Browsing by Author "Ashby, Iryna"

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    Driving Systemic Change in Autism Spectrum Disorder Services Through Statewide Planning, Gap Analysis, and Stakeholder Collaboration
    (2018) Swiezy, Naomi; Neal, Tiffany; Garman-McClaine, Blaine; Ashby, Iryna
    Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) continues to grow in prevalence, creating an urgent need for coordinated, high-quality, and culturally responsive services across systems. In Indiana, the HANDS in Autism® Interdisciplinary Training and Resource Center was selected to lead facilitation of the Indiana Interagency Autism Coordinating Council (IIACC) and implementation of the Indiana Comprehensive State Plan for Autism Services. Using evidence-based models such as the Collective Impact Model and implementation science frameworks (e.g., NIRN, START), HANDS conducted statewide gap analyses and built regional implementation teams to assess service needs, guide stakeholder collaboration, and develop strategic goals. Findings emphasized disparities in service access across urban, rural, and mixed regions, limited cultural representation, and a need for shared resource navigation. Progress to date includes increased stakeholder engagement, actionable state-level recommendations, and cross-system alignment focused on improving outcomes and quality of life for individuals with ASD and their families. The framework highlights an iterative, data-driven process for systemic change, applicable across broader ID/DD services.
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    Evaluating Implementation Fidelity of Evidence-Based Practices in Autism Spectrum Disorder Educational Programs Using the School WORK Framework
    (2013) Swiezy, Naomi; Neal, Tiffany; Fletcher, Anne; Stevenson, Megan; Ashby, Iryna
    Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States, with a rising demand for implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in school settings. Despite the identification of EBPs, consistent and systematic implementation remains a significant challenge due to limited training capacity, inconsistent fidelity, and a lack of tools for measuring real-world application. To address this gap, the HANDS in Autism® Interdisciplinary Training and Resource Center developed the School WORK© framework—a structured observational tool designed to evaluate the fidelity of EBP implementation across five core domains: classroom environment, assessment, curriculum planning, behavioral intervention, and teaching strategies. This poster presents data from district and classroom applications of the tool across Indiana, demonstrating the measure's utility in identifying strengths and areas for targeted professional development. Findings indicate that the School WORK© tool not only detects meaningful change in classroom practices over time but also informs sustainable training and systems-level transformation in autism educational programming.