Waiver Program
Home and Community Based Medicaid Programs
In the state of Indiana, the Bureau of Disabilities (BDS) has a responsibility for children and adults with physical and intellectual / developmental disabilities and a goal to facilitate partnerships to enhance an individual’s quality of life. That’s where AccessAbilities comes in as the long-standing partner providing services under Family Supports and Community Integration and Habilitation Waivers to offer support and achieve the greatest level of autonomy.
Who May Qualify for Waiver Services Through AccessAbilities?
- Behavioral consultation services
- Community and daily living skills
- Family and caregiver training services
- Person-centered planning
- Vocational skills
- Respite services
- Participant Assistance and Care (PAC) Services
- ….and more….
The Heart and the Hope
AccessAbilities provides a circle of support to surround individuals of all ages and their families with both heart and hope; the compassion to understand the emotion and effort of the individual and the aspiration to build skills, confidence, and to achieve optimal independence. Quality of life is measured differently by each person, so as your partner, AccessAbilities is there to motivate, problem-solve, reduce barriers to independence, and celebrate even the smallest wins! We have more than 20 years of experience advocating and supporting the unique goals of persons with disabilities, and we are prepared and responsibly equipped to apply that experience to help those who qualify for Medicaid Waiver services throughout Indiana.
The Center of the Team
We will say it again…this is not about us! Services are uniquely person-centered and depending on the circumstances, family may also play a significant role. The individual and family, if applicable, are positioned at the center of the team surrounded by service partners. We are here to support, motivate, provide assistance, and coordinate communication of those who make up the entire team, whether in the community, residential setting, home, or work environment. We are the conduit to being self-sufficient, today and in the future.
Who Will Be a Part of My Team?
In addition to your family, friends, medical professionals, counselors, and other support personnel, AccessAbilities may provide you with a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and/or a Behavior Consultant (BC). These are trained individuals responsible for following waiver guidelines to ensure that your priorities and concerns are met.
- Must be at least 18 years of age, completed DSP training and demonstrated competency
- Fulfills role outlined in Behavior Support Plan, if applicable
- Promotes health and wellness of the individual
- Exhibits the ability to communicate with the entire team
- Manages medication administration with training, if applicable
- Follows all policies and procedures
- Requires a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, School Psychology or another applied health service area of Psychology, Social Work, or Special Education.
- Completes assessments and identifies the needs of the individual
- Develops interventions and strategies to address challenging behaviors and collaborates with the team to implement
- Empowers people to make the most of their strengths and unique abilities
- Completes periodic plan reviews to align strategies with potential opportunities
- Collaborates with the team to keep on track with the individual’s goals
When helpful, a Music Therapist or Employment Consultant may be provided to create greater independence through support of specialized roles. These therapists and coaches are funded through waiver programs, work and community businesses, and private pay.
- Requires a degree approved by the American Music Therapy Association
- Must be certified by the Board of Music Therapists with at least one-year of clinical / field experience
- Provides a systematic approach for the application of music in the treatment of physiological and psychosocial aspects of an individual’s disability
- Manages assessments, treatment plans, and data to reflect service effectiveness
- Collaborates to create a positive impact on the individual to meet goals
- Must be at least 18 years of age with demonstrated knowledge and experience in the human services field
- Provides job / work related support for an individual to maintain competitive employment
- Promotes independence in a community setting
- Coaches and trains to specific work skills, self-advocacy, safety, transportation, record keeping, and work place social skills
Can My Family Member Fulfill One of These Roles?
In some instances, Indiana Waiver programs will permit a family member to serve in the role of service provider to a family member. Services cannot be provided by a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian to a minor, nor can services be provided to an individual by their spouse. If your family member or friend is helping you under the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver program, or looking to join the team in providing services, contact us to discuss your options.
Respite for the Caregiver
The Family Support Waiver and the Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver in Indiana offers Respite services to temporarily assist an individual with activities of daily living while the primary caregiver is away or unable to provide care. This is intended to be for a brief period of time to provide relief to the caregiver. AccessAbilities is able to provide respite services when the individual has been approved under the HCBS waiver program. Contact us to discuss your needs and to schedule much needed self-care.
Looking to be an AccessAbilities Ally?
Check out the AccessAbilities Careers Page to learn more about joining the team of industry leaders, gaining life-changing experiences, and collaborating with an impactful circle of support to champion an individual’s desired outcomes to improve quality of life! Be a part of our purpose and transform lives, including your own.
- Call (219) 755-4049