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.

By Brandon Scott, Parent and Content Creation Manager, Easterseals Crossroads

As a parent, there’s nothing more important to me than seeing my child succeed, especially when it comes to their education. But when you have a child with a disability or special needs, the path to success in school can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s where an Individualized Education Program (IEP) comes into play—a tool that has made all the difference for my child.

What is an IEP?

An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, is a customized educational plan designed specifically for students who have disabilities. It’s a detailed document that outlines my child’s strengths and challenges, sets achievable goals, and lists the special services and supports the school will provide to help them reach those goals.

One of the things I’ve learned through this process is that the Individualized Education Program isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s a roadmap for my child’s educational journey. It’s a plan created by a team that includes not only educators and specialists but also me as the parent. Together, we work to ensure that my child’s unique needs are met.

“As a speech therapist who works in the schools, every student I work with has an IEP,” said Hannah Dulski, Speech Language Pathologist. “Each IEP provides a roadmap for what to work on with a student and how to work on it. This ensures that we, as a team, are meeting students where they are and implementing the right tools to support their goals.”

Why is the IEP Important for My Child?

1. It’s Tailored to My Child: Every child is different, and an IEP recognizes that. For my child, it means they aren’t expected to fit into a one-size-fits-all educational mold. Instead, the IEP is designed to play to their strengths and provide support where they need it most.
2. It Holds the School Accountable: The IEP is a legal document, and that’s crucial. It means that the school is required to provide the services and accommodations listed in the IEP. If they don’t, I have the right to advocate for my child and ensure they get the support they deserve.
3. It Provides Clear Goals and Progress Tracking: The IEP sets specific, measurable goals for my child’s academic and developmental progress. I know what we’re working towards and can track how my child is doing over time. It also gives me a way to hold the school accountable for helping my child meet these goals.
4. It Encourages Collaboration: One of the things I value most about the IEP process is the collaboration between the school and our family. I’m not just a bystander; I’m an active participant in creating and reviewing the IEP. My insights as a parent are taken into account, and I have a say in the decisions that affect my child’s education.
5. It Ensures My Child’s Right to Education: Under the law, my child has the right to a free and appropriate public education, just like any other child. The IEP is a key tool in making sure that right is upheld. It ensures that my child has access to the resources they need to learn and grow alongside their peers.
6. It Lays Out the Accommodations My Child Needs: The accommodation section of an IEP outlines specific adjustments and supports that my student with a disability needs to fully participate in their education. These accommodations are crucial because they help ensure that my student can access the curriculum and demonstrate their learning in a way that supports their unique needs. Whether it’s extended time on tests, the use of assistive technology, or preferential seating, these accommodations are tailored to remove barriers to learning, allowing my student to achieve their academic goals.

“Accommodations in an IEP are one of the most powerful aspects of the plan,” said Karen Papp, Easterseals Crossroads Program Manager. “This section is about leveling the playing field so that the student can demonstrate their abilities. Educators, parents, and students work together to identify and adjust accommodations as needed.”

How We Got Started with the IEP

If you’re just starting out, the first step is to request an evaluation from the school to determine if your child is eligible for special education services. This can feel like a big step, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this process. The school will work with you to assess your child’s needs and, if appropriate, develop an IEP tailored to them.

In my experience, being involved and informed has been key. I ask questions, attend every meeting, and make sure I understand what’s in the IEP and why. It’s a team effort, and as a parent, my role is to be my child’s strongest advocate.

Why I Believe in the Power of the IEP

Having an IEP for my child has been a game-changer. It’s more than just a document; it’s a lifeline that ensures my child gets the education they deserve. It gives me peace of mind knowing there’s a plan in place to support their unique needs and help them succeed.

If you think your child might benefit from an IEP, I encourage you to explore the process. It can be daunting at first, but in the end, it’s worth it. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in school, and an IEP can be the key to making that happen.

Pathways to Opportunity is a program designed to provide intensive services for individuals with disabilities who want to create their path to a good future with a promising job. Career navigators will guide candidates through individualized steps toward economic independence. Candidates must have a disability, live in Marion County and meet income level requirements.

Jeff is a recent program graduate. He started the program in September 2023 after experiencing some setbacks within his professional and personal life due to addiction.

He began a program with Alcoholics Anonymous and found temporary housing within Wheeler Mission. He was referred to our Pathways program and began the process of turning his situation around. After much hard work, he now has a promising job, a car, his driver’s license, healthcare and an apartment.

He still has goals ahead of him, but he is on his way toward self-sufficiency. Staff who worked with Jeff are so proud of his progress and consider him part of the Pathways family.

Contact us to learn more about Pathways to Opportunity.

Raising children to be inclusive, empathetic, and respectful of others is a crucial aspect of parenting. As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we can teach our kids to acknowledge and include people with disabilities. Here are some tips to help foster inclusion for future generations of people with disabilities.

Educate Early and Often

Children are naturally curious, so it’s important to start conversations about disabilities early. Use age-appropriate language to explain that people have different abilities and that these differences are normal and should be respected. Books, TV shows, and movies featuring disabled characters can be excellent tools for sparking these conversations.

Tip: Choose books and media that portray disabled characters in a positive and realistic light, avoiding stereotypes.

Lead by Example

Children learn by observing the adults in their lives. Demonstrate inclusive behavior by treating people with disabilities with respect and kindness. Show your children how to offer assistance when needed without being patronizing or intrusive.

Tip: Practice inclusive language and avoid terms that can be hurtful or demeaning. Use person-first language (e.g., “a person with a disability” rather than “a disabled person”) to emphasize the individual, not the disability.

Encourage Friendships

Encourage your children to build friendships with peers who have disabilities. Inclusion in play and social activities helps children learn that everyone has unique strengths and abilities. Organize playdates or participate in community events where your child can interact with disabled children.

Tip: Teach your child to ask before offering help. This promotes independence and respects the autonomy of disabled individuals.

Promote Empathy

Help your children develop empathy by encouraging them to think about what it might be like to have a disability. Activities such as using a wheelchair for a day or simulating a visual impairment can provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by disabled individuals.

Tip: Discuss their experiences afterward and reinforce the importance of understanding and respecting different perspectives.

Advocate for Inclusion

Teach your children to be advocates for inclusion. Encourage them to speak up if they see someone being treated unfairly or excluded because of a disability. Empower them to be allies by promoting accessibility and inclusion in their schools and communities.

Tip: Get involved in community organizations, like Easterseals Crossroads, which work to support people with disabilities and their families. Participating in advocacy efforts can provide a powerful example for your children.

Celebrate Differences

Highlight the strengths and achievements of people with disabilities. Celebrate Disability Pride Month by learning about and honoring the contributions of people with disabilities in various fields. This helps to normalize disabilities and emphasizes that everyone has valuable skills and talents.

Tip: Share stories of disabled role models with your children. This can inspire them to see beyond disabilities and appreciate the diverse abilities of all people.

Be Patient and Open to Questions

Children will have questions, and it’s important to be patient and open when answering them. Teach your child to ask questions in a respectful manner. Explain that it’s important to consider the feelings of the person they’re curious about. For example, they can ask if it’s okay to ask a question before proceeding.

Tip: Use these moments to reinforce the values of empathy, respect, and inclusion.

Teaching your children to acknowledge and include people with disabilities is a vital step toward building a more inclusive society. By educating early, leading by example, promoting empathy, and creating inclusive environments, we can foster a generation that values and respects the diversity of all individuals. This Disability Pride Month, let’s commit to raising compassionate, inclusive children who will advocate for and celebrate the strengths of people with disabilities.

By Brandon Scott, Content Creation Manager, Easterseals Crossroads

Every July, I celebrate Disability Pride Month with a deep sense of joy and empowerment. As a person with a physical disability who uses a power wheelchair and has no arms or legs, this month holds a special significance for me. It is a time to reflect on my journey, embrace my identity and advocate for the rights and recognition of people with disabilities. This celebration is deeply intertwined with the mission of Easterseals Crossroads, an organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities (like me) and their families.

Celebrating Identity

Disability Pride Month is a celebration of our identities as individuals with disabilities. For me, it’s a reminder that my disability is not something to be hidden or ashamed of, but rather a vital part of who I am. My power wheelchair is not just a piece of equipment; it’s an extension of myself, giving me the freedom to navigate the world.

Living without arms and legs presents unique challenges, but it also offers a perspective that enriches my life in unexpected ways. Throughout my life, Easterseals Crossroads has played a crucial role in this journey. From attending summer camps as a kid to home modification assistance as an adult, these supports and resources have helped empower me to live my life to the fullest.

From an early age, my parents wanted to find a place that would help me learn and grow with my disability and that is exactly what they found in Easterseals Crossroads. This organization helped me embrace my disability and helped me with the journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Disability Pride Month is a time to honor that journey.

Raising Awareness

One of the most significant aspects of Disability Pride Month is raising awareness about the experiences and challenges faced by people with disabilities. It’s an opportunity to educate others about the barriers we encounter and the need for greater accessibility and inclusivity.

By sharing my story, I hope to shed light on the realities of living with a physical disability and inspire others to advocate for positive change. My power wheelchair, for example, is essential for my mobility, but public spaces often lack the accessibility features I need to navigate comfortably, whether it be parking that is not big enough to accommodate the ramp on my van (or someone parking in the blue striped loading zone), automatic door buttons that do not work or aisles that are too small to maneuver a wheelchair.

Universal design for all public places is a huge component of accessibility. When this concept is fully embraced in all of our community spaces and buildings, it will be a great source of pride for everyone regardless of ability or disability. Easterseals Crossroads is committed to raising awareness and promoting an understanding of universal design as the standard for which to adhere.

My time at Easterseals Crossroads, as both an individual receiving services and now as a current employee, has given me the necessary tools and platform to be a voice of awareness.

Advocating for Rights

Disability Pride Month is also about advocacy. It’s a time to highlight the importance of disability rights and push for policies that promote equality and inclusion. As someone who relies on a power wheelchair, I understand firsthand the critical need for accessible public spaces, transportation and technology. Living without arms and legs means that I depend on accessible technology and environments to communicate, work and engage with my community.

By celebrating this month, we increase our voices and work towards a society where people with disabilities have equal opportunities to thrive.

I also recognize that we have come a long way as a society thanks to the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 34 years ago. The groundwork this act laid gives us a great guide to understanding where we were and where we still need to go. Without the passing of the ADA, things like going to the grocery store independently would not be possible. I love grilling out; not being able to go grocery shopping would affect my ability to get the most out of a passion.

As a leader here in Central Indiana, Easterseals Crossroads advocates for the rights of individuals with disabilities, striving to ensure that everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

Building Community

The sense of community that comes with Disability Pride Month is incredibly empowering. Connecting with others who share similar experiences fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support. It’s a chance to celebrate our achievements, share our struggles and learn from one another. Being part of a resilient community reminds me that I am not alone in my journey. Through my involvement with Easterseals Crossroads, I have met many inspiring individuals who, like me, face daily challenges with courage and determination. Easterseals Crossroads fosters this sense of community, offering programs and services that bring people together and create lasting connections.

Challenging Stereotypes

Disability Pride Month challenges the stereotypes and misconceptions that often surround people with disabilities. It’s a time to showcase our strengths, talents and contributions to society. By celebrating our diverse abilities, we break down the barriers of ignorance and prejudice.

My disability does not define my capabilities or limit my potential; instead, it has shaped my resilience and determination. It has taught me that I can truly accomplish anything I put my mind to – it doesn’t matter if it is as small as learning how to brush my own teeth or as big as learning how to drive a car. My journey of living without arms and legs has taught me to adapt, innovate and thrive in ways that defy conventional expectations.

Here at Easterseals Crossroads, we work tirelessly to challenge these stereotypes, promoting a positive and accurate portrayal of individuals with disabilities.

Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

Finally, Disability Pride Month is a time to honor the pioneers who fought for disability rights and created a path for future generations. Their courage and perseverance inspire me to continue advocating for a more inclusive world. By celebrating this month, we acknowledge their legacy and commit to carrying forward their vision of equality and justice. Easterseals Crossroads honors this legacy by continuing to advocate for systemic change and supporting individuals with disabilities in achieving their goals.

Disability Pride Month is a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience and beauty of the disability community. For me, it’s a time to celebrate my identity, raise awareness, advocate for rights, build community, challenge stereotypes and honor the past. It’s a month of empowerment and pride, and I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate it each year.

Through this celebration, we continue to push for a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can live with dignity, pride and equality. With the support of organizations like Easterseals Crossroads, we can make this vision a reality, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and independent life.

by Marjorie Duryea, Director of Employment Programs, Easterseals Crossroads

Individuals with autism can and do live fulfilling lives as vibrant members of a community. According to the CDC, about 1 in 36 children living in the United States has autism. Children with autism become adults with autism.

Adults with autism enter the workforce regularly and make significant contributions to the mission and goals of an employer. It is with this outlook that we recognize and promote the differences of all individuals with or without disabilities to maximize our strength as a community that values diversity and inclusion.

Support for Individuals with Autism from Easterseals Crossroads

Support for individuals living with autism begins at an early age. Easterseals Crossroads can help identify the diagnosis of autism as a young child and provide foundational therapy programs to create the path and structure to gain confidence, independence and skills for success.
As an adolescent, a person with autism can benefit from our high school transition programs and our college internship program for students with autism can pave the way toward future employment.

As a young adult, a person with autism can benefit from our employment programs to learn about career interests, skills and opportunities. We provide resources, structure and opportunities to maximize independence for a fulfilling life.

Supporting Individuals with Autism in the Workplace

The Interview
During an interview, if an applicant mentions that he/she has autism, don’t focus the conversation on limitations. You can ask the individual if he or she requires any specific accommodation.

When discussing necessary accommodations for a person with autism you simply need to focus on factors that will facilitate success on the job. Most of these are free, easy and require minimal changes in the work environment.

General interviewing tips/techniques can help make an interview more productive and meaningful for any potential employee – with or without a disability.

• Allow plenty of time after you ask a question as some individuals with autism may require additional time to relay or process information.
• Allow the individual to have an advocate or support person with him or her when requested but direct your questions and comments directly to the individual being interviewed.
• Listen attentively when you are talking with a person who has difficulty keeping the conversation on track and guide her/him back to your question.
• Be patient and wait for the person to finish speaking rather than correcting the person or speaking for him or her.
• Ask short questions that require short answers when possible.
• Do not pretend to understand. Instead, repeat what you believe was said and allow the person to respond.
• If an individual is having extreme difficulty answering a question, suggest writing a response or revisiting the question later.
• Do not assume a flat affect or lack of eye contact means someone is not interested in what you are saying.

After the Hire
Once a person with autism becomes an employee, there are ways to smooth the transition. This begins with open communication and clear direction as to expectations. The immediate supervisor of the person with autism might find it helpful to spend time outside of the typical training to include basic office dynamics and protocol.

Individuals with autism are often very literal and see through a lens of black and white with no gray area; this can lead to misunderstandings in the workplace. Remember this when providing instructions and speaking with your employee with autism.

Most work environments have unwritten or unspoken rules; try to identify yours and make them clear to your employee with autism.

Clarity is very important when training, delegating and providing instruction. Don’t assume your employee with autism will pick up information that is implied and not stated clearly.

If your employee with autism chooses not to participate in social gatherings in or outside of the office, don’t be offended. Social gatherings may be confusing and anxiety provoking for a person with autism. Spending time alone may be this individual’s best way to relax, recharge and prepare for the duties of the job.

Setting up your employee with autism for success in the workplace is not that different from an employee without autism. You simply need to focus on getting to know and understand the individual and assign duties that maximize their strengths, and abilities and avoid tasks in areas where they will struggle.

For more information about hiring individuals with autism, contact us.