DDRS Family Listening Sessions

September 2, the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services announced the dates for a series of Family Listening Sessions to be held across the state. The full bulletin is available at this link.

​This past June, the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) laid the foundation for a collective vision for supporting individuals with disabilities in Indiana. Rooted in the LifeCourse Framework developed by the National Community of Practice for Supporting Families of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, DDRS’ vision brings together commonly held values and beliefs into a comprehensive approach to developing integrated supports that empower individuals with disabilities and their families to chart a LifeCourse consistent with their needs and aspirations.

Central to this vision, families and extended community members are a critical resource for individuals with disabilities. Moreover, the vision reflects DDRS’ understanding that individuals and their families, as a whole, need supports that address different facets of life, and that adjust as roles and needs of all members change through both the life cycle and family cycle - regardless of where an individual lives.

In order to continue moving towards realizing this vision, DDRS has partnered with The Arc of Indiana to schedule Family Listening Sessions across the state where I will take the opportunity to listen to individuals, families and self-advocates. The meetings are intended to: ?

•     Seek feedback from families and self-advocates regarding their needs and ways DDRS can support opportunities for individuals with disabilities to maximize their full potential and participate in their families and community;
• ? Provide information to key stakeholders about the LifeCourse Framework initiative; and
• ? Share details on new federal laws impacting individuals with disabilities.

While these meetings have a focus on families and self-advocates, local area providers, community leaders, school representatives and other stakeholders are invited and encouraged to attend.

The dates for the Family Listening Sessions are listed in the bulletin.


We hope this information is helpful. If you have any questions, please contact the INARF office.