Lessons from the National Convention – We are Not Alone

October 7th, 2011 by

I recently attended The Arc of the United State’s Annual Convention held in Denver, Colorado. It was wonderful to network with colleagues from across the national, but sad to realize that services and programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are getting hit hard everywhere, not just in Indiana.

It was energizing to hear the buzz about what The Arc of Indiana is doing with the Building Pathways to Empowerment Campaign and hear that people around the country are looking forward to seeing the Blueprint for Change.

Several of the national speakers at the Convention commented on our bold actions and one, who served on our Big Minds Groups, was able to speak first hand on the issues being addressed.

The fact of the matter is we are not alone. Nationwide people are trying to think of new, bold ways to improve the service delivery system for people with I/DD. We do not just represent the thousands of people receiving services, we also represent the thousands more waiting for services. We must find a system that balances the needs and get services to those who need them most.

We must empower families and self advocates to shift the power to what works. We must create a system that has less bureaucratic red tape and places more control and responsibility with families and people with I/DD.

Many across the country have their eyes on Indiana and how families, self advocates, and providers will react to the Blueprint for Change. Now is the time for bold action – a time to renew our commitment to working together to achieve a better life for people with I/DD and their families.

Kim Dodson is The Arc of Indiana’s Associate Executive Director



Doing Better with Less

June 6th, 2011 by

It is not doing more with less …. now it is doing BETTER WITH LESS.   

I recently was at the Board retreat for CDC Resources, The Arc chapter in White, Jasper, Newton and Benton Counties.  Executive Director Mike Cruz shared with the Board that their mantra for many years was to figure out how to do more with less.  “Well,” he said, “we cannot do that any more, so now we have to figure out how to do better with less.” 

Doing better with less will mean finding new ways of meeting people’s needs – often difficult if not impossible given regulations and bureaucracy that make work so complex.  

I shared with them that coming out of our Pathways project – and not said quite so succinctly as doing better with less - is the reality that change is coming from the federal and state level and we will have to find these new ways to do better. 

When I shared that quote with Mike Carney, another local Arc Executive Director, he agreed.  He also said we need to realize that while what we are doing today is good, and perhaps better than we have ever done up to now, it certainly is not the best we can do or the best we will ever be.  

So our challenge, as it has been since The Arc started, is to keep aiming for something better.  If that means changing rules, breaking down the red tape and starting fresh, than that is what we need to do.  People are counting on us.  

John Dickerson is the Executive Director of The Arc of Indiana. 



As Pathways Campaign Moves Forward, Commitment to Help Those Waiting & In Services Continues

November 15th, 2010 by

Last week The Arc of Indiana kicked off the next phase of the Pathways Campaign, announcing five initiatives that are now the focus of this collaborative effort to redefine Indiana’s system of programs and services for people with developmental disabilities:

  • Use What You Need
  • Look to Work – from Paid to Volunteer
  • Realize Gifts
  • Support Resourcefulness
  • Shift the Power – What Works/What doesn’t Work

As the Pathways Campaign moves forward, we must also continue the important work of helping people access services that are currently available.  This includes assuring that people continue to move off waiting lists, assuring that the state provides Medicaid waivers to people facing an emergency or crisis and to young adults who have “aged out” of children’s residential services, and helping individuals and families receiving new Waiver allocations through the new Objective Based Allocation system.  

Despite these difficult economic times, a report from the Bureau of Development Disabilities Services shows that 102 new people were able to receive Medicaid waiver services in October.  

BDDS October Medicaid Waiver Report
New People Served  

  5 –  Autism Waiver Waiting List
14 –  DD Waiver Waiting List
12 –  Loss of Primary Caregiver
  8 –  Caregiver Aged 80 or Older
16 -  SSW / Special Education Current Graduates
31 -  SSW / Special Education Graduates on Waiting List
16 -  SSW / Waiting List
102  New people served  

With waiting lists now reaching over 20,000 people, the wait for too many families remains too long. While we are working for systems change through the Pathways Campaign, we remain committed to advocating for and working with the state to move as many people as possible off waiting lists each month, and to providing Medicaid waivers to those facing emergency, crisis or an end to school aged residential programs.  We also remain committed to helping individuals and families through the new Objective Based Allocation system.   

We are here to help.  Contact us at 800-382-9100 or thearc@arcind.org and we can direct you to a family advocate in your area through The Arc Network.   

We also need your help.  If you have not done so already, join us in the Pathways Campaign. You can keep up-to-date by signing up to receive our E-Newsletters, joining us on Facebook, and attending one of the regional forums we are hosting on the campaign that will begin in February.  

You can help us and others learn what is working for you or what is working in your community to support people with developmental disabilities in new or innovative ways – despite these difficult economic times – by sharing a story, photo, or video on the Innovation section of our Pathways web site; and you can learn from each other through the Message Boards on the Pathways web site.   

These are indeed challenging times, but also exciting times.  Working together, I am convinced we can and will achieve positive change.



Mapping a New Course

November 12th, 2010 by

Mapping a new course is not easy, but I am extremely pleased with the response The Arc received from the over 300 people who came to The Arc of Indiana’s November 9th conference  to learn about new initiatives set out in the Pathways campaign to reform Indiana’s system of services for people with developmental disabilities. 

As we move forward in this next phase of the campaign there is much work to be done.  Having such willing partners at the grassroots level willing to join in this important work is wonderful.   The success of this effort will depend  on the creativity and ingenuity of people in Hoosier communities throughout Indiana. 

Five key initiatives came out of the work of the Big Minds Group that are now the focus of reform:

  • Use What You Need
  • Look to Work – From Paid to Volunteer
  • Realize Gifts
  • Support Resourcefulness
  • Shift the Power: What works/what doesn’t work

You can view the power point presentation from the conference that lays out these five initiatives by visiting: “Building Pathways to Empowerment, Mapping a New Course.”

Learning and working together will be essential to the success of this reform effort. 

We welcome you to use the “Innovation” section of our Pathways web site to share what is working in your family, school, town, church, agency etc.  On “Innovation” you can upload photos, videos and stories to help others see what might work for them and provide valuable information that could be an important piece of information in reforming the overall system.   

I recently spent the morning with a mother who had not thought of volunteering as something that might be an important part of her son’s life – even though when we talked she shared that he loves to help out at his church.  This young man has severe cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities and is not able to speak.  When case managers and providers talked to her about him working, she thought that they had absolutely no idea what they were talking about.  But, when we talked about what he likes to do at church, and the people there that appreciate what he does, a new world of understanding was opened to her – perhaps “work” could mean something other than a traditional “job.”

In my many years of working at The Arc, I cannot remember a time when the state was facing more difficult economic times.  I also cannot remember a time when I have felt more energized by the very real ability of Hoosiers to come together to make positive change happen. 

I thank those of you who are already part of this effort. If you have not yet joined in the campaign, I welcome you to be a part of change by joining in the Building Pathways to Empowerment Campaign. 

Learn more!  Visit our Pathways website



As Elections Near, It’s Crunch Time for Pathways Advocates

October 1st, 2010 by

When The Arc of Indiana began planning the Building Pathways to Empowerment Campaign we envisioned an effort that would reach out and educate candidates for public office (regardless of party), recognizing that those who win will be taking actions that will impact Hoosiers with disabilities and their families.  A grassroots advocacy program was planned, trainings were held, and “Pathway Advocates” across the state were asked to educate and inform candidates.  

I have been so pleased with the efforts of so many people.  Candidates are being visited at debates, parades and fish fries; they are hearing from folks via email and regular mail; and hundreds of pieces of Pathways materials are being distributed.  My thanks to all who have been working so hard.  

We are now in the last month before the elections –  it’s “crunch time.” Please keep reaching out to all of the candidates. If you are a Pathways Advocate and need more materials and handouts we’ll get them to you; and be sure to share with us what you’re doing.

If you haven’t started making candidate contacts or you are new to all of this, it’s not too late to begin. If you haven’t attended any of the trainings, no problem. Contact me!  We have resources and can provide information and support to get you started. WE NEED EVERYONE to share their stories and raise awareness about the important issues facing the disability community. 

Call me at 317-977-2386 or 800-382-9100; or email me at mkevitt@arcind.org.   The folks who will be elected this fall need to know that their constituents care about disability issues and want their elected officials to understand these issues.  We can do it, or to borrow a phrase from a past political campaign, “Yes we can!”

Mark Kevitt
Director of Program Services



Good News, Bad News

June 4th, 2010 by

There was some good news and news that is not at all good this week.   The bit of good news came in the latest revenue report, showing that state revenue may exceeded the revised budget forcast for the third month in a row.  This is encouraging; however, state revenue is still below the original forcast that the two-year budget was built on. 

The not good news is that another round of cuts has been made that will be very difficult for Hoosiers with disabilities.  As of July 1, Indiana’s statewide crisis assistance program will shut down.  This important program served well over 1,500 people with developmental disabilities each year – people who were in extreme crisis.  It will be very difficult to keep people facing such a crisis safe without this program. 

The need to address revenue and look at how funds are being spent is why  The Arc has launched the Building Pathways to Empowerment campaign.  The new home page of the Pathways section of our web site  is now live, and there will soon be special sections including ways to share innovations, message boards, the latest news, and a calendar related to Pathways events and meetings.

The loss of the Crisis Assistance Program only underscores the importance of moving forward with the Pathways Campaign.  We encourage you to learn more and to join in this important effort.



Remembering Our Pioneers, and Thanks to You Pioneers of the Future

May 28th, 2010 by

As we approach Memorial Day, it is  important to remember those who have given so much to bring the developmental disabilities movement to this point.  It came home so powerfully this week.  

I was privileged to be the speaker for Down Syndrome Indiana’s fourth Tuesday family session at St. Luke’s UMC  in Indianapolis.  And into this meeting came a young family with a two-month old beautiful little girl.  Like any new parents they were so proud of this first addition to their family. Thanks to our wonderful pioneers, before they left the hospital their daughter was enrolled in First Steps - a program The Arc partnered with so many to make sure every baby with a disability in the state can receive early intervention services.  Also before they left the hospital, they were put in touch with Down Syndrome Indiana and made welcome.  And that night they learned about The Arc and our Pathways Campaign.  

None of this would have been possible without the dedicated actions of so many pioneers who have gone before – many who are now no longer with us.  This little girl has a future that is so much brighter because of their work, and yours.     

One of our founders often told the story that the church her family had gone to for years was willing to host one of the first family meetings in the early 50′s; but, they asked this mom to tell parents not to bring their children because they were worried about damage to the church!  As a result that mom moved the meeting and her family to another church!  

We certainly have come a very long way.  And it seems today much of that progress is threatened by an economy and a state budget that is very challenging.  It is going to be a time of great change.  It is our job to make sure that the right changes are made.   

It has been exciting to see the response to our Building Pathways to Empowerment Campaign.  Families, providers and self-advocates have welcomed the opportunity to focus on the future.   

An important part of the Pathways Campaign is the formation of what we call the “Big Minds Group.”  This group, made up of some of the best minds in the disability field from across the country, is already taking part in individual interviews, responding to questions on the possibilities they see for the future.  Soon, you can participate in answering these questions as part of our Pathways website.  (Learn more about the Big Minds Group and plans for the website by listening to the latest A View from My Window audiocast, “A View into an Update on Building Pathways.”  

As you look to the work ahead, remember, someone in the distant future is going to look back with thanks for what you do today and the tremendous difference it is making in their life.   

Wishing you and your family and happy and safe Memorial Day, and remembering all those wonderful pioneers who will live on through their actions that continue to make a difference.



Telling Your Story – Putting a Face on “Faceless” Budget Cuts

April 23rd, 2010 by

Further state budget cuts were announced yesterday, but how the cuts will be implemented remains unclear.  Governor Daniels has asked all state agencies to reduce their budgets by a total of 15% – this does include the 10% cuts already announced last week that touch many of the programs for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.   

At this point, FSSA has indicated they are working to address the additional 5% cut through contract reductions that do not affect individuals or require further rate cuts, but no guarantees can be made. 

6 News in Indianapolis  reported on the impact of budget cuts, including interviews with me and Noble of Indiana – the local chapter of The Arc in Marion and Hamiliton counties.  Take a view minutes to view 6 News’ Kara Kenny’s report. 

This latest news only underscores the importance of The Arc’s Building Pathways to Empowerment Campaign.  A critical piece of that campaign is to put a “face” on the “faceless” impact of budget cuts.  To do that, we need to hear your story.   

This week we hosted a forum on Early Intervention and Education, and heard from Barb Kleist of The Arc of Greater Twin Cities, MN on the importance of telling your story.  Our web site will soon provide a simple way to share your story, upload video and share photos.  We will also have video clips of Barb’s presentation on why sharing your story is so important, and simple tips on how to to share your story in the most effective way.  

The Arc has a long history of making a difference – but only because families and self-advocates can make a very real and personal connection with policy makers on the impact of their decisions.   

Continue to keep up-to-date with our Building Pathways to Empowerment Campaign by checking in on my blog, connecting with us on Facebook, following us on Twitter and signing up to receive our E-Newsletter. You can find quick links to all of these on our web site, www.arcind.org

I look forward to hearing from you, and learning more about your story!



In Difficult Times, Remembering a Founder’s Words

April 16th, 2010 by

Many years ago, during one of our more trying days at the Indiana General Assembly, I made the trip to Rushville to speak at the Rush County Arc annual dinner.  I must admit on that day I was weary, feeling the weight of the people who did not believe in what we were trying to do.  A moment from that night remains in great clarity with me today.

I was talking with one of our founders, who at that time was just months away from having to move into a nursing home as she was becoming more and more frail.  This woman, who started organizing our movement in 1949, asked me how things were going.  And in a self-indulgent moment I complained about the folks who just did not understand how difficult it was to get legislators to move forward.  She looked at me – all 5 foot 2 inches and probably 95 pounds of her – and gave me a stern look.  She waved her hand around, and said, “Look at all we have accomplished, more than I ever dreamed of!”  Then she looked me square in the eye and said, “John, when do you ever think it was easy.”

That message has stayed with me these many years.  We certainly are in no easy times.  The announcements over the last two days that FSSA is making cuts to funding in Voc. Rehab. and Medicaid Waivers bring more challenges to us.  The economic realities the state faces is making life more challenging for people with disabilities and their families.  Yet, it is important to put things in context.

The $30 million cut from the Medicaid Waiver program is very significant.  But what remains is nearly $470 million dollars a year.  The $12 million cut in the group home program is also significant.  But what remains is just under $400 million.  The overall budget for DDRS this year is over $1 billion and serves 17,500 people.   I remember in the early 80s when we were working hard to establish just 50 new group home beds for the entire state.

These cuts are going to be very difficult to absorb, and as we said in our statement yesterday, we need to find new answers, including eliminating bureaucracy and needless paperwork that adds no value to people’s lives.  But we also have to look to more than just what we have always done.  We are doing this through our Building Pathways to Empowerment campaign.

It has never been easy, and will not be so for a long time, but people are counting on us, both those who have help today, and those facing a waiting list decades long.  Thanks for all you do.



March Revenue Picture Improved, but State Budget Concerns Continue

April 8th, 2010 by

Building Pathways to Empowerment Campaign Taking Shape

For the first time in 18 months, the state’s revenue exceeded the forecast. As an editorial in the Fort Wayne News Sentinel stated:

“Tax collections for March were $908 million, $7 million more than for the same period last year, $2 million above a May 2009 budget forecast and $48 million above a December 2009 revised forecast.  But Indiana officials are right to urge caution in greeting this news, and agencies that have faced severe budget cuts should not be rubbing their hands together in anticipation of the money rolling in.”

“For one thing, March represents another net negative month compared to the budget, and new expenses are always possible. For example, recently passed federal health care reform will immediately cost the state budget $25 million as the federal government takes pharmacy rebates previously going to the state.   And for another, we don’t know yet whether this is the beginning of a new trend or, as state Budget Director Chris Ruhl puts it, an ‘interruption for one month’ of the trend of ‘revenues consistently missing the budget plan and prior year amounts.’”

“Year-to-date collections are still $867 million below the budget forecast last May, the forecast that was used for the current two-year budget. And when that budget expires June 30, 2011, the state is expected to have gone through all or most of the $1.3 billion surplus it started the fiscal year with, despite the hundreds of millions cut from the budget by Gov. Mitch Daniels since it was enacted.”

We are getting so many positive comments on our Building Pathways to Empowerment Campaign and are excited that people are eager to get involved and work toward the goals of redesigning Indiana’s system to meet peoples needs within the new financial realities we all face.

The Arc of Indiana Board has established the Pathways Committee chaired by Laura Vieck of Vincennes whose son Aaron is on the Support Services Waiver.  This committee will be coordinating the overall campaign.

David Mank, Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, has agreed to chair the Big Minds Group, which will bring together the 20 best minds in America to help us answer these key questions.  We are excited that John O’Brien and Connie Lyle, two of the most respected people in the developmental disability field have already agreed to participate.

The communication plan is underway and our chapters have been asked to help us get before community groups like Rotary and Kiwanis to tell our story.  We are already booked in two communities.  Our goal is over 100 presentations between now and November, and in each community we want to do local interviews with radio and newspapers.  

We are also asking chapters to identify parents and self-advocates who will undergo training to speak to other community groups.  If you would like to join that effort contact Mark Kevitt, The Arc of Indiana’s Director of Program Services, at mkevitt@arcind.org.

We have identified key Indiana House and Senate races where we will be making a special effort to education candidates about the importance of what is happening to people with disabilities and their families.

Connie Dillman, CEO Tangram and Kelly Hartman, CEO Insights Consulting have agreed to help us reach out to the provider community to help tell them about the Pathways Campaign and engage people in getting families and self-advocates involved.

And we were very pleased that on March 31 we hosted eight major disability groups and asked them to become partners in the Pathways Campaign.  We already have partners signed up who will be joining others in this effort as Pathways Partners – Advocates.

This is an undertaking like no other in recent times, but we are experiencing challenges unlike any in my 38 years in the field.   I find the support humbling, the challenges daunting, but the people getting involved give me the confidence that this will work.   Thank you and stay in touch.



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