Karrise was 26 years old when she had a stroke that changed her life. Instead of continuing her life as she knew it, she had to learn to walk, keep her balance and eventually drive again. And that was in addition to relearning how to read, tell time and use her phone, as well as other technology.

After several years of hard work, Karrise was ready to focus on her livelihood. Prior to her stroke, Karrise worked with toddlers in a childcare setting. “The stroke really changed my career path since I could no longer meet the physical or mental demands of working in childcare,” said Karrise.

Karrise learned about employment programs for people with disabilities at Easterseals Crossroads and found that she was a great candidate for the Pathways to Opportunity program. “This program is unique in that it seeks resources and training so that the outcome is a career focused on future growth,” said Diane Brown, who is a career navigator.

To begin a path toward a career for Karrise, she needed to develop and refine her digital literacy skills, an option offered from our assistive technology department. Karrise knew that enhancing her software and computer skills would help her become more employable.

“Possibility can actually begin with assistive technology and digital literacy. For an able-bodied individual, technology can make things easier. For an individual with a disability, assistive technology can make things possible,” said Josh Anderson, who is the director of assistive technology.

Karrise battled her way through a very tough and long recovery from her stroke. She now has the right resources for success in place, and she is dedicated to finding a career that will grow with her. “Looking back on what I have battled, what I have been through and where I am now, literally anything is possible,” said Karrise.

Just hours after her birth, Jessica began having seizures; 90% of her brain was damaged. “The expectations were that she would be blind and not able to walk or talk,” said mom Vicki. Jessica proved her original diagnoses wrong on all counts. She is able to see, walk and talk. Now 42, she lives in supported living and she attends our adult day program. The program is a unique model of service with a wide range of participants spanning age and ability. Participants are involved in determining the day-to-day activities where they share friendship and peer-to-peer support. “Our life would be a lot different without Easterseals. Jessica would not have the same quality of life.” said Jessica’s mom Vicki.

Jessica’s passion is walking. She walks every day with other program participants and staff. Not only has Jessica gained strength and balance, she feels healthier. She tracks steps
on her phone and watches her calories. “Walking kills those calories,” said Jessica.

“Before Jessica started walking, her mobility wasn’t good. She struggled getting in and out of vehicles. Walking has made her stronger and improved her balance,” said Jessica’s dad Dan.

At all stages of Jessica’s life, her parents have fostered possibilities for her. “If you don’t have a great team – a group who encourage your family’s vision – you don’t have possibilities,” said Vicki. They have always seen the ability in Jessica and have found environments like Easterseals where she can thrive.

Hannah is a single mom who was concerned about her daughter Elsie who was experiencing difficulties in daycare.

Hannah connected with resources from the Family Opportunity Program, a program that provides options to achieve self-sufficiency for families who have a child with a disability. Hannah learned that Elsie had autism. She enrolled her in autism behavior therapy, where she has made great strides for the past few years and has started kindergarten. This enabled Hannah to move from her current job and begin her search for employment that would provide opportunities for growth and stability.

Hannah has found what she needed as a career navigator in the very place where she sought help. She knows how scared she was when seeking services, and she is confident that her own experiences have given her the empathy and understanding to work with other families.

“When Hannah came to us, she knew she needed to be a working mom to a child with behavioral needs. We were so impressed with Hannah from the beginning that we immediately thought of her when a position opened. It really resonates with a family to have someone working with them who has had the same experiences,” said Emily Garvin, who is the program manager.

“Easterseals Crossroads helped me gain the confidence to be brave and focus on the services that I needed. As an employee, I can advocate for families; I can help them just like someone helped me,” said Hannah.

Harmony’s mom Tamara noticed some delays and sensory issues early in development. Knowing that early intervention services could make a difference, she connected with Easterseals.

Through occupational therapy, Harmony has learned how to handle her emotions and use her words rather than being upset. Being able to articulate her feelings has been a huge benefit. She has started to use her coping skills in playing with other kids and getting along with her sister. She is learning to express herself when upset.

Speech therapy proved beneficial as well. “I started to see a lot of improvement with Harmony once we started therapy – especially speech. We noticed sound errors with her speech and at 3 or 4 were not as concerned. But approaching 5, we noticed that it could be a delay,” said Tamara.

Harmony’s family did not realize all of the resources that were available in relation to children’s therapy services. Knowing that there was the possibility to have all of these services in one place for Harmony has made a huge difference for the family.

“We are able to work with families in ways that best meet their needs by offering occupational, physical and speech therapy all in one place. We have a great team at Easterseals Crossroads and we have inviting spaces that open the possibility of great outcomes for families,” said Haley Limper, who is an occupational therapist.

As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, we’re reminded of the incredible power of gratitude. At Easterseals Crossroads, we have so much to be thankful for—our dedicated staff, amazing volunteers, generous donors, and the resilient individuals and families we serve every day.

A Season of Thanks
This year, we’re especially grateful for the progress we’ve made together. Whether it’s helping a child with a developmental delay reach a new milestone, empowering a veteran to re-enter the workforce, or creating inclusive opportunities through accessible gaming, every achievement is made possible by the collective efforts of our community.

We’re inspired daily by the strength and determination of the individuals we serve. They remind us that with the right support, we can overcome any challenge. Their stories of resilience motivate us to continue our mission of fostering independence and inclusion for people of all abilities.

The Spirit of Giving
Thanksgiving is also a time to reflect on how we can give back. At Easterseals Crossroads, giving takes many forms—donating time as a volunteer, providing financial support to fund our programs, or simply spreading awareness about our mission. Every act of kindness brings us closer to creating a community where everyone feels valued and included.

You Make It Possible
As we celebrate this season of gratitude, we want to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to everyone who has supported us this year. Your generosity and compassion fuel our work and help us change lives. Together, we’re making a lasting impact in our community.

Join Us in Giving Thanks
This Thanksgiving, we invite you to join us in celebrating the spirit of gratitude and giving. Share what you’re thankful for, help spread awareness about our mission or consider making a donation to support our programs. Every contribution, big or small, helps us continue empowering individuals and families to live their best lives.

From all of us at Easterseals Crossroads, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful and meaningful Thanksgiving. Thank you for being part of our family. Together, we are stronger, more inclusive, and more compassionate.

Happy Thanksgiving!
– The Easterseals Crossroads Team

Possibility begins at Easterseals Crossroads for nearly 10,000 people each year. No matter when we enter a person’s life, our overall goal is to maximize independence and improve quality of life for people with disabilities. From birth throughout a lifetime, we are here for adults and children in our community providing resources, therapy, training, options and possibilities for people like Terrell and Jimmy.

Terrell just started first grade. Like any mother nearing that milestone, his mom Adel was fearful about the changes to his schedule because of his autism. But since she and Terrell have worked with
our autism services staff for the past four years in preparation for moments like this, she absolutely knew he had the tools to successfully begin his life.

Jimmy is an adult who sustained a brain injury as the result of a car accident. Because of the injury, he learned he could no longer work in his chosen profession. Not knowing if a different career was even possible, he worked diligently with our brain injury staff to discover options that aligned with his new life’s reality.

When life with disability begins or when it changes, Easterseals Crossroads is there with possibilities. But we need community support to invest in the future of the agency and those we serve. Thanks to the generous support from OneAmerica Financial Foundation, all gifts made to Easterseals Crossroads between now and December 31, 2024, will be matched. There has never been a better time to give!

Please join us in support of empowering possibility!

Thaddaus is a US Army veteran who completed his service in the early 2000s. He struggled to get his life back on track after some difficulties. Life after his service took some turns and at 35, he found himself in a rough place and eventually prison.

“I made some really bad decisions, and now I am living with the results of those decisions. I can’t go back and change what I have done, but I am learning from my mistakes. I am a stronger person because of my experiences,” said Thaddaus.

Thaddaus eventually entered a work release program and found veteran services, which led him to Easterseals Crossroads. Thaddaus is currently living in transitional housing and he is headed toward a better place in his life.

“When we get a veteran who needs our services, we figure out the immediate priorities like housing because it’s hard to get to work if you don’t have a place to come home to. Once we figure out all the obstacles in getting a veteran back to work, we create the path toward independence and an improved standard of living,” said Troy Drake, who is a career navigator in the veteran services program.

Thaddaus is working and he has signed up for courses in an information technology certification track so that he can advance. He has moved beyond major obstacles and feels his life is on track for a meaningful future. He has a career with plans for advancement through further education, he has a car and he is preparing to move into his own place.

“Everything is going pretty well, considering some of the circumstances in my past. I am moving forward and not dwelling on the mistakes that I made in my past. A year ago, I had gotten to the point where
I had given up on the possibility of even making it out of the correctional facility. I found the help I needed and I am somewhere that I didn’t think I could be a year ago,” said Thaddaus.

Voting is a fundamental right, and it’s essential for everyone, including people with disabilities, to have equal access to the voting process. Whether it’s ensuring accessible voting machines or arranging transportation, being prepared can make your experience smoother and more empowering. As Election Day approaches, here’s a helpful checklist to make sure you’re ready to cast your vote with confidence.

You must be registered to vote and in Indiana, that deadline was October 7, 2024, for in-person registration, online and by mail.

What are key deadlines for the November 2024 election?

Registration deadlines

• In-person at local election office : Oct 7 close of business
• Online : Oct 7
• By mail (postmarked by) : Oct 7

Voting deadlines

• Early voting (in-person absentee voting) : Oct 8 – Nov 4
• In-person : Nov 5

1. Know Your Polling Place

Polling locations are required to be accessible, but it’s always a good idea to check beforehand. Confirm your designated polling place and review whether it meets your accessibility needs. You can ask your local election office if there are any special accommodations like curbside voting or assistance available at the site.

Find your polling place (in Indiana) at https://indianavoters.in.gov/

2. Understand Your Voting Rights

As a voter with a disability, you have the right to accessible voting methods, whether through physical accommodations at the polls or by using assistive technology. Many states offer accessible voting machines for individuals with visual or mobility impairments. Be sure to know what resources are available in your area, and don’t hesitate to ask for help at the polling place.

Learn more at https://www.in.gov/idr/hoosiers-vote/ways-to-vote/

3. Consider Absentee or Mail-In Voting

If getting to the polls is a challenge, many states provide absentee or mail-in voting options for people with disabilities. These options allow you to vote from the comfort of your home. Be sure to check the deadlines for requesting and returning your ballot so your vote is counted.

Absentee ballot deadlines

• Request ballot (received by) : Oct 24 by 11:59 p.m. EDT
• Return ballot by mail (received by) : Nov 5 close of polls
• Return ballot in person : Nov 5 close of polls

4. Bring Proper Identification

Check your state’s requirements for voter identification. Make sure to bring any necessary ID with you to the polls. Some states accept different types of ID for people with disabilities, so verify the acceptable forms ahead of time.

Learn more about what you need on election day at https://www.in.gov/idr/hoosiers-vote/voting-faqs/

5. Ask for Assistance if Needed

If you need assistance at the polls, you have the right to bring someone with you to help you vote, or you can ask poll workers for assistance. Whether you need help reading the ballot, filling it out, or using the voting machine, poll workers are trained to assist voters of all abilities.

Learn more about available assistance at https://www.in.gov/idr/hoosiers-vote/voting-faqs/

6. Stay Informed

Before Election Day, take some time to research the candidates and issues on your ballot. This preparation will make you feel more confident when casting your vote.

Learn more about candidates in Indiana at https://www.in.gov/sos/elections/candidate-information/

7. Report Accessibility Issues

If you encounter any barriers at the polls, such as inaccessible entrances or non-functioning voting machines, report them immediately. If you have a complaint about your polling place’s accessibility limitations, please call the Hoosier Voter Hotline to report the issue.

The toll-free number is: 866-IN1-VOTE (866-461-8683). Help America Vote Act staff will be on hand to answer the calls from 6:00AM to 7:00PM EDT on Election Day, and 8:00AM to 4:30PM on normal business days.

By planning ahead and knowing your rights, you can make sure your voice is heard. Voting is your chance to shape the policies that impact your life, and no one should face obstacles in exercising this vital right. Let’s continue to break down barriers and ensure full access to the democratic process for people with disabilities.

Happy voting!

During October, our country recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to celebrate the many contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy. This year, the theme for NDEAM 2024 is Access to Good Jobs for All.

At Easterseals Crossroads, we employee career coaches, navigators, coordinators, consultants, assistants and more to represent our various employment programs. We have a great team of people who advocate and work with our program participants to discover interests, skills and potential for future employment opportunities.

“Easterseals Crossroads is fortunate to have an amazing employment team! We are a diverse group of staff in terms of talent, background and skill sets that comes together beautifully to serve our equally diverse customer base providing individualized and impactful services with respect and passion,” said Marjorie Duryea, Director, Employment Programs.

View some of our employment services stories below or contact us for more information about employment services.