The Arc of Fall 2016

The Arc of Indiana 2016 Election Guide The Arc of Indiana’s 2016 Election Guide is part Following are questions on major topic areas Education of the statewide effort to help families, people with of concern that you may choose to ask your K-12 education for students receiving special developmental disabilities, caregivers and provid- candidates: education services is critically important as it paves ers register to vote and be engaged in the 2016 the way for a future filled with independence. elections. Our role is not to endorse candidates or Employment What would your administration do to ensure tell you how to vote. Our role is to provide you The unemployment rate for people with dis- that students receiving special education services with information and resources so that you can abilities is nearly 80% although many people with have every opportunity to be successful in school be an informed voter. disabilities want to work and can work. What will with the needed resources that helps them earn you do to create opportunities for people with dis- The Election Guide includes statements from a high school diploma, be fairly tested and learn major candidates for national and state office, abilities to have access to job training and careers aside their peers? including U.S. Senate, of Indiana, that will increase independence? and State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Guardianship/Supported Public Transit Statements from Presidential candidates Hillary Decision Making Clinton and Donald Trump were also requested. Accessible transportation continues to be a major At press time, no statement had been received barrier for people with disabilities to get to work, Too often parents rush into guardianship from Donald Trump. Candidates were asked to as well as medical appointments. What would be although the person with a disability is capable of respond to this question: your plan to address the need for increased mass making many decisions on their own. Supported Decision Making is an alternative to guardianship “People with intellectual and other develop- transit that people with disabilities could utilize? that allows people with disabilities to remain in mental disabilities (I/DD) want to be active charge of their own decisions but allows them members of the community who are valued and Managed Care access to support should they want it. What would provided opportunities to receive an education, There are a lot of conversations taking place you do to make sure that families have alternatives have a job and live a full life. How will you regarding managed care for people with disabilities. in supporting their children with I/DD to help use your office to support and advance issues What would be your priorities and/or goals for a them maintain independence while getting some important to people with I/DD, their families managed care system? support they need in making important decisions? and the Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who work with them.” Medicaid Reimbursement Crisis Rates/DSP Crisis Their responses, as well as photos submitted by Unfortunately, the need for crisis intervention their campaigns, are included in the guide. There is currently a shortage of qualified Direct exists. Indiana currently does not have a crisis On pages 8 and 9 of the guide you will find Support Professionals (DSPs) to provide personal, system in place for people with intellectual and important information on registering to vote, voter critical care to people with disabilities. Indiana’s other developmental disabilities who also have a id requirements, absentee voting and accessibility current Medicaid reimbursement rates for most mental health issue. When people have a crisis for voters with disabilities. services provided to people with disabilities were situation too often the emergency room or police As Election Day nears, we encourage you to recently restored to the rates of 2010 (they had are our only options. What would your adminis- seek out opportunities to meet your candidates for been cut significantly over the last 10 years). These tration do to help provide services for people in state and federal office and talk with them about rates do not allow community providers to hire crisis situations who have co-existing conditions? issues important to you and your family. No mat- qualified, dedicated staff. People with disabilities We hope you find this guide informative ter what the issue is, you have the right to know are seeing high turnover of the people who provide and helpful. If you have any questions, please where candidates stand to help you decide how very personal care. What would you do to address do not hesitate to contact us: the crisis we are facing in the shortage of DSPs you will cast your vote. The Arc of Indiana across the state? 317-977-2375 • 800-382-9100 [email protected]

The Arc of Indiana www.arcind.org The Arc of Indiana Fall 2016

John Gregg Democratic Candidate, Governor

The issues that people with I/DD face Next, a large part of our vision for Indi- A Gregg/Hale administration will also are too often overlooked. A Gregg/Hale ana deals with educational opportunities. support self-advocacy and supported administration will work for ALL Hoo- Indiana needs to increase and streamline decision making. We must make sure siers. Our door will always be open – to our workforce training, so that we can that the wishes of people with I/DDs are listen and learn about how we can make more easily build and retain a skilled labor always taken into consideration. We will Indiana a more welcoming place for people force. People with disabilities are a part of work with The Arc and the Department with I/DD. This campaign is focused on this, with too many people relegated to of Adult Protective Services to make sure inclusivity, and we will make sure that all the sidelines. That’s something we need that the rights and wishes of individuals stakeholders have a seat at the table. to change desperately. We must make are protected and supported. What follows is only a few of many issues sure that students with I/DD are able to Furthermore, the state of Indiana spends that deserve greater attention. First, we need receive high school diplomas, with more less on adult protective services than the city to make sure that Direct Support Profes- options available in order to fulfill neces- of spends on animal control. sionals are paid a competitive, living wage, sary requirements. We need federal and/ That’s a travesty. The average casework load so that we can address the massive turnover or state legislation that makes it illegal to of DCS is 12, yet adult services is over 300. rate, which is around 70% annually. A pay people with I/DD less than minimum Some elderly and adults with person’s home should not be a revolving wage. And we need more institutions such disabilities are never seen. There are even door of different caregivers. We need wages as The Arc’s teaching hotel in Muncie, The instances of people “collecting” the lonely that will professionalize DSPs and draw-in Erskine Green Training Institute. This first that have nobody else in order to cash in high-quality applicants. We also need to in the nation program gives individuals with their social security and disability checks. reinstate funding for the DSPs Project disabilities a chance to better themselves, As caregivers and baby boomers age, these that was discontinued in 2010, which gave their communities, and obtain a long-term, problems will only grow. Christina Hale DSPs training in best practices, and pro- fulfilling job. and I will make this a priority, as we must vided opportunities for skill advancement protect those Hoosiers who cannot protect through certification from Ivy Tech and The issues that people themselves. other community colleges. with I/DD face are too often overlooked.

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Eric Holcomb Republican Candidate, Governor

It is important that we continue to develop and deliver services that provide all Hoosiers real avenues to self-sufficiency and self-reliance.

It is my conviction, one shared by all This important step built a framework It is important that we continue to Hoosiers, that people with disabilities are that begins to gives Hoosiers with disabil- develop and deliver services that provide all unquestionably valued members of our ities greater flexibility and independence Hoosiers real avenues to self-sufficiency and communities and certainly ought to have while allowing them to maintain other self-reliance. Allowing people to direct more the very same opportunities available to critical resources on which they currently of their own tax dollars into services they them as anyone else to live full lives. This rely. As this program unfolds, I look for- know to be important gives them greater Administration and the Legislature took ward to supporting it fully to ensure that control over their own lives, and ensuring significant steps last session to give these the complete scope of its intent is realized that programs are reaching Hoosiers where individuals and their families more robust and the maximum number of Hoosiers they live is critical to their sustainability. tools to offset certain expenses they incur can utilize it. I look forward to supporting innovative without putting their benefits at risk. The Additionally, I’m looking forward to programs like these and building upon ABLE tax advantage savings accounts, man- working alongside my team at the FSSA’s their successes. aged under the Treasurer of State, are tax Division of Disability and Rehabilitative free and can be used for education, housing, Services to better align existing resources healthcare, and even employment training. and bridge connections between Hoosiers with disabilities and local vocational reha- bilitation counselors. This is an important aim of the Employment First initiative, and it is one I will continue to champion when I am Governor. Any who wants to work ought to have the chance to find employment, and I will ensure that agency-level programming is in tune with community-level needs when it comes to helping these individuals identify oppor- tunities.

www.arcind.org PAGE 3 The Arc of Indiana Fall 2016 Democratic Candidate,

It is my hope that we can work together as Hoosiers to protect the rights of the I/DD community and help provide its members with greater opportunities.

As your Senator, I However, I realize that there is still more fought for legislation to work to be done, and I will continue my protect the civil rights work as an advocate for people with dis- of individuals with dis- abilities as your Senator. Access to afford- abilities. I was proud to able, quality health care is a priority for co-sponsor the Ameri- individuals with I/DD and their families, Throughout my career in public service, cans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Amend- and I will work to support Medicaid and the needs and concerns of Hoosiers with ments Act of 2008, which restored broad community-based health care services. intellectual and developmental disabili- protections for members of the disabled I will stand up for measures that ensure ties have been a priority for me. As your community, and the Family Opportunity Governor, I implemented the First Steps that individuals with I/DD have access to Act of 2003, which provided middle class educational opportunities and mentor- program, which guaranteed early inter- families with the opportunity to purchase vention services for infants and toddlers ship programs, and push for employment health care coverage under Medicaid for programs that provide support during with special needs and served over 4,000 their children with disabilities. children per year. the transition period, job counseling and Additionally, I authored the Spina Bifida training. I will also fight for measures to I made consumer-focused care a cen- Health Care Program Expansion Act, which protect Social Security, ensuring that this terpiece of my agenda, launching the provides comprehensive health coverage vital social safety net remains in place for Hoosier Assurance Plan to bolster com- for children born with spina bifida due to years to come. munity-based care, improve access to paternal exposure to Agent Orange during mental health services, and ensure greater It is my hope that we can work together military service. I also co-sponsored Rosa’s as Hoosiers to protect the rights of the I/DD accountability through the development of Law, which changed all references in fed- provider profiles. I initiated and expanded community and help provide its members eral law relating to “mental retardation” to with greater opportunities. Medicaid waivers to serve the aged and “intellectual disability.” disabled, children with autism, and med- ically fragile children in their own homes and communities, rather than in hospitals and institutional settings.

PAGE 4 www.arcind.org The Arc of Indiana Fall 2016 Republican Candidate, United States Senate

I’ve created legislation to improve the way in which we attack social problems. The Social Impact Partnerships to Pay for Results Act directs funding to social programs that can show they are improving people’s lives.

My wife Jenny and I have four beautiful children. We want for them what every Hoosier wants: a good education, safety and security, and the chance at a good job and a bright future. I’m running for United States Senate to ensure that all Hoosiers have that same chance. As I’ve traveled the state campaigning, nothing has encouraged me more than seeing Hoosiers coming together to affect change in their communities. I’m inspired by their acts of selflessness and generosity, and as your United State Senator, I would like to create an environment where indi- viduals and charitable organizations can do even more. I’ve created legislation to improve the way in which we attack social problems. The Social Impact Partnerships to Pay for Results Act directs funding to social pro- invest in effective social programs to make healthy weights, and two-thirds of mothers grams that can show they are improving a difference. who were smokers had quit. people’s lives. This legislation will lead to There are several programs currently Under this system, Direct Support Pro- a better-informed social policy and ulti- operating that are already succeeding in fessionals and people with intellectual and mately improve outcomes through rigorous their mission. RecycleForce, based out of developmental disabilities will have more evaluation. Rather than measuring our Indianapolis, runs a workforce training options and more confidence that the pro- compassion by how much we spend, Social program to equip formerly incarcerated grams that are offered can produce results. Impact Partnerships reward what works individuals with the skills needed to thrive. In my short time in Congress, I have based on evidence. Another program already succeeding is sought to work in a bipartisan fashion to One of the best features of this concept Nurse-Family Partnership, run by Good- address the issues. I hope you allow me to is the focus on encouraging more chari- will Industries of Indiana. Nurse-Family continue to craft unique and innovative table giving. Under this system, when an Partnership connects low-income pregnant solutions to some of society’s most dire individual invests into a social program women with registered nurses who provide issues as your next United States Senator. that meets certain success benchmarks, the proper pre-natal and post-birth care. Since government pays the investor a return. So the program’s implementation, ninety per- instead of investing on Wall Street to make cent of these mothers’ babies were born at money, Hoosiers will be incentivized to www.arcind.org PAGE 5 The Arc of Indiana Fall 2016

October 11 Deadline to register to vote or to transfer your registration to a new address.

October 12 First day a voter may cast an absentee ballot in person at the county clerk’s office or satellite office.

October 20 First day that a voter who is October 31 confined to his or her home, voter with a disability, or a Deadline to apply for an voter who is a caregiver can absentee ballot to vote vote absentee at his or her by mail. The request must residence. be received by the county clerk’s office by 11:59 p.m.

Voter Identification Requirement Indiana law requires that voters show a government issued photo ID, with an expiration date,when they go to the polls to vote. Accepted government IDs include: Valid Driver’s License State Identification Card Valid Passport Issued by the U.S. State Department Valid U.S. Military Identification Card If you do not have a photo ID, you can go to any Bureau of Motor Vehicles office/License Branch to obtain a photo ID.

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How to Vote Absentee November 8 Absentee In-Person Voting/Early Voting All registered voters in Indiana are eligible to vote Election Day! “absentee in-person” (also called “Early Voting”) at their Polls are open for voting from 6:00 a.m. county election board office beginning Wednesday, October to 6:00 p.m. 12 and ending Monday, November 7 at 12:00 noon. Remember to bring a government issued Absentee Voting by Mail photo ID that has an expiration date. Remember, if you are voting absentee Applications to vote absentee by mail must be received by by mail, your absentee ballot must be the county election board by October 31, 2016. Absentee received at the post office by noon on ballots must be received at the post office by noon on November 8th. Election Day, November 8, 2016. Registered voters can apply to vote absentee if: • You expect that you will not be in the county where you live on Election Day. • You have a disability. • You are age 65 or older. • You are scheduled to work the entire time the polls are open. • You will be confined due to illness or injury. • You will be caring for an individual confined due to illness or injury. • Your religion prevents you from voting while the polls are open. November 7 • You are a member of the military or a public Noon deadline to vote absentee safety officer. in person at the county clerk’s office; deadline for voters who • You will have official election duties outside are disabled and voters who are of your voting precinct. caregivers to request to vote at home. Absentee Voting at Home Voters who expect they will be confined due to illness or injury, voters who expect they will be caring for a person who is confined at a private residence on Election Day, and voters with disabilities who believe their polling place is Accessibility for Voters not accessible can vote “absentee-by-traveling board.” Contact your county election board to make this request with Disabilities by noon on Monday, November 7, 2016. The Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) requires at least one accessible voting machine be placed in Absentee Voting Applications are available at: each polling place in addition to making the facility www.in.gov/sos/elections. If you do not have access physically accessible. to the Internet, call information or look in the blue pages If you have a complaint about accessibility at your of the phone book to find the number for your County polling location, call the Hoosier Voter Hotline to Clerk/County Election Board. report the issue at 866-IN1-VOTE (866-461-8683). You Absentee voters are NOT required to show or provide can also call Indiana Disability Rights at 800-622-4845. a photo ID when they submit their absentee vote.

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Glenda Ritz Democratic Incumbent, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction

Since 2012, I have been your Indiana Because of sustained Superintendent of Public Instruction. As efforts in this area, after a licensed special education teacher, I am years of being labeled committed to ensuring that people with as “needs assistance” by intellectual and other developmental dis- the federal Department abilities receive an education to support of Education, Indiana’s their goals of having a job and living a full Office of Special life. Below is an update on the promises I Education now ranks made to you in The Arc of Indiana’s 2012 top in the nation under Election Guide. the new, more rigorous • Support early learning. Under national accountability system. my direction, the Department of • Work with community agencies • Provide high quality training Education has worked to support our to identify and increase support public preschool special education and professional development for families. I developed the programs and to expand our public for teachers. The Department Outreach for School Improvement preschool programs for all children. works closely with higher education during my first year in office, and it Learning standards have been pre-service training programs and we has expanded each year to now include completed and more high-quality provide professional development to a Systems of Care Coordinator for the preschool programs have been created teachers in partnership with INSource. state. This individual is focused on as a result of our efforts working In 2015, I established a bipartisan Blue identifying community supports and with the Family & Social Services Ribbon Commission to address Indiana’s removing barriers to ensure families Administration. teacher shortage. As part of this work, can access community supports. We we recently received a 5 million dollar • Monitor services and streamline have started our work in Austin, grant to partner with the IU Center for the process of Individual Indiana and plan to take this level of Teacher Quality to address the teacher Education Plans. The Department support statewide. shortage in special education. has streamlined IEP technology and • Support legislation that • Increase the opportunities is currently taking steps to address improves public policy and the needs for those students who for graduation and career funding. I work closely with The Arc earn a Certificate of Completion. pathways. During my first term, of Indiana to promote legislation. In Additionally, our efforts to support the I expanded Career & Technical the last session, I supported the law work of local districts and educators Education (CTE) courses in our high that was passed to ensure all students, has lead to significant improvement in schools, achieving a 95% graduation including those with disabilities, student performance and graduation rate among those who participated. have access to all diplomas offered in rates for students with disabilities. As I visit schools around the state, I the state. Current legislative support see firsthand students focuses on replacing the ISTEP test with disabilities taking with a new individualized student- advantage of these centered testing system. opportunities that can lead them to fulfilling Please visit Imagine 2020 at glendaritz.com/ jobs. The Department Imagine2020 to see my vision for all of is working towards Indiana’s children. I look forward to future individualized work with The Arc of Indiana to make the graduation plans for possibilities become realities. all students. As I visit schools around the state, I see firsthand students with disabilities taking advantage of these opportunities that can lead them to fulfilling jobs.

PAGE 8 www.arcind.org The Arc of Indiana Fall 2016 Jennifer McCormick Republican Candidate, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction

I began my career as a special education Good communication teacher nearly twenty years ago. Working will be of the upmost with students who have intellectual and importance. The Office other developmental disabilities has always of Special Education been dear to my heart. I first began working must also be supported with students with special needs when I by the Indiana Depart- was in high school. That experience ignited ment of Education so it my passion to work with this special pop- can function at its best. ulation. Even today, as the Superintendent The IDOE must of Yorktown Community Schools, I am provide schools with very involved with our special education essential professional program. It is one of the most rewarding development opportunities that focus upon aspects of my job, and special education student equity and access. Equity and access The passage of Every continues to be a passion of mine. are two important keys for improving stu- Student Succeeds The Indiana Department of Education dent success. The passage of Every Student Act (ESSA) will allow has a great responsibility to help support Succeeds Act (ESSA) will allow for a greater for a greater focus on students with intellectual and other devel- focus on student outcomes. For example, opmental disabilities as well as their families, it will provide flexibility related to alterna- student outcomes. teachers, paraprofessionals and therapists. tive assessments. Lastly, assessment literacy TheIDOE must work in partnership with should be provided as a core professional each group and provide quality, meaning- development piece as individual student ful tools and resources so students receive data helps to guide quality instruction what they need in order to succeed. The and programming. Understanding data IDOE should foster a teamwork approach is critical as it is used for decision-making with stakeholder groups in which everyone purposes related to each student. is focused on individual student success.

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Hillary Clinton Democratic Candidate, President of the United States

We should acknowledge how the disabilities community has played such an important role in changing things for the better in our country. Last year, in speaking about the Ameri- Americans with disabilities who are • Break down barriers to voting. cans with Disabilities Act, I noted that the receiving long-term services and Twenty-six years after enacting the ADA made our country more inclusive, our supports have the option to do so in ADA, many people with disabilities economy stronger, and our society fairer. home – and community-based set- continue to face barriers to voting. I This landmark law opened educational tings whenever possible. will fight to ensure that people with opportunities, expanded transportation, • Ensuring that every child, no disabilities have a full and equal ensured equal access to public buildings matter his or her background, opportunity to vote. and outlawed employment discrimination can get a high-quality educa- • Expand Social Security by on the basis of disability. The ADA enables tion. Under existing law, school counting the hard work of fam- people with disabilities to participate more districts must provide students with ily caregivers and giving them fully in their communities and live more disabilities a free, appropriate public the benefits they deserve. Fam- inclusive lives. education. I will fight so that students ily caregivers provide $470 billion We should acknowledge how the dis- with disabilities are safe, empowered, per year in unpaid care—hard, essen- abilities community has played such an and learning at school. tial work that benefits our entire important role in changing things for the • Improve access to competitive economy. But when Americans take better in our country. integrated employment for time off to care for a relative, they As president, I will: people with disabilities. People do not earn credits toward Social with disabilities have the same right Security retirement benefits. I will to work at a job that pays them mini- fight for tax relief and Social Security • Work to fulfill the promise of mum wage or more, in a place where expansion for the millions of families the Americans with Disabilities they will interact with non-disabled caring for loved ones with chronic Act. I am committed to realizing the individuals, and with the same oppor- illnesses or disabilities. promise of the ADA and continuing tunities for promotion as workers • Provide tax relief to family to expand opportunities for the more without disabilities. I will fight to members who care for elderly than 50 million Americans living eliminate the subminimum wage, relatives, including those with with a disability—because we’re increase access to competitive inte- disabilities. I will offer a 20 percent stronger together. grated employment, and ensure that a tax credit to help family members • Expand support for Americans fair day’s work earns a fair day’s pay offset up to $6,000 in caregiving with disabilities to live in inte- for all Americans. costs for elderly family members, grated community settings. allowing caregivers to claim up to Many people with disabilities are $1,200 in tax relief each year. denied the choice to receive at-home care and support services. I will Statements were requested from both presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald fight to pass Senator Schumer’s Trump. At press time no statement had been received from Donald Trump. If it is received at a “Disability Integration Act” so that later date, we will post it on our website at www.arcind.org.

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