Providing services for individuals across the lifespan experiencing developmental and/or behavioral challenges.
WHO is it for?
Individuals across the lifespan, of various ages and levels of disabilities
Individuals can participate by themselves or with a caregiver
Caregivers, providers, and teams can also attend particular opportunities without their individual/child.
HOW OFTEN does it occur?
Register as often or as little as you’d like!
Programs range from Tuesdays – Fridays with morning, afternoon, and evening sessions available to fit your schedule.
Some programs are multi-day and range 2-3 days/week , while others are individual sessions with different focus areas for each – join us for just one or all that you would like!
HOW does it work?
Skill-building exercises and activities focusing on academic, functional, social, communication, and/or vocational areas often lead to less problematic and more positive behaviors.
Beginning with a referral process that is quick and simple!
Funding:
If Pre-ETS eligible – programming is FREE for Pre-ETS services (Group Sessions):
- Between the ages of 14-22
- Enrolled in an education or training program
- Diagnosis of a disability
- Referral received
If not Pre-ETS eligible (or participating in non-Pre-ETS services) – payment is made through one of 3 ways:
- Online Payment link sent from HANDS
- Scholarship
- School contract request
- Combination of the above
FREE Services to Consider:
More on How to Get Started Below!!
WHERE does it occur?
Programming opportunities range from virtual-only, to onsite at the HANDS center, hybrid, and in the community!
Explore the many opportunities to getting involved with programming at HANDS in Autism®! We’re here to help you see your potential and success as you expand your skillset and gain experience.
Summer Training Participants and Students Dance Party!
Early Childhood Programming
School-age programming student making toast
Transition-age programming student working on life-skills
Summer Training students serving snacks
School and transition-age students playing the game Sorry!
Virtual Community Connections programming participants
1. Explore Options > 2. Get Referred > 3. Confirm Services > 4. Register!!
How does it work?
Follow along this step-by-step process to getting started with programming:
1. Explore what programs you might be interested in below:
* = Inclusive of Pre-ETS (Pre-Employment Transition Services)
** = Inclusive of Pre-ETS & VR (Vocational Rehabilitation) Services
Individual / Caregiver Evaluation
An independent evaluation is inclusive of a records review, caregiver interview, or an observation to assist in identifying individual learning styles and current skills that will inform individualized curriculum and behavioral planning.
Setting-Based
- Occurs within home, community, or school-based settings.
- Considered for children:
- with challenging behavior who are at high risk of a more restrictive placement,
- change in student status/placement,
- or for whom associated travel risks are high
- Travel greater than 75 miles from the HANDS Center and/or reports are not included as part of the onsite hours and are included separately as desired or needed.
Web-Based
- Virtual support that is not limited by setting or location
- Consultation among caregivers, service providers or provider teams, can assist in the planning and/or support of initial or ongoing assessment, training, and practice
- Coordinated for up to an hour each time and may occur across single or multiple, hourly occasions
- No review of records is involved in this consultation and coordination occurs to ensure individuals or teams can effectively engage for the duration with all activities occurring during scheduled times.
Eligibility:
Early Childhood (Ages <7)
- No diagnosis needed
- No referral needed
- Payment through self-pay, scholarship, OR School contract request
School-Age (Grades K-12)
- Enrolled in school
- Diagnosis of a disability
- Referral required
- Payment through self-pay, scholarship, OR School contract request
Transition-Adulthood (Ages 14+)
- Enrolled in an education or training program
- Diagnosis of a disability
- Referral required
- Payment through self-pay, scholarship, OR School contract request
DYAD Consultation (Caregiver/Guardian & Child/Individual)
Initial sessions will focus on skills and goal development to provide direction for future sessions. Sessions are structured to address the identified academic, behavioral, and/or functional goals of the child as well as caregiver goals for skills development. During sessions, HANDS trainers provide instruction as well as demonstrate strategies in practice with the child while the caregiver observes.
Caregivers, and participating providers when applicable, have opportunity to ask questions, practice skills with the child and receive feedback from the trainer in real time across both live and virtual settings. Build on strategies to improve interactions in various environments, particularly when partnered with setting-based consultations to foster improved use & consistency.
At times, multiple persons such as 2 caregivers, a caregiver and provider, or other may be engaged to best support use of strategies across persons and settings.
Eligibility:
Early Childhood (Ages <7)
- No diagnosis needed
- No referral needed
- Payment through self-pay, scholarship, OR School contract request
School-Age (Grades K-12)
- Enrolled in school
- Diagnosis of a disability
- Referral required
- Payment through self-pay, scholarship, OR School contract request
Transition-Adulthood (Ages 14+)
- Enrolled in an education or training program
- Diagnosis of a disability
- Referral required
- Payment through self-pay, scholarship, OR School contract request
Individual Session
Initial sessions will focus on skills assessment and goal development to provide direction for future sessions. Sessions are structured to address the identified academic, behavioral, and/or functional goals. Skills and interventions will be individualized but may be addressed in either an individual or group setting depending on the format best able to target the prioritized goals at that time.
Example: A child is behind academically and the parents would like to work on the development of skills that will better prepare the child for kindergarten. Specific academic skills to address would be identified through assessment, goal setting, and practice during sessions with a HANDS trainer and between sessions (e.g., homework practice)
Eligibility:
Early Childhood (Ages <7)
- No diagnosis needed
- No referral needed
- Payment through self-pay, scholarship, OR School contract request
School-Age (Grades K-12)
- Enrolled in school
- Diagnosis of a disability
- Referral required
- Payment through self-pay, scholarship, OR School contract request
Transition-Adulthood (Ages 14+)
- Enrolled in an education or training program
- Diagnosis of a disability
- Referral required
- If age 18+, must be emancipated if no obtained guardianship
- Payment through self-pay, scholarship, OR School contract request
*Group Session
Initial sessions will focus on skills assessment and goal development to provide direction for future sessions. Sessions are structured to address the identified academic, behavioral, and/or functional goals. Skills and interventions will be individualized but may be addressed in either an individual or group setting depending on the format best able to target the prioritized goals at that time.
Example: A small group, consisting of no more than 4-6 similar aged children, work together in group activities that allow for learning and practice of such skills as turn taking, use of positive commenting, and response to one another during interactive games using materials of high interest to the children involved.
Adaptations to materials and activities are individualized based upon the particular needs of group members (e.g., fine or gross motor adaptations, communication output options, visual cues/supports) to best support the childrens’ ability to understand, express, and engage with peers within the group.
Private Group Programs:
Interested in providing programming to your students, employees, or organization in a more tailored and specific way? Contact hands@iupui.edu with stated interest and a brief overview of your organization/group & potential needs so we can provide what’s best for you!
Eligibility:
Early Childhood (Ages <7)
- No diagnosis needed
- No referral needed
- Payment through self-pay, scholarship, OR School contract request
School-Age (Grades K-12)
- Enrolled in school
- Diagnosis of a disability
- Referral required
- Payment through self-pay, scholarship, OR School contract request (if not ages 14-22 & Pre-ETS Eligible)
Transition-Adulthood (Ages 14+)
Pre-ETS Eligible:
- Enrolled in an education or training program
- Diagnosis of a disability
- Referral required
- Between the ages 14-22
Non-Pre-ETS:
- Enrolled in an education or training program
- Diagnosis of a disability
- Referral required
Participation in a HANDS in Autism® Workshop or Training
Among programming options, individuals may have the opportunity to participate in HANDS trainings or workshops as scheduled throughout the year. During these sessions, individuals engage in a range of activities in both individual and group formats while working with adult training participants (e.g., teachers, providers, and other professionals) who are learning to apply evidence-based strategies and concepts such as schedules, prompting practice, data collection, social skills teaching and other activities as part of their experience in the HANDS training.
Example: An individual participating in a training will work with adult participants during academic or pre-academic activities on various tasks appropriate to their level and skill. The individual may also interact with participants in group activities such as art, snack and outdoor games with participants focused on appropriate prompting and praise while the individuals work on improving various skills and spontaneous conversations. While not working with training participants, the individual will participate in various self, one-on-one, and group work and activities with the HANDS trainers and other individuals in a camp-like atmosphere.
Eligibility:
Early Childhood (Ages <7)
- No diagnosis needed
- No referral needed
- Ability to attend the Early Childhood Development Training
School-Age (Grades K-12)
- Enrolled in school
- Diagnosis of a disability
- Referral required
- Ability to attend the Summer Training for Education Personnel, Transition Training, Administrator Training, or other trainings/workshops
Transition-Adulthood (Ages 14+)
- Enrolled in an education or training program
- Diagnosis of a disability
- Referral required
- Ability to attend the Summer Training for Education Personnel, Transition Training, Administrator Training, or other trainings/workshops
**HANDSMade Internship
Learn more about our HANDSMade™ program at handsinautism.iupui.edu/handsmade
Eligibility:
Transition-Age (Ages 14+)
Pre-ETS Eligible:
- Enrolled in an education or training program
- Diagnosis of a disability
- Referral required
- Between the ages 14-22
Non-Pre-ETS:
- Diagnosis of a disability
- Referral required
2. Get Referred & Register
Gain a referral from a community professional (i.e. medical, school, therapist, etc.).
For Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services, get referred by your VR counselor by having them download and fill out the ‘VR Referral Form’ to the left.
If you would like to refer a client to our non-VR services, please select the ‘Digital Referral Form’ & specify “Referring Provider” as your role, OR, download the PDF form and email to hands@iupui.edu.
3. Confirm Desired Services
Upon gaining a referral, a HANDS team member will be in touch with next steps to determine which services or programs you are most interested in getting started with as well as payment / funding options.
If not registering for Pre-ETS or VR services, skip step 4.
4. Complete the Intake Meeting
A HANDS trainer will be in touch to set up an intake meeting (initial consultation) to identify individual needs and services qualified for.
If not registering for group programming sessions, skip step 5.
5. Canvas Quest
A fun, action-packed way to fill out all those necessary forms, set up accounts such as Canvas and Zoom, and ask any questions! A HANDS team member will be in touch after your intake to set up your Canvas Quest.
**Make sure to complete the below additional steps if you are not registering for Pre-ETS or VR services
Before your first session…
We are so excited that you and your family have decided to engage in services provided by HANDS in Autism®! It is our privilege to partner with you along this journey of growth and opportunities! To facilitate a smooth start to services, please make sure you’ve completed the following administrative and technical processes prior to your first session, if not already done.
1. Sign a Media Consent Form
2. Complete a Background Questionnaire
3. Set up an IU Guest Account via Canvas
- Web browser on computer (recommended)
- Web browser on mobile device
- Canvas Student mobile app
For additional resources and troubleshooting, visit our Access & Support page and scroll down to “Canvas” under “List of Common Services/Platforms”
4. Download & Install Zoom
- The process of signing up for Zoom is very simple (and the basic plan is free). Just go to zoom.us/signup.
- Find HANDS in Autism's Zoom user guide here.
For additional resources and troubleshooting, visit our Access & Support page and scroll down to “Zoom” under “List of Common Services/Platforms”
