Indiana Family to Family

In late March, the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services and the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services announced that due to the COVID-19 pandemic it was necessary to temporarily pause our waiver redesign efforts. During the pause, we have continued to take public feedback on the waiver redesign concept paper through email and survey. In addition, our waiver redesign contractor - Human Services Research Institute – has continued their work. At this time, we have determined that we must continue to pause this important work, while we continue to support efforts related to the impact of COVID-19 and the focus to begin transitioning toward recovery. Within this context, we are planning to “un-pause” the project on Monday, June 1,2020. Leading up to that time, we will provide a more detailed plan of action, but intend to provide a few weeks to finish out public feedback – including offering virtual stakeholder listening forums – and then will establish a revised t

IHCP Bulletin by Family Voices Indiana on Scribd

The Division of Aging is hosting a Coronavirus tele-town hall in partnership with Indiana AARP on Friday, May 8, 2020, at 10 a.m. EDT. Join Dr. Jennifer Sullivan, Family and Social Services Administration secretary, Dr. Steven Counsell, Division of Aging medical director, and Sarah Renner, Division of Aging director, as they present and take questions on home-and community-based supports for caregivers and current guidance on Covid-19.

From PATINS PATINS Continuous Learning ... by Family Voices Indiana on Scribd

From FSSA For many of our fellow Hoosiers, struggling with mental health issues or feelings like stress, grief or anxiety may not be something they’ve experienced before. As part of the Be Well Indiana initiative, we’re providing access to tools and resources that can help people identify what they may be feeling and connect to resources that can help them through it. Since its launch one week ago, over 25,000 people have visited BeWellIndiana.org , and we’re just getting started with the resources and tools available. Through BeWellIndiana.org, Hoosiers can take one of several Mental Health Self-Assessments offered by Mental Health America specific to their needs or what they may be feeling. These quick snapshots of mental health can help the user decide if they could better manage their feelings or if they should seek additional support. Learn more by clicking here                               Additionally, we’ve been creating and updating the Video Resources on

Beyond physical health concerns, the COVID-19 outbreak has led to a wide range of stressors and mental health concerns. In recognition of the unique impact on school-age children, eSchool News notes some useful resources aimed at assisting students: 1.  Global Teletherapy  services K-12 schools virtually with therapeutic services. As the number of homebound students grows exponentially every day, the company’s therapists will be providing complimentary support sessions to the country’s youth. These 30-minute support sessions will be held daily through June. They will range in age formats to discuss specific concerns. The group sessions will focus on keeping the students calm and engaged while homebound due to the current situation. 2.  Erika’s Lighthouse , a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and raising awareness about adolescent depression, encouraging good mental health, and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues, launched the “We’re In

Governor Eric Holcomb announced Indiana’s path to get Indiana Back on Track . As we embark on the next part of this extraordinary journey, the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services is committed to continuing its efforts to work collaboratively with individuals, families, providers, case managers and staff. We also remain committed to focusing on the division’s COVID-19 Goals: H elp prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep people alive O perationalize flexibilities P rovider network maintained E mpower person-centered decision-making for self-advocates, families, case managers and providers To that end, we are working with INARF and the Arc of Indiana on recommendations and suggested practices for safely “re-opening” those parts of our service system that were suspended during this time. We will also be sharing guidance for preparing to thoughtfully and methodically return to our usual practices. Please know – consistent with our COVID-19 goals – “re

The Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services is committed to working collaboratively with case managers and providers during this extraordinary time. We appreciate the hands-on and coordinated efforts and responses our case managers and providers have demonstrated. As part of this commitment, BDDS has the following updates of interest: New Resource for All Stakeholders now available on the DDRS COVID-19 page BDDS is pleased to share several telemedicine fact sheets to provide additional guidance and support in the delivery of key services via telemedicine, including: behavior support services, case management, music therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, recreational therapy, speech therapy and wellness coordination. The fact sheets include examples that individuals, families, case managers and providers may find useful in thinking about how to adapt virtual service delivery. BDDS and BQIS are pleased to share a new resource toolkit to assist individuals, familie

From IN FSSA Due to the pandemic that is now occurring, Indiana Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services is proud to release a COVID-19 Visual Communication Card for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population. We feel this card will be helpful to those in the community, medical teams and staff, testing sites, etc., as well as, any agency or individual that has contact with this population. The COVID -19 Visual Communication Card could also be of benefit to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities or others in the disability community, and we encourage sharing with any agencies or individuals that would benefit from this resource. Two versions of the card are available to download below, and are also available on the Indiana Family and Social Services COVID-19 , Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services COVID-19 and DHHS webpages . COVID-19 Visual Communication Card - 8.5 x 11 for printing COVID-19 Visual Communication Card mobile – For use on mobile devic