Advocate

Until everyone has access to a safe and fulfilling life.

Opportunity Enterprises is committed to building and sustaining a strong, person-centered network that meets the evolving needs of Hoosiers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Our goal is to ensure that every individual we serve has access to the support they need to live safely, stay healthy, and thrive in community.

We believe in the power of collaboration! OE is committed to working in partnership with the people we serve, their families and our state and federal leaders to create meaningful and lasting change that meets the basic health and safety needs of individuals with IDD. We are proud to be a trusted voice in identifying efficiencies and solutions that help Indiana invest wisely in its most valuable resource – its people.

Legislative Priorities and Ojectives

To strengthen our provider services and systems in partnership with Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Inc. (INARF), OE’s legislative priorities promote provider and system preservation. They include:

  • Maintain or increase funding for essential services

  • Maximize federal and state resources to support long-term sustainability

  • Reinvest savings and efficiencies into system improvements and direct support for individuals waiting for services

The next two years will be critical to achieving these goals. That’s why we need your support now more than ever!

Take Action

Together we can build a more inclusive and equitable Indiana for people of all abilities. Join our grassroots efforts by taking action now! 

Here’s How YOU Can Advocate for Individuals with IDD:

  • Write, call or email your state and federal representatives in support of increased funding and resources for people with IDD. Find their public email addresses here. 
  • Share personal stories about how disability services impacted your life or someone you care about.

  • Use your platforms to amplify OE’s advocacy messages.
  • Share OE’s posts, infographics and use hashtags #SupportIDD and #InclusionMatters.
  • Tag your local legislators to raise visibility!

  • Organize a small gathering at the library or other community venue to educate others about the needs of people with IDD and invite a speaker from OE.

  • Shop or promote businesses that employ people with disabilities or partner with organizations like OE.
  • Share stories of successes highlighting the value of inclusive employment.

  • Offer time or talents to help OE with advocacy campaigns or events.

  • Attend local or state advocacy events in conjunction with OE.
  • Represent your community and show lawmakers that disability rights matter.

  • Talk to your children, coworkers and neighbors about disability inclusion.
  • Share resources and encourage others to become advocates in their own circles.

Here’s a simple email template you can use to reach out to legislators about Medicaid funding:

My name is _____ and I live in __________, IN. I’m writing to advocate for Opportunity Enterprises (OE), one of the largest employers in Porter County and a nonprofit that serves those with disabilities.

 

OE depends on the Medicaid Waiver Programs to sustain its programs and pay its employees to care for those with disabilities. As a community member,  I see first hand every day the impact that OE makes on the lives of those served.

  • OE helps people live independently when their guardians are no longer able to care for them at home
  • They help adults with IDD continue to learn so they have fulfilling and engaging days focused on personal growth and quality of life
  •  OE provides respite to caregivers who need a break, and
  • They  help high schoolers and adults prepare for and find jobs in our community.

Without these services, I don’t know what these individuals would do. Opportunity Enterprises serves 1,400 people every year and employs 400 staff. OE is a foundational part of our community and families move here to receive these types of services. Cutting this portion of Medicaid funding would be devastating to fill this need.

 

I urge you to maintain the Medicaid funding that supports Home and Community Based Service providers like OE.

Thank you,