Family Voices Indiana

From Ball State University "The Prism Project is a creative arts program for individuals with disabilities.  Historically, it is an in-person, experience when performers of all abilities can access dance, singing, music, and theater.  The pandemic has prevented our face-to-face interaction, but the Prism Project of Fishers has collaborated with the Prism Project of Greater New Orleans and Ball State University to provide an online version of the program.  This is not like a typical streaming event where participants passively watch a video.  This is an interactive, engaging opportunity for individuals ages 6 to 22 to participate in dance, vocal, instrument, and theater activities!  The program is customizable so a parent can choose which activities best suit his or her performer's interest.   As I mentioned, this will be a collaboration with three of the programs:  Prism Project of Fishers, Prism Project of Greater New Orleans, and the original Ball State Prism Project program

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which was passed in March 2020, offered extra federal assistance to states which agreed to meet certain criteria. One of the requirements is that Medicaid beneficiaries’ coverage not be discontinued during the public health emergency unless the beneficiary dies, moves out of state or voluntary withdraws from the Medicaid program. Guidance was later given that states must maintain the same “amount, duration, and scope” of Medicaid coverage for each member throughout the public health emergency. This included not increasing the financial amount that members in nursing facilities or on home- and community-based waivers must contribute toward the cost of their care (“patient liability” or “waiver liability”). As a result, Indiana Medicaid members’ liability payments have not been tied to their income since March, leading to concern among some members and their representatives that excess income is accumulating and could put the member at risk of

AMCHP’s Family and Youth Leadership Committee will be hosting a forum for discussion, via webinar, for families on   January 27, 2021   from   2 - 3 pm ET . The focus of the forum is   COVID-19 & Building and Maintaining Support Networks in a Virtual Environment.   NOTE: AMCHP’s Family and Youth Leadership Committee is hosting this exclusively for families exclusively as a safe space for them to share their stories, experiences, challenges, and needs. Based on that,  we are not able to invite other participants.   If you are a family member and interested in joining, please complete the brief registration  here . The agenda and log in information will be sent to you prior to the webinar. If you have any questions or concerns, please email at  mcrawford@amchp.org  

Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2:00-3:00 ET Social media platforms are great tools for sharing information directly with consumers, including COVID-19 guidance that people can use to protect themselves, their families, households, and their communities. However, if social media content is not accessible or does not take the needs of people with disabilities in mind, then access to important information is missed. In this webinar, skilled users of social media with accessibility expertise will discuss the impact of using social media to reach a variety of audiences within the disability community. Previous research has suggested that these social media platforms may have a greater likelihood of being used to share vital health information related to COVID-19. Presenters will also demonstrate how to make shared information more accessible on frequently used platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok to reach the largest possible number of people. Click here for more infor

Parent Recruitment Flyer-Jan 2021 Prescription Medication by Family Voices Indiana on Scribd

From California Advocacy Network for Children with Special Health Care Needs Newsletter The Family Matters section of  Pediatric Nursing   features an article,   Mental Health Needs During COVID-19: Responses in Pediatric Health Care , that highlights the profound effect the pandemic is having on children’s mental and emotional health. The Lucille Packard Foundation for Children's Health provided support for the work. Familymatters Nd 20 by Family Voices Indiana on Scribd

The Suicide Learning Collaborative’s Indiana Suicide Prevention Resources Toolkit is designed to address the need for practical, and actionable suicide prevention tools for various sectors/professionals. This toolkit was developed in partnership between the Suicide Learning Collaborative, a multi-disciplinary working group addressing suicide in Indiana, and the Indiana Department of Health’s Fatality Review and Prevention Division. Throughout the development process, members of the Collaborative were asked to supply relevant tools to their topical area as well as provide feedback on proposed tools. The full toolkit can be found here SLC T.family!! by Family Voices Indiana on Scribd

On Thursday, January 8, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)   announced   that the Public Health Emergency (PHE) declaration for COVID‑19 will be renewed for another 90 days, beginning on January 21 (the date the PHE was previously scheduled to expire) and extending through April 20, 2021. This update enumerates the key regulatory flexibilities and funding sources that are linked to the PHE, as well as key emergency measures with independent timelines that are not directly affected by the PHE renewal.  Read more

The Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services is excited to share an opportunity for individuals and families to learn more about using remote support services. One of six Indiana remote supports providers, Night Owl Support Systems, is offering a series of webinars in January and February for individuals and families that are interested in learning more about how remote supports can assist them in their vision of a good life. There will be two different topics, each being offered multiple times throughout this series. Please see below for specific information on dates and times for each topic. Please note, Night Owl Support Systems is hosting this webinar series and the Bureau of Quality Improvement Services will continue to share information from our other approved providers as they offer similar opportunities. This announcement is not meant to be an endorsement or recommendation of Night Owl Support Systems over other remote supports providers and is only intended to share an op

From California Advocacy Network for Children with Special Health Care Needs Newsletter   The American Academy of Pediatrics released its  Blueprint for Children , which outlines the state of children in 2020 and lays out a child health policy agenda for the future, with specific policy recommendations.  Read its section on children with special health care needs .

  Great Lakes ADA Center shared an opportunity to provide input regarding the utilization of transportation apps such as Uber and Lyft by wheelchair users. Please see details below and click the link to provide input. WHAT: Seeking participation of wheelchair/scooter users anywhere in the U.S in a research project out of Virginia Tech (Research Project IRB # 20-629). RESEARCH TITLE: Wheelchair accessibility in ridesharing through Uber and Lyft STUDY PURPOSE: The purpose of this research is to develop a greater understanding of the accessibility of service hailed through Uber and Lyft apps from the perspective of wheelchair/scooter users and support informed policy making. The study is not affiliated with Uber or Lyft. WHO: You are a wheelchair or scooter user (at some point in the past, currently, occasionally, sometimes, full-time) and live anywhere in the US. You may or may not have experience with Uber or Lyft. The study is interested in impressions too. HOW: Eligible

From Covering Kids & Families of Indiana Newsletter 1.7.21   On January 4th, the Indiana House and Senate convened for the commencement of the 2021 Indiana General Assembly (IGA). This year's IGA will have the difficult task of conducting the business of a budget year, which is typically longer and more complex than other years, while attempting to limit COVID risk factors. Changes will include the House meeting at the nearby Indiana Government Center instead of the statehouse, to allow for better social distancing. Those wishing to testify at committee meetings will do so virtually, but only from designated rooms at the statehouse. Additionally, while there is no mandate for legislators to wear masks, party leadership is strongly encouraging that they be worn. Bills have begun to be filed, with some committees already having meetings this week for issues deemed to be a high priority, such as funding for virtual education. Other early bills of interest include one  seeking tele