Whether you’re supporting a child or loved one with a disability, the Dani Plan is your secure, easy-to-use online tool for managing vital care information in one central place. Begin the year with clarity and confidence by creating a care plan that keeps everyone informed and supported—every day.

Families and caregivers nationwide are using the Dani Plan to:

• Build a personalized care plan that's easy to update and share

• Upload and store essential documents securely

• Set helpful reminders to keep caregivers on track

• Be ready for the unexpected—so nothing falls through the cracks.

Free registration.

Discover Your Path to a Good Life with LifeCourse Trajectories.

The Trajectory tool helps people envision and identify what makes their life truly fulfilling.

Dis you know? There are over 10 unique Trajectories designed to spark meaningful conversations and help you organize your thoughts about what a “good life” means to you.

Join us and learn how these powerful tools can support and empower you to chart your course to a brighter future. Unlock your Potential with Trajectories.

Two part series:

• Wednesday, January 21, 2026

• Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Presented by Family Resource Network of Ohio.

Free registration.

Government Benefits and Programs: This workshop provides an overview of various government programs that may be available to dependents with special needs. We’ll review Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), Medicaid/Medicaid Waivers, and State Specific Programs. You will learn about the requirements to qualify for these programs and the types of expenses they cover for qualified candidates.

Bio: Gordon Homes is a Certified Financial Planner Professional whose practice focuses on Financial and Estate Planning for families who have a child or dependent with special needs. He has a unique perspective through his experience both as a financial professional and parent. He assists with Financial and Government Benefit issues faced by families, including access to legal professionals,  Special Needs Trusts, Guardianship, Social Security and Medicaid.

Presented by Autism Society of Indiana.

Free registration.

Join us for January 2026 Theme of Planning for Independent Living.

January 6: Home Sweet Home / Housing 101

January 20: Transition and Technology

January 27: Building Life Skills: Preparing for Independent Living

Presented by Ohio SALT Resources.

The Bureau of Disabilities Services is committed to working collaboratively with case managers and providers. 

First quarter dates for the 2026 provider and case manager webinar have been set. All BDS providers and Case Management Organizations are strongly encouraged to attend these monthly webinars. 

The webinars will include information and updates from BDS. All webinars will be held via Microsoft Town Hall. The new dates are as follows: 

• Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 3 to 4 p.m. ET. To participate please log in using this link.  

• Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 3 to 4 p.m. ET. To participate please log in using this link.

• Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 3 to 4 p.m. ET. To participate please log in using this link. 

Explore the emerging role of Meta Glasses as assistive technology and learn how wearable AI can enhance independence and everyday functioning for people with disabilities. This workshop will highlight features like object identification and text interpretation and provide practical examples for their use in school, work, home, and community settings. The session will also demonstrate how the glasses can be helpful for users with mobility limitations, low vision, or executive function challenges. 

Presented by PACER Center.

Free registration.

Book Life is a book club which focuses on reading, friends, and fun!

Adults (ages 18 & older) with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers are invited to join our book club.

Presented by the Tippecanoe County Public Library.

For more information:

Maggie Andrejko, Head Youth Librarian
Tippecanoe County Public Library
765-429-0120
mandrejko@tcpl.lib.in.us

We’re excited to inform you of Wabash Center's upcoming Saturday Social Event—a fun gathering for individuals with disabilities. This event is free, open to the public, and designed to foster a sense of community. The next Saturday Social, a Karaoke themed event, will be held on Saturday, January 24th at 1p at Grant's House. There will be karaoke, diamond paintings, art activities, music, games, prizes, and more! 

RSVP here.

Come, join us in starting the New Year with sharing, reflecting and learning about on how we can continue to Build a Strong Family😊

What a parent can expect at our free virtual Parent Cafes:

1. Meet the Parent Café team and other parents.

2. 2 rounds of group discussion and questions focusing on the January theme - “Building a Strong Family”- examples made include:

   1. What was the hardest obstacle you had to overcome as a family and what did you learn about yourself?

   2. In times of stress, how do you stay strong for yourself and family?

3. Resources that may be of benefit to you and your family.

Presented by Noble.

Free registration.

Share Your Opinion with ACL!

Join us for a special virtual public feedback session with the federal Administration on Community Living (ACL) on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Staff members from ACL—the federal agency that oversees and funds the national Independent Living network, including State Independent Living Councils—will be present to listen to public comment and engage in discussion.

This is a unique opportunity to share your perspective on disability services in Indiana or raise broader issues impacting independent living. Your input helps inform policies and priorities for people with disabilities.

The event will be held virtually. ASL and CART will be provided. For additional accommodation requests, please contact us at info@indianasilc.org.

Presented by Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council.

Topic: Special Feedback Session with ACL
Time: Jan 21, 2026 02:00 PM Indiana (East)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/95009755368?pwd=gUpwkmBeMgvb3h4WTFJmHViMBufBPb.1

Meeting ID: 950 0975 5368
Passcode: 184231

Discover Your Path to a Good Life with LifeCourse Trajectories.

The Trajectory tool helps people envision and identify what makes their life truly fulfilling.

Dis you know? There are over 10 unique Trajectories designed to spark meaningful conversations and help you organize your thoughts about what a “good life” means to you.

Join us and learn how these powerful tools can support and empower you to chart your course to a brighter future. Unlock your Potential with Trajectories.

Two part series:

• Wednesday, January 21, 2026

• Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Presented by Family Resource Network of Ohio.

Free registration.

The DDRS Advisory Council was established by IC 12-9-4 to assist the Division of Disability, Aging and Rehabilitative Services in ensuring individuals with disabilities are as independent and self-sufficient as possible.

2026 DDRS Advisory Council Calendar

• January 21 9:30am - 12:30pm IGC Conference Room A

• March 18 9:30am - 12:30pm IGC Conference Room C

• May 20 9:30am - 12:30pm IGC Conference Room C

• July 15 9:30am - 12:30pm IGC Conference Room B

• November 18 9:30am - 12:30pm Virtual Only

For more information about the DDRS Advisory Council click here.

Able Accounts: This workshop will include information on the ABLE process including the ABLE Authority, InvestABLE Indiana, the states 529A ABLE savings plan. The ABLE program in Indiana will dramatically impact and improve the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Bio: Amy Corbin is the Executive Director for the ABLE Authority which oversees INvestABLE Indiana, the state’s 529A ABLE savings plan. Amy has worked for the State of Indiana for over 10 years and has an established background in social work and case management. Prior to working for the Office of the Indiana Treasurer of State, she worked for the Indiana Department of Child Services as a Family Case Manager and later proceeded to work with the DCS older youth services initiative Collaborative Care. In this role Amy assisted with program development and implementation, while overseeing life skills training and increasing independence for former foster youth. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a minor in Psychology from Indiana University. In her current role, Amy oversees the program management and operations for the Indiana ABLE Authority. She believes offering a qualified ABLE program in Indiana will dramatically impact and improve the lives of individuals with disabilities..

Presented by Autism Society of Indiana.

Free registration.

Caring for a loved one with special needs is an act of devotion—and without proactive self-care, caregivers can quickly move from compassion to exhaustion.

In this empowering webinar, Caregiver & Family Health Coach Drew Deraney will share practical strategies to prevent burnout before the warning signs appear. You’ll learn how to recognize early stress patterns, build sustainable daily routines, and strengthen resilience so you can show up with clarity, energy, and confidence for the ones who depend on you most.

Presented by Mike Ringel, Strategies for Wealth.

Free registration.

Join us for January 2026 Theme of Planning for Independent Living.

January 6: Home Sweet Home / Housing 101

January 20: Transition and Technology

January 27: Building Life Skills: Preparing for Independent Living

Presented by Ohio SALT Resources.

In this interactive forum, The Arc Master Trust Senior Director of Engagement Sarah Geis will help you understand your financial options in planning for the future as she explains the benefits of Special Needs trusts. Because it can be just the right option depending on the situation, she’ll help you understand how to maximize its benefits.

Presented by Noble.

Register for free by emailing Susan CFL@mynoblelife.org.

Special Needs Trust Basics: This presentation will cover the basics about special needs trusts and how they can be used to protect financial resources while ensuring eligibility for government benefits like SSI, Medicaid, and others. We’ll review the two types of special needs trusts that can be created (third-party and first-party) and the ways in which they can be set up.

Bio: Sarah Geis is the Senior Director of Engagement for The Arc Master Trust and joined The Arc Master Trust in January 2022. Prior to this position, Sarah worked for Autism Society of Indiana, assisting those receiving direct care services in central Indiana. Sarah has also worked for Indiana Repertory Theatre, assisting the organization in expanding their accessibility and sensory-friendly performances.

As a part of The Arc Master Trust, Sarah meets with individuals and families who are interested in learning more about the trust, guides them through the trust enrollment process, shares information through our Talks with The Arc Trust webinar series, and delivers presentations throughout the state.

Presented by Autism Society of Indiana.

Free registration.

Join Us for an Inspiring 1-Hour Live Session on Charting the LifeCourse!

 Whether you're new to the LifeCourse framework or just need a quick refresher, this session is designed to spark ideas and support your journey toward a good life.

It’s perfect for individuals, families, and anyone looking to explore practical tools and strategies.

Bring a friend—or a few! Everyone’s welcome.

Presented by Family Resource network of Ohio.

Free registration.

Join us for Ask The Arc—a free webinar series where we talk about topics that matter to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Click on the “View Detail” button to see this month’s topic, register, and find a link to past webinars.

Once you sign up, you’ll automatically be registered for this month’s webinar and all future sessions, held on the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. EST.

Tonight’s topic: New waiver rules, including limits on some services and who can be paid as caregivers, have gone into effect. Changes are being made to Medicaid health coverage, and a new legislative session is beginning. In the January session of Ask The Arc, we will go over the changes that are happening, talk about changes to come, and discuss issues being considered in the new legislatives session. It's a new year, and we want to make sure you are informed and prepared for things to come.

Presented by The Arc of Indiana.

Free registration.

This chapter of Self Advocates of Indiana meets the second and fourth Thursdays each month. All self-advocates are invited. You do not need to be a client of Wabash Center.

For more information contact Rhonda Hicks, rhicks@wabashcenter.com.

Meet new friends for good conversation!

The group meets the 2nd Thursday each month at Cafe Literato in West Lafayette.

For more information contact Rachel at 815-353-0985 or rndebelak@gmail.com.

Join us for January 2026 Theme of Planning for Independent Living.

January 6: Home Sweet Home / Housing 101

January 20: Transition and Technology

January 27: Building Life Skills: Preparing for Independent Living

Presented by Ohio SALT Resources.

Book Life is a book club which focuses on reading, friends, and fun!

Adults (ages 18 & older) with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers are invited to join our book club.

Presented by the Tippecanoe County Public Library.

For more information:

Maggie Andrejko, Head Youth Librarian
Tippecanoe County Public Library
765-429-0120
mandrejko@tcpl.lib.in.us

The Indiana Bureau of Disabilities Services is planning to create new home and community-based service waivers to improve services. This is known as the “waiver reset.” 

In 2027, BDS plans to move people accessing services on the current four waivers into the new waivers. BDS is still working on figuring out what the new waivers will be like. 

To help, BDS has been working with the Human Services Research Institute to host conversations about what changes are needed. Based on the feedback received, HSRI will develop recommendations for the waiver reset.

During the December 17 call, HSRI will provide an overview of the waiver reset, answer questions, and listen to feedback from the community about suggested changes to the waivers.

Who can participate?

• People accessing services who have physical disabilities (under age 60); intellectual and developmental disabilities; and traumatic brain injuries

• Family members

• HCBS service providers

• HCBS case managers

What will we talk about?

• What is and isn’t going well with services

• Suggestions for changes to the BDS waivers

Information to participate

• Register to participate by clicking here.

• Once you have registered, please scroll down in the Zoom confirmation email and add it to your calendar.

• American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and English captions will be provided.

For more information click here.

Free registration.

This year we will hear from Kirby Smith and Suria Nordin. In July of 2014, Suria, suffered a spinal cord injury that resulted in quadriplegia. Kirby found the technology being offered to improve her life was outdated, expensive, and very limited due to customizations. Suddenly, simple everyday things were challenging. They solved those issues and July of 2015 formed a company to bring these solutions to an underserved population. SunKirb Ideas, LLC offers affordable off-the-shelf consumer-based solutions through technology to give those with disabilities and unique challenges the ability to be more independent and have more control of their environment. This enabled people to control the lights, temperature, turn on and off alarms, control their doors, control music and entertainment, see and communicate remotely, and control the televisions (including the cable box, TiVo, Netflix, and Hulu) using voice commands.

In the past two years, Suria and Kirby took on another huge project, expanding their existing home to include the other side of their century-old rowhome in Old City, Philadelphia. This project provided the opportunity to design and build their newly renovated space to take advantage of the latest smart home technology and other assistive technology to create an updated comfortable and accessible home for both of them.

Suria and Kirby will share their extensive knowledge and experience in designing and building a smart home for accessibility, safety, independence, and comfort.

If you require any accommodations other than those listed above, please email Wendy Davis at wdavis@patf.us. Follow PATF on social media to learn more about assistive technology during our AT Awareness campaign.

Registration link: https://bit.ly/2025BuildingAComfortableSmartHome

Registration required. ASL interpretation, captioning and Spanish interpretation will be provided.

A Place of My Own offers important information for any individual with a disability, their families, or caregivers. When people can no longer provide support, adults face sudden changes such as new homes, routines, and caregivers. We welcome you to join us in learning more about residential options, funding, regulations, workforce challenges, and intentional communities. Jim McCarten will facilitates this session. Jim is a special needs attorney and focuses on planning to protect benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. He advises families and trustees of Special Needs Trusts and is a sought-after speaker for professionals and families alike.

Due to venue capacity, only the first 60 registrants will secure an in-person seat. To guarantee your spot, register now! If you prefer or if the limit is reached, you can join the session virtually via Zoom. 

Presented by Easterseals Crossroads.

Free registration.

Saturday Social events are FREE and open to anyone regardless of whether or not they attend services at Wabash Center. Light snacks or meals are provided at each event and your RSVP helps us plan appropriately.

Wabash Center Youth Services staff will be at this month’s event to help parents of children with IDD learn more about the BDS waiver and application process. While the parents are busy, kids can enjoy a hot chocolate bar, cookie decorating, art projects and games.

Free.

RSVP here.

This chapter of Self Advocates of Indiana meets the second and fourth Thursdays each month. All self-advocates are invited. You do not need to be a client of Wabash Center.

For more information contact Rhonda Hicks, rhicks@wabashcenter.com.