Family Voices Indiana

Guidance for families and self-advocates during COVID-19 outbreak BDDS is working with community partners, providers and case managers to prepare for the potential impact to individuals and families receiving BDDS services and supports. This includes development of a plan for how services will be delivered during this time. We encourage you to discuss any specific concerns related to your family or individual with your case manager and/or waiver providers who can assist you in developing a plan and staying up to date as we move through this continuously changing time. General questions about COVID-19 may be directed to the ISDH Epidemiology Resource Center at 317-233-7125 [317-233-1325 after hours] or e-mail epiresource@isdh.in.gov . BDDS is currently exploring alternatives and working with our federal partners to explore options for use on a short term, as needed basis in an effort to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Currently, the use of electronic monitoring is available

If you’re a PARENT , receiving a diagnosis for your child can be life-changing. Having a safe place to explore feelings of “this is not the way it’s supposed to be” is what the CNF  Family Support and Empowerment Program (FSEP)  is all about. Sharing the emotional process that often comes with a new diagnosis or living with a neurologic condition, with someone who has also experienced these feelings, can be helpful to many families. Find more information here: https://www.childneurologyfoundation.org/fsep/ FSEP One-pager Online Feb-2020 by Family Voices Indiana on Scribd From the Child Neurology Foundation

On January 21, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published a Request for Information on “Coordinating Care from Out-of-State Providers for Children with Medically-Complex Conditions.” CMS is seeking public comments on: Best practices for using out-of-state providers in coordinating care for children with medically complex conditions; How care is coordinated for such children when that care is provided by out-of-state providers including when care is provided in emergency and non-emergency situations; and Processes for screening and enrolling out-of-state providers, including efforts to streamline these processes or reduce the burden of these processes on such providers and states. Comments are due on March 23, no later than 11:59 pm EST, and can be submitted HERE .   

Please note: the new services will be offered as a "pilot program" in a small geographical area starting May 3, 2020. Bt 202017 by Family Voices Indiana on Scribd

CMS Has Issued a Request for Information (RFI) to seek public comments about ways to improve healthcare access, quality, and outcomes for women and infants in rural communities before, during, and after pregnancy, as well as information regarding the readiness of providers, including emergency medical services (EMS), to handle obstetric emergencies (i.e., emergencies related to pregnancy, birth, and after birth) in rural areas. Comments are due by 11:59 pm EST on April 12, 2020, and can be submitted by sending an email to ruralmaternalrfi@cms.hhs.gov .

In partnership with Bryan Boyd and WFYI Productions, IDR has 3 new videos covering Supported Decision-Making, Options for Supporting Independence in Adulthood, and Guardianship in Indiana. Our recently released videos are available in English. Spanish and ASL versions of these videos will be available in the near future. Link to Indiana Disability Rights' YouTube Channel Link to Supported Decision-Making video Link to Options For Supporting Independence in Adulthood video Link to Guardianship in Indiana video From the Indiana Disability Rights March 10, 2020 Newsletter

Tooth decay is the most common preventable chronic disease among children in the United States. If left untreated, it can negatively affect a child's physical and social development, as well as his or her school performance. In 2010, CMS launched an Oral Health Initiative to help states ensure that children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP have easy access to dental and oral health services . Learn how we are working to support state efforts . All children enrolled in Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) have coverage for dental services–including check-ups, x-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, fillings, and more. Check out your state's complete list of benefits for children in Medicaid and CHIP. Dental Care for CYSHCN by Family Voices Indiana on Scribd From Insurekidsnow.gov

As communities across Indiana work to monitor the evolving public health situation around the 2019 novel coronavirus, the Division of Disabilities and Rehabilitative Services will be moving all scheduled waiver redesign feedback sessions from a face-to-face format to a virtual format. Feedback sessions impacted by this change include: Building Bridges March 12, 2020, Plymouth, Ind. meeting will be held virtually from 6 to 8 p.m. EDT via WebEx and may be accessed by clicking here . March 23, 2020, Fort Wayne, Ind. meeting will be held virtually from 6 to 8 p.m. EDT via WebEx may be accessed by clicking here . April 2, 2020, Fishers, Ind. meeting will be held virtually from 6 to 8 p.m. EDT via WebEx may be accessed by clicking here . Self-Advocate and family feedback sessions hosted by the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, in partnership with Self-Advocates of Indiana and The Arc of Indiana March 12, 2020, Indianapolis, Ind. session will be held virtually

As you are aware, business, individuals and organizations around the world are making preparations for the potential spread of 2019 novel coronavirus that has heavily impacted a number of countries. The state of Indiana is no exception to these preparations. The Indiana State Department of Health is closely monitoring an outbreak of COVID-19. ISDH is working with federal and local partners to respond to this evolving public health situation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the risk of infection in the United States is low, as the virus has had limited person-to-person spread in the United States at this time. At this time, it is important that everyone, regardless of age or disability, take the same precautions to avoid illness. These include everyday preventative actions to help prevent the spread of all respiratory diseases, including colds, flu and COVID-19. Indiana is working diligently to make sure the state is prepared and communicating th