Community Stories

By June 2025, Taten reached his 90-day milestone with minimal supports, consistent performance, and overwhelming positive feedback.

Throughout the day, conversations took place with Representatives Lane Roberts, Bob Bromley, Dave Hinman, and Cathy Jo Loy.

Through virtual reality, participants can enter environments that might otherwise remain out of reach, like manufacturing floors or technical workspaces. Roles defined not by limitation, but by possibility. They don’t just observe: they engage.

When people share their lived experience, policy becomes personal... and change becomes possible.

A sister’s love became advocacy - and a community helped an entire family grow.

LeAnna and Larry are recognized by ANCOR for building belonging, trust, and opportunity over their tenures at Easterseals Midwest.

Once living in a nursing home at 42, Karen now fills her days with road trips, recipes, and room to move on her own terms.

With handmade cards and unshakeable smiles, IEC members turned a quiet library afternoon into a celebration of connection and confident self-advocacy.

Michael is stepping into adulthood, building skills, confidence, and a future where he truly belongs.

Step by step, Stillfone turned intention into routine, routine into momentum. With support that listened and moved when he was ready for it, Stillfone claimed his own paycheck and a growing sense of independence. It's a story about showing up, asking questions, and choosing the path ahead.

A year ago, Josef's path stalled: an injury, an opportunity gone, a long stretch of waiting for the next. What followed was something much stronger than a sudden breakthrough. Practice and the steady work of a young man who never gave up built this comeback story from numerous interviews, extra-long days, and repetitive classroom visits.

He knew he wanted more from his life. He just needed the support.

Through personalized services, patient guidance, and room to grow, Scott is building independence on his own terms. When progress comes in like a roar, everything changes.