About Us

INDEX Staff

INDEX helps people with disabilities find the information they need. We collect and keep up-to-date information on programs, providers and services in Massachusetts that have something to offer to people with disabilities. INDEX is a project of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Mission

At INDEX, we value digital inclusion and diversity. In Massachusetts, we are the leading provider of information and referral for people with disabilities, seniors, and really everyone. We also provide inclusive websites and online learning for U.S. agencies serving people with disabilities. All our great team members have opportunities for learning, mentorship, and leadership.

Core Values

  • Digital Accessibility for All
  • Diversity and Inclusion

Funding

INDEX was founded in 1986 with grants from the federal Administration on Developmental Disabilities and the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council. Since that time, INDEX has been continuously funded by state agencies of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services as the primary comprehensive resource for information on disabilities in Massachusetts. See a list of our current- and former funders.

Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Network

INDEX, as part of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, is one of four organizations that formed the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Network. The network promotes self-determination, independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion in all facets of community life for people with developmental disabilities and their families. The network partners accomplish this mission through advocacy, education, research, and dissemination of information.

Technical Assistance for Nonprofits

INDEX Technical Services builds and hosts Web applications and online-learning solutions, all accessible to people with disabilities, for nonprofits and government agencies in Massachusetts and throughout the United States. Read more about these services on the INDEX Technical Services website.

Team

Our team is dedicated to providing disability-specific information to everyone. We have extensive backgrounds in human services and/or information technology. Contact us for help.

Meet Our Great Team

John Rochford

Program Director
John Rochford

Derek Chaves

Director of Technology
Derek Chaves

Angelica Aguirre

Project Associate
Angie Aguirre

Vadim Droznin

Director of Operations
Vadim Droznin

Mabelys Rodriguez

System Administrator
Mabelys Rodriguez

Viet Do

Web & Database Developer
Viet Do

Martha Ventura

Project Assistant II
Martha Ventura

Ranjana_Verma

LMS Administrator
Ranjana Verma

Ben Amankwata

DevOps Engineer
Ben Amankwata

Betty Suydam

Project Coordinator
Betty Suydam

Aurom Lum
Web Accessibility Support Technician
Aurom Lum
Janet Green
Information Coordinator
Janet Greene

Jennifer Koh

Educational Support Specialist
Jennifer Koh