On March 7th, Indiana APSE hosted a "Storm the Statehouse" event. Our goal was to follow up on last years Employment First legislation, and empower members to contact their state lawmakers to advocate for change related to employment for people with disabilities. Featured speakers were Indiana State Senator John Ruckelshaus, APSE Board President Derek Nord, and Director of Indiana BRS Theresa Koleszar. Many Senators and Representatives expressed their support but were unable to join us due to busy schedules as we near the end of the legislative session. We hope that everyone will continue to reach out to their local politicians as we continue to move forward with Employment First goals.
APSE Statement on Employment First
How to Contact your Legislators
IN-APSE Winter Training Event for Northern Indiana Region - Click here for details.
OCTOBER IS NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH
NDEAM is an annual event focused on the incredible talents of the one-in-five Americans who have disabilities. In a statement to kick off NDEAM this year, U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta said, "smart employers know that including different perspectives in problem-solving situations leads to better solutions. Hiring employees with diverse abilities strengthens their business, increases competition and drives innovation."
NDEAM is an opportunity to celebrate such role models and continue to fight stigmas and advance opportunities for people with disabilities. Advancing opportunities requires willing employers that understand the talents people with disabilities bring to the work place. Where do we find those employers? We find them in the incredible work of both the National Organization on Disability (NOD) and the U.S. Business Leadership Network (USBLN).
Waiver Amendments for Direct Care Staff Wage Increases Approved
On September 18, 2017, the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) received approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS) 1915(c) home and community-based services Family Supports Waiver (FSW) and Community Integration and Habilitation (CIH) Waiver amendments. The mandated 5 percent rate increase for specific services provided under the FSW and CIH waivers with the intent to use the rate increase to increase wages for direct care staff is effective October 1, 2017. For more information about this Reimbursement Rate Increase, please click here.
Check out this article for information explaining all the various healthcare proposals and how they impact various populations:
Governor Holcomb signs bill to help people with disabilities find jobs!
tHE bILL pASSED IN THE hOUSE!!
3/20/2017
As expected, SB 390 was voted on today in the Indiana State House of Representatives. The bill passed 97 votes-0, and now goes back to the Senate for a couple of minor amendments to be approved. This is happening everyone! Employment First legislation will be a reality in Indiana within the next few weeks!
tHE BILL IS ON IT'S WAY...
3/14/2017
On Tuesday, March 14th, members of IN-APSE and other statewide partners testified before the Indiana House Sub-Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform in support of Employment First legislation (SB 390). Indiana moved one step closer to becoming the 33rd state with Employment First legislation as the bill passed 12-0. The video of the testimony can be viewed below.
https://iga.in.gov/information/archives/2017/video/committee_government_and_regulatory_reform_1000/
27th Annual INAPSE cONFERENCE daTES ARE SET!
IN‐APSE, 27th Annual Conference
Picture the Possibilities: Changing the Face of Employmentwill be this year's theme!
Great training and networking opportunities are ahead! Save the Date!