The December edition of the Shared Solutions blog explained the Family and Social Service Administration’s (FSSA) phased plan for the gradual elimination of waiver-funded, facility-based prevocational services, typically referred to as sheltered workshops. Phase 1, beginning July 2024, required no new transition-age youth to enter facility prevocational services using waiver funding. Phase 2, having started in January 2025, requires no new entries of any age. Phase 3, slated to begin early to mid-2027, sees the cessation of all waiver reimbursement to agencies providing prevocational services.
So, what does the phase-out plan mean for families and individuals going through the process?
Indiana FSSA recognizes the plan can be very scary for some, as their daily routine, coworkers, support staff, and workplace will change drastically. Historically, sheltered workshops in Indiana and 
nationwide have provided structured activities for individuals with disabilities, offering stability and consistency. However, through the years researchers have learned that too often sheltered work paid inadequate, unfair wages and prevented people with disabilities from interacting with their peers and in their communities. Understanding the reasoning behind the phase-out plan might assist families and individuals in getting on board. Accepting and realizing the transition from sheltered workshops to community jobs might seem overwhelming, but it’s an exciting opportunity for growth and meaningful living. Transitioning to community employment can be empowering and contributes to an individual’s well-being.
Family involvement is particularly important for making changes that help with obtaining inclusive jobs, where individuals work alongside people with and without disabilities. Understanding the partners and their roles in the process will help families advocate for appropriate services and knowledge of what to expect. Families should understand the roles and responsibilities of employment service providers who support workers and job seekers with disabilities in their employment. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is another partner in the transition process. Indiana VR offers employment services for students aged 14 to 22, and adults with disabilities. VR has a variety of resources and services available to job seekers.
A Guide for Families and Individuals
The Center on Community Living and Careers offers various resources to support individuals with disabilities and their families as they transition from sheltered workshops to competitive integrated employment. Explore the Essential Transitioning to Competitive Integrated Employment Guide. This guide covers the benefits of competitive integrated employment, strength-based employment services, person-centered planning methods and tools, and the responsibilities of service providers in maintaining best practices.
It Really Can Happen: Justin’s Story
Sometimes it helps to hear it from someone who’s traveled a similar path. Meet Justin, he lost his job at a sheltered workshop during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Arc of Evansville’s employment program helped him secure a new job at Cintas, where he sorts hangers and builds meaningful relationships with his coworkers. Read Justin’s full story and many more on the CCLC Individual Employment Stories webpage.
Resources
- FINDER is a free online directory for the disability community, offering services, programs, and articles. Search by topic, life stage, diagnosis, benefits, and services. Providers keep information current. Visit the website to explore your local resources.
- The CCLC Learning Academy offers a variety of online courses to enhance your knowledge and understanding of disability-related topics. To see all the courses offered, visit the CCLC Learning Academy webpage.