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Many sources are stating that a Senate vote to repeal the ACA and make drastic cuts to Medicaid could come before the 4th of July recess, meaning that it will be on the floor next week.  The proposed cuts put Medicaid’s “optional” and “waiver” benefits at risk.  Learn More.  Senator Todd Young has been noted…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

The Arc of Indiana is requesting a 5 percent increase in Medicaid service rates for the Family Support Waiver and the Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver.  75 percent of the revenue received from the waiver service rate increase would be passed through to increase wages paid to direct support professionals (DSPs). This is a request…

Reforms passed by Congress in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), require individuals receiving a sub-minimum wage to have the opportunity to prepare for, obtain, maintain, advance in, or regain competitive integrated employment, including supported or customized employment.  The reforms also require that individuals be informed of these opportunities. In response, local VR offices…

Does Your Family Depend on the Affordable Care Act for Insurance Coverage?   We need your help! There are serious threats facing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) – also known as Obamacare – as plans to repeal this landmark law develop. We need families and people with disabilities to contact their Senators and Representatives to…

As Jackie Robinson’s teammate and father of Jimmy Erskine, who was born in 1960 with Down syndrome, Dodger great Carl Erskine was a firsthand witness to “two of the greatest social changes in my lifetime.” Jackie Robinson was a pioneer in proving that people of color belonged in professional sports.  Much in the same way,…