Family Voices Indiana

For several years, the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services has been engaged in a wide variety of efforts focused to improve the experience of individuals and families in achieving their vision of a good life. A fundamental aspect of this effort is coordinating service delivery through an efficient and comprehensive team approach, and facilitating how to apply for services. To this end, BDDS is excited to announce its plans to move toward the modernization of our information technology systems.The vision of this initiative is focused on creating an IT system that will:increase access to needed supports,streamline information sharing,collect accurate and reliable data, andresult in greater collaboration and communicationTwo key projects are emerging from this initiative. The first is the development of the BDDS Gateway – a web-based application for individuals and families applying for BDDS services and supports. Targeted to be available next spring, this new virtual option wi…

AUCD is excited to join partners across the disability community working to increase the political power of people with disabilities by sharing resources, getting folks registered, supporting voters in navigating the planning processes, and making sure that we are all voters in 2020. This effort includes plans to continuously share information and resources up to Election Day: November 3, 2020.We need your voice and experience as part of this effort. Please take a moment to share why you vote:·Print template found here and fill it in or write a note in any way that works for you.·Take a picture sharing your "I vote because..." statement.·Send to AUCD either by email to rrodgers@aucd.org or via our online submission form. ·Make sure you share your social media handles with us so we can tag you!Examples:·I vote because my voice matters!·I vote because Civil Rights matter!·I vote because we need to end disability discrimination!

From EastersealsThe first five years of development lay the foundation for a child's overall success. Monitoring all of these changes can be confusing even for the most attentive families in the best of circumstances but in a pandemic, it can become overwhelming. That’s why Easterseals is here to help. Click here to visit our Making the First Five Count website, learn more about your child’s development and take our free online screening to track their progress today.Children grow and learn at different rates, and pediatricians often keep track of your child’s development through five important categories: relationships, exploring & learning, communication, playing and moving.It can be a lot to keep track of by yourself. But if you’re worried about missing visits to the pediatrician during the COVID-19 shutdown, we’re here to help! Easterseals is a partner in your child's wellness, supporting their growth and happiness through life's earliest developmental milestones a…

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to exact a huge toll on not just the physical health but the mental health of the nation. As we enter a new, very uncertain academic school year - it’s important for parents, caregivers, and school personnel to know the signs that a young person is struggling with his or her mental health. We know that stress and anxiety can be common during the school year for students, but with the pandemic upon us, it’s even more important to pay attention. For those who are physically going back to schools, the anxiety and fear is palpable – and simply navigating the uncertainly can feel overwhelming. And for those who are learning virtually, too much isolation can be harmful. Research shows that chronic loneliness, which many of us are feeling these days with stay-at-home orders - can translate to poor sleep, high blood pressure, greater risk of suicidal ideation, and even alcohol and drug use. Depression and anxiety have also increased in the months since the pand…

From Covering Kids & Families of Indiana 
2020 has been a year in which police violence toward minorities and disparate health outcomes among minorities impacted by COVID have have moved to the forefront of the national dialogue. In reaction to this, Governor Holcomb has announced several new measures designed to address issues of disparity and inequality in the state.
Among these measures will be the creation of the cabinet position of Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Officer. According to the Governor, this position will focus on improving equity, inclusion and opportunity across all state government operations as well as driving systemic change to remove barriers in government workplaces and services the state provides. As a member of the Governor’s Cabinet, this position will report directly to the Governor.
Also announced was the required use of body cameras for Indiana State Police troopers by the spring of 2021. This will be in tandem with a third-party review of state …

From Autism Society of Indiana: "Dads for Autism is a network of fathers that see value in connecting to educate, share experiences, support one another, and discuss the father perspective of having a child on the autism spectrum.
Through fellowship we validate and respect our important roles as father. Dads for Autism currently meets once a month over Zoom. If you would like to attend an upcoming call- please email Todd Root to indicate interest: troot@inautism.org"

The August 2020 Issue of EP-Magazine is now available.
This EP's ANNUAL HEALTHCARE ISSUE features:*  Parenting a Child with a Life-Threatening Condition*  The Center on Aging, Dementia & Longevity*  A Caretaker's Delemma*  Coronavirus Coverage: Epicenter of the EpicenterExceptional Parent Magazine (founded in 1971) provides practical advice, emotional support and the most up-to-date educational information for families of children and adults with disabilities and special healthcare needs.

On August 17, a day before the Trump Administration’s harmful changes to regulations implementing the Health Care Rights Law were set to take effect, a court issued a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking parts of the final rule that roll back civil rights protections. The August 17th order from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York stayed the Trump Administration's repeal of the 2016 definitions of the definitions of “on the basis of sex,” “gender identity,” and “sex stereotyping”. This means that the U.S. Department of Health & Humans Services (HHS) is prohibited from implementing this aspect of the 2020 final rule nationwide.However, the court did not directly address other changes that HHS made in its 2020 final rule, including thegutting of protections for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). We will provide updates as available regarding whether the changes, outside the scope of the sex discrimination definitions, took effect a…

The Johnson Center for Health and Development is conducting an on-line, questionnaire-based study to assess the psychosocial and behavioral impact of COVID-19 on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  The study includes questions about the level of supports and services your child received at the beginning of 2020 and compares with the time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.  The data obtained will be used to inform educational, behavioral, and mental health professionals to determine how to better support families with a child with ASD during this extremely challenging time.  Parents or guardians of children with ASD aged 2 to 18 years of age are encouraged to comlete the questionnaire at: https://tinyurl.com/asdcovidstudyFor more information, please email info@johnson-center.org

The IRS has extended its deadline to September 30, 2020, for people to provide information to the IRS using its Non-Filer Tool atwww.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here.  People should do this if they:receive Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability benefits, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments;did not file a 2019 or 2018 tax return;have a qualifying child under age 17; anddid not already enter information in the IRS’ Non-Filer Tool for themselves and at least one child.For more information, please visit https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/.