The Institute’s research to practice initiatives support the advancement of applied research, evaluation, and public policy; outreach that is community oriented and statewide; technical assistance activities that are collaborative, systematic, and results driven; and educational preparation that supports the pre-service and in-service training of professionals to become leaders in the field.
Below are vignettes that feature some of our center work across the lifespan.
Our early childhood focus is dedicated to strengthening universal systems of family support and early education that meet the needs of all young children and their families.
Infant/Toddler Mental Health
The Early Childhood Center (ECC) was awarded a Mental Health Champion grant from the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to explore early childhood mental health in Indiana. Dr. Katie Herron, ECC director, led the project and compiled data from over 20 existing state level needs assessments along with other available state level data and developed a report. This data was organized according to the three components of early childhood mental health that refer to a child’s ability to:
The report emphasized the need for increased coordinated early childhood mental health supports with accompanying evaluation. The report was refined in collaboration with a state level advisory group formed during an inaugural Summer 2022 Infant Toddler Mental Health Summit. Additional joint efforts included the Indiana Home Visiting Collaborative to share progress and receive recommendations. These recommendations were disseminated through media interviews and via social media.
A series of four webinars for professionals were developed highlighting data from the report and relevant Indiana resources. The first webinar in the series focused on describing the data in the report while another featured the Infant Toddler Mental Health Endorsement in Indiana with a panel of practitioners and educators sharing information designed to build awareness among service providers in the state. The third webinar featured a collaboration with Indiana’s CDC “Learn the Signs. Act Early” Ambassador and highlighted how knowing social emotional developmental milestones and basic information about early childhood mental health can support families and caretakers with creating realistic expectations about the ways infants and toddlers interact with others. The final webinar was a collaboration with state level childcare leaders that spotlighted new state initiatives supporting childcare professionals to address challenging behaviors and care for their own mental health. This grant has positioned the ECC to conduct further work in early childhood mental health and has provided the opportunity for stakeholders from a variety of agencies and organizations to build connections. To that end, in the fall of 2023, the ECC will partner with Indiana’s Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) to offer a second statewide Infant Toddler Mental Health Summit.
Dream Big Start Early Podcast
The Early Childhood Center (ECC) received a grant from the AWS Foundation of Fort Wayne, Indiana, to support the development of a micro-learning curriculum for families of young children with disabilities. This curriculum will address two critical information gaps that impact families in early childhood. The first focuses on the importance and development of high family expectations. Research has shown that family expectations influence outcomes. The other information gap is around understanding inclusion and that inclusive environments are beneficial to children with and without disabilities. Unfortunately, early childhood systems do not clearly and consistently communicate information and guidance around inclusion to families. Micro-learnings will be developed that will be accessible to a wide variety of families, including videos made by family members, and will be piloted in Northeast Indiana in collaboration with early childhood educators and family support organizations in that area.
Family Guided Routines Based Intervention
Family Guided Routines Based Intervention (FGRBI) professional development is underway with First Steps providers across Indiana. As part of a partnership with Florida State University, these providers are learning how to utilize caregiver coaching to support parent and child interaction within a family’s routines and daily activities. The Early Childhood Center (ECC) is supporting Indiana First Steps in adopting FGRBI as a statewide mode of service provision. Using the guiding principles of implementation science, the Center and First Step’s state office will create systems change to support the adoption of caregiver coaching, a well-established best practice in early intervention. Over 155 providers have completed an online learning experience providing information about FGRBI. More than 80 providers from 13 different agencies have completed, or are continuing to participate, in a series of webinars and professional learning community meetings which include video submissions of themselves in practice over the course of the 10-month experience.
Supporting Early Diagnosis and Early Intervention for Young Children with ASD or Behavioral Challenges
Autism spectrum disorders now affect 1 in 36 individuals, with over 70% of those diagnosed experiencing co-occurring challenges, including extreme behavior issues, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Supporting children with these challenges can be difficult, particularly in early childhood programs where mental health concerns can surface. Although commonly used, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has limitations, and some families may prefer alternative approaches. A multi-year project combining the efforts of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA) and the Indiana Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program will provide families of young children and early childhood professionals with practical tips and consumer-friendly training and coaching to aid in early diagnosis. Written materials will be translated into Spanish and posted on the IRCA and Act Early Indiana websites. The project aims to reach marginalized families who may have difficulty accessing these resources. Family input will be sought to ensure that the materials are practical and family friendly
Early Intervention Conference
The Early Childhood Center (ECC) collaborates annually with the Bureau of Child Development Services (BCDS) and INfancy Onward to develop a relevant, research-based conference for early intervention providers and families statewide. After two years of virtual conferences due to COVID, this year’s conference, held in June of 2023, hosted over 800 participants, speakers, and exhibitors. Conference keynotes focused on inclusion and belonging, health equity, and the skills needed to have difficult conversations. Breakout topics centered around critical topics such as addressing challenging behaviors, coaching, and supporting families with children on the autism spectrum. To increase participation, the conference offered a live-stream option for providers and families who were unable to attend in person. The Center values this annual opportunity to showcase best practices in a collegial setting in which providers feel connected to their peers.
Our school age focus is dedicated to advancing education practices that welcome, include, educate and support all learners.
Family Caregivers of Children with ASD/ID
Many families are impacted by autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities (ASD/ID), and the overall health and wellness of family caregivers can have a significant impact on family functioning. The Indiana Institute was funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to examine issues related to family caregivers. This work has produced numerous products and outputs including two peer reviewed publications and national and international presentations.
Through this project’s funding, IIDC researchers sought to understand the health and work-related experiences of caregivers of autistic children and autistic children with intellectual disability (ASD/ID). The project examines whether there were economic engagement and health inequities between these caregivers and those who have children without ASD or ASD/ID. In order to complete the work, researchers used the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), an annual nationally representative cross-sectional household interview survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Through rigorous quantitative statistical methodology, the team found that parent caregivers of autistic children experienced unique challenges. Specifically, they were much more likely to report poorer health status, and lower levels of labor force engagement and employment, than their peers without autistic children. The research also showed child public health insurance status related to even deeper challenges. These findings have direct policy and programmatic implications, suggesting parents whose children access public health insurance programs may have additional family support needs that are important to consider. Embracing policies that are more family-centric rather than those that are individual child-centric may add supports and needed services to the primary caregiver, therefore helping the child in a way that may be more sustainable, long-lasting, and impactful.
The IIDC anticipates that this work will not only be shared through the upcoming publication of two academic articles and conference presentations, but also through the dissemination of policy briefs which intend to share this information with a broader audience of stakeholders who will benefit from this information. Bringing research into practice by sharing results with families and policymakers helps to fulfill the mandate of the IIDC as part of the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) network.
NCI Child Family Survey
The Indiana Institute conducted the Child Family Survey (CFS) in 2022 as part of its ongoing relationship with the National Core Indicators (NCI) project. NCI collects valid and reliable data about the performance of public IDD systems through a collaboration between the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS), the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI), and state IDD agencies. The CFS is used nationally to assess the state of services for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who live in the family home. The Institute surveyed 1,500 families in Indiana to elicit their perceptions and concerns about employment, disability rights, service planning, community inclusion, health, and safety. Results of both the state and national picture of services and supports will be distributed through reports and academic literature. The findings of the CFS will provide families, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners with valuable takeaways to improve the service system for children with IDD and their families.
ICTQ Collaboration
Information sharing can be the catalyst to successful project implementation at the Indiana Institute. The collaboration between the IIDC’s Early Childhood Center (ECC) and the Center on Education and Lifelong Learning’s (CELL) Indiana Center on Teacher Quality (ICTQ) resulted in successful implementation of a validated survey tool that measures parents’ perceptions of the family-school relationship. The work of ICTQ is to support districts to improve family engagement. Using the Indiana Department of Education’s (IDOE) Family Friendly Schools initiative, ICTQ staff implemented the survey in six out of seven districts. Results indicate that in general, parents experience a welcoming climate but felt that power to make school policy, program, or curricular decisions could be shared more effectively. District implementation teams will analyze results and include action steps in their implementation plans going forward. Additionally, ECC staff designed a family engagement component for ICTQ trainings involving teachers and principals around the Dual Capacity-Building Framework for Family-School Partnerships.
Educating the Whole Child Summit
Since the inaugural Summit in 2019, the Indiana School Mental Health Initiative (ISMHI) has hosted an annual Summit for the educators, community organizations, and mental health professionals from across Indiana. The Summit is a day-long conference to share evidence-based practices to create the best conditions for learning for all of Indiana’s preK-12 students, recognizing that students must experience well-being to achieve their full academic and life potential. From the first sold-out Summit in 2019, ISMHI has continued to offer inspiring and energizing keynotes, breakout sessions, activities, and exhibitors with consistent attendance of over five hundred attendees each year for a day of learning and networking. Preservice teachers are provided scholarships to attend, and most recently high school students have been in attendance to share their stories and their work to eradicate the stigma of mental health. Momentum for this event continues as well-being is recognized as an imperative piece of the educational process for students.
Camp Yes And
Camp Yes And, a project of the Center on Education and Lifelong Learning (CELL), is dedicated to fostering equity and inclusion in education. The camp offers a unique combination of educator professional learning and support for neurodiverse youth to make social connections. The curriculum focuses on integrating improvisational theater techniques into academic and social-emotional learning. Since its founding in 2015, the camp has served 92 youth and 66 educators directly, with an estimated impact on thousands of students across the country. “Camp just perfected the way I talked and the way I connected with other people, and I felt like I wasn’t shy here. And it gave me a safe home, a safe haven,” said a participating student. An educator reported, “Several times this week, I found myself wishing I was more like them. They are brilliant, courageous, and compassionate, topped with a sense of humor. I knew that but didn’t realize the magnitude. I believe I have a whole new level of respect for them."
Our work in the area of young adulthood focuses on the transition from secondary education to adult life, which includes accessing and navigating services, benefits, employment, person-centered planning, and community inclusion. We're also engaged in systems and policy analysis.
Family and Social Services Administration Grant
The Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) of the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) awarded the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community (IIDC) a training grant for the years 2022-2024. In collaboration with leadership from Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services and the Bureau of Disabilities Services (BDS), the IIDC team provides training to VR staff and is working to revise and develop new courses for case managers as well as organize a large-scale, state-wide conference for DDRS staff.
The Center on Community Living and Careers (CCLC) leads the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Staff Training component. As part of this grant, the Center meets regularly with VR leadership, has conducted a needs assessment for VR staff, and has provided training on several topics, including motivational interviewing, career pathways, social security benefits and work incentives, implicit bias, and autism. CCLC has delivered this training in person and virtually, with an average of 150 participants per topic. Looking ahead to the professional development schedule for 2023-24, the Center plans to include training for VR staff that focuses on working with individuals with anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and neurological disorders. This continued emphasis on professional development underscores a commitment to providing the most comprehensive and effective support for individuals with disabilities.
A five-phase strategic training plan guides the case manager training initiative which is rooted in reflections of strengths, gaps, and observations accumulated over the past years. IIDC staff meet regularly with leadership from BDS to ensure the plan’s effectiveness and relevance. Plans for case manager online training modules will include a focus on the implementation of the LifeCourse Framework tools in person-centered planning with Medicaid recipients.
As part of the deliverables for this grant, the team will assist in orchestrating two large-scale conferences, one in September 2023 and one in 2024. The 2024 conference is a statewide conference for all of Indiana’s DDRS’ 500+ employees to focus on one vision and one message – Building an Inclusive Workforce. The Center’s experience in developing training materials will be leveraged for the conference. This includes resources such as the IIDC’s Indiana Disability History Project, Supported Decision-Making webinars, and resources on Charting the LifeCourse from our partner, the University of Missouri at Kansas City.
National Fee-Based Courses
In April 2023, the Center on Community Living and Careers (CCLC) introduced the National Learning Academy (NLA), a virtual education platform for social services professionals. The NLA offers self-paced training for professionals assisting individuals with disabilities in employment. Courses provide education on working with key disability populations along with evidence-based strategies to support individuals with disabilities in employment or postsecondary education. The NLA launched with four courses on mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Other nationally offered online courses, including Employment Consultant Training, Discovery, and Natural Supports, will soon be part of the NLA offerings. As a member of the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) network, the NLA provides credentials, including certificates, Continuing Education credit, and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Hours. For these and many other reasons, the NLA is an attractive choice to social services professionals.
FEAT Expands to Statewide Level
Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT) is an adaptable, evidence-based program designed to help transition-age students (ages 14-22) with disabilities, their families, and professionals understand customized, competitive employment. With Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) authorized funds from Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services, the Center on Community Living and Careers (CCLC) expanded Indiana FEAT activities statewide. To best reach stakeholders statewide, FEAT is offered in a different community annually and in three regions (northern, central, and southern), covering urban, suburban, and rural communities and is offered in an online format each winter. FEAT trainers provide individual and group support to participants to enhance follow-through. The trainings average 27 attendees per session (in-person and online) with projections expected to reach at least 100 participants annually. In 2024, the online FEAT training will be available in Spanish to reach a more diverse audience.
Department of Corrections
The Indiana Secondary Transition Resource Center (INSTRC), under the Center for Community Living and Careers (CCLC), has a history of improving Individualized Education Program (IEP) quality and compliance, leading to better transition services and outcomes for Indiana students. INSTRC is collaborating with the Indiana Department of Correction (IDoC) to address the unique transition needs of students with disabilities involved in the juvenile justice system. Funded by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, this initiative trains special education professionals to enhance transition-focused IEPs and teaching practices, preparing students for adulthood, and achieving postsecondary goals in education, employment, and independent living. This initiative, bridging incarceration and community integration, seeks to reduce recidivism and improve life success. Key activities in the partnership include IEP training, online webinars, virtual office hours, technical assistance, disability awareness and special education training for IDoC staff, evaluation of training effectiveness, and resource provision.
Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) Model Demonstration Project
In 2022, Indiana was one of 14 states whose vocational rehabilitation agency received a grant to decrease the use of sub-minimum wages for people with disabilities and increase access to competitive integrated employment. The grant funds the SWTCIE Model Demonstration Project, called Supported Employment +. The project expands competitive, integrated employment by implementing and evaluating a comprehensive employment service package with 4 organizations and 7 sites across Indiana. Key components of SE+ include fidelity of implementation of the supported employment process, peer supports, expanded benefits information counseling, Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT), coaching to build local capacity, training and technical assistance, and an Integrated Resource Team approach. The IIDC’s Center on Community Living and Careers (CCLC) provides expanded benefits information counseling and FEAT training.
U.S. Play Coalition
In the spring of 2023, the U.S. Play Coalition, part of the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson University, announced that the IIDC’s Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands will assume stewardship of the program. Established in 2009, the U.S. Play Coalition has grown into an international network of individuals and organizations, promoting the value of play throughout life. The Coalition hosts conferences and educational trainings, encourages and conducts research, and provides avenues of communication about the value of play worldwide. The Eppley Center was identified as the ideal place to launch the next great chapter of the U.S. Play Coalition – to carry forth its legacy and advance its initiatives that have served as a springboard for the modern play movement. Established in 1993, Eppley provides evidence-based training, planning, and research for parks and public land agencies.
