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Director: Cathy Pratt, Ph.D., BCBA
e-mail: prattc@indiana.edu
Services in Indiana > Support
Selected State Resources for Information, Training, Advocacy, & Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities & Their Families
Contributed by Marci Wheeler, MSW
Arc of Indiana
The Arc is a state organization with local agencies, in many counties, across Indiana. Services may vary in each local agency. The Arc mission is to protect the rights of persons with intellectual and other developmental disabilities through advocacy and public policy work along with programs and providing information to empower people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families. Some local agencies provide residential and/or employment services. They have an excellent website for information on programs and services in Indiana for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
107 North Pennsylvania Street, Suite 800
Indianapolis, IN 46204
1-317-977-2375 or toll free: 1-800-382-9100
Fax: 1-317-977-2385
Indiana: http://www.arcind.org
Local Chapters in Indiana: http://www.arcind.org/index/About-The-Arc/local-chapters.asp
National:http://www.thearc.org
ASK: About Special Kids, Inc.
A “parent to parent” organization supporting families of persons with special needs with free information on disabilities, laws, education, social services, private insurance and Medicaid issues, and resources throughout Indiana. Writes and disseminates a free newsletter. Many inexpensive training workshops offered to parents. Much information provided in Spanish, too.
Central Office
7172 Graham Road, Suite 100
Indianapolis, IN 46250
1-317-257-8683 or toll free: 1-800-964-4746
Fax: 1-317-251-7488
http://www.aboutspecialkids.org
Family Voices Indiana
Family Voices Indiana is a “parent to parent” organization supporting families of children and youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities. FV Indiana is part of a national network providing information and assistance to help families make informed decisions and navigate health care systems. Currently FV Indiana is the recipient of a federal grant to provide a Family-to-Family Health Information Center in Indiana. Free in person training offered around the state as well as on line training and other informational events. Much information on the website is offered in both English and Spanish. Staff live in different locations around Indiana and include some who habla espanol.
Indiana Council on Independent Living (ICOIL)
ICOIL oversees independent living services throughout the state. Works with the Family
and Social Services Administration’s Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services developing a state plan for independent living. Members of ICOIL are appointed by the Governor. Eight centers for independent living in Indiana provide advocacy information and referral, training and peer counseling. Call or check the website to find the Center on Independent Living that serves your area.
℅ VRS
(VRS oversees this program)
402 West Washington Street RM W453
P.O. Box 7083
Indianapolis, IN 46207-7083
1-317-232-1303 or toll free: 1-800-545-7763
TTY: 1-317-232-1427 or toll free 1-800-545-7763
Fax: 1-317-232-6478
http://icoil.org/
Local Centers for Independent Living in Indiana: http://icoil.org/links/default.aspx
Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS)
Created in January of 2005, the Department of Child Services or DCS includes both Child Protective Services and Child Support Services. DCS exists to help protect children in cases of abuse or neglect. The Child Support Bureau can assist custodial parents in obtaining financial support from non-custodial parents and help enforce legal obligations for non-custodial parents to pay child support.
P.O. Box 7083
Indianapolis, IN 46207-7083
Fax: 1-317-232-4490
Information: 1-317-232-4705
http://www.in.gov/dcs
Child Protective Service (CPS)
General Information: 1-800-232-4705 or http://www.in.gov/dcs/2398.html
To Report Child Abuse or Neglect: 1-800-800-5556
To find local office: http://www.in.gov/dcs/protection/dfechi.html
Child Support Bureau
For questions or more info: toll free 1-800-840-8757 or 1-317-233-5437
To find your local office: http://www.in.gov/dcs/2427.htm
Indiana Department of Education: Center for Exceptional Learners
State agency that oversees the implementation of education laws pertaining to students with disabilities ages 3-21. They disseminate information and materials on topics related to special education to both professionals and family members.
151 West Ohio Street
Room 229
State House
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2798
1-317-232-0570 or toll free: 1-877-851-4106
Fax: 1-317-232-0589
http://www.doe.in.gov/exceptional/
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA)
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) was established by the General Assembly in 1991 and has gone through many changes. The state departments of Human Services, Public Welfare, and Mental Health were combined under one roof to form FSSA. Currently, there are five divisions of FSSA:
(1) Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services;
(2) Division of Aging;
(3) Division of Family Resources;
(4) Division of Mental Health and Addiction; and
(5) The Office of Medicaid Planning and Policy.
402 West Washington Street
P.O. Box 7083
Indianapolis, IN 46207-7083
1-317-233-4454
Fax: 1-317-233-4693
http://www.in.gov/fssa
Call Center: 1-800-403-0864
To locate/access information and services from the five Divisions of FSSA, the following phone numbers and websites can be used:
1. Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS)
Information: 1-317-232-7000 or toll free 1-800-545-7763
http://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/
Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS):
BDDS provides diagnostic/evaluation services for preschoolers and adults with disabilities and for those in need of residential services. Case management services and information on Medicaid Waivers is available. BDDS is the main entry point for applications for Developmental Disabilities (DD), Autism and Support Services Medicaid Waivers. Respite services funding for those not on Medicaid Waivers can be accessed by contacting the local BDDS office.
Call the toll free number below to ask for the phone number and location of the BDDS Field Service Office for your county or check:http://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/4088.htm for contact information for your local BDDS Field Service Office.
For more information on Medicaid Waivers see:http://www.in.gov/fssa/files/ConsumerWaiverGuideW200703.pdf or http://www.in.gov/fssa/ompp/2549.htm.
Information: 1-317-232-7933 or toll free 1-800-545-7763
http://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/2639.htm
Disability Determination Bureau
This agency makes decisions on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability claims for the State of Indiana. Application for services is done at one of 26 local Social Security Offices within Indiana or online. To find the Social Security Administration Office nearest you check the U. S. Government section of your phone book for the listing of the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office or use contact information below.
National SSA toll free number: 1-800-772-1213 (1-800-325-0778 TDD)
National Social Security Administration website: http://www.ssa.gov
For information and to locate your local Social Security Office:
In Indiana toll free: 1-800-622-4968 ext. 2007 or http://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/2634.htm
Bureau of Rehabilitation Services
402 West Washington Street, W453
P.O. Box 7083
Indianapolis, IN 46207-7083
Toll Free: 1-800-545-7763
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS)
VRS assists persons with disabilities (after eligibility is determined) to prepare for, obtain and/or retain employment. Contact your local VRS office for questions regarding these services. Find your local office by calling the numbers below or checking http://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/2759.htm.
1-317-232-1319 or toll free: 1-800-545-7763
See http://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/2636.htm for general information on VRS.
Office of Blind and Visually Impaired Services
Provides statewide assistance and services for the blind and visually impaired.
1-317-232-1433 or toll free: 1-877-241-8144
http://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/2638.htm
Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
Statewide information and resource center for the Deaf and the hard of hearing community.
Toll Free: 1-800-545-7763
http://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/2637.htm
Bureau of Child Development Services (BCDS)
First Steps
First Steps early intervention services is a family-centered, coordinated system available for children birth to age 3 who are developmentally delayed or at risk of a developmental delay. The First Steps program can provide assessment and evaluation of a child before their 3rd birthday. A service coordinator then helps the families of eligible children find appropriate services. Call the toll free number to ask for the First Steps contact for your county or look in the business section of your local phone book for the local contact phone number. You can also check: http://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/2816.htm for the local contact information.
402 West Washington Street, Room W451
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2739
1-317-234-1527 or toll free: 1-800-441-7837
See http://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/2633.htm for information on programs and services
2. Division of Aging (IDA)
This Division provides a broad range of in-home and community based services to older adults and persons of all ages with disabilities. Two of the programs maintained by the Division of Aging are the local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and the Adult Protective Services program.
Toll Free: 1-888-673-0002
http://www.in.gov/fssa/2329.htm
Area Agencies on Aging/ADRC
Entry point for CHOICE and Indiana’s two Medical Medicaid Waivers is through the local AAA. Eligibility criteria need to be met to qualify for free services. There are16 AAA offices in Indiana. Local offices can be accessed Toll free: 1-800-986-3505 or check: http://www.in.gov/fssa/da/3478.htm
Adult Protective Services
This program Investigates reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation of endangered adults.See http://www.in.gov/fssa/da/3479.htm for information.
Hotline: 1-800-992-6978 to report suspected abuse.
3. Division of Family Resources (DFR):
Local offices provide determination of eligibility for Medicaid programs such as Hoosier Healthwise medical coverage for children and families. Other programs offered include Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) which provides child care funding for families who are working or enrolled in school and qualify as low income. Low income families can apply for these programs at their local office located in the county where they live.
Bureau of Family Resources
Toll Free: 1-800-622-4932 to be connected to local offices or check:http://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/2999.htm for a Directory of Local Offices.
See http://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/3697.htm for information on services and programs.
Hoosier Healthwise Information Toll Free: 1-800-889-9949 or http://www.in.gov/fssa/ompp/2544.htm
Bureau of Child Care - Resource & Referral Line: 1-800-299-1627
4. Division of Mental Health and Addiction
Operates State psychiatric hospitals, licenses inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and certifies all community mental health centers and addictions treatment services.
Consumer Service Line:
1-317-232-7800 or toll free: 1-800-901-1133
http://www.in.gov/fssa/dmha/
Office of Medicaid Planning & Policy (OMPP)
Finances medical services for low-income eligible Indiana residents regardless of a disability. To apply for regular Medicaid, contact your local county Division of Family Resources Office. For information on Indiana’s Health Coverage Program contact 1-317-233-4455 or check their website:
http://www.indianamedicaid.com/ihcp/index.asp and/or
http://www.in.gov/fssa/2408.htm.
Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities (GPCPD)
This is an independent state agency whose mission is to support planning, collaboration, evaluation, research, education and advocacy to empower individuals with disabilities and their families. Writes and disseminates a free newsletter which is distributed online as well as in print. Also develops and disseminates information related to disability issues and conducts the “Partners in Policymaking” project in Indiana. PIP is an educational and empowerment program for consumers and family members. The Indiana Governor’s Council also maintains the Consumer Investment Fund that provides funds for individuals with disabilities and families to attend training events.
Indiana Government Center South
Room E145
402 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
1-317-232-7770 or TTY: 1-317-232-7771
Fax: 1-317-233-3712
http://www.in.gov/gpcpd
Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services (IPAS)
An independent state agency established in 1977 to fulfill federal requirements for a state agency staffed to respond to requests to protect the rights of persons with disabilities. IPAS provides information, referral, and technical assistance related to problems that individuals with disabilities face when services or rights are being denied.
4701 North Keystone Avenue
Suite 222
Indianapolis, IN 46205
Voice: 1-317-722-5555 or
Toll Free: 1-800-622-4845
TTY: 1-317-722-5563 or 1-800-838-1131
Fax: 1-317-722-5564
http://www.in.gov/ipas/
Indiana State Department of Health
This agency maintains the Indiana Family Helpline that provides information on various programs, including the Children with Special Health Care Needs program, support groups, and Medicaid providers list. Assists with accessing health related programs and services.
2 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Voice Helpline: 1-317-233-1325 or 1-800-433-0746
TTY/TDD: 1-866-275-1274
Fax: 1-317-233-1325
Nursing home/hospital complaints reporting: 1-800-246-8909; http://www.in.gov/isdh
IN*SOURCE
(Indiana Resource Center for Families with Special Needs)
A parent organization which provides families and service providers with information and training which is free and/or at minimal cost to help support educational programs and services for children and young adults with disabilities. Writes and disseminates a free newsletter which is distributed both online and in print. INSOURCE maintains a list of trained parent representatives in local communities to assist families with support and information pertaining to early intervention and special education services. Also, each year, develops and distributes a listing of camps, around Indiana, for special needs populations.
1703 South Ironwood Drive
South Bend, IN 46613
1-574-234-7101 or toll free: 1-800-332-4433
Fax: 1-574-234-7279
http://www.insource.org for general information
http://www.insource.org/staff.htm to locate the Regional Program Specialist for your area
Indiana Institute on Disability and Community
The Institute is focused on building the capacity of communities and organizations to support individuals with disabilities in all community settings. Provides training and technical assistance, develops and disseminates information, and conducts research. Seven centers and the Family and Individual Resources and Support Team work with professionals, family members, and people with disabilities, throughout the state to address early intervention, school improvement and inclusion, transition, employment and careers, aging, planning and policy studies, technology, disability information and referral, autism spectrum disorders, and individual and family perspectives.
One Center, the Center for Disability Information and Referral (CeDIR) at the Institute has a lending library of books, kits, videos and DVD’s that are available for residents of Indiana to borrow FREE of charge.
2853 East Tenth Street
Bloomington, IN 47408-2696
1-812-855-6508 or TTY: 1-812-855-9396
Dial-IN: (Disability Information Access Line for Indiana): 1-800-437-7924
Fax: 1-812-855-9630
http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/
Legislative Commission on Autism
Legislative body made up of state senators, representatives, and lay members who meet to specifically review system needs and service issues, and to develop legislation which impacts individuals across the autism spectrum. Parent input and involvement are important to this process.
Legislative Services Agency
200 West Washington Street, Suite 302
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2789
1-317-232-9856
http://www.in.gov/legislative/interim/committee/auti.html
Legislative Commission on Mental Retardation and Developmental
Disabilities (MR/DD)
Legislative body made up of state senators, representatives, and lay members who meet to specifically review system needs and service issues, and to develop legislation. Parent input and involvement are important to this process.
Legislative Services Agency
200 West Washington Street, Suite 302
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2789
1-317-232-9856
http://www.in.gov/legislative/interim/committee/mrdd.html
Wheeler, M. (2011). Selected state resources for information, training, advocacy, and empowerment for persons with disabilities and their families. Bloomington, IN: Indiana Resource Center for Autism.
IRCA | 2853 E Tenth St | Bloomington, IN 47408 | 812-855-6508 | irca@indiana.edu