An outspoken advocate for people with disabilities: RESPECT, OPPORTUNITY, INCLUSION.
An outspoken advocate for people with disabilities: RESPECT, OPPORTUNITY, INCLUSION.
“We’re Taking Him Home!”
Mark J. Hublar was born in 1964 with Down syndrome. The doctors told his parents, Al and Linda Hublar, "Put him in an institution." The Hublars said, "We're taking him home!" With the support of his family, Mark has held several different jobs as a reliable employee. He has been a partner in two different businesses, and now has his own business as a motivational speaker, "Mark J Hublar Speaks." — www.markjhublarspeaks.com.
Mark's Story
Mark graduated from Jefferson Community Technical College with a three-year degree in Public Speaking. In addition, he successfully completed the Business Leadership Series training classes at the Indiana Institute of Disability and Community at Indiana University.
Mark has lobbied members of Congress on Capitol Hill to pass important legislation, including the ABLE Act. The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014 allows states to create tax-advantaged savings programs for eligible individuals with disabilities.
Mark has worked with the Arc of Indiana in presenting a program that enables special needs individuals to transition from workshops into mainstream jobs. He has also worked with the Arc of Indiana in presenting a program that educates individuals on opportunities for independent living.
Mark is currently a team leader for the “Work To Include” (WTI) Initiative, promoting its vital services which includes a billboard campaign in Southern Indiana. Work to Include is an extremely important initiative that advances employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Along the way, Mark has been recognized by several high-profile organizations for his contributions to the advancement of individuals with disabilities. Some of these include the following:
- “Citizen of the Year” – Down Syndrome of Louisville
- “Imagine Award” – Rauch, Inc.
- “Star Award” – Down Syndrome Indiana
- “Wendy M. Wood Award” – Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE)
- “Scholarship Recipient and Current Ambassador” – Ruby’s Rainbow
- “Scholarship Recipient” – National Down Syndrome Society
- “Laura Lee Self-Advocate Leadership Award” – Helen A. Keller Institute for Human Disabilities
- “Face of Compassion- Hero working on the front lines of compassion” – Center For Interfaith Relations
- “Honorary Diploma and Community Service Award” – Our Lady of Providence High School
In an effort to get his message out, Mark now offers a book that shares in detail his life’s journey. From escaping the institutions at the time of his birth, to informing and inspiring audiences across the country. Mark’s biography brings hope and encouragement to anyone who reads it.