Everybody Counts Center for Independent Living

07/27/2026

Gifted article

Please complete the survey (link in the article) telling us what's going well for people with disabilities here in Northwest Indiana, and what isn't. Then watch this space for updates on our community forums. We'll be posting as we lock dates and times.

Everybody Counts, a disability rights center in Northwest Indiana, launched a survey to discuss issues with accessibility in the Region ahead of the 36th anniversary of the ADA.

06/22/2026

Post-Tribune coverage of the Community Speak Out hosted by Congressman Frank Mrvan to hear constituents' perspectives on the cuts to health care programs.

Northwest Indiana constituents want District 1 U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan to “get a little s***k in his step” when it comes to healthcare.

06/22/2026

NWI Times' coverage of the Speak Out on Thursday, 06/18 with Congressman Frank Mrvan.

Cancer patients, caregivers and parents packed a Northwest Indiana forum to share their fears about healthcare costs and potential Medicaid cuts.

05/13/2026

Congressman Frank Mrvan wants to hear from YOU, from US, about how the cuts to health care are affecting our lives and our families.
Please, come share your story. Food trucks will be on site so you can grab some dinner, plus, reps from Everybody Counts and partner organizations will be there to chat and share info. You do not want to miss this event!

04/27/2026

Attention Lake County high school Juniors and Seniors!

04/09/2026

Speros Batistatos has been a strong supporter of the disability community for many years, and a friend to Everybody Counts. As the founder and leader of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Association, he was a true visionary. After he was abruptly fired after decades of service, we shared our concerns with the remaining board of directors. They then refused to work with us on pending projects that would have substantially improved access to the community. Below is the latest update on the related litigation.

The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority’s legal bills have now blown past the $1 million mark in its ongoing lawsuit with its former leader.

08/15/2025

"‘I try, and I never quit.’ Raymond Fletcher lived those words every day. Born with a rare condition, he shattered barriers, becoming IU Northwest’s first student body president with a disability and a fearless advocate for inclusion. Hammond, IN lost a fighter and a hero. He was 48. 💙 He will be missed.

"I try, and I never quit fighting," Raymond Fletcher said in 1994. "I have to do things on my own. I don't really know how I do them. I've always been this way, so I just have my own way of doing things."

07/29/2025

From the article: Everybody Counts Founder Teresa Torres said the focus of their work is advocating for systemic changes and helping [people with disabilities] achieve their goals. Walking them through the healthcare system is awful when it’s working. With Governor Mike Braun’s Senate Enrolled Act 2, it’s worse. ...

" ... We’re walking them through a maze of mustard and molasses,” Torres said.

Nearly 268,000 Hoosiers are about to lose Medicaid, 128,000 of them are about to lose SNAP benefits, and everyone is going to pay the price for the cruelty, warn the very people who’re going …

05/22/2025

Larry and Julie had a wonderful time at the Portage Senior Health Fair on Tuesday. Thanks to the Mayor's Senior Advisory Committee for hosting this event and for inviting us to come talk with folks about independent living.

Portage Indiana Government Page

The City of Portage hosted its annual Senior Health Fair on May 20th. By: Garrett Spoor

05/19/2025

Join us on Tuesday, May 20th at 9am, Oakwood Hall for our Annual Senior Health Fair. We are excited to share that there will be over 60 vendors at this years event! The first 200 senior citizens in attendance will receive a FREE sack lunch and an entry into our Door Prize drawings! Don't forget, there will also be free health screenings: hearing, blood pressure, diabetes, muscle & joint strength, balance & posture. No appointments needed! Contact [email protected] for more information.