A Life of Their Own

Project SEARCH students reflect on internship experiences at Memorial Hospital of South Bend

2018-02-08T13:46:46-05:00February 8th, 2018|A Life of Their Own, Employment, News|

Only about one-third of working-age people with disabilities are employed, but a partnership between ADEC, South Bend schools and Beacon Health System is working to change that.

Meet ADEC’s new Director of Family Services: Katie Kessler

2018-01-18T16:04:38-05:00January 18th, 2018|Community, Families, News|

Have you ever had a question about ADEC or the services the agency provides? Katie Kessler is ADEC’s new Director of Family Services, and she’s your one-stop-shop for answers. Katie’s role is overseeing the referral process for any new, potential [...]

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch: Hoosiers with disabilities deserve the same opportunities

2017-12-21T14:21:04-05:00December 21st, 2017|A Life of Their Own, Dignity|

Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch penned the following editorial about how all Hoosiers, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, deserve the same opportunities. Thank you for supporting agencies like ADEC, Lt. Gov. Crouch! Growing up as a 12-year-old who towered [...]

ADEC’s Annual Celebration on Oct. 26 to feature keynote by best-selling author Rachel Simon

2017-08-25T13:55:48-04:00August 25th, 2017|A Life of Their Own, Dignity|

You're invited: Come ride the bus with ADEC. On Oct. 26, we will blow out the candles on our 65th birthday celebration with an evening at the Lerner's Crystal Ballroom. Joining us will be keynote speaker Rachel Simon, author of [...]

Elkhart Leadership Academy builds screened-in porch for ADEC supported living clients

2017-06-27T10:36:01-04:00June 27th, 2017|A Life of Their Own, Community, News|

Joal Oaks, a longtime ADEC client, loved being outside and enjoying nature. He dreamed of a screened-in porch on the supported living duplex he lived in with several roommates so he could enjoy fresh air even when his staff members [...]

Dianne’s Continuing ADEC Adventure: Flying to Arizona

2017-03-31T12:46:31-04:00March 31st, 2017|A Life of Their Own, Dignity, Direct Support|

At 67 years old, Dianne Hampshire is living proof that it's never too late to enjoy a new adventure. A few months ago, we shared this incredible story of Dianne and Richard Hampshire reuniting after eight years of searching for [...]

ADEC’s ‘Wings for All’ takes the scare out of the air for children with disabilities

2017-03-28T10:11:56-04:00March 28th, 2017|A Life of Their Own, Community, Families, News|

From long security lines to strange machines that bounce electromagnetic waves off your body, air travel can be a chaotic and confusing experience. The process of clearing security and boarding a flight can cause anxiety for any family. But for [...]

ADEC Remembers Joel Oaks

2017-03-17T10:25:10-04:00March 17th, 2017|A Life of Their Own|

There was just something about him. He had a charming sense of humor. He had a smile that was almost a smirk. – Jodi Taylor, ADEC Guardian Advocate Joel Oaks, or “Joey,” as his friends lovingly called him, never missed [...]

ADEC’s Resource + Transition Fair set for March 11 at Goshen College

2017-02-17T11:32:04-05:00February 17th, 2017|A Life of Their Own, Community, Families, News|

Receiving and living with a disability diagnosis can be overwhelming. Families are asked to learn a new language and navigate a complex system of forms, government agencies and local resources. But ADEC can help. Not only does the nonprofit offer [...]

ADEC client is a small business owner with big hopes

2017-02-03T11:50:03-05:00February 3rd, 2017|A Life of Their Own, Dignity, News|

Look up Erin Smoker's Etsy page and you'll find this description, Buttercups Emporium is my new adventure. I wanted to become more independent so with the help of some friends we have my shop started. I enjoy making items for [...]