Indiana

National Family Empowerment Representative

Samantha Brant – Family & Community Engagement Manager, International Rett Syndrome Foundation
[email protected]  1-913-221-8157

Family Empowerment Representative

Regan Zwald, volunteer Family Empowerment Represenative,
[email protected] 1-317-607-9589

Rett syndrome clinical trials are available at various stages in the process. Please visit our Clinical Trial page for current enrollment status.

Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS)

Visit Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services Website
1-800-545-7763
BDDS provides services for individuals with developmental disabilities to enable them to live as independently as possible. BDDS assists individuals in receiving community supports and residential services.

BCCS Field Services Offices

Visit BCCS Field Services Offices Website
BCCS Field Services Offices To apply for services or to determine if you may qualify for services, please contact the local BDDS field services office near you.

Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS)

Visit Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services Website
DDRS Disability Services page has answers to many questions about services and supports.

Apply for Medicaid

Apply for Medicaid
1-800-403-0864
To apply for Medicaid, you will need to fill out and submit an Indiana Application for Health Coverage form. Visit “Am I Eligible?” or the eligibility guide to help you determine which application form you will need to fill out and submit. It takes about 45-90 days to determine eligibility. You can apply in person, online, or by phone.

View Local DFR Office
To apply for Medicaid in person, visit your local DFR office.

Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver (CIHW)

Visit Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver Website
1-800-545-7763
This waiver provides Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver services to participants in a range of community settings as an alternative to care in an intermediate care facility. The waiver serves persons with a developmental or intellectual disability. Participants may choose to live in their own home, family home, or a community setting. Participants develop an Individualized Support Plan (ISP) guided by an Individualized Support Team (IST). There is no waiting list for the CIH Waiver.

The FS Waiver
The FS Waiver can provide up to $16,545 annually in services and supports. New applicants will be placed on the FS Waiver waiting list. The income and resources of an adult or child (under 18) receiving waiver services ARE considered in determining eligibility. Parental income for children under 18 is NOT considered.

The ARC of Indiana

Visit The ARC of Indiana Website
1-800-382-9100
The ARC has information about Indiana Medicaid and Medicaid Waivers.

First Steps

Visit First Steps Website
First Steps is Indiana’s Early Intervention program.  The goal of First Steps is to help infants and toddlers receive services now to help them in the future. The 16 main services provided are listed on the website. Call or email First Steps to make a referral. The referral will then be assigned to a Coordinator who will set up an initial appointment with the family.
View First Steps Offices

Department of Education

Visit Department of Education Website
1-508-362-2220
Public schools provide special education services for eligible children starting at age 3. Individual Education Plans may include preschool instruction, related services or other supports. Parents who have any concerns about their child’s development, or know that their child has a disability, may request an evaluation by contacting their local public school. If a child is enrolled in First Steps prior to turning three the request for evaluation can be a part of the transition process. The Indiana Department of Education can help you contact your local school.

Indiana DOE

Visit Indiana DOE Website
1-877-851-4106
The Office of Special Education’s Special Education Team ensures that all eligible students with disabilities are provided a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. Email [email protected].

InSource

Visit InSource Website
1-800-332-4433
InSource has assembled information that is available to Indiana parents, families, educators and other professionals.  All information is free of charge to Indiana parents.  To request materials or information, please email [email protected].

Indiana Guardianship Laws

View Indiana Guardianship Laws

Indiana's Adult Guardianship Office

Visit Indiana’s Adult Guardianship Office Website
1-317-232-2542
The Adult Guardianship Office serves as a resource for courts and the general public on all issues related to adult guardianship. Email [email protected].

Illinois Transition Planning Handbook

View Illinois Transition Planning Handbook

Indiana BMV

Visit Indiana BMV Website
1-888-692-6841
The BMV issues handicap placards. The application may be submitted to any Indiana license branch or mailed to the address listed on the application. The disability must be certified by one of the qualifying medical practitioners listed on the application. There is no fee.

Riley Hospital for Children

Visit Riley Hospital for Children Website

Indiana IRSF Families Facebook Page

View Indiana International Rett Syndrome Foundation Families Facebook Page