About
The Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services (IPAS) Commission oversees the work of Indiana Disability Rights (IDR).
The Commission provides advice regarding IDR’s activities, goals, and priorities. The Commission is responsible for supporting IDR’s Mission to uphold, promote, and advance the rights of individuals with disabilities through empowerment and advocacy to achieve a more equitable society.
Members
The Commission’s membership must broadly represent or know of the needs of people with disabilities. Members include people with various disabilities, as well as the family members and friends of people with disabilities, guardians, advocates, and service providers.
Nine of the Commission’s thirteen members are nominated and elected by the Commission following application review and interviews. Four members are appointed by the Governor. One Representative and one Senator from Indiana’s General Assembly also serve on the Commission, although these legislators cannot vote on Commission business.
Current Commission Members
Name | County | Type of Appointee |
Sen. Vaneta Becker | Senate District 50 | Legislative |
| Elizabeth Bergeron | LaPorte | Gubernatorial |
Kim Dodson | Marion | Gubernatorial |
Shawn Fulton | Marion | Commission |
Leonard Hoops | Marion | Gubernatorial |
| Christy Huston | Hendricks | Commission |
Ronelle Johnson | Hamilton | Commission |
Ray Lay | Marion | Commission |
Amber O’Haver | Hendricks | Commission |
Jalyn Radziminski, Chair | Allen | Commission |
Rep. Elizabeth Rowray | House District 35 | Legislative |
| Catherine Vest | Marion | Commission |
| Ryan Wilson | DeKalb | MHAC Chair |
Get Involved
Attend a Meeting
The Commission meets quarterly on the dates listed below. Meetings are open to the public and media is welcome to attend.
Contact IDR to request accommodations by calling (800) 622-4845 or e-mailing info@IndianaDisabilityRights.org.
Meeting Information
May 19, 2026 We are deeply concerned by the vile Zoom bomb incident that occurred during the beginning of the Indiana Protection and Advocacy Commission (IPAS) public meeting held on Friday, May 15, 2026. The disgusting behavior of those who disrupted the meeting not only interfered with the Commission’s scheduled agenda but also undermined the spirit of accessibility, open dialogue, and community engagement that we strive to foster. To the public, the disability community, IDR staff, and fellow IPAS Commission members, we are sorry for the harm caused by being exposed to such despicable racist, sexist, and misogynist language and imagery. We are taking this matter seriously and we are committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety, integrity, and accessibility of our future meetings. We are working with relevant authorities to fully investigate this matter and to hold those who engaged in this awful behavior accountable. We will re-evaluate our virtual meeting process to make sure that such behavior is not allowed to happen again at future meetings. To those who chose to engage in this behavior, know that we will do everything in our power to hold you accountable. The opportunity for accessible civic engagement will not falter because of your hate. We appreciate the resilience and understanding of our attendees and reaffirm our dedication to maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment for all. These incidents often trigger stress, trauma, and anxiety, especially for communities of color. We hold space for the community to rest and heal and stand in solidarity against this hateful behavior. To those who were unable to attend our public meeting on Friday, May 15, 2026, you may access the recording of the May 15, 2026 session of the IPAS Commission meeting. Take care, Jalyn Radziminski-Hooks, IPAS Commission Chair |
Join the Commission
If you are ready to take your advocacy to the next level, consider applying to join the Commission.
Membership is open to individuals who broadly represent or know about the needs of people with disabilities. Applications are especially welcomed from candidates with lived experience as a person with a disability, those with intersecting identities from marginalized communities, and those living in rural communities.
The Commission holds quarterly meetings, typically consisting of an hour-long executive session followed by a two-hour public meeting. Members discuss items such as IDR’s progress meeting its goals, issues important to the disability community, and candidates for membership.
People interested in becoming a Commission member should complete an application and send it to ExecutiveDirector@IndianaDisabilityRights.org. The application will be reviewed by current Commission members. You may be invited to interview with the Commission’s Membership Committee. Note that the application process may take several months, given that the Commission only meets four times per year. Request application accommodations by calling IDR at (800) 622-4845 or e-mailing info@IndianaDisabilityRights.org.