The Arc of Bartholomew County

01/10/2026

01/10/2026

Cheering on all our athletes today everywhere!

01/09/2026

A new year brings new challenges and new opportunities to protect and expand disability rights. In 2026, we’re paying close attention to Medicaid, education, voting access, and more! These issues will shape how people with disabilities get support, go to school, and participate fully in their communities.

Want to stay ahead of the issues that impact people with disabilities? Sign up to get updates as soon as action is needed!

It’s 2020, but people with intellectual and developmental disabilities still face numerous barriers to a truly integrated life in the community.

01/08/2026

Help Shape Transportation in Our Community!

The Columbus Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) is asking for public input as it updates its long-range transportation plan for Columbus and Bartholomew County. Your feedback will help guide transportation improvements for years to come.

Accessible public transportation is especially important for adults with disabilities and plays a big role in independence and daily life.

Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts by completing the survey below.

https://forms.office.com/r/PDDEagew8J

Thanks for lending your voice!

01/07/2026

Calling all Self Advocates of Bartholomew County ages 16 and older.

Join us for Always Ready for Chocolate Art Classes, a fun and creative community art experience. Participants will have the opportunity to create artwork that will be featured and sold at the upcoming Always Ready for Chocolate event art sale.

This is a great chance to express creativity, support the community, and enjoy an experience centered around art and chocolate.

Classes will be held January 16 and January 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at The Arc, 2060 Doctors Park Drive.

RSVP by emailing wendy.kirts@thearcbc.org

- Limit of 20 participants.
- Self-Advocates only.

01/06/2026

✴️ There is concern from The Arc of the United States that this new Public Law No. 119-22, also called "The Working Familes Tax Cut" will cause layers of paper work and red tape for individuals with disabilities. It is important to stay informed and let your voice be heard.

Public Law No. 119-21 includes changes to the Medicaid program to be implemented in the coming years including community engagement requirements for certain adults enrolled in Medicaid. (Mandatory work, student, or volunteer hours).

The following persons are EXCLUDED from these community engagement requirements:

A parent, guardian, caretaker relative, or family caregiver of a dependent child who is 13 years of age and under, or of a disabled individual.

An individual who is medically frail or otherwise has special medical needs (as defined by the Secretary), including an individual who is blind, or disabled (as defined in section 1614 of the Act); an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability.

Other individuals such as disabled veterans also included. Read the article below for more details.

01/06/2026

New Year's kick-off with Cardio Drumming! Every Wednesday, 1-2pm, The Arc of Bartholomew County, 2060 Doctors Park Drive. $10 per session. Just show up! 📣 Stay tuned for upcoming Yoga sessions, offered at no cost, details to come!

12/31/2025

Businesses and organizations are invited to become vendors for Always Ready for Chocolate 2026, a beloved community event benefiting The Arc of Bartholomew County.

This event brings together local bakeries, restaurants, artisans, service providers, and community organizations for an afternoon of chocolate, creativity, and connection. Vendors have the opportunity to share their products or services, connect with the community, and support individuals with disabilities.

Event details:
February 7, 2026
12:00–3:00 PM (Indiana – Eastern Time)
The Commons
300 Washington St., Columbus, IN

If you are interested in being a vendor, please complete the vendor interest form linked below for full details and registration information.

We look forward to partnering with you to make this event a success!

Fill Out the Form Here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8J7RtfMV15xsEL_cMNMfrkWsVKfUQJmDeu3u63PYhwCTuWg/viewform

12/31/2025

Join us for Always Ready for Chocolate, a sweet and meaningful community event benefiting The Arc of Bartholomew County and the people we serve.

❤️ Spend the afternoon enjoying chocolate, creativity, and connection while learning more about local resources and supports.

What to expect:

- Delicious desserts and treats from local bakeries, restaurants, and organizations
- Live entertainment
- An art show and sale featuring artwork by individuals with disabilities
- Local businesses along with service providers and community resources available to share information, including day service providers, ABA therapists, case management, financial planning, and more.

Event details:
February 7, 2025
12:00–3:00 PM (Indiana – Eastern Time)
The Commons
300 Washington St., Columbus, IN 47201

Tickets and additional event details are available at the link provided. We hope you’ll join us for an afternoon that is both joyful and impactful.

https://thearcbc.networkforgood.com/events/91835-always-ready-for-chocolate-2026

12/26/2025

Columbus' professional hockey team the Indiana Sentinels is offering hockey lessons. They were ready and able to accommodate Jake and he had the time of his life! 🏒 If you are interested in lessons reach out to them. They are great at creating memorable experiences for the individuals we support. Columbusproskills@gmail.com 🚨