IN*SOURCE Projects & Programs

Collaborative Parent Involvement Project

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.

Indiana Parent Training Program

The Indiana Parent Training Program (IPTP) is a federally funded parent-to-parent training and information project that began in 1980. By disseminating information and materials and conducting training workshops throughout Indiana, IPTP instructs parents about their rights and responsibilities in early intervention and special education processes under state and federal laws.

IPTP provides:

  • Individual assistance to parents and professionals.
  • Workshops for parents on their rights and responsibilities in early intervention and special education processes; coping skills and understanding disabilities; state and local services for individuals with disabilities.
  • Volunteers to serve as sources of support and information to parents in their local communities.

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 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.