Easterseals Crossroads Partners with The Indianapolis Public Library to Install Accessible Workstations at All Branch Locations

Workstations to ensure all library patrons have access to assistive technology

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (April 17, 2023) – The Indianapolis Public Library and Easterseals Crossroads are partnering on a project to install accessible workstations at all 24 Library locations throughout Indianapolis, Lawrence and Beech Grove to ensure all patrons have access to assistive technology.

Part of The Library’s digital inclusion roadmap to improve access to Library services and materials for persons of all abilities, the accessible workstations are currently available at the Eagle, West Perry, East 38^th Street, East Washington and Garfield Park locations.

The workstations offer a height-adjustable desk, large-key keyboard, large-print keyboard, trackball mouse with programmable buttons and arm supports. Software includes a text reading app, live transcription app, math app, magnification app and a screen reading app for people who are blind and visually impaired.

These tools can “read” information to patrons and respond to voice commands; and help people with learning disabilities or mobility limitations complete tasks such as writing a document or accessing the internet. These workstations are available for all patrons, with shorter use periods than other stations to decrease wait times.

“The framework for the accessible workstations took shape through site visits, conversations and online surveys with Library staff,” said Brian Norton, ATP, CEAS, director of assistive technology at Easterseals Crossroads. “The strategy was to use a small amount of technology to meet the majority of patron needs. This includes needs for vision, mobility, intellectual/cognitive and hearing impairments as well as language barriers. Built-in durable tools, devices and apps make the workstations user-friendly, intuitive and sustainable.”

“We strive to improve digital and technology inclusion and services for persons of all abilities,” said Shanika Heyward, director of innovation and technology at The Indianapolis Public Library. “We hope to increase the confidence of all of our patrons in using technology independently and to enhance their quality of life.”

The accessible workstations will be rolled out and installed at all 24 Library locations over the next several months.

Visit eastersealscrossroads.org for more about the services offered through Easterseals Crossroads. Visit indypl.org for more information about The Indianapolis Public Library.

 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. The agency provides top-quality, family-focused and innovative services tailored to meet the specific needs of the individuals served. For more, visit eastersealscrossroads.org.

 About The Indianapolis Public Library

The Indianapolis Public Library is the center of knowledge, community life, and innovation for residents of Indianapolis, Lawrence, Beech Grove, and Marion County, Indiana. Operating in 24 locations along with a Bookmobile, The Library provides materials, programs, and services in support of lifelong learning for residents of all ages and backgrounds.

Grant will help build a digital skills and employment training program for youth with disabilities

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (April 12, 2023) – Easterseals Crossroads, a local nonprofit organization providing disability services, has been awarded a one-year $75,000 grant from Comcast NBCUniversal for the Comcast NBCUniversal Digital Literacy and Employment Program. This is the second year that Easterseals Crossroads has received funding for this project. The grant will help build a digital skills and employment training program for transition-age youth with disabilities.

The Comcast NBCUniversal Digital Literacy and Employment Program is for any young adult ages 18-24 with a diagnosed disability who is preparing to work in a competitive work environment. The project focuses on delivering targeted digital skills curriculum in the classroom combined with an internship that will allow each participant to demonstrate what they are learning in a real work setting.

“We are thrilled to receive a second year of funding so that we can continue the important work of providing young adults with disabilities training on Digital Literacy.  These skills are crucial for them to move from school successfully and safely to adulthood and manage both their work and personal lives” said Marjorie Duryea, Director, Employment Programs, Easterseals Crossroads.

Easterseals Crossroads is pleased to partner with national Easterseals and affiliates in Arkansas, Colorado, Greater Houston, New Hampshire and Washington State by sharing resources and best practices in offering digital learning opportunities for young adults with disabilities in our community.

Digital literacy and access to technology are two areas of strategic investment at Comcast NBCUniversal that empower people and create opportunities for those who need it most. Easterseals and affiliates throughout the country have been chosen by Comcast NBCUniversal for many grants and programs throughout the years.

About Comcast NBCUniversal  |  Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

Easterseals Crossroads Expands Services for Individuals with Brain Injuries

Brain Injury Program recently transitioned from Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (RHI)

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (March 6, 2023) – Easterseals Crossroads is now expanding services for people with brain injuries after transitioning the vocational brain injury rehabilitation services program from Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (RHI).

The new Resource Facilitation Program at Easterseals Crossroads identifies specific resources such as therapy, support groups, education options, transportation assistance and social services so individuals with brain injuries can live as independently as possible.

“A brain injury can happen to anyone at any point during a lifetime,” said Easterseals Crossroads President and CEO David Dreith. “Comprehensive services are critical so that individuals with brain injuries can work, contribute and live their best lives. Easterseals Crossroads is proud to continue the great work begun by the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana in meeting the needs of those with disabilities throughout our state.”

“A person living with a brain injury is capable and valuable to the community,” said Easterseals Crossroads Director of Brain Injury Resource Facilitation Services Amy Miller. “Sometimes a person just needs support and accommodations. Adult services at Easterseals Crossroads have long been positioned to serve individuals with brain injuries through day service options, employment services and assistive technology solutions. This transition from RHI perfectly aligns with the existing array of service delivery within Easterseals Crossroads. The transition will create new opportunities to more fully meet the needs of individuals living with disabilities in our community and state.”

Resource facilitation is a robust community-based public health model proven to improve outcomes in both acute and chronic brain injury. The services at Easterseals Crossroads are available to individuals who qualify for vocational rehabilitation, giving them the opportunity to work with a team of brain injury professionals to achieve return-to-work or return-to-school goals.

“The majority of people we work with are five to 10 years post injury, and many never knew they had a history of brain injury,” Miller said. “Our program provides brain injury-specific education to individuals with brain injury and their families or caregivers; helps individuals identify, obtain and navigate needed services and supports; promotes brain injury-informed care with other providers; and ensures collaboration, integration and coordination between providers and community-based resources.”

The Easterseals Crossroads Brain Injury Resource Facilitation team includes six resource facilitators, one psychotherapist and one brain injury coping skills (BICS) specialist.

For more information about brain injury services, contact Amy Miller at amiller@eastersealscrossroads.org. Visit eastersealscrossroads.org for more about the services offered through Easterseals Crossroads.