accessIndiana

You asked, so we've gathered the answers in one place.

We know you have questions.

To make getting the answers as easy as possible, the Governor's Planning Council for People with Disabilities has gathered questions that people ask most often, with some helpful answers.

1. How many people with disabilities live in the United States?
2. How many people with disabilities live in Indiana/my county/city?
3. What does the Governor's Planning Council for People with Disabilities do?
4. How can I apply for Council funds to attend a conference or seminar?
5. How do I find out more about Medicaid Waivers /CHOICE?
6. What are Indiana's requirements for accessible parking spaces and ticketing?
7. How can I obtain a parking placard or licence plate for accessible parking?
8. How can I register to vote or obtain an absentee ballot?
9. How can I find out whether the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), applies to my situation ?
10. My apartment is not accessible and my landlord refuses to make changes. Does the ADA cover housing?
11. I applied for Disability Benefits from Social Security (SS) but was denied, what do I do next?
12. My child was just diagnosed with a disability, where can I find information?
13. I have a disability and would like to obtain employment, where do I go for help?
14. I need a wheelchair and can't afford it, where can I find assistance?
15. Are there any programs for people with disabilities that can help me purchase a home?
16. How do I find out who represents me in Congress and the Indiana General Assembly?

1. How many people with disabilities live in the United States?

   One Source of Good Information is the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/NIDRR/Research/ According to NIDRR, estimates of disability prevalence in the U.S. vary across data sets. Two of the most widely recognized sources of disability data, the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), fielded by the National Center for Health Statistics, and the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), implemented by the U.S. Bureau of the Census.(link), produce the following: Studies based on the 1992 NHIS data suggest that 15% of the general U.S. non-institutionalized population, approximately 38 million people, experience some activity limitation due to chronic health conditions or impairments. See DSC report #7, "Disability in the United States: Prevalence and Causes, 1992." Analyses of the 1996 SIPP data suggest that 19.7% of the general population, about 52.6 million people, live with some level of disability. SIPP data also suggest that about 33.0 million people (12.3 percent of the population) experience a severe disability (McNeil 2001).
   
   The Census Bureau Data on Disability is another good source of information: www.census.gov/hhes/www/disability.html Note: Figures DO NOT include children under age 5, people in institutions, or people in the military. According to the Census 2000 Brief on Disability Status, 19.3%, 49.7 million or nearly 1 in 5 people, have some type of long lasting condition or disability. The Census 2000 Brief on Disability Status includes more detailed information: www.census.gov/hhes/www/disable/disabstat2k/table3.html
   
   

2. How many people with disabilities live in Indiana/my county/city?

   The Census 2000 Brief on Disability Status includes estimates by state.
   www.census.gov/hhes/www/disable/disabstat2k/table3.html According to those figures Indiana's total population is 5,563,619;
   Of that number, 19.0% (5 and older non institutionalized) experience some level of disability;
   

   3.8% sensory
   8.3% physical
   4.8% Mental
   2.5% Self care
   
   Of people 16-64, 11.3% have an employment disability. For cities/counties use those percentages or percentages from another definition of disability and apply them to the relevant population statistics. Helpful statistical information can be found at:
   http://www.census.gov/census2000/states/in.html
   
   The Stats Indiana website also has some helpful data and charts:
   http://www.stats.indiana.edu/
   
   
3. What does the Governor's Planning Council for People with Disabilities do?

   The Indiana Governor's Planning Council for People with Disabilities is an independent state agency that facilitates change. Our mission is to promote public policy which leads to the independence, productivity and inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society. We do not provide direct services but instead, accomplish our mission through planning, evaluation, collaboration, education, model projects, research and advocacy.
   
   The Council receives and disseminates about 1.5 million dollars in federal funds to support innovative programs that are visionary, influence public policy, empower individuals and families and advocate systems change. Board members are appointed by the Governor and 60% must be people with disabilities or their family members. Some examples of projects/programs we fund include:
   

   • March, "Disabilities Awareness Month " - posters, bookmarks, planning packets, etc.
   • On Target newsletter- 12 issues per year (available on line)
   • Resource information - Awareness Activities booklet, Interacting with People with Disabilities brochure, The Legislative Process booklet, Medicaid Waiver guide and other information. (Most available on line)
   • Conferences, seminars and workshops
   • Scholarships for people with disabilities and family members to attend conferences
   • Information on best practice and recommendations sent to federal, state and local policy makers
   • Fifth Freedom Advocacy Network, Partners in Policymaking, Count Us IN/get out the disability vote, and other projects designed to empower consumers
   
   Please explore this website for more information on these and other activities of the Council. Go to: for more information about Council projects.
   
   
4. How can I apply for Council funds to attend a conference or seminar?

   Call the Council office to request a Consumer Involvement Fund (CIF) application packet or download a form from the website. Send completed forms to the Council as soon as possible, but no later than three weeks before an in state conference and five weeks before an out of state conference. INSOURCE is another organization that can sometimes provide assistance to parents of children in special education who wish to attend a conference. Call them at 1-800-332-4433.
   
   

5. How do I find out more about Medicaid Waivers /CHOICE?

   Call your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-986-3505. You will automatically be connected with your area's office. People with developmental disabilities should contact their local Bureau of Developmental Disabilities office. The Council has produced an informative booklet, Indiana Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waivers Services: A Guide for Consumers. Download a copy from the publications section of the website or call the office for a copy.
   
   

6. What are Indiana's requirements for accessible parking spaces and ticketing?

   In Indiana parking is not covered by the building code, instead there is a separate section of the code: Parking Facilities for Persons with Physical Disabilities -IC 5-16-9-1. The Council has published "The Advocates Guide to Accessible Parking" which contains a copy of the code as well as mock tickets, information on parking patrols and other material. You can also find a copy of the code through the ACCESS Indiana web site by going to: www.indiana.gov/legislative/ic/code/
   
   

7. How can I obtain a parking placard or licence plate for accessible parking?

   A parking placard or license plate with the international symbol of access is available for people who have lost the use of one or both legs, have a temporary or permanent disability that requires the use of a walker, wheelchair, braces or crutches, or are certified by a doctor to be impaired. There's no additional charge for license plates or up to 2 permanent placards. A temporary placard, which is effective for up to 6 months, costs $5.00. Pick up an application at your local license branch or you can print/download a copy of this and other helpful forms from the BMV website at: http://www.in.gov/bmv/forms/ (You will need the Adobe Acrobat reader to view or print the forms). The Indiana code governing accessible placards and plates is IC 9-14-5-1. You can find a copy of the code through the ACCESS Indiana web site by going to: www.indiana.gov/legislative/ic/code/
   
   

8. How can I register to vote or obtain an absentee ballot?

   The deadline for registering to vote is 30 days before an election. You can pick up a mail-in form at any library, state social service office, or license branch, call 1-800-753-VOTE and request that a form be mailed to you, or download a form at: http://www.in.gov/sos/elections/vote_reg.html Ask for larger numbers of forms if you plan to distribute them at an event or workshop. Contact your county election board or county clerk for an application if you wish to vote absentee. Requests must be made at least eight days before an election.
   
   For more helpful information on elections and voting go to http://www.in.gov/sos/elections/index.html
   
   The Council has produced the Voters Participation Guide which offers additional information. Please call or e-mail the Council office to request a copy.
   
   

9. How can I find out whether the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), applies to my situation ?

   Call the ADA Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center at 1-800-949-4232. DIBTC provides information, training, and technical assistance to people with disabilities, businesses and agencies. Their friendly TA staff will listen to your question and help you determine whether an ADA violation has occurred and what to do about it. They can also send you a wealth of informative material about various aspects of the ADA including employment or access issues related to government or private companies. You can also download or print many resource materials from the web site at: http://www.adata.org/
   
   

10. My apartment is not accessible and my landlord refuses to make changes. Does the ADA cover housing?

    Fair Housing is the law that covers access issues for apartments. Newly constructed apartment housing must have access features built in to a certain percentage of apartments, and common areas must provide access. HUD funded apartments must also make changes to provide access. In older non HUD funded apartments, and small owner occupied apartments, landlords are not required to pay for physical changes to provide access, unless the housing provider receives funding from the federal government. However, landlords must allow the tenant, at his own expense, to make reasonable changes to their units or to common areas if needed to provide access. Landlords must also modify policies, such as those regarding pets and reserved parking, if needed to accommodate a person with a disability with a service animal or mobility impairment. Both the Indiana and Federal Fair Housing statutes cover disability discrimination in housing and commercial real estate. The Act covers all kinds of housing-related transactions, including but not necessarily limited to rentals, home sales, mortgage lending, homeowner's insurance, home improvement and zoning. To file a complaint or receive more information contact the Indiana Civil Rights Commission at (800) 743-3333 or 232-2600. More specific information on the Fair Housing Act can be found at: http://www.fairhousing.com/
    
    

11. I applied for Disability Benefits from Social Security (SS) but was denied, what do I do next?

    People applying for the first time are often turned down initially, but are successful eventually after going through the appeals process. When you receive approval, benefits will be retroactive from the time you first applied. It's very important to provide copies of complete medical information and work history to your local Social Security Office when you apply for benefits. If you are turned down, follow the appeals procedure carefully to insure your application is re-considered. It's VERY important to keep a copy of all forms, letters, or materials submitted to Social Security. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask questions or request written information such as, The Social Security Handbook. The handbook has a detailed explanation of the entire program including appeals and can also be viewed or downloaded on line at: http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/ssa-hbk.htm Another helpful resource is the Appeals Process Guide and Overview of Federal Civil Rights available from Indiana Protection and Advocacy at 1-800-622-4845.
    
    The Indiana Disability Determination Bureau makes decisions on Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income disability claims for the citizens of the State of Indiana. Go to: http://www.in.gov/fssa/servicedisabl/ddars/ddb.html for more information including a list of local Social Security offices. If you need information about the status of your claim contact: Patrina Mahone, Disability Determination Bureau, P. O. Box 7069, Indianapolis, IN 46207-7069 1-800-622-4968, Ext. 2-1657. For general information about the program call Patricia Carew-Ceesay at ext 2-1657.
    
    In brief, there are three steps to the appeals process
    
    

    1. If the initial determination is denied, write requesting a redetermination within 60 days of receiving the notice and send in additional information depending on the reason for your original denial.
       
       
    2. If the reconsideration is denied write requesting a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) within 60 days after the date of receiving the notice of the reconsidered determination.
       
       
    3. If the ALJ decision is negative, write to request review by the Appeals Council within 60 days after the date of receiving the notice of the ALJ's decision. If the Appeals Court denies the claim, the case can be reviewed in federal court. You may be represented by an attorney or another qualified person (knowledgeable about SS) at any step in the proceedings. The person who represents you often charges a percentage of the retroactive benefits as a fee (25% max), if they are successful. Call your local Bar Association if you want a list of lawyers who specialize in disability benefits. The local Legal Services Organization can also represent very low income clients in this process.
    
    
    
12. My child was just diagnosed with a disability, where can I find information?

    Call the First Steps program office at 1-800-441-7837 or go to www.indiana.gov/ipin/search.html and use the search engine to enter your county and find out where to go to apply. Indiana's First Steps is a family-centered, coordinated system that provides early intervention services to children ages birth to three years old who: are experiencing developmental delays; have a diagnosed condition that has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay; or are at risk of having substantial developmental delay if early intervention services are not provided. Go to www.indiana.gov/ipin/first.html for more details about the program and services that can be provided.
    
    A general resource for families of children of all ages is the Indiana Parent Information Network. (IPIN) IPIN is a not-for-profit organization where parents, professionals and volunteers work together to support children with special needs. Contact them at 1-800-964-IPIN or go to: www.state.in.us/ipin/ NICHCY is an information and referral center that provides information on disabilities and disability-related issues. They focus on children and youth with disabilities (birth to age 22). They have fact sheets on specific disabilities, information on special education, and other helpful publications. Their information specialists are available to speak with you about your area of interest or concern. Call them at 1-800-695-0285, or e-mail nichcy@aed.org, or go to their website at: www.nichcy.org/
    
    

13. I have a disability and would like to obtain employment. Where do I go for help?

    The Indiana Office of Vocation Rehabilitation (VR) provides services to help people with disabilities prepare for, obtain and retain employment. Call, write, or visit any Vocational Rehabilitation Services office or facility. VR can provide assistance in obtaining adaptive technology, training or even a college degree, depending on the needs of the person and the person's employment goals. Go to http://www.in.gov/fssa/servicedisabl/vr/index.html for more information on VR including a list of local offices.
    
    If you are a VR client and need help in understanding the program, filing an appeal, or securing the services, call Protection and Advocacy services at 1-800-622-4845 and ask for the Client Assistance Program (CAP). For more information on the CAP program and VR go to http://www.in.gov/ipas/cap.html Another helpful resource to request from P&A is the Appeals Process Guide and Overview of Federal Civil Rights.
    
    

14. I need a wheelchair and can't afford it, where can I find assistance?

    Many organizations and programs provide funds or loans to purchase wheelchairs or other assistive equipment. Each program has different eligibility criteria related to age, income, the reason you need a wheelchair, and the type of disability you have. The best general source for information and referral is Assistive Technology through Awareness in Indiana (ATTAIN). Call toll free at 1-877- 812-5899 or go to http://www.attaininc.org/ ATTAIN's mission is to ensure that all people with disabilities in Indiana have access to assistive technology. They also have a loan program that can provided limited assistance to purchase adaptive equipment for people not eligible for other programs.
    
    

15. Are there any programs for people with disabilities that can help me purchase a home?

    There are a number of homeowners programs that assist low income individuals, with or without disabilities, with down payment assistance, low interest loans, tax credits, etc. The best place to call for information is the Indiana Housing Finance Association. IHFA can provide you with brochures about their various programs and local contacts. Call 232-7788 or check out the information on line at www.in.gov/ihfa/home/programs/programs.htm
    
    Another useful resources is: The Back Home Again in Indiana project at 317-274-6865 (for people with developmental disabilities and their families). This is part of a national program called Home of Your Own. There is a national web site with several helpful publications at http://alliance.unh.edu/
    
    Habitat for Humanity is another organization that may help. Habitat uses volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations to build and rehabilitate houses with the help of the low income homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit, financed with affordable, no-interest loans. The homeowners' monthly mortgage payments enter a revolving Fund for Humanity to build more houses. Indiana has 68 local affiliates go to: http://www.habitat.org/local/ for information about the affiliate near you. You may also send your name and address in an e-mail to public_info@habitat.org , or contact the Habitat Help Line at (912)924-6935, ext. 2551 or 2552.
    
    

16. How do I find out who represents me in Congress and the Indiana General Assembly?

    For the Indiana General Assembly or Federal legislators go to http://www.in.gov/apps/sos/legislator/search/ and enter your zip code. You can also call your local voter registration office located in your county government office to find out your district and representative. District maps, legislator websites and e-mail are also available on this site.