Family Voices Indiana

Are you a Social Worker? Care Coordinator? Case Manager? Resource Teacher? or other professional who works with children with special health care needs? Family Voices Indiana is offering a weekly bulletin that will highlight new or existing resources for families and professionals serving CYSHCN. If you are interested in receiving this bulletin, please subscribe here:  http://eepurl.com/bKe9_P .  We encourage you to share this resource and the subscription URL with others. To provide feedback or request topic coverage in a bulletin, please contact Family Voices Indiana at projects@fvindiana.org Thank you for all of your work on behalf of Hoosier families.

The Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS), Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) and Indiana’s Department of Workforce Development invite the public to share comments regarding the Draft Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Unified State Plan, which includes the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Portion of the Unified State Plan. Currently, the draft copy of the WIOA Unified State Plan, including the VR Services Portion, is available online for review and public comment here These are some of the proposed goals: GOAL 1: SYSTEM ALIGNMENT -- Create a seamless one-stop delivery system where partners provide worker-centric and student-centric integrated services.  GOAL 2: CLIENT-CENTRIC APPROACH -- Create a client-centered approach, where system partners and programs coordinate in a way that each individual worker or student has a pathway to improving his or her education, knowledge, skills and, ultimately, his or her employment prospects,

One of the challenges of raising a child with special health care needs is the fact that you must work with many professionals in your child’s life.  We have some tips/tricks we try to keep in mind when we’re trying to partner with providers: Develop relationships with professionals even before you need them. Before meetings, write down points to be discussed, questions to be answered, and decisions to be made. Try to create a cohesive, team-like atmosphere when talking with professionals. I have had several experiences with doctors, school staff, etc where I had to work a little harder at this, but more times than not, I gained respect.  I was educated about the issues, and willing to listen to them and provide valuable input. Be sure you are educating yourself on the topic from  reliable  sources. Seek out professionals who demonstrate concern for you and your child. Learn your rights and the rights of your child. This is probably especially true in t

from DDRS: On January 4, 2016, the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) submitted a proposed amendment to Indiana’s Community Integration and Habilitation (CIH) waiver, which is available on the  CIH Transform webpage . Public comment was solicited to obtain input and feedback regarding the proposed waiver changes from November 25 through December 28, 2015. Additionally, several conference call/webinar session opportunities were offered to stakeholders to participate in an open dialogue regarding the proposed changes.  The Division is also posting to the CIH Transform webpage, a comprehensive public comment log which details the comments and feedback provided during the public comment period. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has 90 calendar days to review and respond to Indiana’s proposed waiver amendment. DDRS is very appreciative of the thoughtful consideration, comments, and input shared during this process from parents, participants,

Welcome to the  10th edition of FV Indiana's Guide to the Legislative Session . This year brings a "short session" that will begin on January 5, 2016, and is expected to last through March 14, 2015. This session will provide many opportunities for families to be involved, share your experience, and build relationships with legislators that will impact current and future decisions. This guide is intended to be a reference issue; in it you will find information on how a bill becomes a law, definitions and translations of acronyms and information on the House and Senate leadership. We encourage you to contact your legislators, make the effort to introduce yourself, share your perspective and continue to build a relationship.  Watch FV Indiana and other sources for action alerts as the session progresses.  If you have information about the session to share please call us at 317.944.8982 or email info@fvindiana.org. Hot Topics for 2016  (w