2000 toyota avalon ignition problem

My son drove his car to his baseballgame the
otherday and the car wouldnt start when he tried
to come home. When you put the key in the
ignition with the door open you can here the (
key reminder bell) ding ding ding . The key will
turn back and forth (180 degrees)  to off and
start as if the ignition is hollow on the inside.
Nothing is clicking and the car doesnt even
make a ticking sound or starting sound. My
dome lights and headlight and the ding ding
ding work fine so that rules out the battery. Now
im at a loss and do not know the problem nor
do i know if i am able to repair it myself or if i
have to send it to the dealership.  If someone
can help thatll be awesome because his car is
stranded 51 miles away from home.  The tow
bill alone will be roughly $250 to have them
bring it home. Is this a quik fix ?  Id appreciate
some advice.