The Trump administration is withdrawing a proposed rule that sought to phase out subminimum wage employment for people with disabilities, typically at sheltered workshops. Indiana has been in the process of phasing out sheltered workshops. Approximately 1,000 people across the state currently work at a subminimum wage. A proposed Medicaid Waiver amendment, released for public…
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Waiver Amendments Public Comment Announcement – July 2025
FSSA Announcement – July 7, 2025 To ensure continued alignment among all DDRS HCBS Waivers in support of the ongoing BDS Waiver Re-set project the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services Bureau of Disabilities Services would like to announce a public comment opportunity for upcoming amendments to the Community Integration and Habilitation waiver, Family Supports…
Federal Budget Report & Town Hall Meetings
Changes Coming to Medicaid Funding The U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of the federal budget bill on May 22, 2025, with nearly $880 billion in Medicaid cuts. The Senate followed on July 1, advancing its version to the House for final consideration ahead of a self-imposed July 4 deadline. The Senate bill includes…
In Honor of Pride Month: the Limitless Power of Love
I still remember where I was sitting when my brother told me he was gay. We were teenagers—just beginning to find our footing in a world that rarely explained itself to us. Growing up in the Midwest in the 1980s, I lived in a bubble of sorts. We were surrounded by cornfields, church pews, and…
When One Child Needs More: Navigating Sibling Dynamics in the Disability Space
In this heartfelt post, Marya reflects on her journey in raising her two sons following her younger son’s autism diagnosis. With years of perspective, she shares honest insights and helpful resources for families and siblings walking a similar path. I want to begin this post in full transparency. I didn’t do it perfectly. In fact,…
Home & Community Support Professional Training & Registry Update
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) has announced, effective July 1, 2025, the launch of a statewide training curriculum, platform, and direct support professional registry. This initiative is aimed at maintaining a diverse, stable, and well-trained workforce to provide quality person-centered home and community-based services and support. At this time, this applies to employees…
Your Story Has Power: How Advocacy Begins in the Everyday Moments We Dare to Speak Up
I didn’t set out to be an advocate. I was just a mom trying to get my son what he needed—a quiet place to regroup, a teacher who understood, a little more time to get from here to there. But what started as a conversation turned into a calling. Because every time I spoke up,…
A Time for Hope: Hope in Times of Uncertainty
A reflection on what it means to hold onto hope when the systems we trust begin to unravel—and how our belief in what is possible must carry us forward. Hope is not always easy. I almost didn’t write this post. I sat in stillness, unsure whether I had the right words—or the emotional stamina—to speak…
Reflections on Attending the Disability Policy Seminar
Noah Upchurch, Advocacy Specialist & Self-Advocates of Indiana Administrator In April, some of us at The Arc of Indiana and Self-Advocates of Indiana had the opportunity to attend the Disability Policy Seminar in Washington D.C., along with 700 other disability advocates from across the country. Here are some reflections from me, Shawn Fulton, Advocacy Engagement…
The Arc of Indiana – Clemency Rally Comments
Disability rights advocates and mental health professionals — including Tom Crishon of The Arc of Indiana — gathered in Indianapolis on May 12th to speak out against the scheduled May 20th execution of Benjamin Ritchie, who has extensive brain damage due to partial fetal alcohol syndrome and exposure to multiple neurotoxins. Indiana law prohibits the…