Meet Linda McCord, Downtown Indy Woman

By Dr. Lyn Jones

When Linda McCord was born and growing up in Indianapolis, there was very little understanding of autism. Although she received special education, she went undiagnosed and underserved. It took even longer for her to receive a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD.

From ages 9 to 21, Linda lived at a residential school for individuals with disabilities in Ohio. The school did not provide much education and was not a positive experience overall. However, she made friends and learned to crochet from a “Grandma,” a skill that has become a lifelong hobby she continues to enjoy.

Linda returned to Indianapolis at age 21, where she learned many lifelong skills through an “apartment living” training program, which she credits as having been significant in helping her live independently. With the help of Noble’s sheltered workshop programs, she developed new job skills. Supported by a job coach from Noble and by The ARC of Indiana, Linda was able to work and live independently. She now has her own debit card and pays her own bills with support from The ARC of Indiana.

Linda has worked continuously since returning to Indianapolis, except during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her jobs have steadily improved over the years. She credits Noble and the job coaching she received there for making that possible. Linda recalls that her first job outside of the sheltered workshop was in a book bindery as a case maker, where she worked almost full time for 11 years. It was hard work, and she did not enjoy it, but she stuck with it.

Linda’s next job was at a department store, which she describes as a better position, though the hectic holiday environment was stressful. She now loves her current job. “It’s my favorite job!” she says. Linda works at a large consulting firm in downtown Indianapolis, where she cleans conference room tables, straightens chairs, refills supplies, and composts coffee grounds. She looks forward to her afternoon iced tea at work.

Linda can walk from her apartment to the bus stop to take the bus downtown to work, and she even does her banking while in the city. While working downtown, she enjoys grabbing lunch and some chocolate from her favorite chocolate store, and she can now visit Starbucks every day.

Linda enjoys living on her own in her apartment, where she has lived for more than 20 years. The space was recently remodeled and, according to Linda, looks awesome and swanky. She has staff who help her with grocery shopping and medical appointments, and a job coach who continues to support her. Linda also loves her neighborhood because it is close to Target, Great Clips, and her favorite, Starbucks.

While Linda loves Indianapolis, where she is close to family, she does not enjoy the winters. She hates being cold. Summer is her favorite season, and she prefers to be warm and in the sun.

One of Linda’s biggest challenges has been managing her OCD to avoid repeatedly calling or asking people for reassurance. She keeps herself from worrying by engaging in her favorite hobbies, which include crocheting gifts like scarves for friends, watching HGTV, getting a new haircut, and taking walks to Starbucks.

Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer this past fall. She underwent numerous tests and a lumpectomy. At a follow-up appointment, doctors discovered more cancer in the tissue, and Linda learned she would need a mastectomy. Her surgery went well, but she had to stay in the hospital and then attend rehabilitation. Linda embraced the therapy and worked hard to regain her strength so she could return home. Everyone was very proud of her progress. Not only did she get back to her apartment and work, she is now cancer-free.

Linda wants readers to know that she encourages others to access job coaching, learn new skills, and try new things. She is living proof that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can lead full and rewarding adult lives.