Noble of Indiana will expand its services for people with developmental disabilities to include in-home support.

The service will launch in February under the leadership of Community Living Director Jeanine Coleman. Noble is aiming to serve 15 clients by June 30, 2010, the end of its fiscal year.

Noble currently serves more than 2,000 children and adults whose disabilities include Down syndrome, autism, mental retardation and cerebral palsy. Noble provides summer camps, therapy for babies and toddlers, and help with jobs and daily-life skills.

Like the rest of Noble’s work, the cost of in-home services will be covered by the Medicaid Waiver program, which provides money for a variety of needs regardless of income. Clients may use their Medicaid funds to pay rent and contract assistance, which may range from help with cooking and laundry to around-the-clock supervision. Noble will help clients find apartments and housemates, but will not buy or lease any properties.

Rita Davis, Noble director of community relations, said more disabled adults are living under the Medicaid-funded arrangement than in group homes.