- What are your hours and locations?
- What services does CARS offer for adults with disabilities?
- What is the mission of CARS?
- How can I volunteer with CARS?
- How does CARS help individuals find employment?
- Who is eligible for CARS services?
- How is CARS funded?
- How can I donate to CARS?
- How can I start services with CARS?
- How does CARS promote community integration?
- What is CARS' approach to person-centered planning?
- How does CARS support individuals in developing life skills?
- Does CARS offer any recreational activities for clients?
- What qualifications do CARS staff members have?
- What is the CARS approach to promoting self-advocacy?
- Does CARS offer any educational programs or workshops?
- Does CARS offer transportation services?
-
What are your hours and locations?
We have multiple locations. We are open 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM unless otherwise noted:
Corporate Office:
201 N Dormeyer Ave.
PO Box 170
Rockville, IN 47872
765-569-2076Clay Center
800 W Jackson St.
Brazil, IN 47834
812-446-2566Beyond I CAN
514 E Jackson St
Box 6
Muncie, IN 47305
765-282-9335Shawnee Center
45 E 650 N
Attica, IN 47918
765-762-6791Terre Haute Center
2901 Ohio Blvd
Terre Haute, IN 47803
812-776-6112 -
What services does CARS offer for adults with disabilities?
CARS offers Employment Services and Supported Group Living. The following services are also offered through the Indiana Medicaid Waivers/Home and Community-Based Services: Day Services (group and individual), Facility Based Support Services, Career Exploration and Planning, Prevocational Services, Workplace Assistance, Extended Services (for employment support), Participant Assistance and Care (PAC), Community Transition, Residential Services, Remote Supports, Rent & Food for Unrelated Caregiver, Respite, Transportation, Wellness, and Family & Caregiver Training.
Services are typically provided through funding from a Waiver, however, we do offer an option for private pay. -
What is the mission of CARS?
CARS's mission is to empower by developing community-based options and opportunities that will benefit individuals, families, and the community at large.
-
To volunteer with CARS, you can be a Level 1 Volunteer for a short time or commit more regularly as a Level 2 or Level 3 Volunteer.
Level 2 and 3 Volunteers need to complete paperwork, pass a background check, get a TB test, and attend an orientation, but all volunteers are trained and cannot do certain tasks like personal care or driving agency vehicles.
To volunteer, reach out to Day Service Manager, Shane Gadd, at (812) 249-9235 or Human Resource Manager, Teri King, at 765-569-2076 ext. 1001.
Submit your application here. Remember to specify “Volunteer” in the job applied for section. -
CARS has multiple services available to help people find employment. All of our services are person-centered. Our purpose is to help each person reach their own employment goals. We have services that support the process of discovering skills, interests, abilities, and career exploration. Once the individual knows what type of employment he/she wants to have, we have Employment Consultants to help them every step of the way.
Pre-Employment Transition Services focus on working with students in area high schools to explore career options and prepare them for the workforce upon graduation. Click here to learn more about Pre-Employment Transition Services. Insert link to Pre-ETS page
Discovery Coaches at our day service programs help individuals discover their skills and interests. This may include exploring hobbies and/or volunteer opportunities. When/if individuals are interested in employment, they will receive a referral to Vocational Rehabilitation which will allow them to work with an Employment Consultant from a provider of their choice. This service is provided through a grant from the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services through February 2025. Click here to learn more about the Day Services Discovery Program. Insert link to DS page
CARS Employment Services provides supports to individuals who qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation Services and have selected CARS as a provider. Employment Consultants provide needed supports for each person to reach their employment goals. Click here to learn more about our Employment Services program and/or how to apply for Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
-
Who is eligible for CARS services?
Eligibility for CARS services varies by program.
1, Employment Services requires a referral from Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). According to the VR website (https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/rehabilitation-employment/vocational-rehabilitation-employment/client-services/vocational-rehabilitation-services-process/):
*An applicant is eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation Services if it is determined that each of the following pertains:
*He or she has a physical or mental impairment;
*The physical or mental impairment constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment;
*The individual requires vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for, enter, engage in or retain employment consistent with his or her abilities, capacities, career interests and informed choices; and
*The individual can benefit from VR services in terms of an employment outcome.You can learn more about VR services by visiting https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/rehabilitation-employment/vocational-rehabilitation-employment/client-services/.
2. Healthy Families is provided by CARS in Clay, Daviess, Knox, Martin, Morgan, Orange, and Parke Counties. If you are looking for a provider in a different Indiana county, click here. (link: https://www.in.gov/dcs/prevention/healthy-families-indiana/) Healthy Families is for:
*Pregnant women and/or parents of newborns under the age of 3 months (75 days).
*Parents who are interested in receiving information about the community.
*Parents who would like to know more about child development and related topics.3. Supervised Group Living requires a referral from the Bureau of Disabilities Services. To qualify for SGL placement, the applicant:
*must have been diagnosed with an intellectual disability, developmental disability, or related condition with an onset prior to the age of 22 years, and the condition must be expected to continue indefinitely.
*must meet the Level of Care. Level of Care is determined by assessing six major life areas: self-care, learning, self-direction, capacity for independent living, understanding and use of language, and mobility.
*must exhibit substantial functional limitations in at least three of the six areas.
*must also meet the requirements of eligibility for a compatible Medicaid category.
*may NOT receive Home- and Community-Based Waiver Services while in an SGL placement.For more information or to learn how to apply, visit https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/files/About_SGL_English.pdf
4. Waiver Services: CARS services provided through a Medicaid Waiver require a Family Support Waiver or Community Integration and Habilitation (CIH) Waiver. These waivers are offered through the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services. To be eligible for these waivers, “Individuals must meet both HCBS waiver eligibility and Medicaid eligibility guidelines to be eligible for a Medicaid HCBS waiver. To be eligible, individuals must:
*Be diagnosed as having an intellectual disability prior to the age of 22
*Reside in or be transitioning into an HCBS-compliant setting (non-institutionalized)
*Have income no greater than 300% of the maximum Supplemental Security Income (SSI) amount (parental income for children under 18 years of age is disregarded)
*Meet Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities/Development Disabilities (ICF/IID) level of careTo be eligible for intellectual disability services, an individual must meet the required "ICF/IID level of care." Level of care is the minimum need an individual must have to be considered eligible for HCBS waiver services. The level of care is evaluated when a person applies and then at least once a year after that. For the purposes of ICF/IID level of care, a person must have a disability that:
*Results in impairment of functioning similar to that of a person who is intellectually disabled, including autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, or a similar condition (other than mental illness)
*Originates before the person is twenty-two (22) years of age
*Has continued or is expected to continue indefinitely
*Substantially limits a person's ability to function normally in society in three of the six major life areas: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, and capacity for independent living.
*Requires access to 24-hour assistance, as needed.To apply, visit https://bddsgateway.fssa.in.gov/
To learn more about the CIH Waiver, visit https://www.in.gov/medicaid/members/home-and-community-based-services/community-integration-and-habilitation-waiver/
To learn more about the FSW, visit https://www.in.gov/medicaid/members/home-and-community-based-services/family-supports-waiver/
To learn more about waiver and group home services, or for more information about applying for services, visit https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/developmental-disability-services/
-
CARS is primarily funded through reimbursement for services provided to individuals who have selected us as a provider. CARS also receives grants from various Private Foundations, Community Foundations, Government agencies, and businesses. It is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that also accepts donations from individuals and businesses.
-
To make a donation and support the important work of Child-Adult Resource Services, please visit our giving page.
-
How can I start services with CARS?
The process for starting services with CARS varies based on the program(s) or services.
For Employment Services, a VR referral is required. (see “Who is Eligible for Services?” for more info)
For Supported Group Living (SGL), contact Dana Cook at 765-569-2076 extension 1006.
For Waiver Services, a waiver is required. Once you have a waiver, your Case Manager will provide a pick list of services offered in your area. To speak with our program directors to schedule a visit or discuss services, see contact information below:
*Residential, PAC Services, and other waiver services not listed below:
Nikki Hubbard - 765-569-2076 extension 1050*Day Services (including Pre-Vocational) Attica, Brazil, Muncie, or Terre Haute:
Shane Gadd - 812-249-9235*Extended Services:
Kayla Peters - 812-249-8799*For Healthy Families, just reach out to us!
Morgan, Clay, Parke: call 765-592-4893 or email Gabrielle McFarland at gmcfarland@cars-services.org
Daviess, Martin, Knox, Orange: call 765-592-4896 or email Tiffany Deckard at tdeckard@cars-services.org -
How does CARS promote community integration?
Child-Adult Resource Services (CARS) promotes community integration for individuals with disabilities through several key programs and approaches:
1. Adult day services: CARS provides adult day service centers that allow older adults and younger adults with disabilities to be active in the community, socialize with peers, and receive needed support services. This helps integrate individuals into community life outside the home.
2. Employment support: CARS offers employment consultants who assist individuals in their job search and provide ongoing support after employment is secured. This helps promote integration into the workforce and economic participation in the community.
3. Person-centered approach: CARS aims to empower individuals with the skills to be comfortable in their community. This person-centered focus helps tailor services to each individual's needs and goals for community participation.
4. Home visitation programs: CARS operates programs like Healthy Families Indiana, which provides home-based services to promote child development, access to healthcare, and parent education. These services support families in raising children who can successfully integrate into their communities.
5. Skill development: CARS works to help individuals develop the skills needed to be comfortable and active in their communities. This may include social skills, life skills, and other competencies that facilitate community integration.
By offering these diverse services and focusing on individual empowerment, CARS helps promote community integration for both children and adults with disabilities or other needs, allowing them to participate more fully in various aspects of community life.
-
What is CARS' approach to person-centered planning?
You deserve support that’s tailored just for you, and that’s what we aim to provide at CARS.
While we do offer group services, we provide individualized support as much as possible. We work with the team you select and our CARS team to make sure we provide the support you need to meet your goals.
If, for some reason, we do not believe we are the best provider to support your needs, we will discuss our limitations with you and your team.
Want to find out more, contact us at 765-569-2076.
-
How does CARS support individuals in developing life skills?
In our services, we provide various types of training and prompting levels. Based on the individual’s service plan, our Staff will be trained to guide and support each person in developing the skills they want to learn. We offer group and individual activities and training opportunities in many settings (home, work, community, day program, etc.) that support the learning and development of life skills. Much of the learning that takes place is done through hands-on experiences and natural opportunities that each person encounters during their time with our Staff.
-
Does CARS offer any recreational activities for clients?
Because our services are person-centered, we support each person in pursuing the activities that interest them. Our Facebook page offers examples of many of the activities we support people in doing.
We support people to attend concerts, swim, attend events in their community (and nearby communities), play sports, attend sporting events, go fishing, go to movies, volunteer, visit with friends and families, and more!
-
What qualifications do CARS staff members have?
CARS staff members have a variety of qualifications, primarily based on State regulations and/or best practices. CARS abides by the requirements when set forth by the State of Indiana. If you have specific questions regarding a position, please feel free to reach out to us at 765-569-2076.
-
What is the CARS approach to promoting self-advocacy?
Education plays a main role in promoting self-advocacy. We educate our team members so they understand the rights of each person they support. We also want our team members to understand their role in the lives of the individuals we support. We are here to promote independence in every possible way; this includes choice of clothing, choice of doctor(s), what food they eat, how they spend their time, etc.
We train our team members to go at the pace of the person they support. The process of communication and decision-making takes longer for some. We want to help each person we support to understand their rights and the risks associated with their choices and decisions. We support dignified risk.
We understand this process of self-advocating takes time for some people. If they are not used to making their own choices, we do our best to help them learn how. We want them to understand their voice is important and valued, and we want to support them in meeting their needs and wants. We assist each person as much (or as little) as needed in communicating their choices to their team.
We provide education as needed in each situation. Often a first step in promoting self-advocacy is explaining the choices available and asking the person which choice they want to make. This process offers options and opens the door to self-advocacy. Each Day Service location has a Self-Advocates group. This group advocates on behalf of all involved to share their preferences of activities and events they want to participate in at the center and in their community.
The individuals enrolled in our SGL program receive a person-centered experience with a support team to lift them up and assist them with achieving their desired goals. The individuals are the primary participant in the team process and are involved at the forefront of all service delivery decisions regarding their care. Residential Managers and Direct Support Professionals host routine home meetings with the individuals for them to self-advocate activities they would like to engage in throughout the month for community inclusion and accommodate leisure activities within the weekly schedule around individual interests and requests.
The individuals are also involved in a Self-Advocates group at their Day Services program, where they learn additional self-advocacy skills, have an opportunity to run for an elected office, and engage in group decisions that drive service delivery.
-
Does CARS offer any educational programs or workshops?
Healthy Families is an educational program for pregnant women and new parents. We offer this program in Clay, Daviess, Knox, Martin, Morgan, Orange, and Parke Counties.
We do not currently offer educational programs or workshops open to the public regarding our services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, we are happy to be a resource whenever we can. If you have a suggestion or would like us to consider offering a program or workshop, please call 765-569-2076.
-
Does CARS offer transportation services?
CARS is able to offer transportation services in all cases where it is included in the individual’s budget. Because transportation is a huge cost, much of which is not reimbursed or funded by State services, we make every effort to make economic decisions about the transportation we provide. Often this means transporting groups of individuals, rather than each person individually. For day services, we offer pick-up/drop-off points at a location central to a group of clients.
Thank you to our generous sponsors:
-
-
In Memory of Millie Ann
-
-
-
-
-
Eastern Alliance
-
MJ Insurance
-
Iron Head
-
American Legion
-
Koorsen
-
Scott Pet
-
Harrison Hills Golf Club
-
Mutual of America Financial Group
-
Insurance Managment Group
-
Old National
-
Dry Time Roofing & Restoration
-
Son Seeker Cosmic Candy
-
Drop Tints
-
Snider's Woodcrafting
-
The Hoosier Barkery
-
3 B's Bakery
-
Nourish
-
Katie Bug Decals
-
Brazil Farmer's Market
-
Cupcakes Clay & Kiln
-
Country Girls Candles & Melts