Using FINDER with Students and Families

Administered through the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community (IIDC), FINDER is a robust, online collection packed with navigational aids to assist in finding Indiana-specific, disability-related resources and services. Developed originally by the AWS Foundation, this informational reservoir, including a service directory, program information, an events calendar, and articles features a step-by-step user guide, making this a powerful tool for teachers, students, and families.

Patti Hays, CEO of AWS Foundation, shares, “Combined with IIDC’s leadership and specialized skills and experience, FINDER provides the latest technology to expand collaboration and develop new partnerships to help empower parents, teachers, caregivers, and others to find answers to disability-related questions and become a more informed advocate.” Read on to learn how educators can incorporate FINDER into various IEP-related activities.

Use FINDER in Creative Ways:

  • Educators can use FINDER to:
    • provide computer navigation practice to students.
    • develop self-sufficiency skills, such as locating and researching local adult and adolescent health care options.
    • connect families to critically needed, non-education related services, such as housing, food provision, clothing, tax assistance, mental health needs and so much more.
  • Students can use FINDER to support accomplishing transition service/activity goals, such as:
    • locating adult employment service agencies, as these adult agencies provide services to facilitate postsecondary employment goals.
    • finding housing-related resources in their community.
    • collecting information on various postsecondary-related services (e.g., transportation, health care, benefits counseling) locally, within their state, or nationally.

To learn more about FINDER and how to navigate its features, watch the FINDER Introduction video.

Bonus Tip:

The virtual Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT) starts in January! Join us for free English and Spanish sessions from 6:00–8:00 p.m. ET. All sessions are open to families, transition-age students and young adults with disabilities, and the professionals who support them.

Upcoming English sessions:

  • January 28
  • February 4, 11, 18, 12
  • March 4

Upcoming Spanish sessions:

  • January 30
  • February 6, 13, 20, 27
  • March 6

For more FEAT information and to register for these and other events, visit the CCLC FEAT webpage.