SIRS Support Services

Medicaid Waiver Residential Services offers a variety of residential service options designed to support your independence and help you live the life you choose. Our services empower you to make the decisions that affect your daily life while giving you greater control over how your resources and supports are used. We offer three residential service models so you can select the level of involvement that best fits your goals and preferences.

Model 1 – Consumer-Directed Services
This option gives you an active role in managing your services. You recruit, manage, and support your direct service employees, while SIRS serves as the employer of record by approving all hires. You oversee your approved budget and verify the services you receive, while SIRS manages provider responsibilities and administrative requirements.

Model 2 – Self-Directed Services
For individuals who want the highest level of independence, this model allows you to hire, train, supervise, evaluate, and, when necessary, dismiss your direct service employees. As the employer, you are responsible for complying with applicable federal and state employment laws. SIRS provides guidance and support to help you meet Medicaid Waiver requirements under IAC 460 and successfully manage your services.

Model 3 – Traditional Residential Services
If you prefer a more traditional approach, SIRS can manage the employment and supervision of your direct support staff. We recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, evaluate, and, when necessary, replace employees, while actively seeking your input and involvement. SIRS also assumes responsibility for employment compliance, insurance, and all applicable federal and state regulations.

No matter which model you choose, you’ll receive the support of a knowledgeable Waiver Services Manager who understands Medicaid Waiver regulations and residential supports. Our team will partner with you to develop your Individual Service Plan, connect you with services and resources, answer scheduling and staffing questions, monitor your plan, and help ensure all Medicaid Waiver and contractual requirements are met.

SIRS Respite offers flexible respite care services tailored to meet your family’s needs. We are happy to arrange care for as little as a few hours or up to 24-hour care, giving you confidence and peace of mind while you’re away. Caring for a loved one is a meaningful and rewarding role, but it also requires time, energy, and dedication. Finding opportunities to recharge is an important part of providing the best care possible.

Every caregiver deserves support. Taking an occasional break isn’t stepping away from your responsibilities—it’s investing in your own well-being so you can continue providing the care your loved one depends on. With SIRS Respite, you can take time to refresh and return feeling renewed.

At SIRS, we believe everyone has the right to live an active, meaningful life and be a valued member of their community. We encourage you to explore the people, places, and activities that interest you, while our dedicated staff provides the support you need to build confidence, develop relationships, and achieve greater independence. Funding is available through the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS) Family Supports Waiver and Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver, with private pay options also available.

Our Community-Based Habilitation Individual Services (CHIO), Participant Assistance & Care (PAC), and Day Programs are designed to help individuals with disabilities participate fully in community life. Services are individualized to reflect your interests, strengths, and personal goals. Our staff will work alongside you to discover new opportunities and strengthen connections within your community. Whether you’re looking to build friendships, develop new skills, or simply enjoy activities you love, we’re here to help you succeed.

Services may include:

• Building friendships and developing natural supports
• Community outings and events
• Volunteer opportunities
• Sports, fitness, and recreational activities
• Joining clubs or community organizations
• Exploring hobbies and leisure interests
• Taking classes or learning new skills
• Daily living skills training
• Social and recreational activities
• Assistance with meal preparation
• Other activities that promote independence and community participation

Community-Based Habilitation Individual Services (CHIO) focus on individualized, goal-based supports that help participants increase independence, learn new skills, and become active members of their communities. Services may be provided on an individual basis in the community. 

Participant Assistance & Care (PAC) provides assist with everyday activities such as personal care, daily living tasks, meal preparation, medication reminders, and community participation, helping individuals maintain their independence and enjoy a fulfilling daily life.

Our Day Program offers structured opportunities for socialization, recreation, skill development, and community engagement. Activities are designed to encourage meaningful participation, reduce social isolation, and promote personal growth while supporting each person’s unique interests and abilities.

Link-N-Go Transportation Services is an accessible, on-demand transportation service operating in Dubois, Perry, Spencer, and Warrick Counties. Link-N-Go is a qualified provider of Traditional Medicaid transportation services in all four counties and partners in all four counties with rural public transportation service.  Riders must be residents of the service counties and should call one week in advance to schedule transportation; any appointments called in less than one weeks notice will be subject to availability.

To schedule a ride call Monday – Friday between 8am – 4pm using our Toll Free number 1-866-954-6599.  Let our friendly drivers provide you with safe and reliable transportation.

SIRS provides therapeutic services to children who are experiencing developmental delays and/or disability due to acute or chronic injuries and conditions.  Services are provided in the child’s home, daycare setting, or SIRS clinic sites.  Licensed Speech, Physical, and Occupational Therapy services are available through private pay, private insurance and Indiana First Steps.

SIRS provides Early Intervention services through First Steps to participating families. There are fifteen different services available for children birth to three years of age through First Steps and SIRS provides six of them. They can also direct you to each county’s System Point of Entry, the place to start if you are interested in obtaining services for your child.

If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you may be eligible for Indiana Works, a free service funded by the Social Security Administration through the Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program. Available throughout southern and southeastern Indiana, Indiana Works helps individuals understand how employment can fit into their goals while protecting the benefits they rely on.

Working toward employment, returning to school, starting a business, or increasing your financial independence may be more achievable than you think. A trained Work Incentive Coordinator will provide personalized guidance on the work incentives available through Social Security, helping you understand how they can support your journey toward greater independence.

The Social Security Administration offers a variety of work incentives that allow many beneficiaries to explore employment while continuing to receive disability benefits. Through Indiana Works, you’ll receive free, individualized benefits counseling, including a comprehensive analysis of how earnings may affect your SSI or SSDI benefits, healthcare coverage, and other public benefits. You’ll also learn about employment opportunities, long-term supports, and additional federal, state, and local programs designed to help you succeed.

With the information and support provided through Indiana Works, you can make informed decisions about employment and confidently plan for your future.

SIRS partners with the Indiana Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to provide employment services that help individuals prepare for, obtain, and succeed in competitive, integrated employment. Services may provide funding and support for job development, training, and initial job coaching as you begin your new career.

An Employment Coordinator will support you throughout every step of your employment journey. Whether you’re looking for your first job, returning to the workforce, or exploring a new career path, we’re here to help you achieve your employment goals. We will work with you to identify your strengths, interests, and career goals while providing individualized support that may include:

• Creating or updating your résumé
• Completing job applications
• Preparing for interviews
• Developing workplace and job-search skills
• Identifying employment opportunities that match your interests and abilities
• Contacting local employers to help connect you with available positions

SIRS is available to continue to support your long-term success. Through Indiana’s Medicaid Home and Community Based Waivers: Extended Services, ongoing job coaching and employment supports are available to help you maintain employment, build confidence, strengthen workplace skills, and continue growing in your career. Our Employment Coordinators remain available to provide guidance and assistance as your needs change, helping you achieve lasting employment and greater independence.

SIRS partners with the Indiana Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to provide pre-employment transition services to eligible students with disabilities in Warrick, Perry, and Spencer Counties. Pre-ETS helps students ages 14 through 22 prepare for life after high school by building the skills, confidence, and experiences needed for future employment, education, and greater independence. These services supplement the transition planning and support students receive through their schools.

Our experienced Employment Coordinator works with each student to explore career interests and develop a personalized plan for success. Pre-ETS services include:

• Job exploration counseling
• Work-based learning experiences
• Counseling on post-secondary education and training opportunities
• Workplace readiness training, including communication, teamwork, and independent living skills
• Instruction in self-advocacy so students can confidently make informed decisions about their future

Through group instruction with hands-on experiences, community partnerships, and individualized support, students gain valuable skills that prepare them for competitive, integrated employment and successful transitions to college, vocational training, or the workforce. Our goal is to help every student discover their strengths, explore meaningful career opportunities, and take the next step toward an independent and fulfilling future.

Our Deaconess Project SEARCH is modeled on a nationally recognized program developed at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Project SEARCH provides transition age students with disabilities employability skills training through unpaid internship experiences in preparation for competitive employment in the community.  Through Project SEARCH Indiana, students in transition who are in their last year of high school or recent graduates can experience innovative employment and career development opportunities.

Deaconess Project SEARCH is a successful partnership between SIRS, Deaconess Hospital, Warrick County School Corporation, and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.  At this time, SIRS provides this service to students in Warrick County.

SIRS Employment Coordinators, Warrick County School Corporation Special Education Department staff, and Deaconess Hospital staff work collaboratively so that Project SEARCH student interns can develop a variety of employment skills. If interested, please contact the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation or the student’s Teacher of Record.