Resources for Parents and Guardians
Navigating services for individuals with disabilities can be overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure where to begin. ADEC is here to guide you through the process of accessing the funding and services your loved one may need.
Since 1952, ADEC has been providing support and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
ADEC’s Services Include:
- Residential Services (Group Homes and Supported Living)
- Day Services (Five Program Locations)
- Child and Family Services (Summer Camp and After-School Program)
- Therapy Services (Recreational Therapy, Music Therapy, and Behavior Management)
- Community Employment (Employment Services, Skills and Training Program, Project SEARCH, Pre-ETS)
- Guardianship Services
- Accessible Transportation
Roadmap to Accessing ADEC’s Services
Accessing ADEC Services Through Public Funding
Step One:
Make an appointment to meet with your local Bureau of Disabilities Services (BDS) office to determine if you may qualify for disability services through the Medicaid Waiver.
Step Two:
Upon qualifying for disability services through BDS, you will be assigned a case manager. Your case manager will meet with you to discuss the personalized services you are looking to receive.
Step Three:
Your case manager will share with you a list of organizations that can provide the services you are looking to receive based on your resources.
Step Four:
Contact the organizations you wish to receive services from based on the provided list from your case manager.
Step Five:
If ADEC is listed as a chosen organization to provide your services, contact the appropriate ADEC personnel to begin the transition process into receiving services.
Accessing ADEC Services Through Private Pay
ADEC offers services to individuals through public funding, like the Medicaid waiver, or through private pay. If you do not qualify for services through public funding, but wish to receive ADEC’s services through private pay, you can contact the appropriate ADEC personnel for your service inquiry.
Accessing Employment Services
If interested in ADEC’s employment services, your first step will be to contact Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). ADEC works directly with VR and may be able to help provide employment services. If referred to ADEC by VR, you can contact ADEC’s Director of Employment Services at faltynskis@adecinc.com.
ADEC’s Program Contacts
Residential Services
Gale LeCount
lecountg@adecinc.com
Day Programs
Jenica Lewallen
lewallenj@adecinc.com
Child & Family Services
Christy Irwin
irwinc@adecinc.com
Therapy Services
Christy Irwin
irwinc@adecinc.com
Guardianship Services
Tobi Weirich
weiricht@adecinc.com
Transportation Services
Allie Dobski
dobskia@adecinc.com
Community Employment
Susan Faltynski
faltynskis@adecinc.com
Additional resources to help you on your journey
ADEC
Has been providing services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1952. Services include Residential (Group Homes and Supported Living), Employment Services (Employment Services, Skills Training, Project SEARCH, and Pre-ETS), Day Services (at 5 locations), Child and Family Services (Summer Camp and After School), Therapies (Recreational Therapy, Music Therapy, and Behavior Management).
Bureau of Disabilities Services (BDS)
A division of FSSA which provides services for individuals with disabilities. BDS assists individuals in receiving community support and residential services. Be sure to notify the BDS office if you move or have any changes in your household. If you live in Elkhart or St. Joseph counties, you are in District 2. 401 E. Colfax Ave, Suite 270, South Bend, IN. Or phone: 877.218.3059
Waivers
In Indiana, there are multiple waivers, and you can get one based on the type of disability (medical or developmental) and level of care your child needs. Waiver services can cover some services and supports that are not available under traditional Medicaid. Upon diagnosis of an intellectual or developmental disability, a guardian should apply for a Medicaid Waiver.
Social Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a federal program that makes monthly payments to people with low income who are disabled. A child may qualify if they meet Social Security’s definition of disability for children, and your family has limited income and resources.
First Steps
If your child is under 3 years of age, you should contact the First Steps program for your county. The phone number for the local First Steps Coordinator may be obtained by calling 1-800-441-7837.
Navigating the Course: Finding Your Way through Indiana’s Special Education Rules
If your child is between 3-21 years of ages contact your local school district to find out about options in your area. It is important that you understand the rules and regulations in Indiana regarding Special Education. A guide to help you learn about this is Navigating the Course: Finding Your Way Through Indiana’s Special Education Rules
Public Insurance
There are several forms of public insurance that may be available to you depending on your family’s situation. Medicaid, Medicaid Disability and Children’s Special Health Care Services are all programs to check into for possible coverage of medical expenses.
