BLOOMINGTON, Ind.— The Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University Bloomington has named Dr. Tiffany Neal director of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism and director of the newly established Center for Behavior and Systems Innovation.
CBSI was created to expand and advance applied and responsive behavioral practices through research, training, tiered implementation support, and workforce development. The new Center reflects IIDC's commitment to strengthening evidence-based approaches that improve outcomes for individuals, their families, and the systems that support them.
Behavioral practices are foundational to many areas of the Institute's work, and CBSI will serve as a resource for strengthening how those practices are integrated across the Institute. The Center's work is closely connected to IRCA and is intended to deepen and extend the Institute's impact.
"Dr. Neal brings a strong combination of leadership, expertise, and commitment to advancing meaningful outcomes for individuals and families to her dual role," said IIDC Executive Director Derek Nord. "Her leadership across both Centers creates opportunities to strengthen collaboration, expand impact, and further integrate behavioral approaches throughout the Institute's work."
Neal’s leadership of IRCA and CBSI will help strengthen connections between autism-focused initiatives and broader efforts to advance effective behavioral practices across a variety of systems and communities in Indiana and beyond.
"I am honored to serve in these roles and to continue building on the strong foundation established by those who have led before me," Neal said. "I look forward to collaborating with colleagues, partners, and communities to expand access to effective practices and support systems that improve quality of life and opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families."
As director of IRCA, Neal will lead one of Indiana's primary resources for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, families, educators, service providers, and community partners. As a statewide resource, IRCA connects individuals with autism, their families, and professionals to information, tools, and training that support needs across the lifespan throughout Indiana.
CBSI will also carry forward and represent the next evolution of the HANDS in Autism® model, expanding a comprehensive interdisciplinary framework that includes evidence-based practices, training, coaching, tiered implementation, and system-level supports. CBSI’s work with the HANDS in Autism model will improve coordination and capacity across agencies and advance person-centered approaches.
The Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University Bloomington is one of the nation's federally designated University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. Since 1970, the Institute and its seven Centers have worked to create a world for all abilities through research, education, and service. The Institute’s mission is to support disability communities at every stage of life by navigating and removing systemic barriers; connecting people, systems, and resources; and advancing research and applying insights as hands-on services, tools, and guidance that improve lives.
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