Submission Proposal
Kim Dodson
Executive Director
The Arc of Indiana
Andy Kirby
Executive Director
The Arc of Indiana Foundation
Just a few years ago The Arc of Indiana embarked on a big idea to build a training institute and teaching hotel to help people with disabilities gain access to job skills in hospitality, food services and health care. After two years and nearly 100 graduates, we are having success - a 100% graduation rate and over 80% employment placement rate. Our model provides a college-like experience for people with disabilities as they learn job skills as well as community living skills. Our goal is to help people with disabilities gain independence which leads to a life with less reliance on government services. We were challenged to be innovative and bold and take matters into our own hands. We came back with an answer that is leading to success and inspirational stories.