Emergency Planning Tools

 Disasters can happen anywhere, anytime. Preparing now helps protect your family and community when it matters most.

• • Ready Kids – FEMA Tools for Kids, Teens, and Families

  • Get Prepared – Indiana’s Public Education Initiative

Virtual Office Hours – Employment Supports

A weekly virtual drop-in session hosted by Indiana University’s CCLC (Center for Community Learning and Collaboration) and INSTRC staff, who are specialists in employment supports for young adults with disabilities. Discuss job search strategies, workplace accommodations, and any questions related to employment. Receive personalized guidance from experienced staff in a supportive, confidential environment.

When: Every Thursday, 2:30 – 4:30 PM ET

How to join:

• • • Zoom: go.iu.edu/8q12

    • Email questions in advance: cclc@iu.edu or instrc@iu.edu

Cost: Free

Who can attend:

• • • Young adults with disabilities and their families seeking guidance on employment opportunities

    • Anyone interested in learning about workplace supports and accommodations

Getting Started: Your Planning Checklist

1. 1. Gather Information: Learn about your health conditions and potential treatment options.

   2. Talk with Loved Ones: Share your thoughts, values, and wishes with your family.

   3. Appoint Your Representatives: Formally choose who will be your Power of Attorney and Health Care Representative.

   4. Complete the Paperwork: Fill out the legal documents (Living Will, POA, HCR forms) or get help from an Elder Law Attorney or Indiana Legal Aid.

   5. Discuss with Your Doctor: Review your decisions and forms with your physician.

   6. Share & Store Your Documents: Give copies to your representatives, doctors, and local hospital. Keep the originals in a safe, accessible place.

• • Autism Evaluations at EAE Hub Locations
    Clinics across Indiana that partner with local doctors to evaluate children at higher risk for autism. New locations are added yearly.

  • Autism Society of Indiana
    Statewide nonprofit offering advocacy, training, and support services for individuals with autism and their families.

  • Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA)
    Based at Indiana University’s Indiana Institute on Disability and Community; offers workshops, training, and resources for families, educators, and professionals.

  • Hands in Autism
    Provides training, resources, and direct consultation for families, educators, and professionals serving individuals on the autism spectrum. 

  • INSOURCE (Indiana Resource Center for Families with Special Needs)
    Helps families navigate special education and related services, including IEPs for children with autism.

  •  Indiana Family to Family
    Provides peer support and guidance for families raising children or youth with special health care needs, including autism.

  • The Arc of Indiana
    Advocacy, resources, and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism.

  • Indiana ABA Providers Directory (BHCOE)
    Search tool for locating Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and ABA therapy providers in Indiana.

  • First Steps Early Intervention
    State program offering early intervention services for children under 3 with developmental delays or disabilities, including autism.

➡️ Explore Additional Autism-Specific Funding Opportunities

• Older Independent Blind Program
  For Hoosiers age 55+ with severe vision loss, the Older Independent Blind Program offers free training, adaptive tools, and support to help maintain independence. Learn more here.

• Low Vision Focus at Hadley
  Free audio recordings offering tips and techniques for living well with low vision.

• Talking Books and Braille Library
  Provides accessible reading materials in audio and braille formats for individuals with visual impairments.

• Best Android Apps for People with Low Vision
  Curated list of apps to assist with accessibility, navigation, and daily living.

• Be My Eyes
  Connects blind or low vision users with volunteers and companies through live video and AI assistance.

• The League of the Blind
  Offers Orientation & Mobility (O&M) training as part of low vision rehabilitation, helping individuals navigate independently and safely.

Access the referral form here.

• Blind and Visually Impaired Services of Indiana
  Provides a compiled list of additional resources and support services for individuals with vision loss.

➡️ Explore Additional Vision-Specific Funding Opportunities

• Indiana Cancer Consortium (ICC)
  Statewide network focused on cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship in Indiana.

• Indiana Department of Health – Cancer Control Program
  Provides prevention resources, screening programs, and cancer data for Indiana residents.

• Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
  NCI-designated center offering advanced cancer care, research, and clinical trials.

• American Cancer Society – Indiana
  Offers cancer information, local support programs, transportation assistance, and advocacy.

• Little Red Door Cancer Agency
  Provides screenings, patient navigation, nutritional support, and wellness programs in central Indiana.

➡️ Explore Additional Cancer Specific Funding Opportunities

• • United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Indiana (UCP)
    Offers advocacy, information, referral services, and support for individuals with cerebral palsy and their families.

  • Cerebral Palsy Guidance
    Provides expert-reviewed medical, legal, and financial resources for individuals with CP and their families.

  • Cerebral Palsy Foundation
    National nonprofit focused on research, innovation, and practical resources for improving the lives of people with CP.

  • Indiana Family to Family
    Offers one-on-one guidance for families of children with special health care needs, including CP, connecting them to resources and support.

  • Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (RHI)
    Provides inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs for individuals with cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions.

➡️ Explore Additional CP Specific Funding Opportunities

• • Camp Face - Riley Children's Hospital
    Camp About Face helps children and teens with cleft lip or craniofacial differences build confidence, make friends, and develop life skills through fun, therapeutic activities like swimming, horseback riding, and team games. A Leadership Academy is also available for ages 16–18.  A registration fee is required to attend. For the most current information on camp fees, scholarships, and other grants, please visit our Funding Opportunities Page

• • American Heart Association – Indiana
    Offers education, advocacy, and resources for people affected by heart disease and stroke.

  • National Kidney Foundation of Indiana
    Supports individuals with kidney disease through prevention programs, education, and patient assistance.

  • Indiana ALS Association
    Provides care services, equipment loan programs, and advocacy for those living with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

  • National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Indiana
    Offers support groups, financial assistance, and wellness resources for individuals with MS.

  • Pulmonary Hypertension Association
    Provides resources, peer support, and education for people living with pulmonary hypertension.

➡️ Explore Additional Critical Illness Specific Funding Opportunities

• Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services (DDRS/BRS)
  Provides statewide support and referrals for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, including ASL interpreter standards, workshops, and resource directories.

• Indiana Association of the Deaf (IAD)
  A nonprofit advocacy group representing over 400,000 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Hoosiers, focusing on policy influence, community engagement, and empowerment.

• Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education
  Offers assessment, educational support, and communication development services for Indiana children from birth through school entry, coordinating with early intervention and school

• Deaf Community Services – Easterseals Crossroads
  Licensed social workers provide advocacy, education, outreach, and referrals tailored to Indiana’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities.

• Indiana Hands & Voices
  A parent-led, non-profit support network offering tools, assessments, and guidance specifically for families of Deaf or Hard of Hearing children—neutral on communication approach.

• Great Day Café
  The Great Day Café provides a welcoming space for adults with memory challenges and their caregivers to connect, enjoy themed activities, and access helpful resources. Held at the Allen County Public Library, events are free, encourage socialization, and offer opportunities to build new support networks.

• GUIDE Model of Care
  Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience.  Ongoing support for individuals with dementia (living alone or with caregivers). Services include annual assessments, care coordination, and connection to resources. Eligible participants must have traditional Medicare (A & B).

• Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
  An all-in-one healthcare program for adults 55+ who are eligible for nursing home care but want to continue living in the community. The PACE all-inclusive model covers all preventive, primary, acute, and long-term care needs through a single, coordinated plan, often with no out-of-pocket costs for those with both Medicare and Medicaid.
  Please note: PACE is an alternative to Medicaid Waiver services; you cannot be enrolled in both programs at the same time.

• Aging Brain Care (ABC) Community Program
  This free program provides evidence-based support for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's Disease or other dementias. A personal Care Coach works with you to create a personalized plan to develop better coping strategies, reduce stress, and avoid burnout. This service is available at no cost, either independently or alongside other programs.

• TRIAD: Safety Programs for Older Adults
  TRIAD is a partnership between local law enforcement and social service agencies that promotes safety for older adults. In Allen County, its programs include emergency registration and support for individuals with memory impairments. For more information, contact the Aging and In-Home Services at 260-469-3036. If you live elsewhere, contact your local Aging & Disability Resource Center to see if a TRIAD program is available in your area.

• Northeast Indiana Dementia Alliance (NIDA)
  A collaboration supporting individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Offers quarterly meetings for service providers and a free Resource Guide with support groups, respite care, and local services for those who reside in Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Noble, Steuben, Wells or Whitley County

• Rural Respite Program
  AIHS offers a weekly group respite program for individuals living with memory loss, led by dementia-trained staff. Caregivers gain valuable time for self-care and to connect with a Care Navigator. Participants must be able to benefit from a group setting, manage their own transportation, and reside in Adams, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells, or Whitley County. Sessions are held at local council on aging locations.  Subscribe for Updates or contact Denise Hughes with questions: 260-600-0844 or DHughes@agingihs.org

• Dementia Friends Indiana
  Builds awareness of and break down stigmas surrounding various forms of dementia (Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body, Frontotemporal, Pick’s disease, vascular, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, mixed dementia and more) and implement practical changes that make life easier to navigate for those with dementia and their loved ones.

• • Down Syndrome Indiana
    Provides support, programming, advocacy, and community events for individuals with Down syndrome and their families across Indiana.

  • GiGi’s Playhouse Indianapolis
    Offers free educational, therapeutic, and career development programs for people with Down syndrome.

  • National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
    Advocates for the rights of people with Down syndrome and provides resources for healthcare, education, and employment.

  • National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC)
    Offers national-level resources, annual conferences, and family support.

  • Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN)
    Supports parents with a new diagnosis and connects them to other families in similar situations.
     

➡️ Explore Additional Down Syndrome Specific Funding Opportunities

• • Indiana Spinal Cord & Brain Injury Research Fund
    Funds research and promotes clinical initiatives to improve treatment and quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries in Indiana.

  • Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
    Provides national resources, peer mentoring, advocacy, and funding opportunities for people living with paralysis.

  • Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (RHI) – Spinal Cord Injury Program
    Offers specialized rehabilitation services for individuals recovering from spinal cord injuries, focusing on mobility, independence, and community reintegration.

  • Indiana Assistive Technology Act (INDATA) Project
    Provides assistive technology loans, equipment demonstrations, and device reutilization to help people with mobility impairments remain independent.

  • United Spinal Association
    A national organization providing advocacy, peer support, and resources for individuals with spinal cord injuries and disorders.

➡️ Explore Additional Spinal Injury Specific Funding Opportunities

• • Support Organization for Trisomy (SOFT)
    Provides information, parent connections, and support for families of children with Trisomy 18, 13, and related disorders.

  • Trisomy 18 Foundation
    Offers education, advocacy, and family support, along with resources for navigating medical care and treatment options.

  • Hope for Trisomy
    A nonprofit offering family support, awareness campaigns, and funding for research related to Trisomy conditions.

  • Living With Trisomy 18
    Provides stories, care tips, and practical resources from families raising children with Trisomy 18.

  • Rare Disease Database – Trisomy 18
    Medical and care-related information on Trisomy 18 from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).

➡️ Explore Additional Trisomy 18 Specific Funding Opportunities