Family Voices Indiana

Each month, Family Voices Indiana provides the families we serve with a summary of the month’s hottest items. If you missed us on  Facebook , fear not, here is the latest! Awareness: July was named: National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month. For more information, visit this CDC  site . National Minority Health Awareness Month. Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. The Arthritis Foundation provides information  here .   Family Voices: We rely heavily on the voices of self-advocates and families of individuals with special health care needs to affect change. Additionally professional opinions and expert advice and analyses often further advocacy efforts. Here we recap some of the most commented on and shared blogs and articles posted to our Facebook site. Visit  theAtlantic  to learn what this author has learned from her 12-year old son who has multiple disabilities. Then, return to our  Facebook  page to share what your children have taught you.

Family Voices Indiana wants to ensure its members have accurate information regarding systems and services in Indiana. To that end, we asked DDRS if they will have a communication regarding changes outlined in The Arc's blog post about changes to ALGO and OBA under the DD waiver system. The response we received from DDRS was this: "   DDRS does not plan on issuing an official release; however, we are in the process of going through administrative rule promulgation.  Once everything has been filed, the Legislative Service Agency will provide public notice of the rule in the Indiana Register.  " We will ensure families are kept up to date regarding this process. In the meantime, you can connect with us, or other advocacy organizations, if you have concerns about your child's services. You can learn more about proposed changes to the DD waiver system on our website:   http://www.fvindiana.org/training  

Family Voices Indiana shares the following information from the  Northeast Indiana Disability Advocacy Coalition: August 3 Fort Wayne Indiana General Assembly Candidate Forum The Northeast Indiana Disability Advocacy Coalition is hosting a candidate forum on August 3 for candidates running for the Indiana General Assembly. This is your opportunity to hear the candidates speak on the issues that matter to the disability community, like public transit, Special Education, home and community-based services, and more. Indiana General Assembly Candidate Forum Friday, August 3 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM Parkview Field Lincoln Event Center 1301 Ewing Street Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Short Reception to Follow Immediately