About Us
Indiana Disability Rights is the service arm of the Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services (IPAS) Commission. Our mission and vision guide our work every day.
Mission
To protect and promote the rights of individuals with disabilities through empowerment and advocacy.
Vision
To live in a society where persons with disabilities are free from abuse and neglect, are free to be effective self-advocates, and are free of discrimination; allowing for full inclusion in society.
The Indiana Protection Advocacy Services Commission
The Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services (IPAS) Commission is the governing authority of Indiana Disability Rights. The Commission is responsible for assuring adequate legal and advocacy services for the protection, promotion, and empowerment of the rights and interests of individuals with disabilities throughout Indiana.
The Commission provides direction and advice on Indiana Disability Rights' activities, goals, and policies.
Federal law requires that the Commission be composed of members who broadly represent or are knowledgeable about the needs of the individuals served by the protection and advocacy system. Membership must include individuals with developmental disabilities who are eligible for services or have received or are receiving services, or parents, family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of such individuals. In addition, the Chair of the Mental Health Advisory Council (MHAC) is a member of the Commission.
No more than one-third of the members of the Commission may be appointed by the Governor (42 USCA 6042). The Commission appoints the remaining nine members. Members serve three-year terms and may not serve more than five consecutive terms.
Serving on the IPAS Commission in an advisory, non-voting capacity is one member of the Indiana Senate appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and one member of the Indiana House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Commission Members
| Representative Tony Cook | House District 32 | Legislative Appointment |
| Tom Easterday | Boone County | Gubernatorial Appointment |
| Shawn Fulton | Marion County | Commission Appointment |
| Luke Labas | Allen County | Commission Appointment |
| Ray Lay | Marion County | Commission Appointment |
| Douglas Goeppner | Dubois County | Commission Appointment |
| Jacob Griffin, MHAC Chair | Dearborn County | |
| Doris Renee Haack, Vice Chair | Delaware County | Commission Appointment |
| Leonard Hoops | Marion County | Gubernatorial Appointment |
| Senator Jean Leising, Advisory Member | Senate District 42 | Legislative Appointment |
| Amber O'Haver, Chair | Hendricks County | Commission Appointment |
| Jalyn Radziminski | Allen County | Commission Appointment |
Contact a Commission Member
Please send comments to IPAS Commission in care of the Executive Director.
Melissa Keyes, Executive Director
Indiana Disability Rights
4701 N. Keystone Ave., Suite 222
Indianapolis, IN 46205
ExecutiveDirector@IndianaDisabilityRights.org
Join the Commission
Members must be committed to promoting the legal and civil rights of people with disabilities, and to the cause of protecting those individuals’ rights to make their own choices. If you are interested in joining the IPAS Commission, please contact Melissa Keyes, Executive Director, via email at ExecutiveDirector@IndianaDisabilityRights.org.
Upcoming Meeting Dates:
Friday, May 21, 2021 - Link to meeting agenda
Friday. August 20, 2021 - Link to Executive Session agenda (Virtual); Link to Public Meeting agenda (Virtual)
Friday, November 19, 2021
Public Meeting - 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Meetings are open to the public and media is welcome. Contact Indiana Disability Rights at 1-800-622-4845 to request accommodations.
Location: Indiana Disability Rights
4701 N. Keystone Ave., Suite 222 (Second Floor)
Indianapolis, Indiana 46205
Mental Health Advisory Council
The Mental Health Advisory Council (MHAC) is composed of ten members from Indiana. The MHAC advises the IPAS Commission and Indiana Disability Rights on issues that impact individuals with mental and behavioral health issues in Indiana. Meetings are held quarterly in Indianapolis.
Council Members
| J'Andra Antisdel | St. Joseph County |
| Samantha Brinkman, Vice Chair | Marion County |
| Luke Britt | Marion County |
Kari Diedrich-Fritz | Marshall County |
| Jacob Griffin, Chair | Dearborn County |
| Amanda Johnson | Allen County |
| Kyle Lloyd | Grant County |
| Joanne Tedesco | Hamilton County |
Join the MHAC
Members must be committed to promoting the legal and civil rights of people with disabilities, and to the cause of protecting those individuals’ rights to make their own choices. If you are interested in joining the IPAS Commission or the Mental Health Advisory Council (MHAC) please contact Melissa Keyes, Executive Director, via email at ExecutiveDirector@IndianaDisabilityRights.org.
Upcoming Meeting Dates:
Tuesday, May 18, 2021 - Link to meeting agenda
Tuesday, August 17, 2021 - Link to meeting agenda (Virtual)
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Public Meeting - 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Meetings are open to the public and media is welcome. Contact Indiana Disability Rights at 1-800-622-4845 to request accommodations.
Location: Indiana Disability Rights
4701 N. Keystone Ave., Suite 222 (Second floor)
Indianapolis, Indiana 46205