Today’s post features Darlisa Davis, who joined the Easterseals Crossroads Board of Directors in 2014. Through her numerous business connections, Davis has built valuable new relationships between Easterseals Crossroads and the central Indiana business community, and extends the reach of our services far beyond our own capabilities.
Current occupation: Relationship Manager at First Merchants Bank, N.A.
Educational background: Richland College, Dallas, TX
Hometown: Although I was originally from Vincennes, Indiana, after residing in Texas and Georgia I selected Indianapolis as my hometown 25 years ago.
How did you first become introduced to Easterseals Crossroads?
I was first introduced to Easterseals by Curtiss Quirin, Chief Operating Officer at Crossroads Industrial Services (CIS) at a CEO networking group. Curtiss shared with the group that CIS employs individuals with disabilities while providing companies with customized solutions. I was very moved by how this program improves an individual’s quality of life by maximizing their skills and abilities through employment while providing companies a service to lower costs without compromising quality. It spoke to me as to how communities work together for a greater good.
I wanted to learn more about the mission and services so I met with Curtiss and Patrick Sandy, President and CEO of Easterseals Crossroads, over coffee and was amazed at the depth of services that the organization provides to consumers and their families. I was committed at that point to help educate our community about Easterseals Crossroads.
What has been your most memorable experience as a board member?
This is a pretty interesting question, as I am constantly humbled and walk away in awe by the testimonials of the consumers and the energetic, dedicated, loyal and compassionate staff and the volunteers. The staff rejoices with their consumers and families and stands next to them during the trials. Three of my personal favorite events are the Ability Lunch, Bingo Bonanza and Hallow’s Eve.
Why do you continue to stay involved with Easterseals Crossroads?
My passion continues to grow as Easterseals helps children achieve their full potential at play and at school, helps veterans return to their communities, provides respite to caregivers to include all of their children and again the incredible staff. I am committed to helping in all ways to expand brand awareness for both financial support as well as to assist people in finding the assistance they need.
How has Easterseals Crossroads impacted your ability to advocate on behalf of individuals with disabilities?
During my short tenure with Easterseals Crossroads, I have learned about the extensive services and support for consumers and their families, I have become even more aware of their daily and life challenges and I have heard of their triumphs and joy. I am excited to be part of such a great and caring organization. I have been surprised how many people are not aware of the depth of services that Easter Seals Crossroads provides to our community. Being close to the organization has allowed me to point individuals in the right direction for education, assistance and services.
I envision myself as one of the long time supporters of Easterseals Crossroads in whatever capacity they deem valuable.

Lilly Global Day of Service

This blog was written by Tessa Barnard, Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator at Easter Seals Crossroads.
On Thursday, October 1 a group of seventeen Eli Lilly & Company employees came to Easterseals Crossroads and spent the afternoon cleaning, sanding and staining all of the outdoor furniture used in our Therapy and Wellness Garden. The garden is used by staff and consumers alike at Easterseals Crossroads. It is a safe place to go outside and enjoy the sunshine in the warm spring and summer months and a beautiful spot to watch the leaves change in the fall.
The volunteer group was a part of the Lilly Global Day of Service, where nearly 20,000 Lilly employees spent a day outsides of the office, volunteering in communities around the world.
The group revitalized some pieces of solid wood furniture that was almost twenty years old. Now the pieces look brand new and will withstand the chilly winter months and be ready to go in the spring. We are very grateful for their hard work!

If your group, school, or business is interested in volunteering at Easter Seals Crossroads, please contact us.

American Graduate Day 2015 is a national and local call-to-action telethon for communities to engage in stronger outcomes for students. On Saturday, October 3, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., WFYI will air the live telethon broadcast and other programs in partnership with WNET in New York.
Scott Fogo, Vice President of Clinical Services at Easterseals Crossroads, will be on-air this Saturday, October 3 at 2:24 PM on Channel 20.1 as part of the American Graduate series.
Featuring a dynamic mix of long-form programming, live breaks and pre-taped segments, the telethon will tell the stories of individuals and organizations making a positive different in the lives of students. Localized breaks will highlight the efforts of 29 central Indiana organizations working tirelessly to improve graduation rates in Indiana. Tune in for 24 hours of American Graduate themed programming scheduled on WFYI 1 and WFYI 3 between October 3-4.
We thank WFYI for continuing to involve us in their American Graduate program. For more information, visit their website at http://amgrad.wfyi.org/home/.

Support Independent Films and Easterseals Crossroads

From October 16 – 25, the 24th Annual Heartland Film Festival will give access to more than 100 visiting independent filmmakers from around the world with over 130 movies that do more than just entertain. The Festival will showcase the very best in inspiring independent film from all over the world with screenings at AMC Showplace Traders Point 12, AMC Castleton Square 14 and the Wheeler Arts Community in Fountain Square.
This year you can support independent films and Easterseals Crossroads at the same time by purchasing tickets to any Heartland Film Festival movie by using the code ESCHEART at http://HeartlandFilmFestival.org or at the box office. Easter Seals Crossroads will receive $2.00 back from every ticket sale when that code is applied. 

Not sure which film you would like to see? Here are a few suggestions of films that discuss disability in many different ways:
Right Footed
Born without arms, Jessica Cox never allowed herself to believe that she couldn’t accomplish her dreams. An expert martial artist, college graduate and motivational speaker, Jessica is also the world’s only armless airplane pilot, a mentor and an advocate for people with disabilities. Right Footed chronicles Jessica’s amazing story of overcoming adversity as she becomes a mentor for children with disabilities their families, and a disability rights advocate working in the U.S. and abroad. View the official trailer on YouTube here.
Showtimes:

• Sunday, Oct 18, 4:15 p.m. at AMC Castleton Square 14
• Tuesday, Oct 20, 2:30 p.m. at AMC Showplace Traders Point 12
• Wednesday, October 21, 12:45 p.m. at AMC Castleton Square 14
• Saturday, Oct 24, 6:00 p.m. at AMC Castleton Square 14

Autism in Love
Autism in Love is a feature length documentary that explores how adults with autism find and manage romantic relationships. View the official trailer on YouTube here.
Showtimes:

• Saturday, Oct 17, 10:15 a.m. at AMC Castleton Square 14
• Sunday, Oct 18, 4:45 p.m. at AMC Showplace Traders Point 12
• Monday, Oct 19, 9:00 p.m. at AMC Castleton Square 14
• Wednesday, Oct 21, 2:15 p.m. at AMC Castleton Square 14

Marie’s Story
At the turn of the 19th century, a humble artisan and his wife send Marie, their deaf and blind fourteen-year-old daughter, to the Larnay Institute in central France where an order of Catholic nuns manage a school for deaf girls. There, the idealistic Sister Marguerite sees in Marie a unique potential and vows to bring the wild young thing out of the darkness. Based on true events, Marie’s Story recounts the courageous journey of a young nun and the lives she would change forever. View the official trailer on YouTube here. 
Showtimes:

• Sunday, Oct 18, 4:00 p.m. at AMC Castleton Square 14
• Thursday, Oct 22, 11:45 a.m. at AMC Castleton Square 14
• Friday, Oct 23, 5:00 p.m. at AMC Showplace Traders Point 12
• Saturday, Oct 24, 10:15 a.m. at AMC Showplace Traders Point 12

Purchase a ticket to any Heartland Film Festival movie using the code ESCHEART and Easterseals Crossroads will receive $2.00 back. You do not have to attend just these three movies to show your support. For a full schedule of every movie screening and to learn more about the event, visit http://HeartlandFilmFestival.org.

Today’s post was written by Sara Croft
In 2014, the unemployment rate for individuals with a disability was 12.5%, more than double the 5.9% for those with no disability according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Why is this percentage exceedingly higher for individuals with a disability? According to authors Jenell L.S. Wittmer, an assistant professor of management at the University of Toledo, and Leslie Wilson, president and CEO of Wilson Resources, while employers who hire individuals with disabilities regularly experience less turnover, less absenteeism and higher productivity, front-line staff and hiring managers continue to have uncertainties about hiring workers with disabilities due to preconceived myths.
Check out this list of 5 debunked myths from our Indiana Government about hiring individuals with disabilities and the true facts behind them.
MYTH: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) forces employers to hire unqualified individuals with disabilities.
FACT: Applicants who are unqualified for a job cannot claim discrimination under the ADA. Under the ADA, to be protected from discrimination in hiring, an individual with a disability must be qualified, which means he or she must meet all requirements for a job and be able to perform its essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations. No accommodation must be provided if it would result in an undue hardship on the employer. At Easter Seals Crossroads, each of our job applicants develop a thorough job plan, which identifies their needs and goals prior to starting their job search. This allows us to match job candidates with careers using an individualized approach.
MYTH: Accommodating workers with disabilities costs too much.
FACT: Reasonable accommodation is usually far less expensive than many people think and in many cases is similar to the accommodations for employees without disabilities, such as technology and workplace ergonomics. At Easter Seals Crossroads,accommodations for our job candidates are identified as part of their individual job plans so both the employer and the employee know from the beginning what accommodations will be necessary. Our Assistive Technology Clinicians provide on-the-job evaluations and recommendations for necessary equipment and computer software. We work closely with Vocational Rehabilitation, a state-funded agency, which may provide funding for those services.
MYTH: Under the ADA, employers must give people with disabilities special privileges, known as accommodations.
FACT: Reasonable accommodations are intended to ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities have rights in employment equal—not superior—to those of individuals without disabilities. A reasonable accommodation is a modification to a job, work environment or the way work is performed that allows an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform the essential functions of the job, and enjoy equal access to benefits available to other individuals in the workplace.
MYTH: It will be difficult to supervise employees with disabilities.
FACT: A Harris poll found that 82% of managers said employees with disabilities were no harder to supervise than employees without disabilities. Employees with disabilities should be held accountable to the same job standards as any other employee. Managers should be confident that their supervisory skills will work equally well with employees with disabilities.
MYTH: Under the ADA, an employer cannot fire an employee who has a disability.
FACT: Employers can fire workers with disabilities under three conditions: The termination is unrelated to the disability; the employee does not meet legitimate requirements for the job, such as performance or production standards, with or without a reasonable accommodation; or because of the employee’s disability, he or she poses a direct threat to health or safety in the workplace.
As you can see, hiring an individual with a disability is no different than hiring an individual without a disability. OurEmployment Services program provides qualified job applicants to the Indianapolis business community in conjunction with evaluations and recommendations for workplace accommodations from our Assistive Technologyprogram. Our ability to offer both of these critical components allows employers to rest assured that they are hiring qualified candidates who have the support they need to get the job done.
For more information about our qualified job seekers, please visit our For Employers page. To learn more about workplace accommodations, please visit our Assistive Technology page.

Today’s post was written by Sara Croft
Volunteers are critical to our mission of serving children and adults with disabilities and their families. From events like Hallow’s Eve and The Glo Run to providing mock interviews or providing respite to parents and caregivers, volunteers allow us to advance the reach of our mission far beyond what our staff are capable of doing on our own.
During the July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015, fiscal year, over 700 volunteers gave their time to assist us with our events and services. The total number of volunteer hours racked up to 9,182 – that’s a savings of $205,128 to Easterseals Crossroads.
Lacrosse Team Volunteers
Here’s what our volunteers had to say about their experience:
“I liked developing a relationship with my rider and helping them achieve something important to them.” – iCan Bike volunteer
“I liked getting to meet and interact with so many different kids and watch them grown throughout the week.” – iCan Bike volunteer
“This started as service learning for school and I enjoyed it so much I kept coming back!” – Parents’ Night Out volunteer
“This is truly a wonderful place! I love the experience that Easterseals Crossroads gives to their volunteers.” – Parents’ Night Out volunteer
“The biggest takeaway for me is experiencing the positive energy and the uplifting spirits of the consumers that participate in CHEER. It really is infectious.” – Dean Weseli, Advisory Board Member and CHEER volunteer
A special shout out goes to these community groups for volunteering in large groups:
Epsilon Sigma Alpha
Sertoma of North Downtown Indianapolis
Liberty Mutual
Indy Volunteer Meet-Up Group
Eli Lilly and Company
Rolls-Royce
University of Georgia
Rotary Club of Indianapolis-Metropolitan
University of Dayton
AmeriCorps
Hamilton Southeastern Fishers Boys Lacrosse Team
Whether you are a skills-based volunteer looking to utilize your expertise or you have a few spare hours per week that you would like to fill, we always have a variety of volunteer needs available. Visit our Volunteer Page to learn about upcoming opportunities or to fill out the volunteer application. Contact Tessa Barnard, Volunteer Coordinator, at tbarnard@eastersealscrossroads.org or 317-466-1000 to discuss group volunteer opportunities or for further volunteer related questions.

Today’s post was written by Sam Sanders
Can you believe August is just around the corner and its already time for school supply shopping? For most families, this time of year creeps up way too quickly and we find ourselves unprepared for the school year. Shopping for school supplies is hard enough, but finding the right tools for students with a learning disability can be tricky. Here are seven unique apps that your student can use at school that you can find and use from the comfort of your home.
1. ModMath – ModMath is a free app created by Henry, a student with dyslexia and dysgraphia. This app allows users to type math problems instead of writing them by hand, which proves very helpful for individuals with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD. The app displays virtual graph paper and a calculator. It also provides the option for the user to print out his/her work, or email it to a teacher. For more information, check out their Kickstarter page.
2. Voice Dream Reader– Voice Dream Reader is a text-to-speech app that offers the widest selection of high quality voices of any accessible reader. With this app, users can read virtually anything such as PDF, Word, and text files in Dropbox, Google Drive and more. Voice Dream Reader is also fully accessible with VoiceOver support for the visually impaired. It is highly customizable to fit each individual’s needs. Children with dyslexia, auditory-processing or vision impairments may find this app especially beneficial. This is a great tool to help children learn how to use adaptive technologies to achieve academic and personal goals.
3. Lectio – Lectio is an app created by a mom from Indianapolis for her son after he was diagnosed with dyslexia. Lectio is very user friendly and does not require an internet connection; simply launch the app, take a picture, and press and highlight a word to have it read aloud. There is also a dictionary feature that can easily be accessed by pressing and holding down on a word.
4. Speech Selection – Speech Selection is not an actual app that you can purchase but is instead already built into iOS5; located in the accessibility features in Apple devices. Much like the app Lectio that was mentioned earlier, this feature allows you to select a paragraph and have it read aloud. The text can be read in a variety of languages and also includes a dictionary option. Unfortunately, it does not allow you to take a picture like Lectio and is only available for Apple devices, but if you would rather not have another app or perhaps do not have the storage for it, here is a wonderful option for individuals with dyslexia, visual impairments, or other learning disabilities.
5. Epic Win – Homework and house chores tend to be extremely mundane for most individuals. For individuals with ADHD, the dullness makes it ever harder to focus and complete chores. Epic Win is an app that transforms these tasks into an exciting game! By “destroying” a task you earn points to level up your character. Homework and chores will never be the same.
6. Inspiration Maps – Inspiration Maps is a visual learning tool that allows students to create organized diagrams and outlines. It is recommended by the International Dyslexia Association for literacy instruction. Inspiration Maps is intended for students in fourth grade and up, however, they do have a version for grades K-5.
7. iThoughts – Many individuals with learning disabilities have several thoughts or ideas they would like to execute into a paper, for example, but many struggle with organization. As a result, they may create a tangled web of both related and unrelated ideas. iThoughts is a unique mind mapping tool that helps students organize these thoughts. With this app, individuals are able to organize their information, thoughts and ideas effectively.
Shopping for school supplies can be tricky but we hope that these apps help ease your transition into the new school year. For more information on apps and assistive technology, visit the INDATA Project at www.eastersealstech.com.

Today’s post was written by Sara Croft and features Advisory Board member Dean Weseli.
Dean joined the board in August 2014 after spending many hours volunteering for Easterseals Crossroads in programs like CHEER, a respite program for adults with disabilities. Since then, Dean has helped us build new brand awareness and fundraising relationships with the community through our fall Hallow’s Eve event and he participates in the development committee on overall fundraising opportunities for the agency.
Current career: Director of Wealth Management, The Windsor Group, Ltd.
Education Background: Bachelors –Finance from University of Dayton; Masters – MBA with concentration in Finance from University of Cincinnati
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN. I have called Indy home for over 25 years.
How were you introduced to Easterseals Crossroads?
I first was introduced to Easterseals as a guest at the Annual Business Lunch. I was very impressed with the organization and the depth of services. It was good timing as I was looking for a way to get more involved in the community.
What have you learned from volunteering in CHEER?
First, I really liked the idea of CHEER, which is a fun night for the adult consumers while their families get a night to relax. I have learned so much volunteering at CHEER and truly have enjoyed the experience. The biggest takeaway for me is experiencing the positive energy and the uplifting spirits of the consumers that participate in CHEER. It really is infectious. I also find it to be very humbling experience to say the least.
Why do you continue to stay involved?
It’s funny, it seems as soon as I think I know most of the services that are offered through Easterseals Crossroads, I learn of another outstanding service provided. For example, the board recently took a tour of the Assistive Technology Center headed up by Wade Wingler and his team. That was very impressive. Obviously technology moves quickly and the fact that Easterseals is leading a statewide initiative is something to very proud of. I mention that because the services provided and all the people I have gotten to know through Easter Seals are at the core of why I stay involved. I hope to continue to be an advocate of the organization for many years to come.

Today’s post was written by Sam Sanders
Finding the confidence to sign up for a 5K, half marathon, or full marathon is one thing a lot of people are still looking for, but this confidence is just one of the many beautiful characteristics Pamela possesses. Pamela has participated in all kinds of races such as the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes, the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, and many others. This year Pamela has decided to compete in the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon 5K. Pamela’s story would be much different without these opportunities to walk, but now she cannot wait to participate in another race with the help of Easterseals Crossroads. Pamela has been receiving services from Easterseals Crossroads for two years and is an avid participant in the Adult Day Services.
The inspiration for Pamela came from her parents who had both passed away from kidney disease. “I saw them go way down with it so I told myself I would take good care of myself and take long walks and exercise and diet and so on. I was 400 pounds and lost a significant amount by diet and exercise,” she explained. Pamela began training three years ago, first with a friend and then on her own for the last two years. Pamela enjoys walking alone, but doesn’t mind the company when a friend wants to join. Her favorite places to walk with a friend are on the trails at both IUPUI and Butler University. She enjoys the long walks and loves the scenery, especially the fountains at Butler.
A normal day for Pamela begins with a trip to the gym to lift weights, walk on the treadmill, and bike – sometimes at 9:00 a.m. She continues the day at Easterseals Crossroads where Pamela says they “have fun and enjoy life!” Pamela explains that she is able to participate in a variety of activities, “We go out into the garden and plant flowers and tomatoes and herbs. We go out and play basketball and take walks around the block.” Her favorite of these activities is walking with the other clients in the Adult Day program. It sounds like the training never stops for Pamela!
There is nothing holding Pamela back as she looks forward to the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon 5K. She says, “I love walking for Easterseals Crossroads. You see, my sister was scared the last time when I did a race by myself, but now she’s cool with it. Now I can go on and just have fun. She waits for me when the race ends and I hold up my medal!” Pamela loves power walking and plans to do it for this race. She explained, “I’m training now to walk around so I’m not so tired.” Her goal is to walk the entire race without stopping.
Pamela has some words of encouragement for anyone who is a competitor or is thinking about racing, “Don’t give up. Keep going because it took me five years to walk. I was around 400 pounds and I lost a significant amount by diet and exercise.” Pamela brings a smile to everyone’s face at Easterseals Crossroads. She is always a pleasure to be around and makes it a priority to never let anything get in the way of her walking.