Navigating Support Systems for Individuals with a Disability
written by Christopher Baskins
In many cases bettering competitive integrated employment outcomes for the disabled community involve just the right support systems to be in place within the region in which they live. However, the challenges to employment associated with having a disability can be minimized through increased family and community support, as well as employer’s willingness to provide reasonable accommodations.
Family support can start with familiar systems such as immediate family, faith based organizations, schools, and clubs. These are mentioned first because for many navigating smaller systems can lead to the confidence necessary for finding one’s place in the community and navigating larger systems. It also must be realized that networking can play a large role in landing a job tailored to an individual’s economic and social needs.
Fortunately, there are also levels of support provided in the broader community, state level, and even on a Federal level.
Throughout an individual’s various life stages support from immediate family or caregivers is extremely important. Providing rides to appointments, providing shelter, IEP participation, and advocacy are only a small portion of the support in which an individual with a disability will require from caregivers or family. It is not uncommon for families to need support in supporting an individual seeking employment either. There exists a myriad of resources for supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. One resource that can sometimes be overlooked is support groups and disability-specific support groups. These groups can typically be found on websites, library bulletin boards, and healthcare provider offices. Some examples of organizations that have established support groups include, but are not limited to the American Council for the Blind, Autism Society of Indiana, and the ALS Association. It is also important to note that due to the current pandemic, many of these groups have set up virtual access by computers, phones, and smart devices which make it easier for families to participate.
Some other sources for support can be found in the list below:
Bosma
Vocational Rehabilitation
BDDS
Arc of Indiana
Indiana Institute on Disability and Community
INSILC
Essential supplements to the types of support above that can be incorporated into a family’s support system are state agencies such as Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). This agency implements services such as Medicaid waivers, and is primarily where funding lies for supporting families with individuals with a disability. Many qualify for these waivers and don’t even know it. Medicaid waivers can provide such services as day services, in house family care, assisted living, case management services, transition services, assistive technology, and other environmental modifications which greatly contribute to community integration of those with a disability. Please feel free to call 1-800-403-0864 to inquire about the waivers and support you can receive that can greatly promote the independence of individuals who have a disability.
Finally, a resource that can help bridge the gaps between all services, and assist in ensuring all of an individual with a disability’s goals are met are independent living centers. A peer based resource, IL centers implement person centered planning by empowering individuals with a disability to take control of their lives through self-advocacy and other means of navigating systems that promote independence.
Independent living centers assist individuals through the application of five core services:
Peer counseling
Information and referral
Individual and systems advocacy
Independent living skills training
Transition services for both younger and older adults
In Conclusion
All independent living centers operate under the guidance of individuals with a disability which has shown to be effective in helping individuals with a disability increase and sustain independence. These centers are scattered out through Indiana, and can be a great step towards establishing the support necessary for securing employment and remaining independent. For anyone who feels as if they could use a little support in navigating all of the resources please feel free to track down your local IL center by contacting the Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council (INSILC) at 1-(844)-446-7452, or visit this website to access the statewide directory.
About the writer
Christopher Baskins was born legally blind due to a rare genetic condition, and after moving to Indiana from Florida as a teenager graduated from the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually impaired. Chris received an A.A.S in Liberal Arts from Ivy Tech Community College, and a Bachelors in Social Work (BSW) from Indiana University, Bloomington. He currently works for the Southern Indiana Center for Independent Living as an Independent Living Coordinator.
Christopher has recently purchased his first home in Bloomington where he currently resides with his partner Candice, also alumni of the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, as well as his two kids. Chris also loves to explore new cities with his family and likes to enjoy the great outdoors by visiting lakes, parks, and trails around Southern Indiana. Chris can also be found engaging with the community through various volunteer opportunities such as Wheelchair ramp building, The Lion’s Club, the Council for Community Accessibility, and so much more.
Christopher Baskins, Independent Living Coordinator at Southern Indiana Center for Independent Living