BDDS Updates and Activities

The Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services is committed to working collaboratively with case managers and providers during this extraordinary time. We appreciate the hands-on and coordinated efforts and responses our case managers and providers have demonstrated. ​

​As part of this commitment, BDDS has the following updates of interest:

• New resources for upcoming waiver renewals on the DDRS Announcements page:
  • Every five years states are required to renew their waivers with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This year the Family Supports and Community Integration and Habilitation waivers were due for renewal. Through the renewal process, BDDS had the opportunity to make some changes based upon feedback received from individuals and families over the past several years. The renewals were approved by CMS with an effective date of July 16, 2020. In anticipation of this date, BDDS is publishing a HCBS Waiver Renewal Fact Sheet for Case Managers and Providers, as well as a HCBS Waiver Renewal Fact Sheet for Families. It is important to note that the renewals are not in place of the waiver redesign efforts.
• New resource for individuals and families now available on the DDRS COVID-19 page:
  • BDDS is pleased to share a new video for self-advocates and families on Deciding What is Right For You as Indiana Re-Opens. Completed in partnership with The Arc of Indiana and Self-Advocates of Indiana, this video shares information and considerations as individuals and families consider what re-opening means in their life.
  • The Self-Advocates of Indiana have recently published Know Your Rights During COVID-19 that covers rights ranging from safe living environments, making staffing decisions, working with providers to create solutions and everything in between. SAI has also published a series of training videos on their YouTube channel. These videos include tips and tricks to navigate the reopening process and include topics like health/safety, mask usage, and returning to community services.
• New resources for providers and case managers now available on the DDRS COVID-19 page:
  • BDDS has posted Updated Guidance for BDDS Providers on Temporary Policy Changes Related to COVID-19 and Appendix K. In addition, an Updated FAQ for BDDS Providers on Temporary Policy Changes is also available.
  • The July 1, 2020, provider and case manager webinar recording is now available.
  • BDDS is hosting a provider and case manager webinar on Wednesday, July 15,2020,, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. EDT. The webinar will include an overview of updates and clarifications on temporary policy changes related to COVID-19 and Appendix K.

​The webinar will be held via Microsoft Live. To participate in the provider and case manager webinar please log in using this link.

• You will have the option of joining from the web or opening the event in Microsoft Teams, if you have it installed.
• Before watching the webinar, please:
  • Learn more about attending a Microsoft Live event.
  • Make sure your browser allows third-party cookies.
  • Ensure your browser supports Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Azure Media Player.
• During the webinar, we will provide a mechanism for participants to confirm their participation for purposes of receiving a Certificate of Attendance.

• An additional provider and case manager webinars will be held on July 29, 2020, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. EDT. Details for accessing these future events will be sent via DDRS Announcements prior to the webinar.

   
The DDRS is a program of the Indiana Family & Social Services Administration. If you have questions about DDRS programs and services, visit us online at www.DDRS.In.gov.