Wanted: iCan Bike Participants and Volunteers

Register Today for iCan Bike

Bicycle riding is a terrific summer activity for children and families. Each year, Easterseals Crossroads hosts iCan Bike (a program of iCan Shine), which is a bicycle camp for individuals with disabilities (8+ years of age) who want to learn to ride a two-wheel bicycle. 
Participants are taught how to ride and transition to a conventional bike within a 5-day period utilizing adapted bikes and techniques developed by Dr. Richard Klein, a retired professor of mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois.

iCan Bike Date, location and session Times

iCan Bike | June 18 – June 22, 2018
Perry Park Ice Skating Rink (451 E. Stop 11 Road, Indianapolis)

Participants are enrolled in the same 75-minute session each day for 5 consecutive days. Program sessions start at 8:30 a.m. with the last session starting at 3:35 p.m. Cost of the camp is $130 per person.
We currently have openings for iCan Bike, but the spots are limited and are filling quickly, so register for iCan Bike today! For more information or to have forms mailed to you, please contact Lisa at Easterseals Crossroads via phone at 317.782.8888 or via email at info@eastersealscrossroads.org

iCan Bike can help improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities as the benefits from independent bike riding can include higher self-esteem, peer inclusion, improved exercise opportunities, increased stamina, increased cognitive stimulation, improved health and better decision-making skills.

  • One parent was thrilled that his son made it to two-wheels on day three of camp; he proudly told us that his son has not stopped smiling since!
  • A mother was so happy that her son was successful in learning to ride and stated that this was the one of his first (athletic) successes and he was so proud!
  • One family was so excited that they could now enjoy bike riding together as a family.

Volunteer Needs

The program depends a great deal upon volunteers who literally run (or walk) alongside riders. Our volunteers tag-team their efforts and most riders receive spotting assistance from the same team of volunteers each day of the program.
Volunteering at iCan Bike is a great way for runners, bike riders, student athletes, coaches and sports teams to work out and give back to the community at the same time. Volunteers must be a minimum of 15 years of age and must be able to commit to the same session time for the entire 5 days of the camp. Volunteers will get a t-shirt, plenty of water and a tremendous feeling  of pride in making a difference in a young person’s life.
Volunteer today for iCan Bike 2018!

2021-07-01T16:53:52-04:00April 19, 2018|Our Blog|

Camp ROCKS for Young People with Autism

Sunday, June 17 — Friday, June 22, 2018
three photos of campers at Camp Rocks
Camp ROCKS is a 5-night / 6-day outdoor camp designed for young people with autism who are 10-18 years old. Age-appropriate activities will allow campers the opportunity to enjoy an outdoor camping experience in a fun, nurturing environment. Activities will include science exploration, swimming, nature hikes, horseback riding, canoeing and much more!

Easterseals Crossroads recognizes that traditional camps are not always an option for children and adolescents on the autism spectrum. We offer Camp ROCKS (Respecting Other’s Capabilities is the Key to Success) for individuals with autism so that they can enjoy an outdoor camping experience complete with all the activities that make camp such a great adventure.
Camp ROCKS will take place just southwest of Indianapolis in Martinsville, Indiana, at Bradford Woods. All activities will be led by a team of professionals trained to work with individuals on the autism spectrum. Meals will be provided.

2023-01-20T09:31:10-05:00April 9, 2018|Our Blog|

Autism Awareness Series

In observation of Autism Awareness month during April, please join other families  at Easterseals Crossroads (4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis) every Wednesday evening in April for our Autism Awareness Series. Please note, parents and caregivers are the primary audience for this seminar series.
The goal of this seminar series is to provide information and resources for individuals on the spectrum and their families.  The Autism Family Resource Center goal is to improve the lives of individuals on the spectrum and their families by encouraging inclusion and self-advocacy in every arena of life.
Download a pdf of the Autism Awareness Series.

April 4, 2018
Topic: College Roundtable

Speakers: Representatives from the following schools will present information about supports they provide for students on the autism spectrum: Ball State, Ivy Tech, University of Indianapolis and Purdue University
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Easterseals Crossroads — 5th Floor Conference Center

April 11, 2018
Topic: Advocating for Children with Special Needs in Schools

Speaker: Mary Bowman, Joseph Maley Foundation, will speak about resources to help students and caregivers negotiate with their school systems to receive the services necessary to succeed in school
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Easterseals Crossroads — 3rd Floor Conference Room

April 18, 2018
Topic: Shifting to Win: Empowering Parents of Kids with Special Needs with Strategies to Thrive

Speaker: Carla Miller, Carla Miller Coaching, will speak about providing caregivers of individuals on the spectrum the tools that they need for their family to thrive
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Easterseals Crossroads — 3rd Floor Conference Room

April 25, 2018
Topic: Best Buddies Program (Mentoring Program)

Speaker: Marcia Clutter, Best Buddies
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Easterseals Crossroads — 3rd Floor Conference Room

Childcare

Childcare will be provided for children (6 months to 12 years old) who are registered. Childcare availability is limited; you must register for childcare by the Monday prior to each session by calling Bonnie at 317.466.1000 x2488.
For more information, please contact Bonnie Fisher, Autism Resource Specialist,
at 317.466.1000 x2488 or bfisher@eastersealscrossroads.org

2021-06-29T12:51:50-04:00March 29, 2018|Our Blog|

Celebrating Ability through Art

At Easterseals Crossroads, we incorporate art activities into our Adult Day program. Program participants really enjoy the process of working on individual and collective projects. There is often a great sense of teamwork that results in collaborative projects and our participants really enjoy the collective spirit.
Our staff enjoy experimenting with different mediums and different techniques to achieve varying results on projects. Often times, our program staff benefit from the expertise of interns and their skills sets.
Recently our Adult Day program staff and participants had the opportunity to work with Chloe Miers, an art education major at the University of Indianapolis, to create pieces of art to be used at our Celebrate Ability event. Staff and program participants (Tyler, Kathryn and Carolyn) had a wonderful experience and the project created some very special, unique pieces.

Chloe working on an art projectAbout Chloe

Painting is Chloe’s favorite medium because of its messy and experimental nature — something she loves!
Chloe was thrilled to work on this project with our Adult Day services artists; she observed happiness and joy from the participants during the process. She has worked as a volunteer previously with adults with disabilities and finds that these personal experiences have helped her build friendships and understand others more completely.
Chloe hopes to use her skills, talents and education for her long-term goals of having her own art, yoga and nature-based retreat center for children and adults, which would focus on environmental projects, therapeutic practices and workshops.

Tyler using a ruler to create an effect on a paintingAbout Tyler

Tyler enjoys yoga, dancing and being with his friends. He plays guitar and loves going to church. Tyler has a fun-loving personality and sense of humor; he is story-teller and he loves spending time with his dog J’Ace. Tyler loves art and he loved working with Chloe, Amanda and Carolyn to create art for Celebrate Ability.

Carolyn paintingAbout Carolyn

Carolyn always wants to “do her part” and she loves to color, draw and paint. She is a very organized person and she likes to clean her closet and get rid of old clothes (and habits). Carolyn is a good friend, a hard worker and she likes to be happy.
Carolyn says she likes to “tell it like it is,” and she really enjoyed working with Chloe to make this show for Celebrate Ability.

Kathryn working with Chloe on a swirl technique with an art projectAbout Kathryn

While at Easterseals Crossroads, Kathryn likes to hang out with friends, help others and make arts and crafts. She also volunteers sorting the mail and reading to others in the day program.
In the community, Kathryn enjoys going shopping, going to the library and doing crafts. She volunteers weekly at the local YMCA doing filing and at Robin Run Senior living center helping with laundry.
She said she had fun working on the paintings.

2021-06-29T12:51:51-04:00March 23, 2018|Our Blog|

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 in turn supports Easterseals’ goal to change the way the world defines and views disability so that everyone can reach his or her full potential.
The 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.

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.
Registration ends on April 11, 2018; visit www.disabilityfilmchallenge.com to register or to learn more about this event.
 

2021-06-29T12:51:51-04:00March 13, 2018|Our Blog|

This is Ashley

“I knew hardly anything about driving, ” said 21-year-old Ashley. Ashley wanted to drive, but with her learning disability and anxiety, she and her mom were concerned about learning to drive and obtaining a license. “I hoped that we wouldn’t go through this process just to discover that because of Ashley’s disability, she might not be able to get her license. That would have been heart breaking,” said Ashley’s mom Lisa.
Ashley worked with Suzanne Pritchard – one of our certified driver rehabilitation specialists / occupational therapists. “At first, I was concerned about Ashley’s ability to react to multiple situations that can occur on the road at the same time. Driving is a very big deal with really high consequences,” said Suzanne.
Suzanne and Ashley worked together for six months. Ashley’s great attitude, high motivation level and maturity level, along with tremendous family support from her mother during many, many practice sessions, all contributed to a successful outcome – her driver’s license and her first solo drive to a restaurant. “I was so happy; I was just on cloud nine,” said Ashley.
Learning with a disability can present challenges, but sometimes it just takes a different approach to reach goals. At Easterseals Crossroads, we know how the ability to drive – or to keep driving – can affect independence. Suzanne works with first-time drivers like Ashley, previous drivers who have had a physical change and older drivers who present age-related changes where safety on the road is a key factor.
Learn more about driver evaluation and training services.
View Ashley’s story

2021-06-29T12:51:51-04:00February 26, 2018|Our Blog|

Celebrate Ability with us in March

Celebrate Ability | Saturday, March 24, 2018

Indiana Roof Ballroom, 140 West Washington Street
Community Health Network logoPresented by Community Health Network, Celebrate Ability promises to be a premiere fundraising event. We take this evening to recognize the collective accomplishments of the 7,250 individuals whom we served during the year. We do this by creating awareness of our agency and the community’s need for our services during this signature event.
Join us for an amazing fundraising evening with cocktails and a terrific dinner; an art auction; a dessert buffet with live music from national recording artist Jon McLaughlin; and our guest speaker, Kat Muir, who will entertain the audience with her personal experiences living with autism.

Sponsorships, tables and individual seats are available now; contact us for information.
5 images of guests having fun at Celebrate Ability 2017

About Jon McLaughlin

Everything in Jon McLaughlin’s life makes its way into his music, whether he’s conscious of it or not. The artist, raised in Indiana and based in Nashville, brings all of his experiences and beliefs into each song he creates, something that is especially true now that he’s
the father of two young girls.
Jon released his debut album, Indiana, in 2007 on Island Def Jam, attracting fans with his heartfelt, hook-laden songwriting and impassioned delivery. He has released four albums in the ten years since and revealed a true evolution in both his piano playing and singing. He has played shows with Billy Joel, Kelly Clarkson and Adele; collaborated with longtime friend Sara Bareilles; co-written with Demi Lovato; and even performed at the Academy Awards in 2008.
Jon’s last album, Like Us, dropped in October 2015 via Razor & Tie, and he spent the past few years touring extensively before heading back into his Nashville studio to work on new music.
Jon’s latest project was a Christmas EP, titled Red & Green, his second release celebrating the holidays. This one, recorded with various collaborators around Nashville, features three original tunes and two covers.
As with everything he does, Jon’s goal is to create connections. He wants to translate his experiences and ideas into music that reaches fans everywhere. His passion for music and playing is evident in each note he plays.

About Kat Muir

Katharine “Kat” Muir received her Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science at Miami University and her Master’s degree in Bilingual Speech Pathology at Indiana
University.
Not only is Kat fluent in French, Spanish and German, she has conversational skills in Farsi,
American Sign Language and Mandarin, as well. Kat loves comparing the structure and
the way sounds differ among languages. Her love of languages is what drew her to her career as a speech-language pathologist.
Diagnosed with autism at age 22, Kat uses her quirks to her advantage — sensitive hearing is helpful for speech therapy sessions (but maybe not so much in a crowded store).
During Kat’s six years at Easterseals Crossroads, she has served as an interpreter not only between languages, but between those on and off the autism spectrum.
Kat lives in Indianapolis and enjoys horseback riding, swimming and playing the clarinet.

2021-06-29T12:51:51-04:00February 5, 2018|Our Blog|

Early Bird Camp Registration

Register for summer fun now and save

If winter is beginning to get you down, it’s time to start thinking about summer fun! And fun is exactly what we have planned this summer at CampAbility, Camp FUEL and Camp ROCKS!

If you register between January 22 and February 23, you can save $100 on your CampAbility, Camp FUEL or Camp ROCKS camp fee.

CampAbility is a traditional day camp for children with disabilities who are ages 4 – 10. Our campers grow, learn and have fun while exploring sensorimotor experiences, expanding communication skills and enhancing social skills. Three, two-week sessions are offered this summer from June 11 through July 19, 2018.
Learn more about CampAbility  |  Download registration application  |  Download handbook
Camp FUEL is a camp for adolescents with disabilities who are ages 11 – 17. This traditional day camp offers adolescents Fun and Unique Experiential Learning activities (FUEL) from skill building to field trips to peer mentoring. Three, two-week sessions are offered this summer from June 11 through July 19, 2018.
Learn more about Camp FUEL  |  Download registration application  |  Download handbook
Camp ROCKS is a camp for individuals who are on the autism spectrum ages 10 – 18. Respecting Other’s Capabilities is the Key to Success (ROCKS) is the goal for campers who will enjoy this 5-night / 6-day outdoor camp at Bradford Woods (just southwest of Indianapolis in Martinsville, IN). Campers participate in all kinds of outdoor experiences from science exploration to swimming to nature hikes to horseback riding to canoeing and more. Camp ROCKS is offered Sunday, June 17 through Friday, June 22, 2018.
Learn more about Camp ROCKS Download registration application  |  Download payment options form

2021-06-29T12:51:51-04:00January 22, 2018|Our Blog|

Bingo Bonanza 2018

Join us for Bingo Bonanza 2018

Friday, February, 9, 2018 | Northside Knights of Columbus
Bingo Bonanza is presented in partnership with Century 21 Scheetz
Special Bingo License 146040

You don’t want to miss Bingo Bonanza – food, fun and bingo at its wild and crazy best! Tickets are on sale now; $50 per person for three game cards for each of the 7 games, buffet dinner and 2 drink tickets (complimentary water and soda). And the best part? Bingo Bonanza benefits children’s services at Easterseals Crossroads.
Tickets can only be purchased via cash or check due to charity gaming laws. A limited amount of tickets are available; download the order form and purchase your tickets today!
View this video to see what you do not want to miss!

2021-06-29T12:51:51-04:00January 10, 2018|Our Blog|

This is Richard

Employment is a key factor to independence. We work with adults with disabilities to help them find and maintain careers. We also work with our nation’s veterans by helping them reintegrate into the communities they left behind when they served our country.
Richard is a veteran with a service-related disability; he used our services to help find employment as a veteran service officer where he now assists other veterans with benefits and employment.
“Easterseals Crossroads is a great resource for veterans. They encouraged me and they provided guidance that led me down a path that was beneficial,” said Richard.
“Working gives us all purpose and a sense of being able to contribute to the community, as well as value and self worth. The fact that there are entities out there like Easterseals Crossroads who are trying to help with employment is a huge encouragement because it is so easy to become discouraged in the process of looking for a job,” said Richard.
Easterseals Crossroads helps veterans thrive by providing services designed to meet individual needs. Employment can be a critical step toward independence and we are committed to serving veterans through direct service, outreach, partnerships and collaboration to provide the best opportunities for success.
View Richard’s story below.

Learn more about veteran services at Easterseals Crossroads.

2021-06-29T12:51:52-04:00January 3, 2018|Our Blog|
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