Indiana Disability Rights

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is seeking feedback about IDR and the other Protection and Advocacy (P&A) organizations. Whether you have used P&A services or are simply familiar with them, your feedback is important. If you have a few minutes, consider taking this anonymous survey today.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) wants to hear from you. We are asking people to complete a short survey about Protection and Advocacy (P&A) organizations. Whether you have used P&A services or are simply familiar with them, your feedback is important. Your responses will help us better understand public awareness of P&A organizations and identify ways to improve access to services, increase awareness, and strengthen the P&A network.

The survey is voluntary and takes about 15–20 minutes to complete. Your responses will be combined with others and will not be linked to you personally. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback by Friday, August 7, 2026.
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=6t2K1VNQgEqEmbpNlEkQ34LB2O7mJ4FBkaoImxaHWx9UQzQ5R05SN0ZEUjMzRTBKWUhWUEMyMVNDVS4u

IDR staff intervened on “Everett’s” behalf after his HOA refused to allow him to build a wheelchair ramp, even though Everett couldn’t enter or exit his home or use his yard safely. Thanks to IDR’s advocacy, the HOA approved Everett’s request, and Everett can now enjoy his yard and safely enter and exit his home.

Last year, IDR staff offered their expertise of supported decision-making (SDM) and less-restrictive alternatives to guardianship at least 115 times to stakeholders, many of whom regularly engage IDR for support. IDR's leadership in this area is needed now more than ever to continue the momentum toward self-determination. Visit https://www.in.gov/idr/sdm/ to learn more.

Recently IDR successfully assisted “Don,” a Medicaid recipient, to appeal the partial approval of his request for in-home nursing hours. Thanks to IDR’s legal advocacy, the administrative law judge increased Don’s daily in-home nursing hours from 10 to 14, allowing him to receive the care he needs and remain in his home.

IDR supports employment and independence. IDR staff helped “Deborah” who was fired from her job of 20 years. Deborah called IDR after the company she worked at fired her after she returned from taking leave under FMLA. IDR represented Deborah and was able to negotiate a pre-litigation settlement agreement between Deborah and her employer.

IDR protects SS beneficiaries in Indiana. Last year, IDR’s Rep Payee Reviewers completed 536 appointments with payees, beneficiaries, legal guardians, and others. These visits ensure reviewers understand each beneficiary’s financial and personal circumstances and allow IDR to advocate on their behalf and ensure their benefits are used for their needs and well-being.

IDR was contacted by “Dakota’s” family. His high school denied Dakota an IEP, saying his 504 Plan was sufficient. IDR staff argued Dakota needed specialized instruction, not just accommodations, and that Dakota’s academic performance was suffering due to lack of an IEP. IDR staff attended the case conference and successfully advocated for an IEP and ensured Dakota would have access to previous assignments. IDR staff were excited to hear that Dakota finished the school year with passing grades in his classes.

IDR monitors facilities that serve Hoosiers with disabilities. Last fiscal year, IDR staff conducted 117 monitoring visits at 42 facilities. Advocates were able to identify and address risks such as inadequate staffing, unsafe environments, or lapses in care standards as they advocate for health and safe environments for Hoosiers receiving services.

Recently, a patient reported he had been placed in a restraint chair for 48 hours, followed by ankle and wrist restraints for ten days. IDR staff immediately investigated, and the hospital substantiated the patient’s allegations. IDR’s investigation led to administrative and policy changes and resulted in the hospital addressing other safety concerns and possible rights violations. This made the environment better for Hoosiers residing in this facility. For more information about your rights when receiving care, check out IDR’s rights handbooks by visiting https://www.in.gov/idr/rights-handbooks