Goals

Early Intervention and Education

Linking research and practice to advance the field of early education…

Advancing early education practices that bring about successful school readiness for all children is embedded in the work of the Institute’s early intervention focus. Our work links research and practice in advancing the field of early education by providing leadership and assistance to agencies, organizations, and communities serving all young children (birth through five years), including children with disabilities and their families.

Supporting work in education that is interdependent between schools and community…

The Institute’s work in education is interdependent between schools and community. We see a responsibility to collaborate and connect with community partners in an effort to build school and communities that welcome, educate, and support all learners.

Implementing innovative ideas, approaches to transition…

Successful transition planning across the lifespan includes an interdisciplinary and interagency approach. The Institute’s work in transition and related services includes best practices around policy implementation, research, and the promotion of new networks and relationships.

Tapping into a powerful labor and customer base…

Indiana is reaching out to large corporations and smaller businesses, helping them directly tap into the Indiana disability community as a powerful labor (and customer) base. The Indiana Institute and its partners, along with Vocational Rehabilitation Services, are providing resources, training, and other services to Indiana businesses as they discover the benefits of hiring employees with disabilities.

Working on behalf of individuals across the autism spectrum…

Recognizing that the prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorders is increasing (1 in 68 as of March 2014 - CDC data), the Institute engages in work that leads to improved quality of life for individuals on the spectrum and their families. Specifically, work is focused on early detection and diagnosis, effective early childhood and school-age programs that utilize evidence-based practices, transition across grade levels and stages of life, postsecondary opportunities, community employment, and family support.

Supporting age- and ability-friendly communities…

The vast majority of aging adults in Indiana want to be able to age in place, maintaining their independence, contributing to their community, and enjoying their family and friends. Supporting age- and ability-friendly communities statewide is another focus area of the Indiana Institute.

Improving access to information and choice…

The Indiana Institute seeks to increase the full participation of individuals with disabilities and their family members in their local communities. Our work is designed to ensure that persons with disabilities and families have access to information and choice. This is achieved through training and dissemination activities promoting the use of person-centered planning, self-directed funding, and self-advocacy.