Family Voices Indiana

from IHA: Indiana General Assembly Heads into Final Days of 2019 Session The Indiana General Assembly is anticipated to finish their work by Wednesday, April 24 or Thursday, April 25. Due to the National Rifle Association (NRA) convention being held in Indianapolis beginning April 26, the legislature will be completing the 2019 legislative session a few days ahead of the statutory deadline of April 29. Of the remaining 226 bills still moving through the process, approximately half have been concurred upon, meaning that the original chamber agreed with the changes made in the second chamber. The other half are progressing through the conference committee process whereby House and Senate legislators will come together to try to work out the differences between the House and Senate versions. With that timeline in mind, a few outstanding issues remain for the Indiana Hospital Association, including: Based on discussions within the IHA DSH Taskforce and at the direction of the

April 11, 2014  By  Emily Ladau   When you want to address a person, the next step should be to find a way to convey your message that person, right? So, if your message is intended for me, but you convey it to me by addressing a person I’m with who appears to be non-disabled, it makes me wonder if you perceive me as a person, or as nothing more than an empty wheelchair. What is it about a simple mobility aid that causes so many people I encounter to hesitate to direct communication towards me? All too often, my wheelchair use is perceived as a symbol that I’m incapable of processing what a person says to me, and it’s time for the world to wake up and realize this isn’t true. But, it’s also time for me to start confronting these issues head on when they happen, rather than waiting until after the fact when I can put fingers to the keyboard and write about what I should have said in response. Unfortunately, an opportunity to put my money where my mouth is recently presented itself

from Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: I t is time we fix our tax laws to give working people and children a fair shot to get ahead. An exciting new proposal from Senators Sherrod Brown (OH), Michael Bennet (CO), Dick Durbin (IL), and Ron Wyden (OR) would take a big step in that direction—and we need your help to amplify this legislation. The Working Families Tax Relief Act (S. 1138), by Senators Brown, Bennet, Durbin, and Wyden, would substantially expand both the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC), boosting the economic security of 46 million households. These credits are proven policy successes that help working people with low-wage jobs keep their heads above water, reduce poverty, and improve children’s opportunities. But they can do considerably more. The EITC and CTC expansions in this bill—in combination with legislation to raise the minimum wage, provide paid family and medical leave, and more— would help address income inequality

The Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council (INSILC) will hold a public hearing seeking public comment on its draft of the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) 2017-2019 – Amendment & Extension for 2020. The public hearing will take place as follows: DATE: Wednesday – May 15, 2019 LOCATION: Indiana Disability Rights – Conference Room 4701 N. Keystone Ave. Suite 222 Indianapolis, IN 46205 TIME: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. In addition, the draft of the SPIL 2017-2019 Amendment & Extension for 2020 will be open for written comment April 16 – May 15, 2019. This comment period will allow people with disabilities, Indiana Disability Organization representatives or advocates, and other stakeholders an opportunity to provide input and recommendations on the amendments made in the State Plan. The final draft of the SPIL 2017-2019 – Amendment & Extension for 2020 will be submitted to the Administration on Community Living (ACL) by July 30, 2019. Once approved by ACL, the f

Presented by: Drs. Dennis Ray Kinder, Jillian Wise, and Julie Steck Friday, April 26th at 12pm As a result of this webinar, participants will be able to:   Identify common strengths and deficits in individuals with Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) Describe the impact of NVLD during different developmental periods List three conditions that commonly co-exist with NVLD Identify three forms of intervention that may be helpful for individuals with NVLD Register  here  for this webinar.  ------------------------------ --------------

Contributed by:   Melissa Dubie, M.S., Educational Consultant Many students on the autism spectrum have difficulty working in a group. The reason relates to some of the characteristics of ASD.  Some students have difficulty processing oral information.  When multiple directions are given all at once to the class, the student with ASD may only hear the first or last word provided which leads to not knowing all of the expectations and perhaps making a mistake.  Often in group work, the entire group is provided with one sheet of information about the assignment. The student on the spectrum may not understand how to ask to see the assignment.  Therefore, the student with ASD may sit quietly not attempting the work or may talk to partners about irrelevant topics due to anxiousness. None of which may be appropriate.  Being in a group also includes knowing how to socially get along with the people in the group.  Social skills is a primary challenge for students on the autism spectrum. 

The Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services and Human Services Research Institute will kick-off the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waiver Redesign Project the week of April 22, 2019. The Division  initially announced the Waiver Redesign Project on March 20, 2019 . As part of the kick-off activities, HSRI and their project partners will be presenting to the DDRS Advisory Council on Wednesday, April 24, 2019. Their presentation will include a review of the project, associated goals and an opportunity to gather initial thoughts/feedback from the council. DDRS Advisory Council meetings are open to the public. Interested individuals are welcome to attend. Meeting details, including a registration link are included below. DDRS Advisory Council Wednesday, April 24, 2019 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. EDT Easter Seals Crossroads, Conference Room 1 and 2 4740 Kingsway Drive Indianapolis, IN 46205 If you plan to attend the council meeting, please register  by clicking here .