• Parent Support Groups
• Resources for Information, Training, Advocacy and Empowerment
• Resources to Support Siblings
• Selected State Resources for Information, Training, Advocacy & Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities & Their Families
• Students on the Spectrum Club at Indiana University
• The Arc of Indiana

Selected State Resources for Information, Training, Advocacy, & Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities & Their Families

Contributed by Marci Wheeler, MSW

Arc of Indiana

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 disabilities and help expand programs and provide information. Some local agencies provide residential and/or employment services. Excellent website for information on programs and services in Indiana for individuals with developmental disabilities.

107 North Pennsylvania Street, Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Voice: 1-317-977-2375 or
Toll Free: 1-800-382-9100
Fax: 1-317-977-2385
Indiana: http://www.arcind.org/
National: http://www.thearc.org

ASK:About Special Kids, Inc.

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.

7275 Shadeland Avenue, Suite 1
Indianapolis, IN 46250
Voice: 1-317-257-8683 or
Toll Free: 1-800-964-4746
Fax: 1-317-251-7488
http://www.aboutspecialkids.org

ATTAIN Assistive Technology Through Action in Indiana, Inc.

Statewide project to increase consumers’ access to assistive technology services. Several sites across the state provide information, outreach training, demonstration, and assistance to find equipment and funding.

5333 Commerce Square Drive, Suite G
Indianapolis, IN 46237
Voice: 1-317-534-0236 or
Toll Free: 1-800-528-8246
Fax: 1-317-534-0237
Relay IN#: 1-800-743-3333
http://www.attaininc.org

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 Council on Independent Living that serves your area.

℅ DDRS/VRS
(VRS oversees this program)
402 West Washington Street
P.O. Box 7083
Indianapolis, IN 46207-7083
Voice: 1-317-232-1303 or
Toll Free: 1-800-545-7763
TTY: 1-317-232-1427 or
1-800-545-7763
Fax: 1-317-232-6478
http://icoil.org/

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
Toll Free: 1-800-441-7837 extension 3
http://www.in.gov/dcs

• Child Protective Service (CPS)
  General Information: 1-800-232-4705 or http://www.in.gov/dcs/protection/dfcchi.html
  To Report Child Abuse or Neglect: 1-800-800-5556
  To find your local office on the World Wide Web: http://www.in.gov/dcs/local_offices/index.html
• Child Support Bureau
  For questions or more info: Toll Free 1-800-840-8757 or at 1-317-233-5437
  To find your local office on the World Wide Web: http://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/4960.htm

Indiana Department of Education: Division of Exceptional Learners

State agency that oversees the implementation of education laws pertaining to students with disabilities ages 3-21. Disseminates information and materials on topics related to special education to both professionals and family members. Publishes a listing of summer camps for children with special needs. Promotes statewide training efforts.

151 West Ohio Street
Room 229,
State House
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2798
Voice: 1-317-232-0570 or
Toll Free: 1-877-851-4106
Fax: 1-317-232-0589
http://www.doe.state.in.us/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
Voice: 1-317-233-4454
Fax: 1-317-233-4693
http://www.in.gov/fssa/

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 1-800-545-7763
http://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/

• Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS):
  Information 1-317-232-7933 or 1-800-545-7763 extension 2
  http://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/2639.htm 
  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 the Developmentally Disabled (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 toll free to ask for the phone number and location of the BDDS Field Service Office for your county. For more information on Medicaid Waivers see: 
  http://www.in.gov/fssa/files/ConsumerWaiverGuideW200703.pdf and/or http://www.in.gov/fssa/ompp/2549.htm
• Disability Determination Bureau
  1-800-622-4968 
  http://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/2634.htm
  Makes decisions on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability claims for the State of Indiana. The program identifies people who have disabilities that prevent the ability to work in adults and substantially limits children from fully participating in activities for learning. Application for services is done at one of 26 local Social Security Offices within Indiana. You should find the Social Security Administration Office nearest you by checking the U. S. Government section of your phone book or see the listing of Offices in Indiana at: http://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/2634.htm. You can also call the national Toll Free number: 1-800-772-1213 and/or visit the national Social Security website at: http://www.socialsecurity.gov for information and to locate your local Social Security Office. The national TDD Toll Free number is: 1-800-325-0778.
• 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)
  Toll Free: 1-800-545-7763 extension 3 or 1-317-232-1319
  http://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/2636.htm 
  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 toll free number listed above.
• Office of Blind and Visually Impaired Services
  Toll Free: 1-877-241-8144 
  http://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/2638.htm
  Provides statewide assistance and services for the blind and visually impaired.
• Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
  TTY/Voice: 1-317-232-1143
  Toll Free Voice/TTY: 1-800-962-8408 
  http://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/2637.htm
  Statewide information and resource center for the Deaf and the hard of hearing community.
• Bureau of Child Development Services (BCDS)
  
• First Steps
  402 West Washington Street, Room W-386
  Indianapolis, IN 46204-2739
  Voice: 1-317-232-1144 or
  Toll Free: 1-800-441-7837 extension 1
  http://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/2633.htm 
  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.

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. Maintain the local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and the Adult Protective Services program.
Toll Free: 1-800-545-7763 extension 1
http://www.in.gov/fssa/da/

• Bureau of Aging and In-Home Services (BAIHS)
  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/files/aaamap.pdf
• 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
  Information: 1-317-232-4704 or 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. 
  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
  Toll Free: 1-800-299-1627
  http://www.in.gov/fssa/carefinder/

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
Voice: 1-317-232-7800 or Toll Free: 1-800-901-1133
TDD: 1-317-232-7844
http://www.in.gov/fssa/dmha/

5. 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/ompp/.

Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities (GPCPD)

Independent state agency that disseminates federal funds to support planning, collaboration, research, and advocacy to empower individuals with disabilities and families. Writes and disseminates a free newsletter. Also develops and disseminates information related to disability issues. Conducts “Partners in Policymaking” project in Indiana, an educational and empowerment program for consumers and family members. Maintains the Consumer Investment Fund that provides funds for individuals with disabilities and families to attend training events.

150 West Market Street, Suite 628
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2821
Voice: 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

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 free information and training to help support educational programs and services for children and young adults with disabilities. Writes and disseminates a free newsletter. 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.

1703 South Ironwood Drive
South Bend, IN 46603
Voice: 1-574-234-7101 or
Toll Free: 1-800-332-4433
Fax: 1-574-234-7279
http://www.insource.org/  

Indiana Institute on Disability and Community

The Institute is focused on building the capacity of communities and organizations to support individuals with disabilities in typical 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.

2853 East Tenth Street
Bloomington, IN 47408-2696
Voice: 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/

Note: As of October 1, 2007, the Family Involvement Fund (FIF) is being administered by the Institute. The FIF provides families of individuals with disabilities, through age 21, with financial assistance to attend training events.

Contact Cathy Beard or Sharon Hauss at
1-800-825-4733 or fif@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 301
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2789
1-317-233-0695
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 301
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2789
1-317-233-0695
http://www.in.gov/legislative/interim/committee/mrdd.html

---

Wheeler, M. (2007). Selected state resources for information, training, advocacy, and empowerment for persons with disabilities and their families. Bloomington, IN: Indiana Resource Center for Autism.