Aaron Likens is an author, national autism advocate, professional public speaker, and the official flagman for INDYCAR. Diagnosed with autism at age 20, Aaron uses his platform to raise awareness, foster understanding, and share the power of inclusion—on and off the racetrack.

To say gaming has had an impact on my life would be an understatement. There are so many ways to gauge instrumental moments in life, but I know without any doubt that I would not be doing what I’m doing in life if not for the conversational skills I learned through games.

In December of 2003, I got my Asperger’s diagnosis. I got bad information about what it meant, and instead of learning about the full spectrum and the skills I have because of it, it felt much like a life sentence of hopelessness. However, just two months after my diagnosis, I got Xbox Live, and for the first time in my life, I was gaming with people from around the world.

Did this magical transformation happen overnight? Did I go from no conversational skills to being able to dance the conversational dance like a masterclass dancer? Oh no, most certainly no. In fact, I didn’t speak for my first two months playing online, and I can remember my dad saying, “Hey, I’ve been watching, and you’ve been racing the same people over and over, why don’t you say hello?” Hello? Really, he wanted me to say hello. I didn’t know these people, and why would I want to open myself up to the world? I replied to my dad, “Oh no, that’s against the rules.” Rules? What rules? I tried to come up with some sort of logical answer as to what rules I was referring to, but I knew I was beat. When my dad asked, I simply said, “You know, the rules.”

A month later, I moved up the leaderboards on a new racing game called ToCA Race Driver 2, and the people I raced constantly gossiped about who I might be. A retired F1 driver? A seven-year-old prodigy from Sweden? A current NASCAR driver? It was downright humorous, but eventually it grew tiresome, and with a great sense of nervousness, I clicked my microphone button, and it went from red to green, and my voice went over the gam,e and all the talking stopped. The people I was racing against all went silent, and there was a long awkward silence that then followed, but slowly conversation started up once again after I introduced myself to the gaming world.

The following days, weeks, and months were a slow process of learning the steps to the dance that is conversations. I had no ability to stay in step and my timing was more than often off when I’d try to converse in person, but the advantage of playing a racing game is that most of the people that were playing the game knew about racing and I was almost an encyclopedia on current races and the history of racing so I was often right in the midst of the dance. I didn’t know it, but the seeds of who I’d become in life were being planted, and I was having a blast in the process.

I didn’t realize it then, but the sense of belonging was life-changing. My diagnosis, to me back then, meant I’d never have friends and would be isolated for the rest of time, and yet I was having daily conversations with the same group of people each day, and that’s the beauty of gaming. While we often were focused on the games we were playing, for myself when I play a game, my social defenses go down and I can converse. In the right environment, I could now participate in the dance of socializing, and it was through these games I learned pacing, voice inflection, and all of that carried over to my ability to be a public speaker.

It’s difficult for me to think about what my life would’ve been like had I not started playing online when I did. When I needed it most, I found that I could be part of a community and that those people I didn’t know weren’t all that scary after all. The debate back then was, “Are online real friends?” After attending many Indy 500’s with those friends I made back in 2004, and meeting countless others throughout the years all over the world, I can say undoubtedly yes, and without the circle of friends that have grown throughout the years, I don’t know how I’d ever have learned the skills of friendship, conversations, and public speaking which all grew my confidence and allowed me to become the person I am today. 

April is Autism Acceptance Month — a time to celebrate neurodiversity, amplify autistic voices, and increase understanding and acceptance of individuals on the autism spectrum. At Easterseals Crossroads, we’re proud to support children, teens, and adults with autism through a wide variety of services that empower individuals and families to thrive.

Why Autism Acceptance Month Matters

Autism Acceptance Month isn’t just about education — it’s about building inclusive communities where people with autism are supported, understood, and appreciated for who they are. It’s about recognizing the strengths, talents, and unique perspectives that individuals with autism bring to the world.

While awareness is the first step, we believe it’s time to move beyond awareness and into acceptance and action. That’s where our work at Easterseals Crossroads comes in.

Autism Services at Easterseals Crossroads

Our organization offers a comprehensive range of autism services that are designed to meet the diverse needs of individuals across the autism spectrum — and across all stages of life. Here are just a few ways we support individuals and families:

Autism Diagnostic Clinic

Early identification is key. Our Autism Diagnostic Clinic offers comprehensive evaluations for children suspected of being on the autism spectrum. Our team provides families with the answers they need and helps them take the next steps toward services and support.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy

Our ABA services are rooted in evidence-based practices and personalized to each child’s needs. We focus on building functional communication, self-help skills, and social development through positive reinforcement in a structured and nurturing environment.

Behavioral and Mental Health Services

In addition to ABA therapy, we offer behavioral and mental health support, including counseling and parent training. These services help families navigate challenges and support their child’s emotional well-being.

Early Childhood Services

For our youngest learners, we offer early intervention services that promote development in critical areas like communication, motor skills, and social interaction — all within a play-based and supportive setting.

Recreational and Social Programs

Social connection is so important. That’s why we offer programs that help children and teens build friendships, practice social skills, and participate in fun, engaging activities.

Training and Support for Families

We believe parents and caregivers are an essential part of any support team. We offer training sessions, resources, and ongoing support to help families feel confident and empowered on their journey.

Spreading Acceptance, Building Community

This Autism Acceptance Month, we invite you to learn more, listen more, and embrace neurodiversity. Whether you’re a parent, educator, employer, or community member, there are countless ways to promote understanding and inclusion.

At Easterseals Crossroads, we’re committed to walking alongside individuals with autism and their families — not just during April, but every day of the year.

Want to Learn More?

If you or someone you love could benefit from our autism services, we’re here to help. Contact us to learn more about our programs or to connect with a member of our team.

Tommy is 33 and headed to Turin in March for the Special Olympics Winter Games to compete in Alpine skiing.

Tommy is employed at Community Health Network where he works in material management. He attended Lawrence Township schools and entered the Project SEARCH program at Community Hospital North, which is a collaboration with Easterseals Crossroads, Community Health Network and MSD Lawrence Township. Created for young adults with disabilities, the program started in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has several locations throughout the country. The goal of the program is for young adults to learn about working in healthcare through classroom instruction and department rotations within the hospital. Project SEARCH North has been operating since 2011 and is the second location for Easterseals Crossroads within the Indianapolis community.

Tommy obtained employment at the hospital within a year of completing the program. He gained the knowledge, confidence and skills to excel in this career path and he is proud to go to work each day. He has incredible support from employees at the hospital from leadership on down where he has gained friendships, mentors and experience through his tenure.

He has also gained a fan base for his trip to the winter games from friends, coworkers and family in part because Tommy is so joyful and excited to be on the verge of this amazing experience. He and his family have worked diligently to maximize his independence and confidence through his involvement with a wide variety of opportunities where he has excelled from an early age.

His mom credits Special Olympics for much of the confidence Tommy exudes. “We heard from a friend – another mom with a son with Down Syndrome – about basketball and Special Olympics when Tommy was a young boy. Special Olympics friends became Tommy’s social circle when school friends paired off into other groups. Special Olympics friends have become friends for life.” Said Veronika, Tommy’s mother.

Veronika is enjoying the preparation for the trip, where Tommy will live in the village with the other 30 skiing athletes from Indiana. “Tommy has continued to grow so much in independence during the past year. He – along with the other athletes – were given certain goals through their workouts and Tommy did this all on his own. I am so proud of Tommy; we are all the biggest advocates for Special Olympics. Thanks to Easterseals Crossroads and Special Olympics, possibilities have really opened up for Tommy,” said Veronika.

Tommy’s mom and family have embraced and encouraged those possibilities. Sports have been a huge part of Tommy’s life and his family participates in every way that they can. They ski, swim, run and bowl; they also enjoy basketball and soccer. At this moment, Tommy clearly favors skiing. “Skiing is my favorite sport because I like to go fast, said Tommy, I want to win!”

Along with his sights set on winning, Tommy is also looking forward to being with his friends and eating gelato. His family will join him in Turin cheering for him and enjoying the adventure while Tommy enjoys his experiences residing, practicing and competing with the other delegates. The excitement is building along with some nervousness. “I am excited and just a little bit nervous. But all I can think about is ITALY, YAY,” said Tommy.

By Brandon Scott, Content Creation Manager, Easterseals Crossroads

Understanding disability etiquette is an important step in creating a more inclusive society. Many people want to be respectful but aren’t always sure what to say or do. As a person who uses a power wheelchair and has no arms or legs, I’ve had my fair share of awkward encounters, but I’ve also experienced moments of genuine connection when people approach me with kindness and respect.

This guide will help you navigate interactions with people with all types of disabilities, offering practical tips and personal insights. Plus, I’ll include a section for parents on how to handle their child’s curiosity in a positive way.

Disability Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

1. Treat People as Individuals, Not Their Disabilities

People with disabilities are just that—people first. Don’t define someone solely by their disability. Speak to them the way you would anyone else.

Personal Example: I’ve had experiences where people ignore me and direct their questions to whoever is with me. It’s frustrating to hear, “What would they like to eat?” instead of just asking me directly. I can speak for myself, and most people with disabilities can too!

DO: Speak directly to the person, not their caregiver or companion. This includes instances when an individual is speaking through an interpreter.
DON’T: Assume someone can’t communicate just because they have a disability.

2. Ask Before Helping

Offering help is kind, but don’t assume assistance is needed. Always ask first.

Personal Example: People often try to help me without asking, thinking they’re being helpful. But just jumping in and helping me without permission takes away my independence, and makes the assumption that I am not capable.

DO: Ask, “Would you like any help?” before jumping in.
DON’T: Assume someone needs assistance and act without permission.

3. Respect Personal Space and Mobility Devices

For many people with disabilities, mobility devices like wheelchairs, canes, and prosthetics are extensions of their bodies. Treat them with the same respect you would personal belongings.

Personal Example: I’ve had strangers lean on my wheelchair while talking to someone or even place their bags on it. It’s not a piece of furniture—it’s my mobility!

DO: Treat mobility aids as part of a person’s personal space.
DON’T: Touch, lean on, or move someone’s wheelchair without permission.

4. Use Thoughtful Language

The way we talk about disability matters. Choose words that show respect and avoid outdated or offensive terms.

DO: Use terms like “person with a disability” or “uses a wheelchair.”
DON’T: Say things like “handicapped,” “crippled,” or “wheelchair-bound.”

Language is always evolving, so if you’re unsure, it’s okay to ask what language someone prefers.

5. Focus on Abilities, Not Limitations

People with disabilities live full, independent lives—we just do things differently.

Personal Example: Whether it’s a “simple” task like brushing your teeth or a “large” task like driving a car, the way I do things is definitely not the same as you would do them. I don’t let my disability hold me back from at least trying to figure out ways to accomplish various tasks, and if I’m not successful that is fine. Not everyone can do everything like everyone else…can you throw a football like Peyton Manning?

DO: Assume people with disabilities are capable until told otherwise.
DON’T: Assume someone can’t do something just because of their disability.

6. Interact Naturally

If you’re unsure how to act, just be yourself! It’s okay to be curious or not have all the answers. The best approach is to treat people with disabilities with the same kindness and respect you’d give anyone else.

Personal Example: Some people avoid making eye contact with me, as if acknowledging my disability makes them uncomfortable. Others overcompensate by acting overly cheerful or giving me unnecessary praise for simple things. The best interactions? When people just treat me like a regular person.

DO: Say hello, make eye contact, and engage naturally.
DON’T: Stare or pretend not to see someone with a disability.

For Parents: How to Handle Your Child’s Curiosity

Children are naturally curious when they see someone with a disability. Instead of shushing them or rushing away, use these moments as teaching opportunities.

1. Answer Their Questions Honestly and Positively

If your child asks, “Why does that person not have arms?” or “Why are they in a wheelchair?” don’t panic! A simple, age-appropriate response works best.

Example Response:
“Everyone’s body is different! Some people use wheelchairs to get around, just like you use your legs.”

2. Avoid Shushing or Making Disability a “Taboo” Topic

Shushing your child can unintentionally teach them that disability is something shameful or “wrong.” Instead, acknowledge their curiosity and respond calmly.

3. Teach Inclusive Language Early

Encourage your child to use respectful terms. Instead of saying “that poor person,” you might say, “That person uses a wheelchair to move, just like we use our legs.”

4. Lead by Example

Children learn by watching their parents. If you interact with people with disabilities in a friendly and respectful way, your child will too. Instead of avoiding eye contact or acting overly cautious, just say hello and treat the person as you would anyone else.

Personal Example: One of my favorite interactions was with a little boy at a store who asked me, “How do you drive your wheelchair?” His mom didn’t shush him—she smiled and let me answer. I explained how I use my shoulder to steer, and the boy was fascinated. That was a perfect example of how curiosity can lead to a positive and inclusive interaction!

Final Thoughts: Inclusion Starts With Awareness

Disability etiquette isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being mindful. If you’re unsure how to interact, just be respectful, ask questions if appropriate, and treat people with disabilities as you would anyone else.

By making small efforts to be inclusive, we create a world where people with all types of disabilities are seen, heard, and valued. Let’s continue to learn, grow, and build a more accessible and understanding society together!

contributed by Tracy Brower, PhD
Dr. Tracy Brower is a PhD sociologist and the vice president of workplace insights for Steelcase, a global design and thought leader in the world of work. She is the author of The Secrets to Happiness at Work and Bring Work to Life, as well as a senior contributor to Forbes and Fast Company. Her work has been translated into 22 languages and her TEDx talk has been viewed 8.1 million times. For more information, please see Steelcase.com or tracybrower.com.

Inclusive design has become a significant point of focus—and for good reason. It considers a wide range of human experiences, from ability, language and culture to gender and age. Designing for all kinds of capabilities and disabilities is the right thing to do for people, and it’s also powerfully effective for businesses.

And creating inclusive work experiences is especially important now. The talent shortage is significant, and business leaders must ensure they are tapping into people with all kinds of talents, skills and capabilities.

In addition, creating a society that embraces all of its members is an imperative as we seek to positively influence our communities. Inclusive design provides for people to feel more valued and empowered and to experience greater levels of belonging and psychological safety—and all of these inspire happiness and fulfillment in both work and life.

The conversation is critical. To-date, we’ve lacked a common language for the discussion of disability as it relates to the work experience. Existing research tends to focus on employment status, with less attention on the quality of employment or the contextual elements that influence someone’s ability to contribute fully. We have work to do—and opportunities for meaningful dialogue and improvement, according to research published in Human Resource Management.

Important Outcomes

Leaders are invested in how we address the issues. In fact, Steelcase research demonstrates that 81% of leaders are prioritizing wellbeing while 76% prioritize DEI. Inclusive design is an approach that can ensure work experiences are welcoming and supportive for all—and that they contribute to wellbeing in terms of physical, cognitive and emotional needs.

Additionally, inclusive design drives outcomes like talent attraction and retention and increased employee satisfaction, according to the Center for Talent Innovation. It also enables organizations to tap into the skills of a broad variety of people who may be under-represented or under-served in a traditional environment.

For example, when employees who identify as neurodivergent are able to fully contribute, they bring skills from hyperfocus and detail processing to visual reasoning, creativity and innovative thinking, based on research from the Birkbeck University of London.

Benefits to Plenty of People

Beyond its importance for leaders and organizations, inclusive design is also especially relevant because of the number of people who have unique and specific needs. Fully 30% of people in the workforce have a disability, and as many as 90% of disabilities are not evident, according to the Center for Talent Innovation.

So, while plenty of people need support, it may not always be evident. Creating work experiences that are inclusive allows for a wide array of people to take advantage of places that help them do their best—without having to ask for accommodations.

Inclusive design also accommodates a variety of circumstances. Consider a door that opens automatically. It is helpful to the person with a permanent disability who is in a wheelchair as well as someone who has a temporary disability like a broken arm. And it’s an advantage for the situational limitation of a person who is carrying an armful of books, or the sensory challenges of someone who avoids touch.

Concept designs that demonstrate a range of spaces

Create Inclusive Work Experiences

You can create the conditions for an inclusive work experience with a few key strategies. They include the following.

Start with Empathy

First, start with empathy. Too often the design process fails to include people we’re designing for and who represent a wide enough range of capabilities.

A better approach is to design with, not for those with unique or underrepresented needs. We can ask questions, understand challenges and foster empathy, so new designs are based on deep understanding of conditions that will foster inclusion.

As an example, Steelcase recently redesigned space for the Global Talent team on the Grand Rapids campus with a focus on accessibility, employee relationships and inclusion. They formed an Inclusive Design Advisory Group which provided input and perspective throughout the process. The majority of the Advisory Group identified with one or more of the Well Institute’s dimensions* (disabled, 1st generation immigrant, neurodivergent, racially and/or ethnically underrepresented or underinvested groups, LGBTQ+, primary caregiver and women + girls), so they brought diverse viewpoints and lived experience to inform the design decisions.

Take a Holistic View

Second, ensure you focus on culture. Inclusive design isn’t just about place, space, settings or furniture. It requires a holistic and integrated approach. Policies, practices and norms must also support inclusivity.

Cultures are most effective when they provide strong mission, vision and direction as well as the opportunity for participation and ownership. Cultures drive results when they have clear and consistent processes as well as the ability to adapt and shift as necessary.

These elements of culture inform organizations that respect people with a broad range of skills and approaches, and nurture involvement and empowerment–so they can perform today and develop and grow for continued contributions over time.

Focus on Ongoing Improvement

Third, emphasize the ongoing nature of the process for creating inclusive work experiences. It’s a mistake to believe that design has a static outcome. Instead, the best approaches recognize the need for continuous monitoring, measuring and improving work experiences.

No design is perfect, and design begins when people move in or when they begin using places, policies and practices. Humility in the design process guides us in expecting to get things as right as we can and then embracing the learning that will occur over time—with a commitment to ongoing improvement.

What Matters Most

Effective work experiences—for all kinds of people—focus on place and technology as well as process and culture. And as you consider the physical work experience, you can give thought to a wide range of factors like wayfinding, spatial planning, acoustics, air quality, materiality, lighting, privacy, tools and technology and furniture.

Overall, design should offer equity. Rather than seeking to optimize one set of standards that work for all, a better strategy provides a range of experiences so people can choose what works best for them.

And the experience should also include opportunities for control, so people can make easy adjustments based on their unique needs. This involves not only selecting various areas to work across a campus, but also in adjusting background music, temperature, lighting or even the opacity or privacy levels of spaces.

A Bright Future

The process of empathizing, exploring, creating, learning and improving are all fundamental to our success—for people and for organizations. We can embrace and celebrate all kinds of abilities to ensure people have the chance to achieve both happiness and fulfillment supported by inclusive work experiences.

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*The Well Institute is an organization dedicated to promoting wellness and health through research, education and community engagement initiatives. The Well dimensions are a framework encompassing various aspects of wellbeing to promote a holistic approach to wellness.

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“There’s not a lot that I can’t do, but now I do everything differently,” said Jimmy, who had a traumatic brain injury after being in a traffic accident.

After the accident as Jimmy began to heal, he noticed that things started to unravel for him at home, work and school. “I really thought I had developed a mental illness,” said Jimmy.

A neurologist confirmed his traumatic brain injury, and he began his path toward recovery. Jimmy connected with our brain injury services program where professionals work to remove barriers and integrate rehabilitation goals to get people back on a daily living path.

“There is no typical brain injury. It’s different depending on whose brain it is in. When someone sustains a brain injury, they may not know what they can do or even if they can learn. We help them figure out what is possible after a brain injury,” said Amy Miller, who is the director of brain injury services.

Jimmy began a new career after HVAC training. Once he obtained certification, he was able to start his own heating and air conditioning business. Jimmy has good days, bad days and those in-between days where he is reminded that this is his new reality. Prior to connecting to Easterseals Crossroads, Jimmy felt his future looked bleak. Now he is excited about his future possibilities.

“I never dreamt that after my accident I would be able to have my own business. If it wasn’t for Easterseals empowering me to empower myself, I would still be stuck,“ said Jimmy.

Terrell’s mom Adel knew that her son wasn’t meeting age-related milestones as his siblings did and she needed to learn why.

Doctors suggested early intervention services where Terrell began speech therapy to develop language skills. At 3, he still wasn’t using more than a couple of words, and Adel found out about autism services at Easterseals Crossroads. An autism diagnosis was confirmed and he began ABA services.

Adel didn’t know much about autism because it was new to her family, but she quickly learned. Starting with language development, Terrell began to make progress. Occupational therapy rounded out the program and Terrell continued to advance.

“Since day one, it has always felt like this is the right place for us. I have trusted the process every day for almost four years and every day I have seen change and growth,” said Adel.

Next up for Terrell is first grade. ”I’m a little scared about that, because it’s full days. But I am hopeful because he has the tools that he’s gotten from Easterseals Crossroads. It is so important that he is able to communicate his needs and wants. I think he is prepared and ready,” said Adel.

“With autism, change is not going to happen overnight. It’s going to take time and hard work. But if you work with your child, you will see the benefits. Having this team with you makes it possible,” said Adel.

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.