Indiana Family to Family

Family Voices Indiana shares this information from DDRS: The Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS), Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) invites the public to share comments regarding the annual revisions to the State Plan for Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS). A total of five public hearings and one conference call will be held this year, as outlined below, with interpreters available at each public hearing location. The schedule of meetings is embedded below. We encourage families and individuals with disabilities to attend. You can access our Family Leadership Development Fund to support this attendance. Contact us at info@fvindiana.org to apply. VR Public Hearing Dates 2012

Family Voices Indiana has been contacted by families that they have been receiving letters via regular mail that state: "Please return the Waiting List Status Form by April 10, 2012. If you fail to return the completed form by April 10, 2012, DDRS reserves the right to remove your name from the waiting list." We have confirmed with DDRS that these were sent to everyone on the DD waiver waiting lists. We urge families to look for these letters and to respond in a timely manner. We also remind you to keep all documentation that you have applied for the waiver, completed a DDP (disability determination profile after age 6) and have updated your contact information annually. DDRS is working on an online web portal that will allow you to confirm and update your information via the internet in the future. If you have additional questions, we suggest contacting your local BDDS office. 1-800-545-776

Family Voices Indiana apologizes for the late notice, but we were just made aware of this meeting. We share this info from the DDRS website: DDRS would like to reinvigorate the Power Parents work group in order to: Create a network of family contacts within the districts Share information on available resources for families Make DDRS plans and initiatives transparent in how they affect your family Listen to how DDRS can make connections for your family needs Meeting Dates Wednesday, March 14, 2012 from 6 – 7:30 pm Allen County Public Library in Ft. Wayne, located at 900 Library Plaza. Meeting Room C *Parking is free for card holders and $1 per hour for street parking Agendas Tuesday, March 14, 2012 Please e-mail your RSVP to PowerfulParents@fssa.IN.gov If you would like to be supported in attending this meeting, you can access our Family Leadership Development Fund that will provide a stipend to offset transportation and child care. Please email info@fvindiana.org if you would l