INARF Begins an Active 40th Anniversary Year

The INARF 40th Anniversary celebration began with two key member events, offering members opportunities to obtain industry news, interact with State Officials, and network with fellow providers.

The anniversary festivities kicked off last week with the Quarterly Professional Interest Section Meeting, which attracted nearly 170 members. The day began with breakout sessions featuring engaging presentations and discussions tailored to each of the six respective Professional Interest Sections. During lunch, participants received an industry update by INARF staff, outlining current events and recent advocacy activity by the Association. The day wrapped up with the always popular State Officials Roundtable, allowing members the opportunity to meet in small groups with representatives from various State Agencies. Meeting materials are available in the Members Only section of the INARF website. 

The celebration continued with the 40th Annual Membership Meeting at the Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis. In addition to welcoming newly elected board members Jim Allbaugh of Carey Services and Pam Verbarg of Wabash Center, the meeting included updates from select Committee and Professional Interest Section chairs on the numerous activities and objectives that were accomplished in 2013. 

As part of their report, the Membership Support Committee introduced "Rubi"- INARF's 40th Anniversary mascot. Patterned after 'flat Stanley,' Rubi will be making sightings around the state through ingenuity and creativity of INARF members. To join in the fun, download the "Rubi" kit and get started. All photographs submitted to INARF that capture "Rubi" sightings will be entered into contests with winners being announced at later dates. 

The Annual Meeting Celebration continued with a luncheon featuring remarks from State Auditor Suzanne Crouch. As a long time industry advocate, Auditor Crouch encouraged attendees to take an active role in educating legislators about the important services provided to Hoosiers with disabilities. The day ended at the Statehouse where INARF was honored by the Indiana General Assembly for its 40 years of service to Indiana service providers and individuals with disabilities via a resolution authored by Speaker of the House Brian Bosma. 

INARF will be celebrating 40 years of growth and influence throughout the year through articles, activities, and at the INARF 2014 Annual Conference. 

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