Common Acronyms & Definitions

1. Waiver (Home and Community-Based Services - HCBS)
A Medicaid program that allows people with disabilities to receive services in their home or community instead of an institutional setting. Indiana offers several waivers for different needs.

2. Family Supports Waiver (FSW)
An Indiana Medicaid waiver providing limited funding (currently $19,614/year) to support individuals with developmental disabilities living with their families or independently. It is typically the entry-level waiver.

3. Community Integration and Habilitation (CIH) Waiver
A more comprehensive Indiana Medicaid waiver that offers broader services and is for individuals who meet specific criteria such as aging caregivers, crisis situations, or transitioning from institutions.

4. Case Management
A service provided to help individuals and families coordinate supports, create service plans, and navigate the waiver system. Case managers are assigned through state-approved agencies.

5. BDDS (Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services)
A division of Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) that oversees the intake, eligibility, and access to waiver services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

6. FSSA (Family and Social Services Administration)
The overarching agency in Indiana that manages health and social service programs, including Medicaid, disability services, and mental health.

7. DDRS (Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services)
A branch of FSSA that includes BDDS and is responsible for programs that support individuals with disabilities, including early intervention and employment services.

8. INsite
Indiana’s centralized online intake system used for applying for BDDS services and waiver eligibility.

9. Person-Centered Individualized Support Plan (PCISP)
A planning document created with the individual, their team, and the case manager that outlines goals, services, and supports under the waiver.

10. Behavior Support Services
Services provided to individuals under a waiver to address challenging behaviors, typically delivered by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or other qualified provider.

11. Supported Living / Residential Habilitation
Services that help individuals live in a home setting with staff support. May include training in daily living skills, medication assistance, and supervision.

12. Day Services / Community-Based Habilitation
Programs that support individuals in building skills and engaging in community activities during the day, often provided in a center or community setting.

13. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
A state program that helps individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. Offers job coaching, training, and support.

14. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
A therapy based on the science of learning and behavior, often used to support individuals with autism. Covered under Indiana Medicaid when medically necessary.

15. Prior Authorization (PA)
A required approval process for certain Medicaid-covered services to ensure they are medically necessary. ABA therapy and some waiver services may require PA.

16. Autism Diagnostic Evaluation
A comprehensive assessment required to confirm a diagnosis of autism, often needed for access to ABA therapy and waiver services.

17. First Steps
Indiana’s early intervention program for infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) with developmental delays or disabilities. Offers therapies and services in the home.

18. Natural Supports
People or resources in the community—such as family, friends, and neighbors—that help support an individual’s goals and daily life.

19. Self-Directed Services (Participant Direction)
An option that allows individuals to have more control over their services, including hiring and managing their own support staff under the waiver.

20. Medicaid Eligibility
Many services are tied to Medicaid, and individuals must meet financial and clinical eligibility criteria. Indiana uses a special income limit for waiver participants.

21. INconnect Alliance / LifeCourse Framework
Tools and networks used in Indiana to support person-centered planning, focusing on life domains like health, employment, relationships, and independence.

22. Transition Services
Supports to help youth with disabilities move from high school to adulthood, including education planning, employment training, and accessing adult services.

23. Respite Care
Short-term care services that provide relief to family caregivers. Often included in waiver budgets.

24. Guardianship / Supported Decision-Making
Legal arrangements for adults with disabilities who may need help making decisions. Supported decision-making is an alternative to traditional guardianship.