across the state.
If you have been thinking about starting a self-advocates group in your community or agency, now is the perfect time. Contact saipresident@arcind.org for more information or to request a mail-in membership form.
You can pay your dues online at the link below.
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For more information about the Sexuality Matters Program or to schedule a class, please contact acircle@arcind.org. Classes will be half or full day workshops.
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Direct Support Professional Week Coming Up in September
September 8-14 is National Direct Support Professional's Week. This is a time for us to thank the incredible staff who help support us each and everyday. We also want to shine a light on the need for higher wages for our DSPs who often leave for higher-paying jobs which often leaves us without the support we need.
Over the week we will be sharing stories about the importance of our Direct Support Professional staff. We want to hear from you. Please send us stories and photos about the importance that your DSPs have in your life. Send stories to acircle@arcind.org.
Here is an example from SAI Board Member, Danie'l Mize.
I am a person with a disability and I have staff about 2 times a week. I need staff to help me with some house cleaning and going to the grocery store, because my disability is a walking disability. A few months ago I lost my staff due to an illness and when I don't have staff I can't really do a lot of things that need to be done. I know that there is a shortage of staff at most companies, because of the pay. So for the DSPs who stay, thanks for all that you do.
I would also like to talk about one of my staff who is very important to me. Her name is Ella. She is my DSP, that stands for Direct Support Person. She helps me by taking me shopping or to doctor appointments. My relationship with her is important because it took me along time for me not to be scared of her. She was not mean or anythi ng like that, but she met me after mom died and I was in a shell. I was not talking to anybody and not wanting to do anything. We met through Special Olympics. She was my coach for basketball. I would always pass the ball to teammates but never shoot. One game I finally listened to her and I made the shot. Ella will always be important to me because she pushes me. Sometimes we need to be pushed to see what we can do. I have my job, Special Olympics, and life because of Ella and I can't ever thank her enough.
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By Leann Dusenberry
Awesome Westside Advocates, located in Indianapolis, celebrated 11 years as a self-advocate group on August 9th, 2019. We met at Camp Camby where Active Grace Ministry for homeless individuals is located. They have a nice large kitchen and dining area. AWA provided grilled meat, drinks, tableware, and a large cake. Members brought sides,more desserts, and items for the Camp's pantry. Camp residents were invited to dinner and party. Music was provided by DJ Eric Smith. Fifty-five people attended, including six for the first time. We had fun eating, talking, and dancing together!
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Join the SAI Chapter Connection Facebook Group
We've created a Facebook Group for the members and chapters of Self-Advocates of Indiana to connect, share what you are doing, ask questions, and stay up to date on important information.
If you are an at-large member, member of a local SAI chapter, or someone who assists an SAI chapter, please join the SAI Chapter Connection Facebook Group.
In order to join, you'll be asked what chapter you are a part of or where you are from, if you are an at-large member.
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Upcoming Dates
September 11-12: SAI Board of Directors Meeting
October 23: Awards Luncheon and SAI Annual Meeting
November 17-19: GCPD Indiana Conference on Disability
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Want to contact SAI? Have a question for the SAI President, Shawn Fulton?
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SAI has a Speakers Bureau. We can come speak about many different topics. If you would like a self-advocate to come speak to your group or organization, click the link.
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