February 2, 2008

10:27 AM

State of Indiana Memo: Released 2/1/08 re: Sheltered Work

TO:           Consumers, Families, Providers and Advocates
FROM:      Peter Bisbecos, DDRS Director
DATE:       February 1, 2008
RE:           Sheltered Work

It has come to my attention that there is a rumor being spread that the State is planning to limit, or eliminate, sheltered work. Let me be clear—this rumor is false.

While it is not my practice to address rumors and speculation, I feel we must address this issue based on numerous emails and calls expressing fear and frustration on this subject. I am deeply concerned that this particular rumor is causing distress to the many people who rely on sheltered work and their families.

The origins of this rumor rest with a conversation that the State began with some providers and advocates regarding the future of day programs, including sheltered work. Our intent is to ensure flexibility, opportunity and maximum use of funds so that we may serve more people with the money entrusted to us by the Indiana Legislature. Part of that discussion included the idea that sheltered work could be paid for partially with federal funds if it was time limited. This was no more than a discussion point—it was not a proposal and there is no policy or proposed policy to this effect. Any representations to the contrary are false.

Unfortunately, it appears that some people have seen the original discussion document and jumped to a conclusion. Rather than calling me or the DDRS office to inquire directly, they have chosen to speculate about the state's intentions and then share their speculation with others. Scaring consumers and families based on bad information is inappropriate and I will not let it pass.

Over the past three years we have journeyed a long way together. My staff and I have made it a practice to be open and inclusive, particularly when discussing new ideas that will ultimately lead to the improvement of the system. In review, our mutual accomplishments include:

  • saving enough money to bring 3,000 new people into services in this biennium
  • convincing the legislature to leave all of the money from the former Fort Wayne State Developmental Center in DD services
  • improving case management
  • starting a new and unprecedented crisis management system
  • expanding Outreach services to give providers an added resource in addressing difficult situations
  • launching a training program for direct care professionals that will lead to college credit and real career paths

We have done all of this together! Improving the system further means that we must continue to push the envelope by asking difficult questions and consider all possibilities that could enhance services or increase independence for the individuals we serve—today and in the future.

I deeply value the relationships that we have built and intend to nurture and strengthen them. However, in situations where gossip leads to fear and consternation, I intend to address it head on.

Be assured, we do not intend to eliminate sheltered work.

Peter A. Bisbecos

Director,

Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services

Indiana Family & Social Services Administration

Phone: 317-232-1147

DDRS.Communications@fssa.IN.gov

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February 1, 2008

10:55 AM

School Bullying & Accurate Diagnosis by Dr. Roger Perry, HSPP

Dr. Roger Perry, HSPP will create a blog article on a variety of topics related to mental health each month.  With over 40 years experience in clinical psychology, we are excited for him to share with us his words of wisdom. We welcome your feedback on his articles or suggestions for future discussions as well! 
 
School Bullying & Accurate Diagnosis
 
Over the next several months I will undertake discussions of several topics in the area of mental/emotional/behavioral health that have become of very high interest in schools, families, and in the general community.  I will attempt to address these topics keeping in mind that there is usually a spectrum of "symptoms" that may range from "normal" to pathological associated with most diagnostic entities.  Some of these common mental health, emotional health, and behavioral health diagnostic categories that are often misdiagnosed or overdiagnosed are Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders.  I will try and point out some danger signals that should occasion referral to a professional. I will also address pitfalls to avoid when reporting history and symptoms to the professional such that the identified "client/patient" is not misdiagnosed or over-diagnosed by the mental health professional.
 
I plan to begin with the topics Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Disorders, Phobic Disorders (to include school phobias), and Add/Adhd as an example of how many of us begin the referral process by self diagnosis and continue with selective symptom reporting to the diagnostician.
 
For example, a large part of the perceived behavioral problems and mental health concerns in public and private schools (K-12) is due to the child who is overly anxious, fearful, and/or behaviorally explosive.  We also hear a lot in the media about bullies in schools.  It has been my experience a child who is being bullied may experience signs that may look like anxiety, depression, inattentiveness, or otherwise acting inappropriately and behaving in an antisocial manner. These children may be brought to the attention of the teachers, counselors, school administrators, and their families.  As a result of associated conferences, there is often a diagnosis of ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), ADD/ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, etc.  The child may be medicated as an attempt to effectively intervene and deal with the problem based on these diagnoses. 
 
Unfortunately, it is clear that if better histories were taken and parents and other adults did not select symptoms to be reported based on others who had similar problems and were similarly diagnosed and if more reasonable expectations and proposed interventions were available for adoption by those involved that the child, the school, the family, the courts, and the community would be better served by a more precise diagnosis and comprehensive understanding of the problem. 
 
In the example I have just described, I have frequently seen children who felt they were the targets of bullies begin to show signs and symptoms that are typical of many of the diagnoses that could be considered.  These symptoms will then frequently become over reported to fit with a diagnosis even though they were not necesarily expected behaviors and reactions to bullying.
 
Thus, let's observe well, report accurately, and commit to interventions based on strong communication between all involved and our comprehensive understanding of all variables. 
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January 31, 2008

5:42 AM

Welcome to the new "Connections Blog" by Jenifer Asher

Hello everyone and welcome to our new blog!

We are excited to offer this tool as a mechanism to quickly share articles, announcements or resources which may impact the families we serve; as well as, just let you know whats going on with us! We will be updating our blog at least once a week and hope you stop by frequently. Please tell us how we can keep improving and what works or doesnt work about it for you. 

If you have articles you would like us to post, please email them to me!  If you have a special events coming up and would like us to include them on our community info page, please email me the details! We are really trying to be a comprehensive information source for behavioral health and mentoring services; as well as, support individuals impacted by developmental delays or mental health issues. So, we truly hope you find our new site of assistance.

My email is jasher@connections-inc.net. 

Best wishes & hope to hear from you soon, Jenifer

 

 

 

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