Dear SAI Chapters, Members & Supporters,
First off, I’d like to wish everyone a happy start to the new year and I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays! I am Noah Upchurch, the new Self-Advocates of Indiana Administrator as well as an Advocacy Specialist with the Arc of Indiana. Some of you may recognize me from my time on the Self-Advocates of Indiana Board as Vice-President in 2023 and then President in 2024 but for those who do not, I am an autistic self-advocate from the Indianapolis area and graduate of the Erskine Green Training Institute.
I first got involved with SAI in 2022 after attending a Leadership Training put on by Self-Advocates of Indiana and the Arc of Indiana and the moment I learned about SAI and the work it does, I knew I had to be involved. It was an absolutely wonderful experience being on the Board for two years learning from my incredible peers and getting to experience first-hand all the work our organization and it’s chapters are doing across the state to truly work to make things better.
I am extremely honored to now be working with you now as the Self-Advocates of Indiana Administrator. As a self advocate myself, I hope to bring that perspective into my new role and work alongside both our chapters and members to truly showcase and boost the work you are all doing in your communities to further our mission and values.
I know all too well that just being heard and given opportunities can make a huge difference in one’s life and lead to them being on the path for their good life so I would like to work to highlight opportunities in the state for self advocates and help facilitate in any way I can so that we can all find a way to the life we want.
SAI’s motto is “Nothing About Us Without Us” and your voices are more important than ever so truly, we’d love to hear about what you believe needs to be heard and talked about.
I am excited to work with all of you going forward and can’t wait to hear from all of you!
Sincerely,
Noah Upchurch, Self-Advocates of Indiana Administrator
