Crown Point--Megan Beier moves down the hallways of St. Anthony Home, greeting residents and delivering sincere smiles to each person she sees. For many of the residents, they'll receive and review the mail she brings, but it's Megan they'll remember.

The bright sunlight that pours in the windows of the Franciscan community in Crown Point complements Megan's pink wheelchair as she rolls through the building. Although her skills are limited when measured by society's common standards, Megan's ability to spread happiness is unmatchable.

"She brings joy into a room--just lights it up," said Nancy Hall, Megan's mother. "Volunteering at St. Anthony has been a terrific thing for Megan, too, who used to spend that time doing things she wasn't very interested in. Now she really looks forward to her volunteer role and being involved in the community."

As one of more than 10,000 Indiana residents receiving a Medicaid waiver, Megan receives case management services from Indiana Professional Management Group (IPMG). Her case manager, Jenny Stinnett, advocates for Megan to help utilize her waiver funds to meet her needs and move her closer to her dreams, which for Megan includes volunteering within the community.

"The key to advocating is to not give up, to keep seeking the right opportunity for the waiver recipient," explained Stinnett. "Most people see Megan's wheelchair and the cerebral palsy before they see Megan, and miss out on all she has to offer. As her advocate, I see her possibilities."

As the sole provider for case management services in the state of Indiana, IPMG provides a variety of services to the waiver recipient and his or her family. Like every Hoosier receiving an Autism, Developmental Disabilities, or Support Services Waiver, Megan works with her case manager to determine the best use of her waiver, which can include re-evaluating her choices as her needs and interests change.

"When IPMG became the sole provider of case management services for the state, Megan was only utilizing about half of the funds available through her Support Services Waiver," explained Stinnett. "Her parents just weren't aware of all of the opportunities the waiver could provide. I was able to help them evaluate the options that best fit Megan's needs and interests. The family and Megan then selected the service providers they wanted to work with."

"Megan uses her entire waiver amount today," said Stinnett, "which ensures she can continue to have support personnel accompany her during her volunteer times and provides needed respite for the family, as well."

For St. Anthony, the dedication and assistance of a support person during Megan's volunteer time was critical and welcome. Nannette Black, an employee of Provider, makes the rounds with Megan throughout St. Anthony's and serves as Megan's assistant. Black is one of several employees who work for the service providers selected by Megan and her family to assist Megan with her needs.

Designed to meet the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, Indiana's Waiver Program often also helps the waiver recipient's family maintain financial stability. "Without the waiver, I would probably have to quit my job in order to care for Megan full-time and it would be tough on us to pay for the services she needs," said Hall. "We would make do some way in order to get those services, but the waiver makes it so much easier. I'm grateful I can keep my job and that she receives reliable and engaging support while I'm working."

As a special education teacher at Crown Point High School, Hall has met many students with developmental disabilities who are not receiving an Autism, Developmental Disabilities, or Special Services Waiver. "I push their parents to get their child on the waiver waitlist," said Hall. "It's so important to the families, and it provides the person with the disability so many other options in their life."

For more information on St. Anthony Home or IPMG, visit www.franciscancommunities.com or www.gotoipmg.com.