Indiana Disability Resources and Advocacy Organizations
Scroll down for links to government agencies and disability rights organizations in Indiana. They may be able assist you with:
- disability advocacy
- home health services
- home care
- nursing aide services
- Medicaid
- accessing other community resources to help people with disabilities.
Many of these organizations work to address the unique needs associated with different disabilities, including but not limited to physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, and mental illness. Others focus on issues such as access to housing and legal assistance based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
If you live in Indiana and are a person with a disability, learning about state-specific resources to support people with disabilities can help you advocate for yourself. If you are a friend, family member, or caregiver of a person with disabilities in Indiana, these resources can help you in supporting your loved one.
Note: this website attempts to use people first language and thus uses the term "person with a disability" rather than disabled or handicapped.
We hope you will check out the rest of OlmsteadRights.org to learn about critical rights of people with disabilities.
Protection & Advocacy Organization
The Indiana state disability protection and advocacy (P&A) agency is Indiana Protection & Advocacy Services (IPAS). IPAS is part of the nation's federally-funded P&A system. It provides help to people with disabilities in Indiana to expand and defend their rights, including supporting self-advocacy groups and legal assistance. IPAS is part of the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN).
Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
ADRCs are the main points of access for long-term supports and services for older adults and people with disabilities, including home health care and assistive technology.
Legal Services Organizations
These organizations provide free legal assistance for low-income individuals, including help with accessing Social Security and Medicaid benefits.
- Indiana Legal Services (ILS)
- Find a Legal Aid Provider
- Indianapolis Legal Aid Society
- Disability Legal Services of Indiana
Other Disability Advocacy Organizations
These organizations protect and advocate for the civil and human rights of people with disabilities.
- Autism Society of Indiana
- The Arc of Indiana
- Governor's Council for People with Disabilities
- United Senior Action
- Family Voices Indiana
State Medicaid Agency
Learn about and apply for Medicaid services in Indiana.
Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)
The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) helps remove barriers to independent living for people with disabilities and works to increase necessary supports and services. It is part of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL).
Other State and Non-Profit Agencies
These agencies provide help for people with disabilities and their families and caregivers. Disability services are often free or low-cost.
- Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services
- Indiana State Department of Health
- Division of Family Resources
- Family and Social Services Administration
Money Follows the Person (MFP)
Free assistance with transitioning from a nursing facility or institutional care to the community.
Crisis Services
Crisis intervention and counseling for people who are in need of immediate help or need someone to talk to. If you or a loved one is experiencing emotional distress, these agencies are ready to offer free and confidential help. Common concerns include but are not limited to mental illness, suicide, intellectual or developmental disability, physical disability, substance abuse, grief, sexual assault, and family violence.
- Indiana Suicide Hotlines
- Indiana Suicide & Crisis Hotlines
- Crisis Services
- Community Health Network 24-Hour Crisis Line
- A Better Way Crisis Hotline
- A Better Way resources
- Crisis Pregnancy Centers
- Indiana Addiction Hotline
Services for Senior Citizens
Free or low-cost resources and disability services for senior citizens and their loved ones to promote successful community living.
- Indiana Division of Aging
- Area Agencies on Aging
- Aged and Disabled (A&D) Waiver
- United Senior Action
Regional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Center
Provides information, training, and guidance on disability access and Indiana disability services. One of 10 regional centers in the ADA National Network.
Developmental Disabilities Services
These agencies address the specific needs of people with developmental disabilities. They advocate for community inclusion and access to Indiana disability services.
- Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS)
- BDDS Waiver Journey
- Indiana Medicaid Waivers - The Arc of Indiana
- Autism Society of Indiana
- The Arc of Indiana
- First Steps Program (for children ages 0-3 with developmental delays)
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services
- Developmental Services Inc.
Mental Health Services
These agencies address the specific needs of people with mental illness and promote mental health. Some agencies offer free or low-cost group counseling and education programs.
- Division of Mental Health & Addiction
- Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) Transition Waiver
- Indiana State Suicide Prevention
- Mental Health America of Indiana
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Indiana
Physical Disabilities Services
Free or low-cost Indiana disability services for people of all ages, including physical therapy, access to employment and education, support for independent living, and assistive technology.
- Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services
- Blind & Visually Impaired Services
- Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services
- Assistive Technology for Hoosiers with Disabilities
- Assistive Technology and Education
- Developmental Services Inc.
Traumatic Brain Injury Services
Information and resources for individuals with traumatic brain injuries and their loved ones.
- Brain Injury Association of Indiana
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver (scroll down the page)
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services
- Assistive Technology for Hoosiers with Disabilities
- Assistive Technology and Education
Addiction and Substance Abuse Services
Information and resources for people with substance abuse and their loved ones.
- Division of Mental Health & Addiction
- Indiana Addiction Hotline
- Substance Abuse Hotlines
- Indiana Addictions Issues Coalition
Low-Income Housing Services
Information and tools for locating affordable housing and access to public housing.
- Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority
- Section 8/Subsidized Housing
- Affordable Housing Association of Indiana
- Indiana Public Housing Agencies
- IndianaHousingNow.org
- Indianapolis Housing Agency
- Indiana Low Income Housing
- Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Rental Help Indiana
- Northwest Indiana Community Action