ARTICLE
Yesterday, INARF learned that plans are underway to transition North Willow from a large private ICF/IDD to a nursing facility. As a result of this transition, many of the individuals currently residing at North Willow will be moving into the community – either through the waiver or group home program. All transition related activities are being coordinated through BDDS’ Central Office. In addition, our friends at The Arc of Indiana and Self-Advocates of Indiana will be working closely to provide support to self-advocates and families throughout the process. Lastly, INARF has volunteered its support in identifying service options and opportunities for considerating and will be assisting with the following: Identifying providers interested in working with individuals transitioning out of North Willow, Confirming current group home vacancies, and Identifying supported living/waiver vacancies. The most effective way to express your agency’s interest in assisting individuals transitioning from North Willow is by completing this Agency Interest / Capability spreadsheet and submitting it via e-mail to Kim Opsahl at your earliest opportunity, but no later than close of business on Thursday, January 22nd. After this date, INARF will compile interest/capability information for all respondents and share with BDDS. It is our understanding that BDDS will use this information along with picklists, when applicable, when assisting individuals in making choices related to their transition. Please note - if you have recently completed a BDDS Group Home Vacancy Report, please feel free to forward that versus re-entering the information into the spreadsheet. As you consider your interest in assisting with this effort, it is important to note that the overall transition is anticipated to be complete by April 30th. As such any provider interested in assisting with the effort must be able to work within that time frame to complete any individual transitions. Also, submission of an interest/capability form is not a guarantee that your agency will be contacted and/or selected. We look forward to your participation and assistance in this important effort - thank you in advance for your response. Thanks as well to DDRS, BDDS, The Arc of Indiana, and SAI for their partnership in making this an effective and successful transition. Should you have questions or need any information, please contact your INARF office.