More than 250 representatives from service provider organizations around the state attended IPMG's recent day-long conference, "Let's Collaborate: Creating Success in a Person-Centered World."

This first-of-its-kind event brought case management professionals from Indiana Professional Management Group (IPMG) together with provider organizations for the first time since the state's inception of the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs. Service provider agencies and IPMG's case management professionals serve the more than 10,000 Hoosiers receiving Medicaid waivers annually.

Among those organizations represented at the event was Heartland Residential Services, Inc., a residential services provider organization located in Indianapolis. Stacy Bussberg, Heartland's Executive Director, recently shared her thoughts regarding IPMG's collaboration event, and its affect on Heartland and the service provider community as a whole.

"It is apparent to me that IPMG, the State of Indiana, and all of the organizations involved in [the event] have collaborated and agreed on a mission that will make a difference in the services for disabled individuals in Indiana," Bussberg said. "Most importantly--you get it! All of you shared a desire for a higher standard, yet I heard a 'real' understanding of the challenges we face as providers to acquire unique services for each individual."

Bussberg also shared her plans to communicate the information learned at the conference with the organization's staff. "I heard several strong leaders encourage and teach at the conference. The examples you used and the stories you told touched my heart and sparked a new energy for me, which I intend to share with my employees."

Heartland is one of the hundreds of service provider agencies IPMG case management professionals contact daily in regards to the needs of people with developmental disabilities, and whose input has played a vital role in the ongoing drive by IPMG to move toward person-centered case management within the state.

"I have already experienced the support over the past two years with IPMG and our district BDDS coordinators and directors. The crisis program has also been impressive. We have only used it a couple of times but the response was amazingly quick and supportive," said Bussberg. "I think back to my years with other providers and clients, and only wish we had IPMG's new tools and case management support like we have now."

"I just wanted to say thank you!" she said. "I really think your hard work will--and already is--making a difference for individuals with development disabilities. Everyone seems to be 'person centered' and cares about all of our futures."

IPMG is a statewide organization that quickly and creatively responds to the needs of people with developmental disabilities by forming solutions that endure. Successfully meeting the needs of Waiver recipients is paramount to all aspects of the organization. IPMG's innovative, 21st Century case management services empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their goals and thrive in their communities. In keeping with the spirit of collaboration captured at the event, IPMG will continue to work with service providers to create new and better ways to assist people with developmental disabilities across the state.