Order of Selection for Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Indiana’s Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) has received federal approval to implement an order of selection – which will require vocational rehabilitation services to serve individuals with the most significant disabilities first. Implementation of order of selection began August 1, 2017. Individuals who have an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) in place prior to the…
Employment Opportunity – Family Advocate
The Arc of Indiana is seeking to fill two Family Advocate positions for The Arc Advocacy Network. Click on the links for information on these employment opportunities. The Arc of Indiana – Family Advocate Job Announcement The Arc of Indiana – Bilingual Family Advocate Job Announcement Applicants should send a cover letter and resume via…
Thank You from The Arc of the United States and The Arc of Indiana
Never underestimate the power of the disability community On Thursday, July 27 the U.S. Senate failed to pass a dangerous bill that would have been devastating to people with disabilities and their families (you can read the statement from The Arc U.S. here). At stake was access to health care for millions of people and…
Waiting List Update – July 2017
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration reports that as of July 24, 2017 there are 1383 individuals on the Family Supports Waiver waiting list. Individuals with an application date of November 2016 will be the next to be targeted for the Family Supports Waiver. If you have questions about Indiana’s Medicaid Waiver program,…
Caregiver Support Services Open for Applications
Caregiver Support Services funds for fiscal year 2018, which began July 1, are now available to an individual who meets the state definition of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Caregiver Support Services are not available if the individual is receiving or begins to receive similar services from any other State or Medicaid funded program. Caregiver Support…
Comments on VR Order of Selection Proposal
The Arc of Indiana submitted the following comments on Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation’s draft amendment to the Vocational Rehabilitation Services portion of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Unified State Plan. The Arc of Indiana is a state-wide organization that advocates on issues important to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). It…
New Online Training Resource Helps Families Develop Leadership Skills
From Family Voices Indiana Indiana families now have access to a new web-based training which will help them build knowledge and skills in the area of family leadership. Building Family Leaders will give families access to the tools they need to be empowered to lead, advocate and engage as partners in the systems that serve their children. The idea for…
2017 Legislative Wrap Up
The Indiana General Assembly adjourned Sine Die a little before midnight on Friday, April 21. Following is a summary of key issues impacting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities followed and advocated by The Arc. HB 1001 – Budget Bill Medicaid Waiver Rates Increased for DSP Wages The two-year biennial state budget includes several initiatives…
The Arc Insurance Advocacy Resource Center Leads Way to Address Medicaid ABA Benefit Concerns
In February 2016, Indiana Medicaid began covering ABA therapy for autism spectrum disorder in Indiana. During the first quarter of this year, Indiana Medicaid is making changes to the rule to address concerns that advocates have expressed about barriers to receive treatment and the limited number of providers who are taking Medicaid. The Arc of…
Updates from DDRS, IDOE, and The Arc
BDDS Notice on Informed Choice for Group Home Residents The Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS) issued a notice on February 28 regarding the rights of residents of group homes to have informed choice in choosing their day service provider. The notice reads in part, ““Informed Choice” means a consumer has a right to determine, to the…