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"You don't train people to get ready to go out in the community; you take a risk and let them go and see where their strengths are." From 1973 through 1976, the Deinstitututionalization Project gave residents at Muscatatuck State Developmental Center…

"Darcus had such a beautiful way of speaking the truth about people's experiences, the lack of freedom and choice in people's lives." In this interview excerpt, Deborah McCarty, executive director of the Back Home in Indiana Alliance, reminisces…

"In every state and territory in the country there is what is called P & A, which is short for Protection and Advocacy System. So every state is required to have a designated agency that serves as the state's P&A, who is there to protect and…

"We didn't want a nursing home saying, we are a Center for Independent Living, we're eligible for that money." David Nelson talks about the establishment of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in Indiana. He describes a successful effort in Indiana…

"I think it's extremely important that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities be a continued and increasingly strong voice in developmental disability issues of the day. And be in the rooms where decisions get made about funding,…

“The history of why there's the University Center for Excellence…is somewhat unique,” states David Mank. David was director of the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community when he was interviewed in 2015. He shares the story about President…

This is an undated photograph of Darcus Nims (1957-2008), a member of the Back Home in Indiana Alliance Steering Committee, speaking at a National Home Ownership Month (June) celebration in Greencastle, Putnam County, Indiana. Darcus lived in…

This photograph shows Darcus Nims addressing attendees at a celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The celebration was held on July 26, 2005 at the Indianapolis Artsgarden. Darcus was the founder of Self-Advocates…

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…

"That's only for regular people, not for us kind of people." That’s what Darcus Nims says she was told when she wanted to take a typing class in school. Darcus founded Self-Advocates of Indiana, the statewide group of advocates with…