Legislative Update: September IIACC Meeting
During our September IIACC meeting, Kim Dodson the CEO of the Arc of Indiana provided some legislative updates as follows:
- Medicaid System Redesign
FSSA/DDRS is planning a redesign of Indiana’s Medicaid system between 2027 and 2028. The goal is to strengthen the person-centered model of service delivery, which has been a hallmark of Indiana’s approach with emphasis on:
- LifeCourse Framework
- Commitment to person-centered planning
- Blueprint for Change: Arc of Indiana
The Arc of Indiana is reviving its Blueprint for Change initiative:
- Originally developed to assess and improve supports for individuals with disabilities
- Informed by stakeholder input and best practices from other states and countries
- New meetings begin in October 2025 to explore innovative service models and maintain Indiana’s leadership in disability support
- DDRS Advisory Council Role
It is important to note:
- The DDRS Advisory Council is not a voting body
- Its role is to provide input, feedback, advice, and guidance
- Advocacy efforts should be informed by this structure to ensure effective engagement
Recommended Actions for Stakeholders
To stay informed and engaged:
- Follow the Arc of Indiana on Website, Facebook, and Twitter
- Attend upcoming events/resource fairs and promote advocacy trainings
- Become a Self-Advocate by joining a local chapter: Chapters | Self-Advocates of Indiana
- Share accurate information with providers and families to support informed decision-making
- Subscribe to the Arc of Indiana’s weekly newsletter and public policy updates
- Stay connected with the Autism Society of Indiana for additional resources and advocacy opportunities
