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…
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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…
Level of Care Assessment Changes
The Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) administers the federally required Level of Care assessment and determination for people who need Nursing Facility Level of Care Assessments, including assessments for the Health & Wellness, PathWays for Aging, and Traumatic Brain Injury waivers. Beginning July 1, FSSA is implementing changes to the assessment process, including assessments…
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,…
FSSA Requests Input on Extraordinary Care Definition
We greatly appreciate that the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) is proposing Medicaid Waiver amendments that will allow Legally Responsible Individuals (LRIs) – parents of minor children and spouses – to provide attendant care and personal assistant care to individuals who require extraordinary care. This is something The Arc of Indiana has fought…
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…