by Noah Upchurch
On December 6th, 2024, The Arc of Indiana and Self-Advocates of Indiana held their annual Impact Awards event where a gathering of both The Arc of Indiana chapters and SAI chapters celebrate the incredible hard work being done across the state. I was extremely happy to not only attend but also to have the opportunity to highlight and award two individuals who truly are working to strengthen and further self-advocacy in the state of Indiana.
Grace Kestler was awarded the 2024 SAI President’s Award because of the amazing work she’s done as both CEO of the Arc of Bartholomew County and as a Columbus City Councilor. Grace worked extensively alongside the Self-Advocates of Tomorrow on several projects that have benefitted self-advocates including a several month-long leadership training and the recent Breaking Barriers conference.
Ryan Steiner was awarded the 2024 Self-Advocate of the Year award. Ryan Steiner was one of The Arc of Indiana’s Leadership Fellows and serves on the Indiana Governor’s Council for People With Disabilities. Ryan’s work with these two organizations as well as the individual work he’s doing as a Self-Advocate to educate about autism and crisis intervention is a truly great example of self-advocacy and hard work.
I’d like to extend congratulations again to our award recipients!
