The Indiana Institute on Disability and Community (IIDC) and the HANDS in Autism® program are pleased to announce that HANDS in Autism® will be transitioning from the IU School of Medicine to the IIDC at Indiana University Bloomington.
This transition reflects a shared commitment to sustaining and expanding the program’s impact across Indiana and beyond. By joining IIDC, HANDS in Autism® will continue its mission of providing innovative, evidence-based training, resources, and support to individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities, as well as to families, educators, and professionals.
What This Means for Indiana and Beyond
This move brings exciting opportunities for growth and collaboration while preserving the core values, resources and services that stakeholders have come to rely on. Key benefits include:
- Expanded Access: IIDC’s statewide infrastructure will help broaden access to HANDS in Autism® services, especially in underserved areas.
- Stronger Collaborations: Integration with IIDC’s network of centers will foster new partnerships and interdisciplinary approaches to support individuals with autism and their families across systems, settings and the lifespan.
- Sustained Innovation: The program will continue to evolve in response to community, state, national and global needs through IIDC’s commitment to research, training, and community engagement.
- Continuity of Services: Stakeholders can expect uninterrupted access to the high-quality, data-driven programming, training, and resources that HANDS in Autism® is known for and has established over its longstanding history.
Looking Ahead
While the transition marks a new chapter, the shared vision between HANDS and IIDC ensures that the program’s legacy and impact will not only be preserved but enhanced. This change brings with it additional resources, expanded networks, and new opportunities to deepen our collective work. As we move forward, we remain committed to transparency and collaboration, and we will continue to engage with our partners and stakeholders throughout the process.
We are currently working through the operational and financial details of the transition and will share updates as they become available.
Derek Nord, PhD, FAAIDD
Director, Indiana Institute on Disability & Community
dnord@iu.edu | 812-855-7102
Tiffany Neal, PhD
Director, HANDS in Autism®
nealtiff@iu.edu | (317) 274-2697