Statewide Meetings Culminate in Final Report from Disabilities Task Force

On Thursday, November 1, Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch submitted the final report of the Task Force for Assessment of Services and Supports for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to the Indiana General Assembly.
“It is my great pleasure to share with the public and the Indiana General Assembly the final report, entitled, Comprehensive State Plan on Community Based Services for Persons with IDD: The 1102 Task Force Report,” Crouch said.

The Task Force for Assessment of Services and Supports for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities was established by House Enrolled Act 1102, during the 2017 session of the Indiana General Assembly. This plan, with its goals and recommendations, provides information about existing services, identifies gaps in services and proposes services that will help make people with disabilities more independent.
Crouch has been the champion on issues important to people with disabilities and their families.
“I, along with the members of the task force, encourage the implementation of this plan over the next few years,” said Crouch. “We must not only improve services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but promote greater community opportunities for Hoosiers with IDD.”
The task force, comprised of 17 members including self-advocates with intellectual and developmental disabilities, family members, advocacy organizations, service providers and state government agencies, met a total of 10 times throughout Indiana. Stakeholder input was critical to informing the work of the task force. Hundreds of stakeholders, including those who self-identified as individuals with disabilities, family members of individuals with disabilities and staff from organizations that provide services to individuals with disabilities, provided public comment to the task force.
“Our goal was to assess our current service delivery model and identify ways to improve supports for individuals and families. We know individuals and families need supports that address all facets of life and adjust as their roles and needs change. The task force, inclusive of public comment, provided an opportunity for Indiana to design a system for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities that is more holistic and individualized while also fostering independence by providing greater access to housing, jobs and their community,” said Kylee Hope, task force member and the director of the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services.
The task force developed a final report to share with the Indiana General Assembly. This plan, with its goal and recommendations, provides information about existing services, identifies gaps in services, and proposes recommendations that will not only improve services and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but promote greater community opportunities for Hoosiers with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
To read the full report visit: https://www.in.gov/fssa/files/1102_Final_Report_11.1.2018.pdf.