Meet our Camp FUEL Staff

Camp FUEL is a camp for adolescents with disabilities and special needs who are ages 11 – 17 years old. Campers enjoy full days consisting of field trips, peer interaction, peer mentoring, special guests and more!
We are revved up for summer fun this year with our campers and our counselors!

FUEL Counselors

Meghan Doyle • Lead Counselor

photo of Meghan DoyleMeghan is a six-year middle school resource teacher in Indianapolis. In 2017, she taught in Thailand for the year. In her free time, she likes to coach cheerleading, go to Orange Theory Fitness, read books in her hammock and eat lots of different types of food. She loves her dogs Willow (a pug) and Mowgli (a Rottweiler), her husband Joe, and Purdue University (Boiler Up)! Meghan is SO excited to be at camp where she hopes to bring positivity, friendships, growth and lots of fun!

Katie Lawless • Counselor

photo of Katie LawlessKatie works at North Central High School doing job training with seniors during the school year, and she can’t wait to have fun with your kids at camp FUEL this summer!
Katie really likes to stay busy, and when she is not working or keeping up with her busy teenage daughter, she likes to travel! So far she has been to Mexico, Ireland and Italy. Planning the trip is half the fun!

Joe Mattingly • Counselor

photo of Joe MattinglyJoe is excited to be a camp counselor for Camp FUEL this summer! He was born and raised in Indianapolis and he attended Little Flower for grade school and later Cathedral High School.
He has a degree in education from Indiana University and has spent the past several years working in Beech Grove City Schools working with students with special needs.
His hobbies include watching movies (lots of them!), being a huge Cubs fan and watching lots of IU basketball and college football. He is excited to work with everyone at Camp FUEL this summer!

Sydnee Piercefield • Counselor

photo of Sydnee PiercefieldSydnee is a senior at Taylor University studying elementary and special education. Her hobbies include binge watching Netflix with friends, drinking coffee, being outside and reading a good book.
She is passionate about education, disability and service — especially with students in transitional stages. Sydnee is so excited to be part of Easterseals Crossroads and Camp FUEL this summer!

2021-06-29T12:51:50-04:00June 11, 2018|Our Blog|
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Sounds of Summer and Cool Hands

Sounds of Summer

This summer, don’t let your child lose ground with his/her speech progress. Keep the momentum going with our six- week summer articulation program starting June 11, 2018!
Who is Eligible to Attend
Children who are preschool through incoming third grade will benefit from this six-week program. Students must have a current IEP with articulation goals; please send copy of a current IEP with registration form.
Program Structure
The program involves six 30-minute sessions with no more than two children per group. All sessions are conducted by licensed speech-language pathologists.
When and Where
June 11 through July 20, 2018 | Various times
The class will take place once a week for six weeks at Easterseals Crossroads main location (52nd and Keystone) at 4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205.
Parents/caregivers must state preferred times to attend from the lists below; actual class times will then be assigned based on preferences stated.
Session Times
Mondays | 8:30 – 9:00 | 9:00 – 9:30 | 9:30 – 10:00
Wednesdays | 9:30 – 10:00 | 10:00 – 10:30 | 10:30 – 11:00
Thursdays | 2:00 – 2:30 | 2:30 – 3:00 | 3:00 – 3:30 | 3:30 – 4:00
Other Details
All sessions are provided by licensed speech-language pathologists. Cost of the six-week class is $150 per student; $50 deposit is required with completed registration form and balance is due the week of June 11, 2018.

Cool Hands

Give your child a helping hand on his/her pre-writing skills with our fun, six-session summer program starting June 13, 2018!
Who is Eligible to Attend
The group will be held for children ages 5 through 7 who will be entering kindergarten or first grade in August 2018. A copy of the child’s IEP/ISP will be required (if applicable) with completed registration form.
Program Cool Hands is designed to provide intervention by occupational therapists to small groups in order to develop the underlying or foundational skills needed for learning to write. While the therapists do work on printing of letters, this program is not meant to teach handwriting. Some of the skills that will be addressed may include hand strength, finger and hand dexterity, eye-hand coordination, motor planning and visual scanning. Activities may include games, crafts and small group instruction.
When and Where
June 13 through July 25, 2018 | Wednesdays | 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. (no session July 4)
Sessions will take place once a week for six weeks, at Easterseals Crossroads main location (52nd and Keystone) at 4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205.
Other Details
All sessions are provided by occupational therapists. Cost of the six-session series is $169 per child; $50 deposit is required with completed registration form and balance is due on June 13, 2018.
Contact Karen Kelley at kkelley@eastersealscrossroads.org or 317.479.3236 to register or learn more about Sounds of Summer or Cool Hands.

2021-06-29T12:51:50-04:00June 5, 2018|Our Blog|
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This is Audrey

We provide physical, occupational and speech-language therapy services for children. Our therapists make therapy as fun as possible to ensure that children have the best environment to learn and gain independence. Play is a huge part of a child’s life and 5-year-old Audrey loves to watch movies, do puzzles, play games and (not) eat what her parents want her to eat!

Audrey was born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenital, which affects her muscles and her joints. She uses a walker and leg braces to walk and she is “just starting to realize that she is different and not like other kids at her school,” according to mom Ashley.
“Being in kindergarten has made Audrey want to work harder in therapy. I think she is getting a deeper understanding that she is not like other children she sees every day. One of Audrey’s goals is to walk more independently with her walker instead of using her wheelchair,” said Ashley.
Our physical therapists work with children to help them maximize ability. “Part of being independent is realizing what you need to make your independent. Audrey’s braces allow her to be independent. It’s priceless for me to see a child achieve more and do more because of therapy,” said Audrey’s physical therapist.
“What Audrey has done in therapy is helping her gain more confidence and want to do things on her own. Easterseals Crossroads is like an extended part of our family. I don’t know what we would do without them,” said dad Chris.
Easterseals Crossroads is dedicated to providing quality therapy services for children with disabilities and their families. We know the importance of working hard and playing often to achieve milestones and maximize independence.

2021-06-29T12:51:50-04:00May 18, 2018|Our Blog|
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Career Expo 2018

Are you seeking a career that matches your skills? If you are, join us for 

Career Expo 2018 | Wednesday, May 16 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Easterseals Crossroads has partnered with the State of Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Sycamore Services to bring employers and qualified candidates together for our fifth, one-day career event.
You must be a job seeker with a disability to attend Career Expo 2018. You can attend during the morning between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. or during the afternoon between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. You will have the opportunity to attend a special workshop Networking and Making the Best Impression offered at 9:30 a.m. Limited space available for workshop.
Registration deadline is May 14, 2018. Come dressed to impress — just as though you were preparing for an interview — and discover job opportunities at Career Expo!

Businesses attending Career Expo 2018

SPONSORS: Corporate Cleaning Systems, FedEx Express and Huntington Bank
Andy Frain Services | Benchmark Human Services | Cintas | Community Health Network | Crossroads Industrial Services | Enterprise Holdings | Fastenal | Goodwill Industries | Huser SpecialCare | Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis | Kroger | Southeastrans | Teachers Credit Union | Towne Park | UPS | YMCA of Greater Indianapolis | and more!
Career Expo is free, but please register by May 14 to attend.

2021-06-29T12:51:50-04:00April 27, 2018|Our Blog|
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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|
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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|
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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|
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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|
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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|
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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|
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4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205
P: 317.466.1000 • F: 317.466.2000

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