Family Voices Indiana

TO: Families, providers, and stakeholders who support individuals with disabilities in Indiana FROM: Julia Holloway, DDRS Deputy Director and Chief of Staff DATE: April 15, 2010 RE: Changes to Autism, DD and Support Service Waivers Reimbursement Rates The priority of the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) is to support the health and welfare of individuals with disabilities in Indiana. To accomplish this goal, we must make practical decisions and maintain fiscal responsibility to be able to continue to meet the needs of our program participants during these harsh economic times. We last announced a change to our waiver rate structure on November 24, 2008 (http://www.in.gov/fssa/files/RHS_BULLETIN_OA20081124_-_Final.pdf). Due to the current state of the economy, all state agencies are reviewing internal and external expenditures to determine potential cost savings, including contracts, administrative costs and service fees. DDRS has responded with a number of co

To: Consumers, providers and stakeholders who support individuals with disabilities From: The Division of Disability and Rehabilitation Services Re: VRS Rate Change Implementation Date: April 14, 2010 The priority of the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS), a program of the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS), is to support the health and welfare of individuals with disabilities in Indiana. Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS), a program of BRS, provides quality, individualized services to enhance and support people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain or retain employment. Due to the current state of the economy, all state agencies are reviewing internal and external expenditures to determine potential cost savings, including contracts, administrative costs and service fees. Despite numerous internal changes, VRS is unable to close the existing budget gap without including client services. In addition to other cost-saving measures, beginning on May 1

The latest Genetics Collaborative Family Newsletter for our Region is available online at: http://www.region4genetics.org/family_resources/_pdfs/Newsletter_Spring_2010.pdf FV Indiana encourage you to take a look and learn more about resources and work of this project.

This free audio conference will take place on May 5, 2010 from 2:00-3:00 p.m., EDT. The presentation will discuss ways customers can find a ride in their communities, and is for human service providers, caregivers, and people with disabilities interested in learning more about how to best explore their transportation options. This information has recently been updated, and can be read by visiting this link: http://www.disability.gov/transportation/news_%26_events.