INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (August 11, 2021) – Easterseals Crossroads, a local nonprofit organization providing disability services, is proud to cosponsor Military and First Responders’ Day at the Indiana State Fair on Friday, August 20 with partner Redux. First responders, current and former military and their families will receive free admission with a valid ID presented at the gate.

Easterseals Crossroads will host several booths that day along the street near the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand highlighting the organization’s services, including autism and behavior services, veteran services, document services and its assistive technology program. The main Easterseals Crossroads booth will also feature a letter writing campaign — inviting Indiana State Fair attendees to visit the booth and write a letter to service members or first responders.

At 6 p.m. in the Pioneer Village Opry House at the State Fair, Easterseals Crossroads will present a special tribute program, “Honoring Hoosier Heroes: A Tribute to Our Military and First Responders.”

“The 40-minute program will include military veterans, speakers from Gold Star/Blue Star Families, Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs and Indianapolis Fire Department, along with color guard and the singing of God Bless America and The Star-Spangled Banner,” said Easterseals Crossroads President and CEO David Dreith. “We are honored to be able to pay tribute to those we have lost, and we invite their families and the general public to attend this program.”

In addition, Easterseals Crossroads is presenting the “Remembering Our Fallen” from Indiana exhibit at the Hoosier Lottery Expo Hall for the run of the Indiana State Fair through August 22.

“Remembering Our Fallen” is a touring photographic memorial honoring Indiana’s military who have fallen from The War on Terror since September 11, 2011. The exhibit includes both military and personal photos honoring the Hoosier men and women who have lost their lives for our country. Members of the Easterseals Crossroads veteran services team are available to speak about the exhibit and veterans services at Easterseals Crossroads.

“Our hope is people will never take their freedom for granted and know they are being protected at all costs,” said Buzz Smith, community outreach coordinator for veteran services at Easterseals Crossroads. “Hoosiers should feel safer knowing there are many more of these heroes all around the world who have given up everything so we can feel safe at home.”

Indianapolis-based Redux is partnering with Easterseals Crossroads to cosponsor Military and First Responders’ Day. Individuals in attendance on August 20 who visit the Redux booth will experience Redux’s patented technology that completely removes moisture from hearing devices in just 15 minutes. Redux representatives will demonstrate the drying process with hearing aids, phones and tablets. Hearing injury is the top service-related medical issue for veterans, and many veterans wear hearing devices as a result. It can take 25 to 30 days for a veteran’s hearing device to be repaired.

To learn more about the “Remembering Our Fallen” exhibit and veteran services at Easterseals Crossroads, watch a video here.

For more about Easterseals Crossroads or to donate, visit www.eastersealscrossroads.org.

To learn more about Redux services, please visit www.redux.com.

 About Easterseals Crossroads

As one of 68 Easterseals affiliates, Easterseals Crossroads has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for more than 85 years. Whether helping someone improve physical mobility, return to work or simply gain greater independence for everyday living, Easterseals Crossroads offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals. We provide top-quality, family-focused and innovative services tailored to meet the specific needs of the individuals we serve. For more, visit eastersealscrossroads.org.

 About Redux

Redux has over 30 issued U.S. and international patents and uses this patented drying process to remove moisture from hearing instruments and electronics. Since 2013, Redux has been saving phones, cameras, tablets and other consumer devices. More than 2 million customers have subscribed to Redux’s drying services at over 2,000 wireless communication retailers. Now this innovative technology is changing the lives of the millions of individuals who depend on hearing instruments to improve their lives. The Redux dryer safely and quickly removes all moisture from hearing aids, extending their life and keeping their users in the conversation. To learn more about Redux and its drying technology, visit www.redux.com.

Partnering with Redux, offering free drying services for veterans’ hearing devices

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Nov. 5, 2020) – Easterseals Crossroads, a local nonprofit organization providing disability services, is hosting a media day to preview the “Remembering Our Fallen” from Indiana exhibit from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. recognizing Veterans Day, November 11, at Easterseals Crossroads, located at 4740 Kingsway Drive in Indianapolis.

“Remembering Our Fallen” is a touring photographic memorial honoring Indiana’s military who have fallen from The War on Terror since September 11, 2011. The exhibit includes both military and personal photos honoring the Hoosier men and women who have lost their lives for our country. Per CDC guidelines, all media guests visiting the memorial are required to provide and wear a cloth face covering or mask. Once conditions allow, the exhibit is scheduled to tour monthly throughout Indiana.

“Our hope for the Indiana exhibit is that people will never take their freedom for granted and know they are being protected at all costs,” said Buzz Smith, community outreach coordinator for veteran services at Easterseals Crossroads. “Hoosiers should feel safer knowing there are many more of these heroes all around the world who have given up everything so we can feel safe at home.”

Indianapolis-based Redux is partnering with Easterseals Crossroads to host the preview of this Indiana exhibit. Veterans in attendance through the Easterseals Crossroads veteran team will experience Redux’s patented technology that completely removes moisture from hearing devices in just 15 minutes. Hearing injury is the top service-related medical issue for veterans, and many veterans wear hearing devices as a result. It can take 25 to 30 days for a veteran’s hearing device to be repaired.

“When a person cannot hear properly, they may feel disconnected, isolated and even depressed,” said Reuben Zielinksi, Redux president and co-founder. “Our drying technology is particularly useful for veterans because it quickly and effectively improves the performance of their hearing aids.”

During the exhibit preview, Redux representatives will demonstrate the drying process with hearing aids, phones and tablets. Redux is currently planning similar drying events for veterans in conjunction with the future touring of the “Remembering Our Fallen” exhibit throughout Indiana. Please follow Redux on Facebook and LinkedIn to receive updates about those events.

Bruce Schnaith, vice president of workforce development at Easterseals Crossroads, and members from the veteran team will also be available to speak about the services available to veterans at Easterseals Crossroads.

“We made a conscious decision to expand and grow services to veterans, and that was in response to the ever-growing need of service men and women returning home from active duty. As they’re reintegrating back into civilian life, many veterans experience tremendous barriers and challenges,” Schnaith said. “The services we provide at Easterseals Crossroads assist veterans getting back to work but also with other initiatives, such as housing, education, health care and other types of services.”

To learn more about the “Remembering Our Fallen” exhibit and veteran services at Easterseals Crossroads, watch a video here.

Redux is partnering with Easterseals Crossroads on their year-end matching gift campaign, Stronger Together. From now through December 31, any donation up to $25,000 to Easterseals Crossroads will be matched by the generosity of partner Redux.

For more about Easterseals Crossroads or to donate, visit www.eastersealscrossroads.org.

To learn more about Redux services, please visit www.redux.com.

About Easterseals Crossroads
As one of 68 Easterseals affiliates, Easterseals Crossroads has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for over 80 years. Whether helping someone improve physical mobility, return to work or simply gain greater independence for everyday living, Easterseals Crossroads offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals. We provide top-quality, family-focused and innovative services tailored to meet the specific needs of the individuals we serve. For more, visit eastersealscrossroads.org.

About Redux
Redux has over 30 issued U.S. and international patents and uses this patented drying process to remove moisture from hearing instruments and electronics. Since 2013, Redux has been saving phones, cameras, tablets and other consumer devices. More than 2 million customers have subscribed to Redux’s drying services at over 2,000 wireless communication retailers. Now this innovative technology is changing the lives of the millions of individuals who depend on hearing instruments to improve their lives. The Redux dryer safely and quickly removes all moisture from hearing aids, extending their life and keeping their users in the conversation. To learn more about Redux and its drying technology, visit www.redux.com.

Health care and COVID are top issues for voters with disabilities

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Oct. 30, 2020) – The nation’s leading disability services organization has  released its “Easterseals’ State of Voters with Disabilities Survey,” which finds this vital subset of the general population politically active, engaged and enthusiastic about voting this year, with more than 30 million expected to vote by Election Day.

The survey sheds new light on the political clout of the nation’s largest, most diverse and increasing group of eligible voters — and was conducted among a nationally representative sample of adults with disabilities, Oct. 20-25, by Pathfinder Opinion Research.

To date, 89% of people with disabilities are registered, with some 47% (or 15.9 million people) already voted, and another 49% noting they “definitely” or “probably” will vote in this election (or 16.5 million people). Interest is high within the disability community, with more than half saying they are “extremely enthusiastic” about voting, and 65% noting they’re more enthusiastic about voting in this election, as compared to previous elections. A recent report by Rutgers University is reinforcing, estimating eligible voters with disabilities have grown by at least 19.8% since 2008, if not more.

Overwhelmingly, people with disabilities are not satisfied with the current performance of their elected officials. And, as a result, fully two-thirds of those surveyed give them a negative performance rating when it comes to addressing the most pressing issues of the disability community.

Americans with Disabilities Moved by Health Care and COVID-19

Health care and COVID-19 are, by far, the two top issues driving voters with disabilities to the polls. All other issues, such as crime, public safety, immigration, employment, the environment and the Supreme Court, rank far lower in importance.

“This election is particularly consequential for millions of Americans with disabilities. The presidency, control of the Senate and oral arguments around the Affordable Care Act are all to be determined over the next two weeks,” said Easterseals President and CEO Angela F. Williams. “With all that’s at stake, and the fact people with disabilities are concerned about health care and federal and state officials’ response to COVID-19, it’s not surprising that they’re voting in droves.”

Americans with Disabilities Support Across Party Lines

Regardless of political party or leaning, voters with disabilities expressed deep support for:

• Protecting key components of the Affordable Care Act (ACA): those elements impact their daily lives in concrete ways, including maintaining coverage for pre-existing conditions (97%), allowing kids to stay on their parents’ insurance through age 26 (78%), supporting Medicaid/Medicare expansion (87%) or eliminating life-time insurance caps (91%); and, also
• Strengthening constitutional protections against discrimination on the basis of disability (79%). A majority of Americans with disabilities also favor these protections for other segments of the population, whether on the basis of sex (70%)/gender identity (60%) or sexual orientation (60%).

As a voting bloc, people with disabilities account for approximately 38 million voting-age adults — outnumbering eligible voters who are Black (30 million) and Hispanic (32 million), according to Pew Research Center — yet they are often under-represented or face barriers to participating in the country’s political process. In this competitive election, these survey findings suggest potentially millions of Americans with disabilities will be unable to vote because of a lack of accessible accommodations and added concerns for their health and safety during a pandemic.

Additionally:

• More than one quarter of voters with disabilities who have not yet cast their ballot say they may not vote this year due to concerns about being exposed to COVID-19 — a possible 4.8 million voters; and,
• Nearly one third (31%) of voters with disabilities require some type of accommodation to cast their vote; of those approximately 10.5 million voters who require a voting accommodation, a measurable portion (17%) say their local election officials provide inadequate accommodations for their disability.

Despite the barriers they may face, “the disability community is galvanizing around this election and making sure their voices are heard at the ballot box. They are showing up to be counted by whatever accessible means necessary,” Williams added.

Review the full “Easterseals’ State of Voters with Disabilities” report and key findings developed in partnership with Easterseals Southern California and Pathfinder Opinion Research. The survey expands upon the nonprofit organization’s ongoing social campaigns including “We Are the 25,” urging voters with disabilities to ensure they are well-represented at the polls and included in all facets of community life.

Methodology Statement: Easterseals’ State of Voters with Disabilities Survey
These findings represent the results of a survey conducted by Pathfinder Opinion Research from October 20-25, 2020 among n=800 adult Americans with disabilities. Interviews were conducted online utilizing a national research panel. Each respondent indicated having at least one of the disability types used by the Census to categorize disabled persons (hearing, vision, cognitive, ambulatory, self-care, or independent living difficulties). Data were weighted by gender, age, race, education and geographic region based on the American Community Survey’s population characteristics of Americans with disabilities. Within the full sample of adult Americans with disabilities is a subset of registered voters (n=713) and registered voters who are likely to vote in the upcoming Presidential election (n=683).

About Easterseals
Easterseals has served as an indispensable resource for individuals with disabilities, veterans, seniors and their families for more than 100 years. Together, its 67 affiliates in communities nationwide serve 1.5 million people annually through high-quality programs, including autism services, early intervention, workforce development and adult day care. Driven by its purpose to change the way the world defines and views disability, Easterseals makes profound, positive differences in people’s lives every day. Learn more at easterseals.com.

About Easterseals Crossroads
As one of 68 Easterseals affiliates, Easterseals Crossroads has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for over 80 years. Whether helping someone improve physical mobility, return to work or simply gain greater independence for everyday living, Easterseals Crossroads offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals. We provide top-quality, family-focused and innovative services tailored to meet the specific needs of the individuals we serve. For more, visit eastersealscrossroads.org.

About Pathfinder Opinion Research
Pathfinder Opinion Research is a national public opinion research firm serving non-profit, issue advocacy, corporate, public affairs, and political clients who need a sound measure of public opinion and strategic advice on how to turn research into action.

Program features Aaron Likens, autism ambassador and new flagman for Indianapolis 500

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Oct. 21, 2020) – Easterseals Crossroads, a local nonprofit organization providing disability services, is celebrating the 75^th anniversary of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month by partnering with two other national Easterseals affiliates on a special virtual program focused on individuals with disabilities in the workplace.

“Mining for Gold: Finding, Hiring and Nurturing Talented Employees with Disabilities” takes place Tuesday, October 27 at 4 p.m., targeting employers, parents, people with disabilities and special educators. It is free to attendees but requires registration here.

The webinar will feature Aaron Likens, Easterseals ambassador and new IndyCar flagman. Likens is an award-winning public speaker and author of “Finding Kansas: Living and Decoding Asperger’s Syndrome.” Diagnosed with autism later in life, Aaron helps businesses better understand the talents and value individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace as well as the need to include disability in their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies. He also provides useful strategies, resources and inspiration for people with disabilities and other special needs who are seeking employment.

“There is so much human potential in every person on the autism spectrum,” Likens said. “Whether I’m speaking to law enforcement, parents, teachers or classmates, the goal is just to get as much understanding about autism as possible.”

The Easterseals program will include a recorded interview with Likens by Easterseals Arkansas CEO Ron Ekstrand, along with several short videos from employers on the benefits of employing people with disabilities and their lessons learned. Aaron will field a 15-minute live question and answer session after the interview.

“This year, we are celebrating 75 years of National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Easterseals Crossroads President and CEO David Dreith. “This proof-of-concept program was a great opportunity to get involved with an initiative providing insights to employers, individuals and parents about working with and hiring people with disabilities. And the fact that Aaron, who is such a highly-sought-after speaker and ambassador for Easterseals on a national level, also has a connection with Indianapolis through his love of racing — that makes it an even more perfect fit. We look forward to having him share his story with audiences throughout the Indianapolis area and across the country.”

A former resident of Indianapolis, Likens has gone to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with his father since he was three years old. A huge race fan, Aaron became the head flagman for the St. Louis Karting Association at age 13, which made him one of the youngest chief starters in American racing. Likens serves as the National Series flagman for SuperKarts USA. He was recently in the flag stand for the IndyCar Harvest GP races on October 2-3 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.

Easterseals Crossroads works with children and adults with disabilities and special needs and their families, with additional support areas serving veterans and military families, seniors and caregivers, to promote growth, dignity and independence by providing appropriate and progressive services in central Indiana.

Visit eastersealscrossroads.org for more about the services offered through Easterseals Crossroads.

 About Easterseals Crossroads

Easterseals Crossroads has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for over 80 years. Whether helping someone improve physical mobility, return to work or simply gain greater independence for everyday living, Easterseals Crossroads offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals. We provide top-quality, family-focused and innovative services tailored to meet the specific needs of the individuals we serve. For more, visit eastersealscrossroads.org.

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