Digital Collage By Kristianna Eaton

A vibrant, digital collage featuring a winding road that stretches from the top center toward the horizon, surrounded by various symbolic images and text boxes..

Image Description: On the left, a large, halftone-style illustration of a mouth is open as if speaking, positioned above a hand writing in a journal. Text boxes nearby read “Patience for me when I’m struggling” and “A safe space for me to share and open up about my feelings.”

The center features a cluster of microphones, a globe with a blue flower growing out of it, and a teal flag. Text boxes in this area say “Realizing not every problem has the same solution” and “Making accommodations to advocate for my success.”

The right side shows a photograph of a group of people sitting on the front steps of a brownstone building. Overlapping this are stylized, flat-color icons of two people hugging and a simple red house. Text boxes here read “Clear communication and guidelines that help to benefit me” and “Creating community where I can feel empowered.”

About the Author

A headshot of a woman with long dark hair wearing a black top, smiling slightly at the camera, with a brick building in the background.

Image Description: A headshot of a woman with long dark hair wearing a black top, smiling slightly at the camera, with a brick building in the background.

“Kristianna Eaton is currently studying Marketing at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Indianapolis. While navigating her academic journey, she manages anxiety, and with the support of Indiana University’s Academic Excellence Services (AES) program, she has been able to thrive academically. With the resources provided by AES, Kristianna has found strategies that allow her to succeed and plans to graduate in May 2026.”

Support: A Collage By Isaiah Thomison

A large, colorful collage on a white background, titled "Isaiah Artwork," featuring various photos, drawings, and text labels connected by blue lines

Artist Statement: “These are my friends, family and teachers. These are important people in my life because they help me learn and grow. I want everyone to see how special they are. 

ArtMix is where I do Community Class and art with my friends. People like Emily, Brittany, and Molly help me make art projects and work on my art skills. WALLS lets me go into the community and go places like the movies or the park. They support me by being there when I try new things in the community. Transportation always gets me where I need to be and gets me there safely. In Special Olympics my coaches help me focus and get better at my sports, my teammates help me compete and do my best to reach my goals. My family supports me to be active and healthy and to learn things. We have our different opinions but we all love each other. “

About the Author

A smiling young man in a grey sweater vest and a red bow tie

Image Description: A headshot of a smiling young man with short dark hair and a light goatee. He is wearing a white button-down shirt, a grey sweater vest, and a bright red bow tie. He is positioned against a dark, textured brown background that resembles a wooden slat blind.

Artist Bio: Isaiah is a 28‑year‑old twin whose creativity, energy, and love for community shine in everything he does. A dedicated participant of ArtMix for more than a decade, he expresses himself through art and enjoys sharing his talents with others. Isaiah is an active athlete with Boone County Special Olympics, competing in softball, basketball, corn hole, bowling, and track. He also loves connecting with friends at ILADD game nights and being involved in his community.

Family is at the heart of who Isaiah is. He is a proud son, brother, and nephew, but his favorite role is being an uncle to his 7‑year‑old niece. The two of them bond over Super Mario Brothers and making art together. Isaiah’s joyful spirit, kindness, and love for spending time with family and friends make him a cherished part of every community he joins.

School in the Ring By Julia Vetters

In the foreground, a massive, muscular figure seen from the back wears a graduation gown and mortarboard, holding a book labeled "DIPLOMA." They loom over a much smaller, scruffy student in the boxing ring.

Image Description: In the foreground, a massive, muscular figure seen from the back wears a graduation gown and mortarboard, holding a book labeled “DIPLOMA.” They loom over a much smaller, scruffy student in the boxing ring.

Author Statement: “High school was a huge struggle for me.  There were times when I thought I wouldn’t be able to graduate because it was so overwhelming.  Every time I would go to school I felt panicked.  Thanks to the support of my wonderful teachers and advisors I was able to graduate.  They helped me set goals that I could achieve and pushed me to keep going.  They never made me feel bad about needing accommodations and helped me build the confidence I needed to start advocating for myself more”

About the Author

A person with light skin, wavy blonde hair, and round glasses smiles and wears a patterned teal shirt and a gold ring necklace.

Image Description: A person with light skin, wavy blonde hair, and round glasses smiles and wears a patterned teal shirt and a gold ring necklace.

Pride in Plain Sight

Artwork with 4 drawings. A black outline of a fish, a pink and purple object with pride written in it, a black outline of an eye with pride written under it, and a cluster of pink and purple dots. it is signed JM

Image Description: A artwork with 4 drawings. A black outline of a fish, a pink and purple object with pride written in it, a black outline of an eye with pride written under it, and a cluster of pink and purple dots. it is signed JM

Artist Bio: Jae Jae is a bisexual artist who explores identity, visibility, and self-acceptance through bold, symbolic linework.

In a conversation with Jae Jae, they shared that being accepted for their disability and sexuality through community was the most empowering.