People with disabilities lost a strong advocate on July 14, 2008 with the untimely passing of Elbert Johns.
Elbert came to Bloomington in 1985 to become the Executive Director of Stone Belt Arc and to build upon its positive reputation for preparing, empowering and supporting people with disabilities to participate in the community. Prior to his arrival in Bloomington, Elbert was the Executive Director for The Arc of Stanly County in Albemarle, North Carolina and he had also worked in a state institution in Georgia.
During his 15-year tenure at the helm of Stone Belt, many programs and services offered by the agency were initiated or greatly expanded. Under Elbert's leadership, Stone Belt was among the first organizations in Indiana to offer supported employment services that enabled individuals with significant disabilities to meet the needs of local businesses. Our residential options were significantly expanded by the growth of group home and supported living services. Nine of Stone Belts 11 group homes were built during Elbert's administration, offering consumers from the local area, as well as many who previously resided in state institutions, the opportunity for community living. Many other resources, including the support of self-advocacy activities were also added.
Elbert's impact reached beyond the Stone Belt community with his state and national efforts, including his leadership in mobilizing advocates to end the waiting list for developmental disabilities services within Indiana, and the initiation of TheArcLink, Incorporated, a company that enables consumers and families to find resources in their local communities.
He was a man with big visions and the ability to activate resources to make things happen. He was a true friend to the individuals with disabilities who benefited greatly from his impassioned labors. His friends at Stone Belt will miss him very much. In the upcoming days, Stone Belt will be developing a way to memorialize Elbert's contributions to Stone Belt and to people with disabilities.