Ability Awareness Day at Indiana State Fair

Easterseals Crossroads Sponsors Ability Awareness Day at Indiana State Fair on July 31

First-ever Ability Awareness Day includes sensory garden, adaptive sports

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (July 11, 2022) – Easterseals Crossroads, a local nonprofit organization providing disability services, has recognized the need and created a public platform for creating ability awareness. The first-ever Ability Awareness Day will be held at the Indiana State Fair on Sunday, July 31. Easterseals Crossroads is partnering with Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (RHI)/RHI Foundation, Bosma, Superior Van and Mobility, BraunAbility, JPMorgan Chase and Engledow Group, among other groups and organizations.

Easterseals Crossroads and its partners will host several booths along State Fair Boulevard that day, designed for attendees to gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities — through enjoying sensory-friendly Midway hours, experiencing a sensory garden, learning how to play an adaptive sport and exploring an adaptive vehicle, among other activities.

“As a leading service provider and community resource for people with disabilities, we realize the need for inclusion, diversity and equity in all aspects of daily living,” said Easterseals Crossroads President and CEO David Dreith. “The Indiana State Fair has a 130-year history of welcoming all Hoosiers, and we are thrilled to partner with them on the first-ever Ability Day to open the fair. This long-awaited event will include a significant gathering of partners providing resources, information, contests, activities and fun! Hoosiers will not want to miss this day created to celebrate and recognize the ability of everyone in our state.”

Easterseals Crossroads is still looking for volunteers for Ability Awareness Day at the Indiana State Fair. If interested, please fill out the form here: https://bit.ly/3IEmm5j. Volunteers must be 18 years and older; but those 16 and older may volunteer with parents.

2022-07-12T09:28:31-04:00July 12, 2022|News Releases|
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June 2022

iCan Bike staff John Kelly and Shae Kelly speak with WXIN about the popular iCan Bike camp where individuals with disabilities 8+ can learn to ride a conventional bicycle.

 

2022-06-07T10:11:56-04:00June 7, 2022|Media Appearances|
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Community Day at Edna Martin Christian Center

Easterseals Crossroads Hosts Community Day to Highlight Community Resources

Saturday, June 11, at Edna Martin Christian Center in Martindale-Brightwood

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (June 2, 2022) – Easterseals Crossroads, a local nonprofit organization providing disability services, is hosting a Community Day Event presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and in partnership with JPMorgan Chase at Edna Martin Christian Center on Saturday, June 11.

This free, family-friendly event takes place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Edna Martin Christian Center’s Leadership and Legacy Campus, located at 2259 Ralston Avenue in Indianapolis.

Easterseals Crossroads will provide free, onsite child development checkups; share information about employment services for individuals and families living with disability; offer information about support services for veterans facing homelessness; and highlight career opportunities at Easterseals Crossroads.

In addition, an exhibit hall of community partners will offer book giveaways; information on programs for adults and children; games; and food box distribution courtesy of Gleaners Food Bank and Eskenazi Health. Highlights include a meet and greet with Indiana Pacers Mascot Boomer from 12-1 p.m. as well as a financial journey information session hosted by JPMorgan Chase.

“As a leading provider of services for people with disabilities in central Indiana, we realize that not all people have equal access to what they need. Community Day events highlight resources that are available to people from a variety of partner organizations within the area,” said David Dreith, President/CEO of Easterseals Crossroads.

“We’re excited to partner with Easterseals Crossroads to bring so many wonderful community resources together for our Martindale-Brightwood neighbors,” said Trina Boyd, Family Ministries Coordinator/Social Capital Coordinator at Edna Martin Christian Center. “With a free lunch for our first 250 guests, games, crafts and a chance to meet Boomer, the Indiana Pacers Mascot, it is bound to be a great event!”

About Edna Martin Christian Center

The Edna Martin Christian Center’s mission is to invest in the lives of all in Martindale-Brightwood and surrounding neighborhoods through community-driven opportunities that foster stability, growth and a vision of hope. The Edna Martin Christian Center is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where individual differences are respected, appreciated and recognized as qualities that enrich the environment in which we work and serve.

To learn more about Edna Martin Christian Center, visit ednamartincc.org.

 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.

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

2022-06-06T11:19:51-04:00June 6, 2022|News Releases|
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April 2022

Easterseals Crossroads CEO David Dreith speaks with WXIN FOX 59 about Community Day Events presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. These free, family-friendly events include resources, games, food and fun for the whole family.

 

2022-04-21T12:27:11-04:00April 21, 2022|Media Appearances|
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Community Day Highlights Resources for Far Eastside Community
INDIANAPOLIS (April 18, 2022) — Easterseals Crossroads, a local nonprofit organization providing disability services, is hosting its Community Day at CAFE event, presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, on Saturday, April 23.

This free, family-friendly event takes place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (CAFE), located at 8902 E. 38th Street in Indianapolis.

Easterseals Crossroads will be providing free child development checkups on site and sharing information about employment services for individuals and families living with disability, support services for veterans facing homelessness and career opportunities at Easterseals Crossroads.

In addition, an exhibit hall of community partners will offer book giveaways, information on programs for adults and children, games and food. Highlights include a meet and greet and story time with Indiana Pacers Mascot Boomer from 12-1 p.m. as well as a financial journey mapping information session hosted by JPMorgan Chase at 1 p.m.

“As a leading provider of services for people with disabilities in central Indiana, we realize not all people have equal access to what they need,” said David Dreith, President/CEO of Easterseals Crossroads. “Community Day events provide an introduction to resources available to people from a variety of partner organizations within our area.”

“We are excited to collaborate with Easterseals Crossroads for the Community Day at CAFE event,” said CAFE Vice President of Communications and Engagement Cheria Caldwell. “Our mission is to provide resources and information to the community that improve quality of life and reduce barriers.”

CAFE is a resident-driven, neighborhood-based nonprofit organization that works to enhance the quality of life on the Far Eastside. CAFE provides basic needs such as rental and utility assistance, workforce development, food access and a two-generational approach that works to sustain the entire household. CAFE is committed to engaging youth, adults and seniors in a community network that strives to keep families strong, empowered and connected through opportunities for leadership, self-sufficiency, asset building and social activities.

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

Learn more about CAFE.
2022-04-19T08:16:15-04:00April 19, 2022|News Releases|
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March 2022

Nikki DeMentri with WRTV stopped by Easterseals Crossroads to speak with Tracy Gale, our director of autism services, and meet one of our young families.

 

2022-03-25T14:17:17-04:00March 25, 2022|Media Appearances|
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Comcast NBCUniversal Awards Digital Literacy Grant

INDIANAPOLIS (March 16, 2022) — Easterseals Crossroads, a local nonprofit organization providing disability services, has been awarded a one-year $100,000 grant from Comcast NBCUniversal for the Comcast NBCUniversal Digital Literacy and Employment Program. 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.

“Digital literacy is critical for young adults with disabilities to maximize their full potential in school, at home and at work as they transition into the adult world,” said Easterseals Crossroads Vice President Bruce Schnaith. “Understanding how to use web browsers, search engines, email, text and blogs are essential skills to thrive in today’s digital world. Easterseals Crossroads is pleased to partner with national Easterseals and affiliates in Washington State and Massachusetts by sharing resources and best practices in offering digital learning opportunities for young adults with disabilities in our community.”

“To seriously address bridging the digital divide and ensure that everyone has access to the internet, it’s important to take away barriers that might prohibit technology use,” said Tim Collins, Comcast’s regional senior vice president in the Heartland Region, which includes Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan. “By providing accessibility tools, training and technology to the clients of Easterseals Crossroads, we are helping to eliminate the obstacles associated with digital adoption and, thereby, enabling a sense of independence and fostering personal growth.”

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.

Visit eastersealscrossroads.org for more about the services offered through Easterseals Crossroads.
About Easterseals Crossroads
As one of 68 Easterseals affiliates, Easterseals Crossroads has been helping individuals with disabilities 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.

Comcast NBCUniversal logoAbout 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.
2022-03-17T09:41:33-04:00March 17, 2022|News Releases|
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Easterseals Crossroads Receives Employment and Technology Awards

Annual awards recognize individuals with outstanding service in the field of employment for those with disabilities
Brandy Dickerson, a lead retention specialist at Easterseals Crossroads, received the IN-APSE Lois Curtis Personal Achievement Award – Person with a Disability.
Josh Anderson, ATP, BSPA, and Brian Norton, ATP, CEAS, accepted the IN-APSE Dave Hammis Innovation Award for the Easterseals Crossroads Assistive Technology Center.
INDIANAPOLIS (March 11, 2022) — Easterseals Crossroads is the proud recipient of two awards presented at the annual conference for Indiana ASPE (Association for People Supporting Employment). The conference took place Wednesday, March 9 and Thursday, March 10 at Marriott East Indianapolis.

Brandy Dickerson, a lead retention specialist at Easterseals Crossroads, received the Lois Curtis Personal Achievement Award, recognizing an individual’s personal achievement in advocating for inclusive, individualized, community-based employment and/or independent living.

“Brandy never lets her own disability (cerebral palsy) limit her in any area of her life; her personal goal is to educate and advocate on disability in her words and actions, yet most of all by example. Brandy’s motto in life is based on determination and never giving up. She believes that all things are possible when focusing on the end result,” said Easterseals Crossroads Director of Employment Programs Marjorie Duryea.

In addition, the Easterseals Crossroads Assistive Technology Center received the Dave Hammis Innovation Award, awarded to individuals or organizations who demonstrate innovation in the area of technology, customized strategies and/or self-employment for individuals with significant disabilities.

“The assistive technology program at Easterseals Crossroads consistently demonstrates exceptional outside-the-box, creative thinking when common technology solutions are not readily available for on-the-job accommodations,” said Easterseals Crossroads Vice President Bruce Schnaith. “These often non-technology solutions include one-of-a-kind devices and tools conceptualized and created to accommodate individual needs to ensure successful employment outcomes.”

IN-APSE is a membership organization formed in 1988 to improve and expand integrated employment opportunities, services and outcomes for persons experiencing disabilities.
About Easterseals Crossroads
As one of 68 Easterseals affiliates, Easterseals Crossroads has been helping individuals with disabilities 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.
2022-03-11T08:17:27-05:00March 11, 2022|News Releases|
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February 2022

Easterseals Crossroads spoke with Katiera Winfrey from WISH TV 8 about working with the Indiana BMV to make the computerized tests available in American Sign Language for Hoosiers are Deaf.

2022-02-17T15:10:36-05:00February 17, 2022|Media Appearances|
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