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State & Federal Programs

There are many state and federal programs and services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. The availability of programs will vary depending on age, disability, individual and family income and waiting lists for services.

• First Steps/Early Intervention Services
• Special Education
• Health Related Services
• Home and Community-Based Services
• Residential Services
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Vocational or Developmental Day Programs

First Steps/Early Intervention Services
First Steps is a program offered by the State of Indiana that provides early intervention services for families who have infants and toddlers (birth to third birthday) with developmental delays or who show signs of being at-risk of delays in the future. If you have any concerns about your child's development, or know that your child has a disability, Call: 800-441-STEP (800-441-7837).

Special Education
Pre-school and school-age children with a disability are eligible for a free and appropriate education through the public school system, beginning at age three and continuing through their 21st birthday. Eligibility for special education services is determined through the local school corporation. Contact your local school corporation, or the State Division of Exceptional Learners. Call: 317-232-0570 or 877-851-4106.

Health Related Services

• Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS)
  Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) is a program to help Indiana children ages birth to 21 years old with severe chronic medical conditions. It helps pay for treatment related to the child's condition. Autism is also a condition that may qualify a child for services from CSHCS.
  
  Families who apply for CSHCS must also apply for Medicaid, however, they do not need to be eligible for Medicaid to be eligible for CSHCS. A family with an income before taxes no greater than 250% of the federal poverty level may be eligible for the program. For 2009, 250% of the federal poverty guidelines for a family of two is $36,425, and for a family of four it is $55,125. Call: 800-475-1355.
  
  
• Hoosier Healthwise for Children
  Hoosier Healthwise for Children is a health insurance program offered by the State of Indiana for children birth through age 18. Families must meet income and resource guidelines. Call: 800-889-9949.
  
  
• Medicaid
  

  Medicaid provides health insurance to eligible persons with a disability, who also meet income and asset guidelines. Eligibility determination is made by the local Division of Family Resources. View the Division of Family Resources Directory or Apply for Benefits.

  Medicaid also funds long term care services in Medicaid funded facilities, and home and community-based services through the Medicaid Waiver. Parental income and resources are not counted when determining Medicaid eligibility for children for receiving services through a Medicaid waiver or Medicaid funded facilities. Learn more about Indiana's Medicaid Waiver Program.

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• Medicaid Waiver Program
  The Medicaid Wavier Program allows Medicaid to pay for supports to allow adults with disabilities to live in their own home or community-based residential program, supports to help people move out of nursing homes or other large facilities, and services that support families in caring for a loved one at home.
  
  Family income and resources are not counted when determining Medicaid eligibility for children receiving Medicaid waiver services. In most cases, there are long waiting lists to get services from a Medicaid waiver. It is important to apply and get on the waiting list.

There are now priority waivers for caregivers age 80 or older, recent graduates of high school special education programs, and people who want to move out of a nursing home. People in these priority areas do not have to wait on the waiting list. People in a crisis or emergency situations, including the death or incapacitation of a primary caregiver, may also be immediately eligible for a Medicaid waiver.  

• Adult Foster Care (AFC)
  Adult Foster Care is a service available through the Developmental Disabilities and Autism Medicaid Waiver Program. It allows adults with developmental disabilities to live with a family, similar to foster care for children. However, new placements are limited and there is a waiting list exists for services. Eligibility determination and placement is made through the Bureau of Developmental and Disability Services. Call: 800-545-7763.
  
  
• Group Homes
  Group homes, funded by Medicaid, typically serve six to eight people. There are limited group homes for children. Family income is not counted when determining Medicaid eligibility for children living in a Medicaid funded group home. There are limited group homes for children. Family income is not counted when determining Medicaid eligibility for children living in a Medicaid funded group home. Eligibility determination and placement is made through the Bureau of Developmental Disability Services. Call: 800-545-7763.
  
  
• Large Intermediate Care Facilities
  Large Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs/MR)) are funded by Medicaid and are licensed specifically to care for adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Eligibility determination and placement is made through the Bureau of Developmental Disability Services. Call: 800-545-7763.
  
  
• State Funded Residential Program
  In limited cases, when a person is not eligible for Medicaid and therefore cannot be served in a Medicaid funded group home or a residential program funded through a Medicaid waiver, residential services may be funded through state funding. Eligibility determination and placement is made through the Bureau of Developmental Disability Services. Call: 800-545-7763.
  
  
• Specialized Childrens' Facilities
  The Division of Family Resources may place children in specialized childrens' facilities that provide 24-hour care. Placement in these facilities may require a "Child In Need of Service" petition to the court, and/or recommendation for placement through the special education system, if it is determined that the school cannot meet the child's educational needs. Discuss with your Director of Special Education and local Division of Family Resources.
  
  
• Nursing Homes
  People with developmental disabilities need not live in nursing homes unless they have a very serious medical condition. Yet, nearly 1650 Hoosiers with developmental disabilities currently live in nursing homes.
  
  The closure of all of Indiana's state institutions for people with developmental disabilities, and the successful transition of people who once lived in those institutions to community base programs, is strong proof that people need not live in large facilities.
  
  If your loved one is one of those 1650 people still living in a nursing home, he or she can move to a community-based residential program, funded through the Medicaid Waiver program, with 24 hour supports.

If you are considering placing your loved one in a nursing home, or if someone is recommending a nursing home as an option, it is important to explore other residential options.

 

Watch our "Moving from a Nursing Home" Video

The Arc has specific expertise in helping individuals and families make this transition.

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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is federal financial assistance, in the form of a monthly check, for eligible individuals who have a disability and who have little income or assets. Children with disabilities may be eligible for SSI, depending on their level of disability and family income. Eligibility is determined through your local Social Security office. Call: 800-772-1213.

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Vocational, Supported Employment and Developmental Day Programs

A variety of vocational, supported-employment, and developmental day programs are provided in communities throughout Indiana. These programs are provided by organizations, including local Arc chapters, approved through either the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation or the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities.

People with a developmental disability over the age of 18 are eligible for these services. In certain cases, children under the age of 18 may be eligible if they are no longer in school.

Current and prospective consumers of adult developmental day programs must apply for Medicaid in order to receive services. If an individual is denied Medicaid eligibility, he or she may still receive services, but will have to provide proof that Medicaid denied eligibility.

Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment Services through the your local Vocational Rehabilitation Services office. You can also apply through the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities. Call: 800-545-7763.

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