NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

IN*SOURCE

BY ANGIE ARLINGTON

IN 1975, A LAW was enacted that guaranteed a free, appropriate, public education (FAPE) for all children with disabilities called the Education for Handicapped Children Act of 1975, now called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). “While this meant that all children with disabilities are entitled to FAPE in the least restrictive environment, to some parents in South Bend, Indiana, around that time, it meant something a lot more personal,” said Beth Ernsberger, IN*SOURCE Associate Director of Community Development. “It meant that THEIR children would have the opportunity to an education that wasn’t available to them before that time. So, around a kitchen table, eating grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, they discussed what that would look like, and what they could do to make an impact for their children and all children in the state of Indiana with disabilities. Out of that conversation, a grant was written, and IN*SOURCE was born.”

“There have been so many changes in the years since we received our first grant,” Ernsberger added. “A small staff in a tiny office in South Bend has grown to over 40 throughout the state. Many staff, volunteers and board members have come through our doors over the years, and to them we are eternally thankful. One thing for certain has remained as our laser-focus since that first conversation – the desire to help children and young adults with disabilities receive the education to which they are entitled in order to give each of them a promising future.”

One of our most recent and exciting changes is that we received a new grant from the federal government which focuses on family engagement. The addition of this grant helps us continue serving all families in Indiana who have children with disabilities and working with all families and schools in Indiana to pave the way for better outcomes for all students.

MISSION STATEMENT:

We provide high-quality information, training, and support to families of children and young adults with disabilities and the individuals and organizations who serve them.

VISION STATEMENT:

Children and young adults with disabilities will thrive due to access to effective educational programming and appropriate individualized services.

BELIEF STATEMENT:

We believe it is our social and moral purpose to ensure that every child and young adult with disabilities experiences inclusive opportunities, well-being, and equitable access to appropriate challenges.

IN*SOURCE supports the special education process from birth to age 26, assisting by phone and email, training classes, support and information at school meetings, ways for schools and families to work together, special education liaisons who serve the entire state of Indiana, transition aged students with training on self-advocacy, special education training for school interpreters, and a wealth of resources and trainings at www.insource.org. “Our services are provided at no cost to all in the state of Indiana and while we serve all families in the state, we strive to reach out to families who might not know of our services, especially those in low-income households and with limited English proficiency, among others.”

SUPPORTING IN*SOURCE:

Donations can be made at mightycause.com/organization/ In-Source or email bernsberger@insource.org for more information.

IN*SOURCE helps thousands of families each year. As one mom shared, “I have worked in public schools for nearly 20 years and I had families who needed support, and that led me to learn about IN*SOURCE. Our relationship was always professional and positive. So when I was questioning the services my own daughter was receiving, of course I turned to IN*SOURCE. There’s a wealth of information on the website alone before you even speak with anyone. I got connected with an IN*SOURCE rep to help me through the process, and she has been invaluable to us. As much as I thought I knew about the process, I still needed someone beside me. IN*SOURCE is an amazing resource for families to access, and it is so helpful to have them involved.

“A small staff in a tiny office in South Bend has grown to over 40 throughout the state. Many staff, volunteers and board members have come through our doors over the years, and to them we are eternally thankful. One thing for certain has remained as our laser-focus since that first conversation – the desire to help children and young adults with disabilities receive the education to which they are entitled in order to give each of them a promising future.”