Welcome to the Blumberg Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Special Education
OUR CORE VALUES
- Equity & Access – every learner gets what they need, when they need it, for as long as they need it
- High-Quality Education – instruction that prepares all learners with the abilities needed to become active and productive members of society
- Presumed Competence – we operate under the assumption that all individuals can learn
- Inclusive Culture – an environment where individual differences are welcomed and valued
- High Expectations – the belief that all individuals can achieve their full potential
STEERING COUNCIL
The Blumberg Center Steering Council consists of a total of seven members that includes the following: One faculty member from the Applied Clinical and Educational Sciences (ACES) Department (may be from the area of Communication Disorders, Educational Psychology, or School Psychology), and one special education faculty member from the Teaching and Learning (T&L) department, the current chairperson from ACES and the current chairperson of T&L; and one representative from the Dean’s office.
In addition to the faculty/staff positions listed above, two student representatives will serve on the Steering Council. Student representatives will include one undergraduate student (the annual awardee of the Blumberg Scholarship), and one graduate student.
2024-2025 Blumberg Center Steering Council Members
Dr. Chris MacDonald: Chair of the ACES Department
Dr. Carrie Ball: Chair of T&L Department
Dr. Linda Sperry: Representative from the Dean’s Office
Dr. Lynn Scott: Special Education Faculty Member
Dr. Alyce Hopple: ACES Faculty Member
Ms. Joy Brooks: Undergraduate Student and 2024 Blumberg Scholar
TBD: Graduate Student
OUR HISTORY
The Blumberg Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Special Education at Indiana State University was established in the fall of 1985 using the Fannie Blumberg Memorial Fund in Special Education and the Benjamin Blumberg Memorial Fund for Gifted and Emotionally Disturbed Children donated to the University by Fannie and Benjamin Blumberg.
In 1964, Fannie Blumberg willed a major portion of her estate to the Department of Special Education to support the work of the department. In 1975, ISU received a bequest from Benjamin Blumberg's estate for the benefit of gifted children and children who are emotionally disturbed. These funds, managed by the ISU Foundation, form the basis for the Blumberg Center and its activities.
Many Blumberg Center activities are supported by funding secured from federal and state grants. These activities encourage cooperation among University, government, and community agency personnel by bringing together qualified academicians, students, and community resource people with the goal of examining and improving current professional practices through research and the development of model programs.
Over the years, the center has facilitated and supported the efforts of the ISU Department of Communication Disorders and Special Education and the Department of Educational and School Psychology in research and program development for the benefit of exceptional children and adults in a true collaborative spirit. The departments have many noteworthy achievements toward that end. Whether providing seed money for projects, financial assistance for travel, or other support, the Center is committed to working with both departments to continue the Blumberg legacy.