Recreational Therapy for Children It’s really important for parents that have children with disabilities to find good ways to help them in all areas of their lives. Recreational therapy is a great way to do this because it gives lots of benefits to kids who are dealing with different challenges. It doesn’t matter if they have trouble with their bodies, learning, or their feelings, recreational therapy can be designed just for them to make them feel better. By doing fun activities that have a purpose, kids not only have a good time but also learn important skills, become more independent, and ..read more

Navigating the landscape of disability resources in Indiana can feel overwhelming, especially for individuals and families who are new to seeking support. However, Indiana offers a wide range of resources and services designed to assist individuals with disabilities in various aspects of life. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how to find Indiana disability resources, from government agencies and non-profit organizations to online platforms and community support groups. 1. Start with Government Agencies: Begin your search for disability resources by exploring government ..read more

In today’s tech-driven world, having the right tools can make all the difference, especially for individuals with disabilities. But what happens when those tools come with a hefty price tag? That’s where lending libraries for assistive technology step in, offering a helping hand to make accessibility a reality for everyone. Let’s dive into what these libraries are all about and how they’re making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. What’s a Lending Library for Assistive Technology? Think of it like a regular library, but instead of books, they’re stocked with all sorts of a ..read more

As a parent of a special needs child, navigating the educational system can be overwhelming. However, in Indiana, there are resources and support systems in place to ensure that your child receives the education they deserve. Understanding the options available and knowing how to advocate for your child are crucial steps in ensuring their success. Parents can learn to be effective advocates for their children with special needs by educating themselves about their rights under special education law and seeking support and guidance from advocacy organizations and professionals. By actively main ..read more

Music has always been a universal language that transcends barriers and connects people on a deep emotional level. It has the power to evoke memories, express feelings, and create a sense of unity. But did you know that music can also be a powerful tool for therapy? We will explore music therapy and how it is used to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Benefits of Music Therapy Music therapy offers a wide range of benefits for individuals with disabilities. It can have a positive impact on mental, emotional, physical, social, and cognitive well-being. By engaging wi ..read more

Cooking is more than just mixing ingredients; it’s about creating something delicious, having fun, and feeling accomplished. For adults with intellectual disabilities, joining cooking classes opens up a world of possibilities. In this article, let’s dive into why these classes are awesome and how they’re changing lives for the better. 1. Having Fun in the Kitchen: Imagine chopping veggies, stirring pots, and laughing with friends—all while making tasty meals. That’s what cooking classes for adults with intellectual disabilities are all about. It’s not just about learning; it’s about enjoyi ..read more

Dawn is a Wraparound Facilitator with Advocacy Links Child Mental Health Wraparound Supports. This is a new service for Advocacy Links and Dawn has done an amazing job at getting in and hitting the ground running. Dawn has been engaged and was one of the most responsive individuals at training for new Facilitators. We have been told she is an absolute “rock star”! This isn’t news to us, we know she is a gem! Thanks for all you do for us and for the youth, family, and caregivers you support Dawn. The Employee Spotlight Questionnaire Why do you work at Advocacy Links? Because of Joy (Our Ma ..read more

The Survey is Complete! As a company, Advocacy Links takes a lot of pride in our commitment to our mission and the quality of our services. Our CARF Accreditation Survey was held on Monday and Tuesday of this week, and we had incredibly positive feedback from our surveyors. Although the official continuation of our accreditation and survey report are not available yet, we felt the surveyors saw who we are as a company and how dedicated our staff are to doing the right thing. These are some of the positive things we heard: Advocacy Links has strong leadership, training programs, communit ..read more

Our November Employee Spotlight goes to Aunah! Aunah is a Life Consultant with Advocacy Links’ PLACE Division. Life Consultants plan, coordinate, and facilitate community events in the areas they live. Aunah has been creating events in Fort Wayne and the surrounding area, and always has fun and fresh ideas! She brings boundless energy and enthusiasm to her position and is not afraid to reach out to new people to talk to them about what we are doing. She’s an asset to our team and we are glad to have her fun energy behind our Fort Wayne events! We subjected Aunah to our beloved Staff Spotlight ..read more

Advocacy Links Connections Specialist, Valerie Cassity, was awarded the Claudia Thomas Lifetime Achievement award in September 2022 for her unwavering commitment and dedication to helping others. This special award is a tribute to our friend and co-worker, Claudia Thomas, who was taken from us in 2021. The award’s namesake, Claudia Thomas, dedicated her life to helping others both in her personal and professional life. Claudia’s memory lives on through this award, as we recognize those who have spent over 10 years with Advocacy Links and who also live our mission statement of advocating for ..read more