Thriving through the Holidays

by Tracy M. Gale, PsyD, HSPP, Easterseals Crossroads
This article appears in the most recent edition of November Indy’s Child magazine; move to page 29 to read it there along with all the other great articles from Indy’s Child!
The last months of the year can be an exciting, busy, and sometimes overwhelming time for families. The structure and routines that you crafted so diligently are frequently interrupted, and this can make life seem unmanageable. Keep these strategies in mind to help you enjoy the holidays to their fullest:

  • Prioritize activities. As a family, discuss opportunities for holiday activities. Make a list and categorize activities by their level of importance. Understand that your family may not be able to take part in all of the activities available, and do not feel pressure to take on more than you can manage during this busy season. As much as possible, include your child in the decision-making process.
  • Be clear about activities and expectations. Talk with your child about upcoming events, their purpose and your family’s level of involvement. Have clear expectations for your child’s behavior at activities and make these known to your child prior to the event.
  • Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. As much as possible, try to keep your child on a consistent sleep schedule. Turn off electronics early in the evening and begin the bedtime process. Turn off the lights throughout the house to indicate to your child that others are sleeping, that activities are finished and it is time for rest.
  • Give choices. Let your child make decisions about the things that he/she can as much as possible. Have them help in planning their breakfast or their outfit. Giving choices can be very empowering and help your child feel some sense of control.
  • Motivation. Have frequent rewards for appropriate behavior during this time. Tell your child what he/she can earn, how to earn it and when a reward will be given for good behavior.

Most importantly, be patient! Remember that everyone can be a little overwhelmed at this time of year, and know that you and your child are doing the best you can to manage your stress during this exciting time.

2021-06-29T12:51:47-04:00November 5, 2018|Our Blog|
Read More

Disability Employment Awareness

During October, we recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities during Disability Awareness Month, and we recognize the many businesses in our community who employ individuals with disabilities.
This year, staff members in our Employment Division have placed 118 individuals into permanent positions in 76 different companies and arranged 45 internships with community employers.

Employment Options for Individuals with Disabilities

At Easterseals Crossroads, our Employment Division staff members work with individuals with disabilities who are seeking meaningful employment opportunities. Our employment options can help prepare people to work to improve the quality of their lives and supply our community with highly-skilled job candidates.
Our staff can help individuals identify their employment goals and create a plan to meet these personal goals. We believe that each individual who wants to secure or maintain employment has unique needs. Whether you are looking for a professional, skilled, semi-skilled or entry level job, we will provide a flexible and creative solution to meet your specific needs, abilities and interests.
WE PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES FOCUSED ON YOUR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

  • We work closely with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to make sure your needs are met.
  • We provide services in the community to meet your needs.
  • Funding for services can be provided by Medicare, Medicaid, Veteran’s Administration, Vocational Rehabilitation, private insurance and private pay funding.

For Businesses seeking qualified job Candidates

We are dedicated to providing the best people to fill your employment opportunities. We are committed to matching your employment opportunities to our clients with the appropriate talents, abilities, skills and interests to assist your company in achieving your goals.
We gain a thorough understanding of the job demands of your open positions and have comprehensive knowledge of each job seeker’s skills and abilities. The result is a reduction in the risk associated with hiring.
Our qualified staff will work with you and your new employee to make certain transition into the new position is smooth. Additionally, long-term support is provided at no expense to ensure job retention and mutual satisfaction.

  • We offer pre-screened, qualified candidates dedicated to pursuing long-term careers – at no cost to you.
  • At all times, we have more than 250 applicants with a variety of skills and interests motivated to meet your needs.
  • We can help you contribute to the diversity within your work environment.
  • We are a leader in disability services- we offer support through on-the-job training and accommodations when needed.
  • We provide continued assistance when it is needed – again, at no cost to you.

Contact us for more information about how we can help individuals with disabilities learn about career options and how we can help businesses in our community find qualified job candidates.

2021-06-29T12:51:47-04:00October 19, 2018|Our Blog|
Read More

Halloween Party

four Halloween photos of kids at party in costumesAutism Family Resource Center
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
3 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Easterseals Crossroads
We hope that you and your child(ren) can join us for our Autism Family Resource Center Halloween Party 2018! 
We have all kinds of fun things planned from snacks to games to treats! And the best part — your family can come in costume and trick-or-treat right in our Autism Family Resource Center! This event is a great opportunity to enjoy all the fun of the season in a structured, safe environment.
You do not need to RSVP, but if you have any questions, please contact Bonnie at bfisher@eastersealscrossroads.org or call her at 317.466.1000.
Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for this event.

2021-06-29T12:51:47-04:00October 15, 2018|Our Blog|
Read More

Augmentative Communication Month

During October, Easterseals Crossroads is proud to recognize providers of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) services. October is the national month of recognition for the service that uses technology and other methods to replace speech or writing for individuals so that they can communicate.

According to one of our families:
My daughter’s AAC device has given her a voice. She is less frustrated because she can make people understand what she wants or needs. This in turn has made her overall quality of life so much better.

Wendy Strickland works with children and adolescents at Easterseals Crossroads. She works with families who have children who are not able to communicate via traditional methods. She evaluates individual needs and helps determine the appropriate communication device to help a child be understood. Once a device or method is determined, she works with a child and his/her family to learn how to maximize the communication process. Wendy answered the following questions about Augmentative Communication.
What do you do at Easterseals Crossroads? I am a speech-language therapist specializing in augmentative communication services. I have been employed here for 9 years.
What is the best part of your job? The best part of my job is seeing kids use words for the first time. So many of the kids I see have never had a way to communicate. I love showing them where words are located on a device and then letting them explore on their own to see what they can say. Some kids will start pointing to objects in the room and label them while others will  find the joke section on the device and start telling jokes!
What is a typical day like for you? I spend most of my day in therapy with kids teaching them and their parents how to use their devices. I also do evaluations to determine what device would be appropriate for those who are just beginning alternative communication.
How do you incorporate play into speech/AAC therapy? Why is that important? I always joke and say that I get to play for a living! Playing is what kids do every day; therapy needs to be guided with play as much as possible. For younger kids, I use typical toys – doll houses, bubbles, cars and any toy that lights up and plays music. We work on the vocabulary that would be used while playing with those toys. For older kids and young adults, we play games and use Ipads in therapy to make activities appropriate and engaging.
Why is Easterseals Crossroads such a great place? Easterseals Crossroads is a great place because we provide such a variety of programs for individuals with disabilities across their life span. I like being able to help families transition from one area to another. I know that whatever service they engage through us, they will be provided with extremely high standards.
What part do parents play in their child’s progress in therapy? Family involvement is a vital part of any therapy program. Using an AAC device takes a LOT of practice. The best way to teach using an AAC device is through modeling using it yourself. Parents need to be a part of therapy so they learn how to use and model the use of the device. It is also important to know a family’s expecations for therapy to help establish goals and long-term outcomes for use of an AAC device at home.
Contact us for more information about augmentative communication.

2021-06-29T12:51:48-04:00October 8, 2018|Our Blog|
Read More

Are you a Film Lover?

Heartland Film Festival
Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Finalists
Saturday, October 13  | 10:15 a.m.
AMC Castleton Square 11
Join us at Heartland for the finalist’s showing from this year’s Disability Film Challenge! 
Promoted by Easterseals Southern California, the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge gives filmmakers – with and without disabilities – the opportunity to collaborate and tell unique stories that showcase disability in its many forms. This supports Easterseals goal to change the way the world defines and views disability so that everyone can reach his or her full potential. The annual film challenge is a weekend-long filmmaking contest, open to all, that provides a platform for new voices in the entertainment industry. Each year, aspiring storytellers are prompted to creatively write, produce and complete a short film. Challenge winners receive invaluable access to entertainment professionals, opening the door to an industry notoriously difficult to enter.
Learn more about the video line-up and/or purchase tickets here. Use the code HFFEASTER18 to receive a discount of $3 off the $12 ticket price.
Watch an invitational video from actor Nic Novicki and actor RJ Mitte (from Breaking Bad) here.
History of the Disability Film Challenge
Actor Nic Novicki launched the Disability Film Challenge in 2014 in response to seeing disabilities underrepresented both in front of and behind the camera. As someone with a disability, Nic created the challenge to give aspiring filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their work and provide them with meaningful exposure.
In 2017, Nic and Easterseals Southern California joined forces to expand the challenge, now known as the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. As the leading nonprofit supporting people with disabilities, Easterseals brings additional attention to the challenge, using its numerous communications channels to encourage participation. Since the challenge launched, aspiring filmmakers from around the world have created more than 150 films, which have been viewed online and at festivals including the HollyShorts Film Festival.

2021-06-29T12:51:48-04:00October 2, 2018|Our Blog|
Read More

Physical Therapy Awareness Month

It’s October! And for physical therapists all around the country, that means it’s National Physical Therapy Month! Those in the profession wish to raise awareness of what physical therapists do to help individuals manage pain, improve their mobility and their functional ability. The ultimate goal is for individuals to live healthier lives.
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) began its efforts to recognize the profession in 1981. The month-long campaign aims to recognize the physical therapy profession and its outcomes for those individuals who benefit from physical therapy.
At Easterseals Crossroads, physical therapy plays a key role for many children and adolescents in our community. We are fortunate to employ three individuals who work in the profession:
  • Kathleen Brinegar, PT, DPT (who works in our children’s therapy north clinic and at local schools)
  • Deanna Proimos, PT, DPT (who works in our children’s therapy south clinic and at local schools)
  • John Kelly, PTA (who provides home modification services)

Kathleen was able to take a few moments to answer some questions about what she does as a physical therapist at Easterseals Crossroads.
What do you do at Easterseals Crossroads and how long have you been doing this type of work? I see children in an outpatient setting at our main facility and in homes through First Steps early intervention services and in some local schools. I have been at Easterseals Crossroads since June 2017.
What is the best part of your job? The best part of my job is seeing kids be proud of themselves for making progress on the goals on which we have been working. I really enjoy seeing the pride in progress from the parents and the child.  When a family member sees the joy in accomplishment, that is truly my favorite part of what I do.
What is a typical day like for you? A typical day is pretty busy and crazy, but I enjoy spending the 40 – 60 minutes with each child individually and switching gears to focus entirely on that child. I love the different personalities!
How do you incorporate play in to physical therapy?  I try to make every activity we do fun and playful. I think this is important because play is part of development and growing. If we can achieve physical therapy goals while playing, I am extremely happy! Incorporating play also gives the family easy ways to incorporate physical therapy into their home routine.
Why do you think Easterseals Crossroads is such a great place? I think Easterseals Crossroads is a great place because it is so comprehensive. We attempt to help our consumers in as many ways as we can through various programs. I also like how all  of us (as service providers) communicate and collaborate to provide the best care. We all are very compassionate and we keep our patients’ best in mind at all  times.
How important is family involvement in the success of physical therapy for children? I believe family involvement is key to the success of physical therapy. Everything I do won’t make progress if it’s not followed up at home and if the family isn’t invested in our physical therapy goals. I love when parents are involved in  our sessions and can give me feedback and information about their child’s progress, personality and abilities. This is why I try to have good communication with families as much as possible and check in regularly to make sure I am meeting the family’s goals. It makes all the difference!
Learn more about Children’s Therapy Services at Easterseals Crossroads.

2021-06-29T12:51:48-04:00October 1, 2018|Our Blog|
Read More

Ability Round Table

A resource for Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Associate Resource Groups (ARGs)
Easterseals Crossroads is in the process of developing a community Ability Round Table group for

  • companies that have or are considering having an ERG/ARG focused on employees who have disabilities
  • caregivers for those with disabilities
  • individuals who have family members who are disabled
  • individuals who feel strongly about wanting to help create change within their company

What is an ERG/ARG?
Many employers are establishing and operating affinity and resource groups for various groups of employees. In addition to groups focused on disability, other groups also are often focused on minorities, LGBT issues, veteran status, health/fitness, generational differences and other cultural factors.
The disability ERG/ARG has some unique issues (confidentiality, disability-specific issues) but may also intersect with other ERGs/ARGs, and employees may be involved in other ERGs/ARGs in addition to the disability ERG/ARG.
Disability is the largest minority group and the only one any one of us can become a part of at a moment’s notice. Disability doesn’t discriminate. Disability has all the characteristics that define a culture and has all the needs a unique culture has. You need to know about the resources now — not when it’s too late.

The group will focus on a series of shared learning opportunities resulting in:

  • Increased retention of employees whose lives are touched by disability
  • Increased engagement of upper/lower management
  • Improved strategies for success for ERGs/ARGs
  • Increased awareness of community disability resources
  • Demonstrated business value of ERGs/ARGs
  • Networking with leaders who want to elevate ERG/D&I (Disability & Inclusion) efforts
  • Maximizing workplace culture

We will begin with  an initial series of shared learning opportunities scheduled for October 5, November 2 and December 7, 2018.
These three meetings will all take place at Easterseals Crossroads located at 4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
The topic for October will focus on how to get beyond a group of people with a common interest to really add value; the topic for November will focus on finding a disability resource group champion (top-down buy in); and the topic for December will focus on how to work with employees who do not wish to self identify as having a disability.
An effective ERG/ARG can improve the company’s bottom line. Statistics show diverse companies are more profitable and successful than their non-diverse counterparts. Diverse companies also have a richer pool of problem-solving talent at their disposal. In addition, many employees care about disability issues, whether they have a disability themselves or have someone in their lives with a disability. Connecting with people interested in disability issues, resources and organizations that provide support is critical to increasing independence.
Features of a disability ERG/ARG include the following:

  • Increases employee retention
  • Provides a resource pool for improving the accommodations process and building accessibility evaluation
  • Provides opportunities for reverse mentoring of management in the handling of employees with disabilities or caregivers from those invested in and knowledgeable of the corporate culture
  • Improves the work lives of people with disabilities
  • Creates a more inclusive environment and a culture where disability is safe to talk about
  • Puts people with disabilities in context and encourages the appreciation of differences
  • Increases profitability in the company by helping people with disabilities produce at a higher level

If you have a disability ERG/ARG, we want to help you make it more effective. If you don’t have one, we want to help you get started!
Contact us if you have any questions or would like more information.

2021-06-29T12:51:48-04:00September 24, 2018|Our Blog|
Read More

Family Fun Book Party

Saturday, September 22, 2018  |  10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Easterseals Crossroads | 4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis
Please RSVP by September 20, 2018; contact Katherine Hargreaves
at 317.466.1000 x3017 or khargreaves@eastersealscrossroads.org
Children with special needs of all ages along with their families and friends are invited to Easterseals Crossroads for a book party event! This event is hosted by the Crossroads Guild and the local First Steps Planning and Coordinating Council.
Volunteers from the Crossroads Guild and the local First Steps Planning & Coordinating Council will read stories and help the children with a craft activity. There will be a hayride, music and apple gathering. Each child who attends the party will receive a free book to take home.
Join us for some great outdoor fun!

2021-06-29T12:51:48-04:00September 18, 2018|Our Blog|
Read More

Technology Mobile Unit

Device Demo & Lending Library | bringing assistive technology to you
Easterseals Crossroads offers a mobile assistive technology unit to provide free device demos and equipment loans to Hoosiers statewide. We can help you make decisions on equipment and provide technology as you wait on funding. We are your short-term accommodation to improve your quality of life through technology.
We can come to you with . . .

  • 20-30 minute device demos
  • Lending library filled with 2,500+ items for 30-day loans (includes environmental controls, computer access equipment, seating & positioning, adaptive workstations, equipment to assist with activities of daily living and more
  • Knowledgeable staff with the expertise to understand your needs and provide quality solutions

Some examples of equipment from the Lending Library include the following:
Home Control or Modification Equipment

  • Intelligent Personal Assistants (Amazon Echo, Google Home, etc.)
  •  Voice or switch control options (home use)
  • IoT options (internet connected doorbell, thermostat, etc.)
  • Portable wheelchair ramp
  • Threshold ramp
  • Bed assist bar

Computer Access Equipment

  • Voice-input (Mac, Windows, iOS, Android)
  • Adaptive keyboards (hardware, software)
  • Adaptive mice
  • Eye-gaze input
  • Abbreviation expansion software
  • Switch input
  • Headpointer/mouthstick options

Wheelchair Mounts

  • Computers
  • Mobile devices

Personal Care Equipment

  • Bathing / Toileting
  • Dressing / Feeding

Domestic Care Equipment

  • Meal preparation
  • Medication reminders
  • Adaptive utensils
  • Transfer devices

Our device and lending library is made possible through a generous grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. This fund is designed to bring assistive technology to those who need it through our Assistive Technology Mobile Unit.
Contact us for more information about the Technology Mobile Unit.

2021-06-29T12:51:48-04:00September 4, 2018|Our Blog|
Read More

Volunteers Needed!

Are you looking for a way to connect with the community through volunteer work with Easterseals Crossroads? If so, we have some great opportunities!
On Friday, September 21, our Adult Day Services participants will enjoy their Fall Festival. Our Adult Day program is a blended social and medical model of day services for adults 18+ years of age with developmental or acquired disabilities.
Fall Festival is a day of plain old fun – there will be hayrides, outdoor games, inside activities, music, arts/crafts, singing and more! Our participants in this program really look forward to this day where they can enjoy time with peers and they love to meet our volunteers who help to make this day possible. 
We need volunteers for the following time shifts on September 21; contact us to volunteer for our Adult Day Services Fall Festival.
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

  • Hay Rides (2 volunteers) – help people on/off hayrides, ride with them & create fun
  • Outdoor Games (10-15 volunteers) – run booths (all simple games)

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

  • Help with lunch prep/dishes (3 volunteers) – serve chili, pour drinks, wash dishes, etc.

2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

  • Bingo (5 volunteers) —  help clients find items on their cards, distribute prizes, etc.

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

  • Karaoke (2 volunteers) – help take requests of songs, get people up to sing, etc.
  • Arts & Crafts/Science Experiments (4 volunteers) – run a booth

3 photos of volunteers and runners at Hot Cider Hustle 2017
On Saturday, December 1, we have been selected as the charity partner for the Hot Cider Hustle again this year and we need volunteers. We have partnered with All Community Events and are we are supplying volunteers for the event.
The 5K Hot Cider Hustle takes place during the morning on December 1 at White River State Park; volunteers help with registration, sign up, t-shirt distribution, course direction, hot cider distribution and more.
Easterseals Crossroads receives a donation from All Community Events for the first 30 volunteers we supply and we receive additional donations for each person beyond that. This is a great opportunity to have a great morning at White River State Park and it’s a great opportunity to give back to your community. Contact us today to volunteer for the Hot Cider Hustle on December 1!
If you prefer to participate in the walk/run, sign up now through September 19 for special pricing! You will receive a great fitness fleece hoodie and a finisher mug along with hot cider and caramel apples at the finish line! Sign up today for the Hot Cider Hustle.

And we always have on-going volunteer opportunities to work directly with children and/or adults in areas such as our weekly respite programs. For a meaningful group experience, we can create Days of Service activities for companies and organizations. We welcome individuals or groups to become involved with us for third-party events, such as walks/runs where we are recognized as a charity partner.
Acting for Easterseals Crossroads today allows us to remain the resource you may need on a future day! Your volunteer contribution supports our purpose to promote inclusion, independence and dignity for the many people whose lives are affected by disability or special needs.

2021-06-29T12:51:48-04:00August 27, 2018|Our Blog|
Read More

Easterseals Crossroads
4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205
P: 317.466.1000 • F: 317.466.2000

Partners:

Carf logo
United way logo

Follow Us:

Copyright 2021 Easterseals Crossroads | Privacy Policy

Go to Top