Special Education Advocacy Services
Indiana Resource Center for Families with Special Needs. Provides parents, families, and service providers in Indiana with the information and training necessary to help assure effective educational programs and appropriate services for children and young adults with disabilities.
Keywords: Indiana, disablities, south bend, Resource Center, families with Special Needs, families, family, children, parents, educational programs, services for children and young adults with disabilities, handicapped, wheelchair, blind.
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
In 1975, a group of parents in South Bend came together primarily because they wanted to understand what “going to school” would mean for their children with disabilities. Prior to that time, most of those families had children who, because of their disabilities, were not permitted to attend public schools. The group of parents worked with their local schools to understand the requirements of a new law that said that children with disabilities, as all other children, are entitled to a free appropriate public education. They took that knowledge and information and shared it with other families in the South Bend community.
The mission of IN*SOURCE is to provide parents, families, individuals and service providers in the state of Indiana the information and training necessary to help assure effective educational programs and appropriate services for individuals with disabilities.
What is your primary product or service?
Parents Helping Parents...
Today, IN*SOURCE has staff who provide that information and training to the entire state of Indiana. Virtually all of our staff are parents of individuals with disabilities. The Board of Directors is composed of a majority of parents of individuals with disabilities, individuals with disabilities themselves, and service providers to individuals with disabilities.
IN*SOURCE has a training program for parents of individuals with disabilities who wish to serve as volunteers in their local communities throughout Indiana.
With parents helping parents, all that IN*SOURCE does directly relates to the provision of information, training, assistance and support to parents of individuals with disabilities.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
Since the 1970s, IN*SOURCE and the Indiana Department of Education, Division of Special Education, have worked together to address shared educational concerns and issues facing Indiana's students with disabilities and their families. IN*SOURCE and the Division initiated the Collaborative Parent Involvement Project (CPIP). CPIP focuses on helping parents, educators and local communities work together to address a variety of challenges. This includes transition, assistive technology, and surrogate parent programs.
The project also supports ways to facilitate communication among families and various groups to promote sharing of ideas and resources and to foster the development of regional and statewide networks.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Parents Helping Parents - a Regional Approach
IN*SOURCE believes in the value of parents helping parents.Once trained, parent work directly with other parents to provide special education information and support. When someone is able to identify with and relate to the needs of parents seeking information, the outcome is more positive on parents' confidence.
IN*SOURCE currently has staff and volunteers statewide. We believe that parents working with each other in the community where they live is an effective means of service.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
The Central Office is located in South Bend. We have regional offices throughout the state.
Provide detailed directions to your location
The Central Office is located at 1703 South Ironwood Drive, South Bend, IN 46613. Phone: 574-234-7101 or 800-332-4433. Email at insource@insource org. We are located in the Slatile Building.
What type of payments do you accept?
None but we gladly accept donations.
Which areas do you service?
The entire State of Indiana.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Joel Boehner is the Executive Director, and he can be contacted at the Central Office.
What are your hours of operation?
Central Office - M-F 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. ET
Regional Offices - Varies (call Central Office for assistance)
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
The best compliments we receive are from parents whose children have been successful in their education and post-secondary endeavors.