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For decades, organizations like ours provided case management services for individuals who decided to participate in our programs. Under Federal pressure, and lobbying from advocacy groups like The Arc, the decision was made that case management services could not be provided by the organization offering training and support services. For a while, the State of Indiana hired staff to perform this function, then Case Managers were independent contractors, and now we have the state mandated monopoly IPMG (Indiana Professional Management Group) contracted to provide case management for all waiver consumers. Case Managers from BDDS continue their functions with Supervised Group Living (Group Home), Nursing Facility Budget, and Community Support Budget clients. As that system changed, the focus and content of the Individual Support Plan also changed. Consumers, families, and guardians need to be cognizant of the following. 1. ALL Individual Support Plans are arriving at the meeting pre-written. Sometimes, the Case Manager is unwilling to change the pre-written plan even when the client, parent, or guardian indicates the plan items are wrong. 2. The person facilitating the Person Centered Plan/Person Centered Document often has little knowledge of the consumer. We may have a situation where the desire of the consumer to eat at McDonald’s is morphed into an ISP goal of getting a job at McDonalds. Sometimes even when these errors are pointed out, the Case Manager will not change the ISP document. 3. Some Individual Support Plans are written without inclusion of needed training and/or supports for living and working situations. The desire of the consumer to continue on a job or continue working in the workshop is not included. Sometimes their desire to continue their present living situation is not included. 4. Peak Community Services will provide only those training and support services identified in the ISP and for which there is adequate funding. It is critical that you as the parent, guardian, or advocate be aware of what is happening with the Individual Support Plan and the annual funding allocation for individual services. Peak Community Services cannot appeal individual funding allocations; only the consumer or guardian can appeal. Let me reiterate the importance of ensuring all needed training and support services including identification of where the person will live and the day services they want to receive are in their Individual Support Plan. The case management system in Indiana appears to be in the grip of eliminating work and residential services from ISP’s favoring trips to ballparks and concerts instead. Consumers and families are the ones who will feel the brunt of this inadvisable shift.
Because of that belief, looking for opportunities to enhance understanding in the “real world” of those with developmental disabilities remains as an important goal. You may ask, “Where and when does one find opportunities to advance understanding of those with developmental disabilities in the real world?” The answer is, “Anytime and anywhere.” For example, one might find himself/herself in a group in which the conversation turns to a discussion of the “retarded” man in the neighborhood. What an opportunity to help abolish the “r” word from common use, and to informally educate others concerning the issues that are important to those with developmental disabilities. Such advocacy may begin at an informal level, but the hope is that informal efforts will lead to a wider understanding and that, in turn, will lead many to active formal advocacy and support for efforts to serve these individuals’ needs. One doesn’t need a college degree to become an extremely important (very special) educator. Aquacise!Article contributed by Diana Geisler
Three women who participate in Peak Community Services programing also take advantage of the local Y’s Aquacise class. Joyce is a first-time Aquaciser and was very timid of the water when she first began. At first she would cling to the walls of the pool. Little by little she became more comfortable. She is now able to exercise in the deep end of the pool with the help of swim aids and staff support. Joyce wants to learn to swim and she enjoys doing lots and lots of head bobs while practicing. The other participants in the Aquacise class have really enjoyed watching Joyce blossom in the water. Ashley has been participating in Aquacise class for about five years now. While still in high school, she would leave school on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to go through the Y’s WOW center, then on up to the pool. Exercising at the Y has helped Ashley keep her heart and muscles healthy. She has also made many friends in Aquacise class. Tina started Aquacise class about six months ago. Her class is a very light-hearted group, and if they are doing something that Tina is uncomfortable with, she and her support staff will branch off on their own and use the various water equipment to benefit their own exercise needs. Tina has become more and more comfortable in the water and really enjoys her time there. Our New HomeArticle contributed by Anita Kline
Their lives changed drastically in November when they accepted Medicaid Waiver slots which allowed them to move out of the eight bed group home and into a three bedroom home. The Community Living program provides them with 24/7 support for everyday household tasks. They now have the opportunity to set their own schedules and plan activities that they enjoy. Recently Viola, who only speaks in one or two word phrases, invited me to the home. When I got there, she proudly gave me a tour of her bedroom, which she has all to herself. (She had to share a room at the group home.) Edith and Kim were just as proud of their new home and also showed me their rooms. They didn’t leave out any details. Viola kept pointing to herself and saying “Home. Home.” The opportunity to move from the group home into a home of their own has given them another advantage. They don’t have to come to work until 10 AM. They decide when and what they want to eat, rather than having a planned menu. They choose when and what they want to do after work and on the weekends. If you were to ask Kim, she would tell you that the local Fish Fries are her favorite activities. All three waited a long time to have the opportunity to live in a home of their own, yet still receive the supports that they need. For the first time, they are able to enjoy semi-retirement living. Twenty years ago, when their families brought them to Peak Community Services, living in their “own” home wasn’t in the plan. It wasn’t an option. This agency has a long and successful history of helping people live their life as they dream it. Kim, Edith and Viola have waited 20 years for this opportunity and are enjoying it. Thrivent Financial For Lutherans Makes Donation
The Dream Of A Lifetime
Respite Services: What Is It & How Do I Get It?Do you need a break? Respite Services provides short-term support to caregivers of individuals with disabilities. You might be eligible to receive this service. Respite Services can be provided in your home. Respite Services can be provided in the home of the Direct Support Professional.There are situations in which having a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in your home will not work. In instances like that, the DSP can provide Respite Services from his or her own home. You can work out the transportation issues with the DSP, and your loved one can also take what might be a much-needed break from your house. Respite Services can be provided in the community. More families than ever before are taking advantage of this service. Peak Community Services has trustworthy, qualified staff. We will work with you to provide your loved one and your family the support you all need. How can you get Respite Services?Persons with disabilities who live with their families need to qualify for services. They need to have Medicaid Waiver funding, or they need to qualify for CHOICE services through Area Five. If you have a Case Manager, call to see if you are eligible. If you do not have a Case Manager, or if you have not applied to anyone for services, call Peak Community Services. We can connect you to the State Agency that establishes eligibility. If you have already established your eligibility, but you are on a waiting list for services, call Peak Community Services to request an application for Foundation support. |
Anonymous (6) In Honor of Bob AllenMr. & Mrs. Dick Allen In Memory of Randy McCartyGlen & Nancy Cole
Mann Hoover
Holy Rosary Study Club / Mrs. Eleanor Scagnoli
In Memory of Katherine BeachJo Ann Behny
Thelma Bodnar
Those wishing not to be acknowledged (12)
Anonymous (14) Jeff Baker Indiana Legislature In Special SessionAs this is being written, it appears the State Legislature will be in Special Session in June. There are serious issues to be considered in this session, and of course the only reason it was called was to complete the budget for the fiscal year ending at the end of this month. There are concerns about the amount of revenue the State is expected to receive, how to appropriately use the Federal Stimulus Package, and how much, if any, to dip into the Rainy Day Fund. While every interest group in the State has a stake in this process, please remember that in all conversations with legislators you remember to mention your interest in areas that concern persons with developmental disabilities. Just Do ItWhen hearing those words, nearly everyone thinks of that tennis shoe company. Many organizations are turning to a “branding campaign” to do the same. We look for name recognition, that when the words are said the organization comes to mind. Peak Community Services is establishing a brand. We hope that whenever individuals hear a certain three-word phrase, they will think of us. A foundation was laid by the team that puts together the fund raising breakfasts. In 2006, those breakfasts were named “Dream High.” Efforts have been carried forward by the current Marketing Committee: Connie English, Tina Foust, Connie Hall, Christina Pifer and Kathi Thompson. Peak Community Services...making dreams happen. Focus On AdvocacyStimulus FundsInformation from INARF to Member Agencies: Governor Mitch Daniels has asked Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman to oversee the use and deployment of economic stimulus funds that will be made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). His direction to the Hoosier team has been simple: jobs, speed, prudence, and long-term value. “We will use these dollars to put Hoosiers to work quickly. We will use them carefully, making sure to protect education and other services in the years after these one-time funds stop coming. And whenever possible, we will use them to create assets of lasting value: roads, bridges, buildings, but also better prepared teachers, and more energy efficient homes. “ Information that INARF has received through various memoranda and discussions, indicate that of the $4.3 Billion in formula funding coming to Indiana, approximately $12.4 Million will be available through DDRS/VR (Vocational Rehabilitation). Federal guidelines include the above criteria and those specific to VR. They include the following: Transition, infrastructure changes, improving employer relations and technology and other items consistent with the State Plan for VR Services. Peak Community Services ResponseTo this end, Peak Community Services has submitted concept papers, along with most likely nearly every agency providing support to persons with developmental disabilities in the State of Indiana. We will keep you informed as to the status of those requests. Our First Full CircleRegular readers are aware that the Foundation provides services for individuals while they would otherwise be waiting at home to come to the top of a list. It is our intent to provide service until that time. |
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BELIEVERS Unnamed Donors DREAMERS Dr. Rex Allman Anonymous
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The Peak Community Services Foundation provides funds to support individuals who are on a waiting list for Medicaid Waiver services. To be considered for support, an individual must:
Recipients must agree that once they come to the top of the list and are offered government funds, they will report this change in status to the Foundation. We invite you to make an application for funding. Link to PDF version of Application for Foundation Funding
We continue to receive pledge payments from our November reminders. Thank you for your continued support! |
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Peak Community Services 1416 Woodlawn Avenue |
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Peak Community Services Foundation Contact Peak Community Services |
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As I have mentioned in previous articles, the human service system for individuals with intellectual disabilities continues to change. As I write this, the proposed five-percent fee reduction has been scrapped, and I want to take a moment to honor those who worked hard to get that ill-conceived proposal dropped. Right now, the OASIS system for determining consumer budgets is on-hold for individuals who have not yet received allocations under that system. The latest version of the Person-Centered Planning and Individual Support Planning systems however are moving ahead.
As a special educator, I was always mindful that although the importance of what may be learned in a school setting cannot be overstated, the importance of what may be learned in the classroom of everyday life tops even that. 
Aquacise is a great way to get and stay fit. The buoyancy of the water reduces weight-bearing stress and allows for less strain on bones, joints and muscles. Individuals who aquacise can get healthier as they tone.
Twenty-two years ago, three local families brought their daughters to this agency. From that time on, Kim, Edith and Viola lived together in the women’s group home and worked together in the workshop. 
For more than 100 years, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has created programs and opportunities for Lutherans to support their congregations and institutions and to reach out to their communities. Over the past 12 years, Thrivent has provided over $1 billion for charitable, benevolent and educational purposes. 
thinking of persons with developmental disabilities when making your contribution!
For years, Joetta has wanted to go out and order a beer. We were willing to take her, but we needed a doctor’s note stating that would not be a problem. For whatever reason, Joetta was never able to secure that note from her physician. 
Does your loved one need 24-hour support? If you are the only caregiver and this prohibits you from taking care of essential household tasks, we might be able to provide assistance. Some families need only a couple of hours a week to run errands or to go grocery shopping. Sometimes the pressure of caring for someone 24 hours a day can be overwhelming, and you just need a break to go out with your spouse or with some friends. Sometimes you just want to be able to relax. Having a Direct Support Professional in your home for a few hours a week may make all the difference in the world to you.
An important part of anyone’s life is being involved in the community. A DSP can provide a break for you while involving your loved one in community activities. This provides an opportunity for your loved one to interact with persons other than family and close family friends. 
Spring has been long in getting here! We’ve had a lot of storms this year, once again leading to flooding and fields that are over-wet. However, it seems that the flowers of spring “peak” through and give beauty for us to enjoy.
