Education & School Support
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📍 Location
Statewide Program serving all 92 Indiana counties through regional System Point of Entry (SPOE) offices. Families are connected with the office serving their county.🌐 Website
Indiana First StepsAbout
Indiana First Steps is the state's early intervention program for infants and toddlers from birth through age 3 who have developmental delays or diagnosed conditions that may affect their development. The program partners with families to support children's growth through everyday routines and activities, with services delivered in natural environments such as the home, childcare setting, or community whenever appropriate. Anyone, including parents, caregivers, physicians, therapists, or childcare providers, can make a referral.
Services
Developmental evaluations and eligibility assessments
Service coordination
Developmental Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Speech-Language Therapy
Audiology and vision services
Nutrition services
Assistive technology
Social work and psychological services
Family education and coaching
Transition planning as children approach age 3
Good to Know
Serves children from birth until their third birthday.
Evaluations are provided at no cost to families to determine eligibility.
Services are individualized through an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) based on each child's strengths, needs, and family priorities.
Therapy typically takes place during everyday routines in the child's natural environment.
Families may have a cost share for some ongoing services depending on household income, but many services are covered through insurance, Medicaid, and state funding.
Why Families May Appreciate It
First Steps can be an invaluable resource for families who have concerns about their baby's or toddler's development but aren't sure where to begin. The program focuses on coaching caregivers and supporting development through everyday activities, helping children build communication, movement, learning, social-emotional, and daily living skills during the years when early intervention can have the greatest impact. Families often appreciate having a dedicated Service Coordinator to help navigate evaluations, therapies, and the transition to preschool services when their child approaches age three.
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📍 Location
5954 N. College Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46220🌐 Website
Ability AlliesAbout
Ability Allies is an Indiana nonprofit dedicated to protecting the educational rights of students with disabilities through affordable educational advocacy and legal services. Formerly known as Disability Legal Services of Indiana, the organization helps families navigate special education laws, resolve school-related disputes, and ensure students have access to appropriate educational supports and services. Ability Allies serves families across Indiana and also provides training to help parents and professionals better understand special education law.
Services
Educational advocacy for IEP and Section 504 plans
Legal representation in special education matters
Assistance with eligibility, evaluations, and school placement
Support for disciplinary issues involving students with disabilities
Representation during mediation, state complaints, and Article 7 due process hearings
Guidance for college students seeking disability accommodations
Free educational presentations and workshops for families and professionals
Good to Know
Serves students with disabilities from preschool through college across Indiana.
Families begin by completing an intake application to determine eligibility for services.
Services are generally free for eligible families with household incomes below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, with low-cost services available for many others.
Particularly helpful for families facing complex school situations that may require formal advocacy or legal support.
Why Families May Appreciate It
When conversations with a school become difficult or families feel unsure of their child's educational rights, Ability Allies can provide knowledgeable guidance and legal advocacy. Whether a family needs help securing an evaluation, addressing an inappropriate placement, preparing for an IEP meeting, or resolving a dispute, the organization helps parents understand their options and advocate for an education that meets their child's individual needs. For many families, it offers a level of support that goes beyond traditional parent advocacy organizations.
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📍 Location
2810 E. Discovery Parkway
Bloomington, IN 47408🌐 Website
Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA)About
The Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA), part of Indiana University's Institute on Disability and Community, is Indiana's statewide autism resource center. Rather than providing direct therapy, IRCA equips autistic individuals, families, educators, and professionals with evidence-based information, training, consultation, and practical resources that support autistic people across the lifespan. The center embraces a neuroaffirming approach that promotes self-advocacy, autonomy, and inclusion.
Services
Free articles, guides, and educational resources
Printable visual supports for home, school, and community
Webinars and professional development opportunities
School support and educator training
Family education and resource navigation
Monthly newsletter with Indiana-specific updates
Career planning resources for autistic students
Information on financial resources and state services
Community outreach initiatives and caregiver support opportunities
Good to Know
Serves autistic individuals, families, educators, and professionals throughout Indiana.
Most online resources are available free of charge.
IRCA does not provide diagnostic evaluations, therapy, or legal advocacy, but it can connect families with appropriate resources and services.
Offers one of Indiana's largest collections of autism-specific articles, visual supports, and educational materials.
Frequently answers questions about topics such as education, behavior, communication, sensory needs, transition planning, and navigating Indiana services.
Why Families May Appreciate It
IRCA is an excellent starting point for families looking for trustworthy, Indiana-specific autism information. Whether you're preparing for an IEP meeting, supporting communication at home, learning about sensory differences, or trying to understand available services, IRCA offers practical, research-informed resources that are easy to use in everyday life. Families and educators alike may appreciate having a reliable source of information that supports autistic individuals through a strengths-based, neuroaffirming lens.
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📍 Location
7916 Zionsville Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Serving educators, schools, and families throughout Indiana🌐 Website
IEP Technical Assistance CenterAbout
The IEP Technical Assistance Center (IEP TA Center), formerly known as the Indiana IEP Resource Center, is a statewide resource dedicated to improving educational outcomes for students with disabilities. As a project of Indiana State University supported through the Indiana Department of Education, the center provides professional learning, technical assistance, and resources related to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and special education practices.
While much of its work supports educators and school teams, the IEP TA Center also partners with family support organizations and provides resources to help parents better understand the IEP process and participate meaningfully in educational planning.
Services
IEP resources and guidance
Professional development and workshops for educators
Self-paced online learning modules
School and district technical assistance
Resources supporting inclusive education practices
Facilitated IEP (FIEP) services to help teams work through challenges collaboratively
Training resources for special education professionals and families
Good to Know
Serves families, educators, and school teams across Indiana.
Resources are focused on improving understanding of the IEP process and supporting effective special education practices.
The Facilitated IEP process is available at no cost to families or schools when requested and uses a trained, neutral facilitator to help teams communicate and stay focused on the student's needs.
The center does not provide individual legal advocacy or represent families in disputes. Families needing advocacy support may benefit from connecting with organizations such as IN*SOURCE or Ability Allies.
Why Families May Appreciate It
Navigating special education can feel overwhelming, especially when families are preparing for their first IEP meeting or trying to better understand how decisions are made. The IEP Technical Assistance Center provides reliable Indiana-specific information that can help families become more informed members of their child's educational team. Families may especially appreciate the Facilitated IEP option as a way to bring additional structure and collaboration to meetings when communication between families and schools becomes challenging.
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📍 Location
310 West McKinley Avenue, Suite 300
Mishawaka, IN 46545
Serving families throughout Indiana🌐 Website
IN*SOURCEAbout
IN*SOURCE is Indiana's federally recognized Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) that helps families of children with disabilities understand special education, navigate school systems, and advocate for their child's educational needs. The organization connects families with information, training, and individualized support related to special education services, including Indiana's special education rules (Article 7), IEPs, evaluations, and school partnerships.
Services
Individual assistance for families navigating special education
Support understanding Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
Guidance on Indiana special education rules (Article 7)
Training and workshops for parents and caregivers
Resources for preparing for case conference committee meetings
Support understanding evaluations, eligibility, accommodations, and services
Resources related to Section 504 plans
Transition planning resources for students preparing for adulthood
Parent resources available in multiple languages
Good to Know
Services are available at no cost to Indiana families.
Supports families of children with disabilities from early childhood through young adulthood.
IN*SOURCE does not replace an attorney or legal advocate but helps families understand their rights and options within the education system.
Families can request support for topics such as IEP meetings, evaluations, behavior supports, discipline, transition planning, and navigating disagreements with schools.
Why Families May Appreciate It
For many families, the special education system can feel complicated and overwhelming. IN*SOURCE provides a trusted starting point for parents who want to better understand their child's rights, prepare for school meetings, and become more confident members of their child's educational team. Families may especially appreciate having access to experienced staff who can help translate special education processes into practical next steps.