Indiana Family to Family

DDRS Bulletin: The Division of Disability & Rehabilitative Services (DDRS)/Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS) is pleased to announce that we have scheduled numerous statewide forums where we present the latest updates on the Objective Assessment System for Individual Supports (OASIS) initiative. Please refer to the chart below to find the dates and times of these forums in your area. For maps to each location, visit the following link: https://myshare.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/OASIS/Forms/AllItems.aspx The informational forums will be held between March 20, 2008 and April 10, 2008. DDRS/BDDS will travel to each BDDS District to host the informational forums and provide the latest information on the OASIS Initiative. Meetings will occur twice on each scheduled date; 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The content will be identical for every forum, so plan to attend the time/date most convenient for your schedule. The following topics are on the

"Direct Support Professionals are in short supply and this is a national trend," said DDRS Director Peter Bisbecos. "According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, six of the ten industries projected to grow the fastest are health related. Demand for social and human service workers is projected to increase by 56 percent between 2004 and 2014 and we are taking action now to ensure that individuals with disabilities will have the supports they need in the coming years." One of the biggest challenges to providing community supports for people with developmental disabilities is the ability to find, keep and retain qualified direct support professionals (DSPs). The DSP Initiative is a 3 year project whose main goal is to help reduce the turnover of direct support staff by improving the education and training of those who enter the profession. This survey is intended to find out what benefits people with disabilities or their families can see in the Direct Service Pro

This Quarterly Policy Bulletin for the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) is provided here for public review and comment. Any input or comment about the proposed policy changes should be sent to DDRSPolicy@fssa. in.gov. The period for public comment will close on March 17, 2008 . DDRS POLICY NOTIFICATION Policy Topic: Behavioral Support Services in an Educational Setting Comment Period Deadline: March 17, 2008 Anticipated Effective Date: 14 business days following issuance of final Quarterly Bulletin BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT SERVICES IN AN EDUCATIONAL SETTING The Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) is frequently asked questions surrounding the delivery of Indiana Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver services in an educational setting. As defined, Behavioral Support Services means training, supervision, or assistance in appropriate expression of emotions and desires, compliance, assertiveness, acquisition of socially approp

FSSA plans to schedule OASIS presentations around the state for providers and families. All individuals receiving or waiting for the DD, Autism and Support Services waivers are encouraged to attend. Family Voices recognizes that it is difficult for families to schedule such events, so we are providing the preliminary details. As soon as specific times and locations are released, they will be posted. The plan is to have a day and evening meeting at each site. March 20 Greencastle March 25 Merrillville March 26 Fort Wayne March 28 South Bend April 2 New Albany April 3 Indianapolis April 8 Evansville April 10 Indianapolis again

Respite care, which includes crisis care, provides temporary relief for caregivers from the ongoing responsibility of caring for an individual of any age with special needs, or who may be at risk of abuse or neglect. Respite is often the most frequently requested and needed family support service. Respite is first and foremost a preventive strategy that strengthens families, protects family health and well being, and allows individuals to remain in their own home. Respite has been shown to prevent or delay more costly out-of-home placements, reduce the risk of abuse or neglect, and to help keep all family members safe and stable. Indiana is a state which currently does NOT have a respite coalition. Please urge your representative to support such an initiative here as well. The Lifespan Respite Care Act was signed into law in 2006, but has not received funding from Congress for its implementation. We can change that by urging Congress to include funding for the program in the FY09 Labo