Disability Resources & Support in Northwest Indiana

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📍 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 (𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘄𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 / 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱)
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Indiana 211
➢ Connects Hoosiers to local services (housing, food, mental health, etc.)
Click for Details

Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC), Porter County Education Services
➢ We strive to help Porter County parents of students with disabilities
pcesparentgroup@pces.k12.in.us
Web: Click for Details
Facebook: Click for Details

Paladin
➢ Serves as determined advocates for children, persons with disabilities, seniors and their families working to ensure they have the supports and opportunities they need to learn, grow and enjoy a meaningful life. Services include disability support, early childhood education, and non-emergency transportation for qualifying seniors and La Porte County residents covered by Medicaid.
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Mobility Aids Lending Library (MALL)
➢ Provides free mobility equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.) to those in need.
Click for Details

Indiana Reading & Information Services (IRIS)
➢ Free audio reading service for individuals unable to read standard print.
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Dementia Friends Indiana
➢ Education and awareness to support individuals living with dementia.
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INvestABLE Indiana
➢ Tax-advantaged savings program for individuals with disabilities.
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Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority Programming for Elderly and Persons with Disabilities
➢ Offers programs that support housing, independence, and quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities.
Click for Details

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♿ 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 (𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀)
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Eldercare Locator
➢ Connects older adults and caregivers with local support services.
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American Association of People with Disabilities
➢ Advocates for civil rights and equal opportunity for people with disabilities.
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Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund
➢ Legal advocacy and education to advance disability rights.
Click for Details

ABLE National Resource Center
➢ Information on ABLE accounts and financial planning tools.
Click for Details

Ability Jobs
➢ Job board connecting employers with candidates with disabilities.
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Ticket to Work Program
➢ Helps individuals receiving disability benefits return to work.
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Personal Finance Guide for People with Disabilities
➢ Financial planning and budgeting resource.
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Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities
➢ Directory of services, providers, and programs by state.
Click for Details

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🧠 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗺 & 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀
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National Autism Association
➢ Resources, safety tools, and support for individuals with autism.
Click for Details

Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA) – Resources
➢ Guides, visual supports, and best practices for autism support.
Click for Details

Autism & ADHD Connection – Anxiety Resource
➢ Practical tips for helping children manage anxiety.
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Behavior Issues & Supports in Indiana (IRCA)
➢ Research-based recommendations for autism support.
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Autism & Driving Resource Database
➢ Nationwide directory of driving resources and programs.
Click for Details

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👂 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗳 / 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴
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Indiana Association of the Deaf
➢ Advocacy and support for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.
Click for Details

National Association of the Deaf
➢ National civil rights organization for Deaf individuals.
Click for Details

Hearing Aid Assistance Program of Indiana (HAAPI)
➢ Provides hearing aids to eligible Indiana residents.
Click for Details

Northwest Indiana Deaf & Hard of Hearing Resources
➢ Local events and community information.
Click for Details

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👁️ 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 / 𝗕𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗱 & 𝗟𝗼𝘄 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
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Northern Indiana Blind & Low Vision Facebook Group
➢ Community support and resource sharing.
Click for Details

Vision Loss Support Groups (Indiana State Library)
➢ Directory of support groups across Indiana.
Click for Details

Blind and Visually Impaired Services (BVIS)
➢ Provides services to eligible Hoosiers that are blind or visually impaired. For information, contact staff at: BVIS@fssa.in.gov or at 877-241-8144.

Randolph-Sheppard Business Enterprise Program
➢ Provides entrepreneurial opportunities for legally blind clients of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. These blind entrepreneurs manage a wide variety of food service operations, including cafeterias, coffee shops, vending locations, and highway area vending sites. Through this program, individuals receive training and opportunities to become productive, tax-paying citizens and independent licensed managers.
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Talking book & braille Library
➢ Provides free access, with approved application, to digital audio books, large print books and books in braille to Indiana residents who are unable to read regular print, because of a visual or a physical disability.

Santa Reads Braille
➢ Free Braille letters from Santa for children.
Click for Details

Additional Indiana Resources:
Click for Details

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👨‍👩‍👧 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘀
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The Neuro Crew of NWI The Region
➢ Social group for kids, adults, and families to make friends, attend outings, and feel included. Welcoming to people with disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community.
Click for Details

Indiana ABA Parents (Parents Only)
➢ For parents/guardians of children receiving ABA therapy. Focuses on funding, Medicaid waivers, special education, therapies, and activities.
Click for Details

Autism Parents’ Support Group of Indiana
➢ Support group for autistic individuals and parents to share advice, experiences, and encouragement.
Click for Details

Our Journey (Adults with I/DD – Caregivers)
➢ For caregivers of individuals (14+) with disabilities. Discusses housing, jobs, services, and improving quality of life.
Click for Details

Hope for Our Children
➢ For families navigating diagnoses, health concerns, and therapies, including diet, nutrition, and medical testing.
Click for Details

SibTeen (Teen Siblings Support)
➢ A safe, supportive space for teens with siblings who have disabilities to connect and share experiences.
Click for Details

SibNet (Adult Siblings Support)
➢ A global support group for adult siblings of individuals with disabilities to share information and experiences.
Click for Details

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🧩 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆 & 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹
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National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)
➢ Provides resources, advocacy, and support for individuals with learning and attention challenges.
Click for Details

Know Your Rights (ADA & Section 504)
➢ Overview of federal disability rights and protections in programs and services.
Click for Details

Ivy Tech Disability Support Services
➢ Helps students access accommodations and advocates for their educational needs.
Click for Details

Advocacy in Action
➢ Guide to local Special Education Parent Advisory Councils (SEPACs).
Click for Details

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🚗 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
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Adapting Motor Vehicles for People with Disabilities
Overview of adaptive vehicle technologies for safer, more accessible driving.
Click for Details

Assistance Dogs International
➢ Supports service dog programs and promotes independence through trained assistance dogs.
Click for Details

AMC Sensory-Friendly Films
HOBART • MERRILLVILLE • MICHIGAN CITY
➢ Special movie showings with lower sound and brighter lights for a more comfortable experience.
Click for Details

National Parks Access Pass
➢ Free lifetime pass for U.S. residents with permanent disabilities to access national parks.
Click for Details

Wheelchair Sports Federation
➢ Offers recreational and competitive sports opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Click for Details

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𝗔𝗗𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗦:
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