Ability Allies

Ability Allies (formerly Disability Legal Services of Indiana), an Indiana nonprofit organization, helps low-income students with disabilities access appropriate educational services to ensure qualify of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. These four elements are deemed essential to the education of students with disabilities by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA). The IDEA also provides important rights and protections to these students and their parents, including a parent's right to have a voice in their child's education. DLSI believes a family’s ability to assert their child’s educational rights should not be dependent upon their wealth. In Indiana, however, parents and guardians with concerns about their child’s special education services have very few affordable options. DLSI formed in 2008 to fill that void. We provide free and low-cost legal assistance and educational advocacy to help ensure low-income Hoosier students with disabilities reach their full potential. DLSI helps break the cycle of poverty by improving the educational outcomes for students with disabilities in Indiana. Currently, over Indiana children receive special education services. In addition, nearly one in five live in poverty. The majority of DLSI clients live in households with an annual income below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. Without DLSI, these families could not access legal services to advocate for their child's educational needs. DLSI provides legal assistance, yet we also support meaningful collaboration between families and schools. We know the value of a strong parent-school relationship. With our assistance, parents work with their child’s school to obtain effective educational programs for their children. In addition, we provide training and resources to Indiana parents and professionals regarding the various aspects of the special education process.