Tracy Gale, PsyD, HSPP, and Emmaleigh Badeaux, BS |
Play is an essential and cherished part of childhood. As children play, they are building cognitive, social, physical and emotional skills that benefit their growth. Play not only encourages healthy brain development but serves as a protective factor against future emotional difficulties and helps modulate peer relationships. Children can overcome fears, learn to resolve conflicts, practice decision-making skills and gain self-confidence through play. Caregivers who fully engage with their children during play are modeling useful character traits and displaying their unconditional interest and support. Participating in play with children also allows caregivers to provide a safe and supportive environment for children to investigate and explore. Caregiver involvement in child-directed play is essential to healthy brain development!
Participating in play also allows caregivers to practice skills that children may be acquiring in preschool or therapy in a non-threatening and low pressure setting. This is one of the best ways to reinforce skills learned during physical, occupational, speech-language, or behavioral therapies, as it allows for sufficient practice to maintain and improve learned skills. Caregivers are uniquely poised to fulfill this role, as they can provide an environment where children feel confident, thus encouraging continued success and growth.
When engaging in play, remember these tips to promote your child’s development:

• Allow your child to choose the activity and direct the play. Caregivers can provide guidance, but children learn more when they are given freedom to explore.
• Dedicate your time and attention to your child’s play. Try to limit distractions as much as possible.
• Try not to focus on whether your child is playing with a toy in the correct way. Creatively using toys or other objects is an important play skill and encourages cognitive flexibility.
• Do not immediately intervene if your child struggles with something. This is a good opportunity to teach problem-solving and frustration management skills, as well as encourage persistence and confidence in your child.

At Easterseals Crossroads, we offer activities that help families and children play, relax and engage; view the video below to see how!

 
 
 
 

The Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station
123 West Louisiana Street, Indianapolis  |  6 – 10 p.m.
Easterseals Crossroads is celebrating ability in an exciting way — please join us! Our evening of ability will feature Jen Bricker, who is a renowned aerialist, author and motivational speaker.
Jen shares her compelling story on her website:

Jen Bricker was born without legs and with her heart on the opposite side of her chest. Shocked and uncertain they could care for a child with two birth defects, her biological parents gave her up for adoption. In her loving adoptive home, there was just one simple rule: “Never say ‘can’t.” And pretty soon, there was nothing that this small but mighty powerhouse set her sights on that she couldn’t conquer: rollerskating, volleyball, power tumbling, spinning from silk ribbons 30 feet in the air. 

And then . . .  from the strange magnetic pull she felt when watching Olympic gymnast Dominique Moceanu to her discovery that they are biological sisters and their emotional reunion.

Learn more about Jen.
Hear Jen’s story when you join us for an evening to Celebrate Ability including a reception, dinner, dessert, award presentation and fun! 

Sponsorships and tickets are available; contact Elizabeth Farley at efarley@eastersealscrossroads.org or 317.466.1000 x2430.

Valentine’s Day Fundraiser
for Easterseals Crossroads

Sertoma Club of North Downtown Indianapolis is selling high quality, florist roses to benefit Easterseals Crossroads. Order today so you can be a hero on Valentine’s Day to your loved ones and to individuals with disabilities, special needs or challenges at Easterseals Crossroads.
One Dozen Red Roses $45
boxed, fresh, long-stemmed, individual water tubes with baby’s breath and leather leaf; card included
Half Dozen Red Roses $28
includes baby’s breath and leather leaf in a vase
Three Red Roses $15 
includes baby’s breath and leather leaf in a vase

TO ORDER

• Visit www.sertomaindy.org
• Call Pat Spence at 317.698.5589 or email at spence.pat@outlook.com

TO OBTAIN

Free delivery with 5+ orders; $10 delivery with single orders.
(Delivery limited to Marion County and adjacent neighborhoods.)
Orders are available for pick up at Easterseals Crossroads
4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis (just north of 46th Street, east of Keystone Avenue — enter south door) on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, from 12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card
Contact us for more information about the Valentine’s Day Rose Sale.

Easterseals Crossroads offers activities that help families and children play, relax and engage.
View Ford’s story by clicking the image below.

Ford’s Story

Ford was born four weeks early after a pregnancy that posed not complications for his mom. Breathing on his own was an intitial primary concern; when Ford was released from intensive care, he went home with oxygen and feeding tubes. His medical condition was uncertain; an MRI showed a brain injury and he had metabolic issues as well.
“Our world changed from that point. We connected with early intervention services through Easterseals Crossroads, and they continue to be a great support team for us. Ford’s doctors are amazed at all that he is doing; things he wouldn’t be doing without Easterseals Crossroads,” said mom Whitney.
Ford and his family enjoy recreational time at Parents’ Night Out – a respite event for all family members. Ford and his sisters have fun playing while their parents can enjoy some time to themselves. Ford also attends CampAbility – a summer program that he loves.
“Independence in play is hard for Ford, but CampAbility allows him to focus on that since he is surrounded by people who really know what they are doing,” said dad Alex.
“We don’t take things for granted and we celebrate small victories with Ford,” said Alex. Small victories like playing with a new friend – something Ford has learned to do at CampAbility. Small victories like blowing out a birthday candle – something Ford did for the first time on his 6th birthday. “We have really grown to appreciate the milestones,” said Alex.
Learn more about CampAbility; learn more about respite services.

Contributed by Tracy Gale, PsyD, HSPP
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be challenging – this is often especially true for families with children with special needs or autism.
Here are some tips for helping your family keep the happy in the holidays.

• Create a plan. Have a schedule and things planned out to reduce surprises. Also, have a Plan B in case things change.
• Ask for help. Friends and family may not know what to do that would be helpful, so do not hesitate to tell them what you need.
• Remember to schedule some down time for you and your child.
• Wrap toys that are already assembled and ready to play with to reduce frustration and waiting.
• Consider wrapping familiar toys. It will give extra practice, and the familiar toys are already something your child knows how to use.

Season’s Best from Easterseals Crossroads!

Raise Awareness

Easterseals Crossroads is cutting the dis from disability and we need YOU to help us create awareness!
In just a few minutes, you can video your unique perspective of how you can take the dis out of disability and share with all your friends on Facebook and Twitter.
Want to see how? Here are some videos that have already been done:

Join the fun today and Cut the Dis for a GREAT cause!