Report on DD commission mtg 9/7
Agenda
Presentation from Ms. Julia Holloway, Director, DDRS and Mr. Shane Spotts, Deputy Director, DDRS – a handout was distributed to commission members, but no discussion on items transpired.
Update on First Steps Program
Dawn Downer presented information on changes to the First Steps program:
Prior authorization required for high frequency therapies
Tightening developmental therapist requirements
Eliminating follow up for newborn hearing
Modify reimbursement for staff IFSP meetings (at parent’s discretion who attends)
Consolidated providers
New legislation-non ERISA plans-First Steps can now bill monthly rate
Of particular interest to the commission was the impact of cost participation on families:
30% of families now have cost participation
Families face suspension of services after 60 days of no payment
Ms Downer stated that approx 40 families each month are behind on payments. After multiple attempts to collect payments approx 10 families/mo still don’t pay. They only trend they have noted is this is most likely to happen with children about to age out or no longer qualify for services.
Note: Family Voices Indiana encourages families affected negatively by changes to First Steps to share those concerns with the DD commission and your legislators.
Report on Current Application of Music Therapy
Comments from Ms. Dee Quaglio, Vice Chair, DSPIN
The Direct Support Professionals of Indiana (DSPIN) is a group of Direct Support Professionals(DSPs) from around the state interested in creating a positive change and building a qualified workforce
Sept 11- 17 is DSP appreciation week.
Note: Family Voices Indiana recognizes the work of these professionals serving individuals with disabilities. Please show your appreciation.
Family members of individuals receiving waiver services and/or waiting for services presented testimony concerning the OBA system and allocations. Testimony from Laura Fife, member of Family Voices Indiana, is embedded below
Representative Klinker encouraged families to share their concerns with not only the DD commission, but with all legislators. It is important that they hear the family voice on these issues. If you would like help with sharing your story effectively, or applying for the Family Leadership Development Fund, which would support attending such a meeting, please contact info@fvindiana.org
Future meetings are scheduled for October 5 at 1p and October 26 at 1:30p.
State House
200 W. Washington St.
Senate Chambers
Indianapolis
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