January Affiliate Connect: Policy Change

Wed, 01/21/2026 - 2:00pm EST to 3:30pm

Putting Faith into Action for Disability Policy Change

Grounded in the Church's commitment to human dignity and the common good, this presentation examines current disability policy issues at the state and federal levels. We will discuss how advocates can engage in practical, nonpartisan advocacy to shape laws that promote inclusion, independence, and respect for all people with disabilities.

Open to diocesan AND parish leaders in Affiliate Dioceses! Registration links will be sent to diocesan disability ministry leaders one week prior to the event and we ask them to share the invitation with parish leaders.

Ethics and Public Policy

Tom Crishon

Tom Crishon serves as the Chief Legal Officer for The Arc of Indiana, a statewide non-profit association dedicated to advocating for and supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Since assuming this role in October 2024, Tom has utilized his extensive legal expertise to advance the rights, opportunities, and meaningful participation of individuals with disabilities across Indiana.

Prior to joining The Arc of Indiana, Tom dedicated 14 years to Indiana Disability Rights (IDR), the state's designated Protection and Advocacy system. Starting as a staff attorney and ultimately serving as General Counsel and Legal Director, he played a pivotal role in protecting, promoting, and empowering the rights of individuals with disabilities. While at IDR, Tom also contributed his leadership to several important committees. As a Steering Committee member of the Back Home in Indiana Alliance, he worked to increase the availability of affordable, accessible, and inclusive housing for individuals with disabilities. As a member of the Indiana Bureau of Disabilities Services' Mortality Review Committee, he helped analyze the deaths of individuals receiving state services, identifying trends and developing recommendations to improve provider-specific and system-wide service delivery. Tom also served on NAMI Indiana's Public Policy Committee, advancing policies to support individuals with serious mental illnesses and their families.

January Affiliate Connect: Policy Change

Putting Faith into Action for Disability Policy Change

Tom Crishon

National Catholic
Partnership on Disability

Advancing the Meaningful Participation
of Persons with Disabilities in Church and Society