About My Voice My RT
Why we exist, who we serve, and how we’re fighting to protect choice in care.
My Voice My RT is a grassroots group started by people with disabilities, families, and professionals. We believe everyone should have full access to therapy services without limits or cost cuts.
We have formed because Indiana wants to limit Recreational Therapy to six hours per month under CIH & FSW waivers.
This policy threatens to reduce or eliminate a service that many Hoosiers with disabilities rely on to gain independence, build community, and improve quality of life.
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Uplifting Choice. Protecting Access. Defending Dignity.
My Voice My RT is a grassroots initiative founded by people with disabilities, families, and professionals who believe that everyone deserves access to the full spectrum of therapeutic services — free from arbitrary caps or cost-cutting restrictions.
We were created in direct response to Indiana’s proposal to cap Recreational Therapy at six hours per month under the CIH & FSW waivers. This threatens to strip away life-enhancing support that many Hoosiers rely on.
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When decision-makers place limits on services like Recreational Therapy, they are doing more than shifting policy — they are undermining client choice, community inclusion, and basic human dignity.
These changes are not just about hours and funding. They are about people. And they violate the principles of person-centered care and the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rule, which protects each person’s right to make informed decisions about their care.
Limiting access to essential services sends a harmful message: that some lives are not worth the investment.
We believe in a different message: Choice is strength. Voice is power. Lives with dignity are non-negotiable.
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My Voice My RT is here to:
Raise awareness about the proposed Recreational Therapy caps and their real-world impact
Mobilize public comment during the open feedback window (July 8 – August 8, 2025)
Collect and share personal stories that highlight the value of RT in daily life
Host community Town Halls to educate families, professionals, and stakeholders
Provide tools and resources so that everyone can advocate effectively
Build unity across roles—consumers, parents, therapists, case managers, behavior consultants, and advocates
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The state’s proposal to limit RT to six hours per month doesn’t reflect medical need or best practices — it reflects a cost-saving strategy at the expense of human lives.
This limit would disproportionately impact individuals who rely on higher levels of support, further isolating those already on the margins.
If allowed to pass, this policy would:
Violate the spirit of the HCBS Settings Rule
Restrict personal freedom and service choice
Undermine years of progress for individuals and families
Create unnecessary hardship for caregivers, therapists, and entire support teams
What is Recreational Therapy?
Recreational Therapy (RT) uses evidence-based, goal-driven activities — like play, community outings, and social engagement to support:
Emotional and Mental Health
Social Skills and Friendships
Physical Fitness and Motor Skills
Community Navigation
Communication and Independence
RT isn’t “just recreation.” It’s therapy. It’s essential. It’s life-changing.
Our Mission: To defend the right to choose Recreational Therapy and elevate the voices of those directly affected by policy decisions.
Our Vision: A future where people with disabilities make empowered choices, access the services that best fit their needs, and live fully in their communities — with respect, autonomy, and equity.
What YOU Can Do
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Speak Up: Tell your case manager you do not approve of any budget changes until DDARS or CMS has publicly acknowledged approval or denial of the proposed amendments.
Appeal: File an appeal of your budget and the proposed therapy caps through your waiver case manager. You can learn more about the appeals process on the OALP website.
Take Action: Contact the ACLU of Indiana and file a complaint. The more complaints the ACLU receives, the more attention is drawn to these rights violations. You can file a claim directly on the ACLU website.
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We are collecting written, video, and audio stories to share with decision-makers, lawmakers, and the community.
Personal testimonies are powerful tools for change.
Submit your story: HERE
Or email your story to: MyVoiceMyRT@gmail.com
