Information of Interest

Home Box Office has produced a documentary entitled, "Paycheck to Paycheck: The Life and Times of Katrina Gilbert."

Katrina is a single mother of three and a Certified Nursing Assistant. Like so many of our Direct Support Professionals, her life is a constant struggle to make ends meet. The documentary is airing on HBO, but can be viewed at no charge until March 24 at this website. 

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The Burton Blatt Institute of Syracuse University is offering a three-part Webinar on Supported Decision Making (SDM) for individuals with disabilities. The first part of the series will be on March 26, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. SDM is a model for encouraging increased independence as an alternative to guardianship. More information on this webinar, as well as registration instructions, can be found here.

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The Indiana Department of Education is looking for organizations to host summer food programs. With almost half of Indiana students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals at school, maintaining nutrition when school is out is a grave concern. There are reimbursement opportunities for organizations that will prepare (or sub-contract with a food service company) and serve meals to qualified students. More information can be obtained from the Summer Food Service Program Website.

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This week, the Social Security Administration announced the launch of a new disability process to expedite disability claims filed by veterans with a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation rating of 100% Permanent & Total (P&T). Under the new process, Social Security will treat these veterans' applications as high priority and issue expedited decisions. Full Story...

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March is Disability Awareness Month! The theme for the 2014 campaign is "Dream to Dare." INARF members are encouraged to participate in awareness based activities and celebrate the critical part of the community that individuals with disabilities represent. Information and awareness materials are available through the Indiana Governor's Council for People with Disabilities. 

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If you have information that may be of use to INARF members, or news about your organization that you wish to share, please contact Christiaan Campbell.