Are you an Indiana parent navigating the special education system? If so, we can help! We know how complicated the system can be, and we also know about resources that can make it easier. Keep reading for nine of the best Indiana IEP parent resources.
1. Notice of Procedural Safeguards
Advocating for your child starts with knowing your rights. The foundational document for your rights in the special education system is the Notice of Procedural Safeguards. This document lists your rights and the safeguards in place for your child. The Notice is a legal document and can be confusing. Below we discuss resources that can simplify the Notice and answer your questions.
2. Indiana Department of Education
You are likely familiar with The Indiana Department of Education (IDE), but for your convenience, we have linked a few helpful resources they provide. IDE created an extensive parent’s guide named “Navigating the Course”. This guide covers all aspects of Indiana special education and is helpful to keep handy. Another resource IDE provides is a thorough FAQ document that offers quick answers to some of the most pressing questions. We will discuss external resources, but as you navigate through the special education system, it is also helpful to know what your district provides.
3. Kidvokit for Indiana
Have you ever felt the frustration of frantically looking for a specific email or document right before an IEP meeting? I think we all have. Thankfully, Kidvokit is a tool that can help. Kidvokit keeps you organized by automatically filing all IEP-related emails and creating a timeline with your documents. It even quickly answers your IEP questions with its AI assistant. Kidvokit reduces stress by keeping you prepared for your Indiana IEP meetings. Visit our “How It Works” page to learn more.
4. InSource
All Indiana special education parents should take advantage of InSource! InSource is Indiana’s nationally funded Parent Center that exists specifically to help special education families. They offer personal assistance and referrals via email or phone call. Additionally, their website has helpful guides, webinars, and parent training. InSource is a great resource when you need advice or referrals.
5. The Arc Indiana
Another resource that offers a helpline is The Arc Indiana. The Arc advocates for individuals with disabilities in Indiana and is trained in advising special education families. Their family advocates can provide guidance, referrals, and advocacy assistance. Additionally, they offer a free advocacy webinar every second Thursday at 6 pm. Visit The Arc Indiana’s website to learn more.
6. Indiana Disability Rights
We hope you never encounter a problem with the special education system, but if you do, Indiana Disability Rights can help. Indiana Disability Rights provides legal advice and advocacy to special education families. Additionally, they provide downloadable guides that assist in self-advocacy. Even if you do not have a legal problem, Indiana Disability Rights’s website can help you become an even better advocate for your child.
7. Understood.org
Although not Indiana-specific, Understood.org is a great resource for all parents of children with learning differences. Understood’s mission is simple but powerful: everyone deserves to be understood. Their website provides hundreds of blogs written by experts on all the major learning differences. Understood helps parents understand what their children are experiencing and the resources available to them.
8. YouTube
It is no surprise that YouTube is on this list of resources. You can find everything on YouTube! The Arc Indiana’s YouTube channel has many videos concerning advocacy and special education rights in Indiana. Additionally, two national resources with helpful YouTube channels are The Center for Parent Information and Resources and The National Center for Learning Disabilities.
9. Facebook Groups
Connecting with other parents who are also navigating the special education system can be extremely beneficial. There is a sense of solidarity and support that comes from sharing the difficulties and successes of special education with someone who understands. Facebook groups are a convenient way to connect with other parents. Many groups exist, but a few Indiana-specific groups worth looking into are: Indy Parents Special Needs Community, Autism Parents’ Support Group of Indiana, Family Support for Special Needs Northwest Indiana, and Indiana Dyslexia Parent Group.
Indiana IEP Resource Recap
The special education road is a long one, but you are not alone. Many parents are also experiencing the complexities of the system (and the beauty of small and big wins!). Indiana parents have access to multiple resources that can make navigating special education easier. Take advantage of Indiana’s parent centers, advocacy organizations, online resources, and support groups to become an even better advocate for your child!
Learn how Kidvokit can save you time and keep you organized!
