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As a parent or guardian of someone with an intellectual disability, it can be a challenge getting service providers to take your loved one to their Friendship group, Sunday worship, or other important social activities. You have probably heard many reasons for this disregard, “We are short staffed”, “Someone in the home didn’t want to go”, “We took a vote,” “We didn’t have transportation”.

But, as a parent or guardian, you have a voice! The Indiana Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services gives parents and guardians a voice through the Person-Centered Individualized Support Plan (PCISP). You can find the guidelines for this important planning tool by clicking on the button below.

PCISP Guidelines

The guidelines for the Social and Spirituality section begin on page 40 of the PCISP Guidelines.

You can hold service providers accountable by including your family member’s Social and Spirituality goals in their PCISP. This is done by exercising your voice at the regularly scheduled meetings that include your loved one with a disability, the case manager, and service provider.

You will need to make sure your case manager includes their wishes for Sunday worship, Friendship group attendance, and important social groups as specific and measurable goals in their PCISP. In another Illuminate Blog, we will give you sample language you could include in the PCISP.

At our last Summer Friendship Gathering we learned how important it is to be part of a Christian Community. Community means we belong and grow closer to God and each other. It is a place where we are loved and can love one other.

As parents and guardians, we want the best for our loved ones. You are their best advocate.  If Social and Spirituality goals are in the PCISP, the Service provider will be required to document progress with these goals. You can ask for this data at every quarterly meeting.

We hope you use your voice through the PCISP.  Together we can pray that the people we love can belong, grow, and love in a Christian Community.

Look for a future blog with more information on the PCISP!