Government as Partner

One of our most important partners in serving people with disabilities is government. In working with this valued customer, AWS has developed specialized programs, such as those detailed below, to help states achieve their goals.

Comprehensive downsizing of state-operated institutions

Within the past eight years, AWS has successfully moved more than 350 people with disabilities from institutions to an integrated community setting, using proven best practices, extensive hands-on experience and person-centered systems. Many of those moved into the community include people with intense behavioral needs and significant medical challenges.

In the last eight years, AWS has moved more than 350 people from institutions to the community.

Crisis Management Services

For nearly three years, AWS operated a 24/7 Crisis Management Hotline, contracted by Indiana's Family and Social Services Administration. Staffed by professionals, the Hotline offered immediate assistance in dealing with emergency situations, including assessments, referrals and in-home interventions for psychiatric and/or behavioral episodes requiring immediate assistance. The State of Indiana closed the program June 2010 due to revenue shortfalls.

Outreach Services

From 2007 to June 2010, AWS managed Indiana Outreach Services through a contract with Indiana's Family and Social Services Administration. Through Outreach, AWS collaborated with consumers, advocates, providers and state agencies to help people with disabilities by providing staff training, technical assistance, consultation and backup services in a wide variety of areas, including behavioral consulting, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, psychiatric assistance and more. Revenue shortfalls prompted the State of Indiana to close the program in June 2010.

System Point of Entry Programs

The time in a person's life when the biggest developmental impact can be made is under the age of three when our brains are supercharged to learn and grow. That's why AWS is involved in all aspects of care for the youngest among us, including as administrator of state contracts in multiple regions, where AWS coordinates care for families as they enter and navigate through the system. Generally called the System Pointe of Entry (SPOE), AWS manages programs in North Central Indiana, North East Indiana and Greater St. Louis. For more information about these programs, please visit Early Intervention Programs.