Disabilities Services

The Bureau of Disabilities Services envisions a community where all people have equal access and opportunity to realize their good life. We are committed to partnering with individuals, families and professionals to ensure person centered services that empower people with disabilities and their families by connecting them to the resources and supports to live their best life. Our core value is that all people have the right to live, love, work, learn, play and pursue their dreams.

BDS administers programs that support children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live their best life through community supports and residential options. Services are delivered using an individualized, person-centered approach where all people have equal access and opportunity to realize their good life. Ensuring quality supports are aligned with person-centered principles is accomplished through a variety of activities found here.

Services and service information

BDS provides an array of services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To explore the types of services that BDS offers, service descriptions have been provided below or you may contact your local BDS field services office. To determine if you may qualify for services, please contact the local BDS field services office near you.

Still have questions?

Individuals/families seeking BDS services

To apply for BDS services there are two options available.

The BDS Gateway is an online application available 24/7 where individuals and families seeking may submit an application for services. The BDS Gateway may be accessed at: Bddsgateway.fssa.in.gov.

To learn more about the BDS Gateway and the online application process, review the resources below:

A paper application (state form 55068) is available for download here. The form may be completed as a fillable pdf or handwritten. The form must be printed, signed and returned to the local BDS office via fax, mail or in person delivery.

Home and Community-Based Medicaid Waivers

Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver: The Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver is one of two Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services waiver programs for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Home and Community-Based Medicaid Waivers provide person-centered individualized supports that assist individuals in living in their own home or family home and have full access to the benefits of community living. For more information about eligibility and the services available please visit the fact sheet below titled “About the Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver”. To read the waiver in its entirety click on the following link.

Family Supports Waiver: The Family Supports Waiver is one of two Medicaid Home and Community- Based Services waiver programs for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Home and Community-Based Medicaid Waivers provide person-centered individualized supports that assist individuals in living in their own home or family home and have full access to the benefits of community living. For more information about eligibility and the services available please visit the fact sheet below titled “About the Family Supports Waiver”. To read the waiver in its entirety click on the following link.

Supervised Group Living: A group home, or Supervised Group Living, is a residential option and alternative to waiver placements for eligible individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities needing services. There are almost 500 SGL homes in the State of Indiana with a capacity to serve over 3,000 individuals. Homes are licensed and governed by state and federal regulations and have an annual recertification which includes Life Safety (e.g., two annual Indiana State Department of Health recertification surveys; one is related to care of individuals residing in the home and the other is Life Safety).

BDS Fact Sheets