Raising a child with a disability brings unique joys and challenges to any family’s journey. While the road may have its bumps, there are numerous practical strategies and tips that can help parents navigate the challenges and provide the best possible support for their children. Let’s explore some common challenges faced by parents of children with disabilities and offer practical advice on how to handle them with grace and resilience.

1. Mealtime Routines: Fostering a Positive Eating Experience

Mealtime can be a source of stress for many parents, especially when raising a child with a disability. Here’s how to create a positive mealtime routine:

• Create a Comfortable Environment: Ensure the dining area is calm and inviting, minimizing sensory distractions that might overwhelm your child.
• Offer Familiar Foods: Introduce a variety of foods while also incorporating familiar favorites to make mealtimes more enjoyable and less stressful.
• Adapt Utensils: If fine motor skills are a challenge, consider using adaptive utensils that are easier for your child to hold and use.
• Establish a Routine: Consistency is key. Establish a routine around mealtimes to provide predictability for your child.

2. Bedtime Strategies: Promoting Restful Sleep

Sleep is crucial for children’s development but can be challenging for those with disabilities. Consider these strategies:

• Bedtime Routine: Create a calming routine that includes activities like reading, dimming lights and engaging in relaxing activities.
• Visual Supports: Use visual schedules or charts to help your child understand the bedtime routine and reduce anxiety.
• Sensory Comfort: Pay attention to sensory preferences; some children find comfort in soft textures, weighted blankets or gentle massages.

3. Sensory Overload Management: Finding Balance

Children with disabilities may experience sensory overload more intensely. Here’s how to manage it:

• Identify Triggers: Observe and identify sensory triggers that lead to overload, and take steps to minimize exposure when possible.
• Create Safe Spaces: Designate sensory-friendly spaces where your child can retreat when overwhelmed. Fill these spaces with calming items that provide comfort.
• Use Desensitization Techniques: Gradually introduce your child to sensory stimuli in a controlled manner to help reduce sensitivities.

4. Communication Techniques: Fostering Connection

Communication is vital for understanding your child’s needs and feelings. Consider these strategies:

• Visual Supports: Utilize visual aids such as communication boards and picture schedules to enhance understanding and expression.
• AAC Methods: Explore augmentative and alternative communication methods, such as sign language or communication apps, to help your child communicate effectively.
• Active Listening: Practice active listening and validate your child’s communication attempts, whether through words, gestures or sounds.

Raising a child with a disability requires patience, creativity, and unwavering love. By implementing these practical strategies and tips, parents can create a supportive environment that helps their child thrive. Remember that every child is unique, so adapting these strategies to fit your child’s specific needs is essential. Additionally, seeking guidance from professionals, such as speech therapists or occupational therapists, can offer personalized insights and strategies to support your child’s development. As you navigate this journey, remember that your dedication and advocacy make a world of difference in your child’s life.

As a parent, the beginning of a new school year can be both exciting and challenging, especially if your child has a disability. While navigating the educational landscape may require extra considerations, it’s important to remember that with the right strategies and support, your child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Here are seven essential tips to help you empower your child with a disability for a successful new school year.

1. Foster Open Communication: Establishing clear and open lines of communication with your child’s teachers, therapists, and school staff is crucial. Share valuable insights into your child’s needs, strengths, and challenges. Collaborative discussions ensure that everyone is on the same page and can work together to create a supportive environment tailored to your child’s requirements.
2. Develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP): If your child has a disability, they may benefit from an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Work closely with the school’s special education team to create a personalized plan that outlines specific goals, accommodations, and modifications to help your child succeed. Regularly review and update the IEP to ensure it aligns with your child’s progress and changing needs.
3. Create a Supportive Home Environment: A nurturing home environment plays a significant role in your child’s success at school. Encourage a growth mindset by focusing on your child’s strengths and celebrating their achievements, no matter how small. Provide a calm and organized study space at home where they can complete assignments and engage in independent learning.
4. Teach Self-Advocacy Skills: Empower your child to become their own advocate. Teach them about their disability, strengths, and any specific accommodations they require. Encourage them to communicate their needs and preferences to teachers and peers respectfully. Developing self-advocacy skills fosters confidence and prepares them for future challenges.
5. Cultivate Inclusive Social Connections: Help your child build strong social connections by fostering an inclusive environment. Encourage open-mindedness and empathy among peers by educating them about your child’s disability. Support your child in finding clubs, activities, or groups that align with their interests, promoting friendships and a sense of belonging.
6. Focus on Strengths and Interests: Every child, regardless of their disability, possesses unique strengths and interests. Identify these qualities and encourage your child to explore activities that align with their passions. Whether it’s art, music, sports, or academics, emphasizing their strengths helps boost self-esteem and motivation.
7. Prioritize Self-Care and Well-Being: It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of school, but remember that your child’s well-being is paramount. Encourage them to practice self-care through relaxation techniques, hobbies, and physical activities. Foster a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout and maintain a positive outlook.

The new school year presents an opportunity for growth and progress for children with disabilities. By following these seven essential tips, you can provide the necessary support and guidance to help your child thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Remember that your role as a parent is pivotal in ensuring they have the resources and confidence to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

As you navigate this journey, stay proactive in advocating for your child’s needs and communicating effectively with educators and school staff. With a strong foundation of collaboration, understanding, and empowerment, you’re setting the stage for a successful and enriching school year that supports your child’s unique journey of growth and learning.

Contact us for more information about our services for children.

In 1990, a landmark legislation was enacted in the United States that forever changed the lives of millions of Americans. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, bringing with it a new era of inclusivity, equality and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. As we reflect on the ADA’s successes, it becomes evident how this legislation has positively impacted various aspects of society, fostering a more inclusive nation for all.

Enhanced Accessibility

One of the primary achievements of the ADA is its focus on improving accessibility in public spaces. The ADA mandates that public buildings, including schools, workplaces and government facilities, be made accessible to individuals with disabilities. This has led to the installation of ramps, elevators, wider doorways and accessible restrooms, ensuring equal access and independence for people with mobility impairments.

Employment Opportunities 

The ADA has also been instrumental in promoting employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Prior to the ADA, people with disabilities often faced discrimination and barriers to equal employment. However, this legislation prohibits discrimination based on disability and mandates reasonable accommodations in the workplace. As a result, individuals with disabilities have been able to enter the workforce, contribute their unique talents and skills and pursue fulfilling careers.

Accessible Transportation

Transportation is a vital aspect of everyday life, and the ADA has played a crucial role in improving transportation options for individuals with disabilities. The law requires that public transportation services be made accessible, including buses, trains and light rail systems. This has empowered individuals with disabilities to travel independently, access educational and employment opportunities and engage in social activities, enhancing their overall quality of life.

Digital Accessibility

In the digital age, the ADA has adapted to address the growing importance of technology. As a result, the legislation has extended its scope to include digital accessibility. Websites, online services and digital platforms are now required to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. This ensures that people with visual impairments, hearing loss, or other disabilities can access information, services and participate in online activities equally with others.

Public Awareness and Attitude Shifts

The ADA has brought about tangible changes and sparked a significant shift in public awareness and attitudes toward individuals with disabilities. The legislation has fostered a culture of inclusivity, promoting the understanding that disability is a natural part of human diversity. This increased awareness has led to reduced stigma, improved acceptance and the creation of more inclusive communities where individuals with disabilities are valued for their abilities and contributions.

As we celebrate the successes of the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is clear that this legislation has had a profound and far-reaching impact on society. By enhancing accessibility, promoting employment opportunities, improving transportation, ensuring digital inclusion and transforming attitudes, the ADA has created a more equitable and inclusive society for individuals with disabilities. However, there is still work to be done to address the remaining barriers and challenges that individuals with disabilities continue to face. It is our collective responsibility to build upon the successes of the ADA and strive for a future where every person, regardless of ability, can fully participate and thrive in all aspects of life.

Indiana AgrAbility is a USDA-sponsored program that assists farmers, ranchers and other agricultural workers with disabilities. Since 2022, our INDATA Project staff have been involved in a partnership with Indiana AgrAbility, although the two entities have worked together prior to the partnership. Lisa Becker, an assistive technology technician for Easterseals Crossroads, has been involved with the project and explains more about it below.

According to Lisa, AgrAbility is similar to what our clinical assistive technology services does in that we provide vocational service through vocational rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities seeking employment. In this area, the core employment goals are agriculturally related. We help people keep farming or working in the agriculture field after experiencing a traumatic event or being diagnosed with a disability that might affect the ability to work in the field. It could also include individuals who have interest and skills in starting a new business in agriculture after a diagnosis.

Referrals for this service are typically made by vocational rehabilitation through the AgrAbility staff. INDATA has purchased approximately $10,000 of items to start the AgrAbility lending library, which is a service that allows interested individuals the opportunity to borrow and try a piece of equipment – in this case, equipment related to agriculture – before having to make a purchase. The lending library provides a unique, try-before-you-buy opportunity that can be a huge cost-saving measure for individuals with disabilities. While we are currently in the library set up phase, it is our goal that these items will be available to anyone in Indiana to check out and try before purchasing from other sources.

This new partnership formalizes our work and challenges us to find ways for us to work together and provide additional outreach opportunities. Each organization has been successful in specific outreach programs. So far, our skills have complimented each other and are improving and expanding our outreach programs. At our first ever Indiana AgrAbility Agricultural Assistive Technology Expo (April 13, 2023), we spotlighted two Easterseals Crossroads programs – home modification services with service provider John Kelly and the INDATA alternative finance program. – Lisa Becker, Assistive Technology Technician.

The expo provided an opportunity for people with and without disabilities to work and learn more about tasks typically associated with agriculture. Different types of assistive technology were explored to see what might work best on a farm.

Attendees attempted the following tasks: stepping up into a big tractor; climbing through the bucket into a skid steer; hopping into a zero-turn mower and steering with both hands; and flying a drone to look over a field and identify problems.  They then were guided to other tasks with the use of assistive technology such as using lifts to move someone in and out of a truck (to and from a wheelchair, for example) or to view the top of a tree or piece of equipment; moving in and out of a utility tractor using automatic hitches; driving a wheelchair adapted for all-terrain use (trackchair); using that trackchair to stand straight up; laying a temporary ramp to move over an obstacle; and much more.

Expo attendees toured two farms affiliated with Purdue University including a dairy farm to observe milking, feeding adult cows and viewing the calf area;  sheep operation to observe feeding, care of babies and shearing; grain silo operations and planting; and aquaculture to observe various fish breeding and raising for release to increase a population of the Eastern hellbender (North America’s largest salamander).

The conference was attended by 67 individuals who represented vocational rehabilitation counselors and supervisors; occupational therapists and therapy students; extension office employees; and individuals representing neighboring AgrAbility programs (Ohio, Illinois and maybe Wisconsin).  Several farmers who had worked with AgrAbility spoke as part of a panel about their experiences.

For more information about AgrAbility and Easterseals Crossroads, contact us.

contributed by Keith Fox,  program manager at Easterseals Crossroads; article originally seen in Special Needs Living magazine, June 2023

Public transportation makes it possible for all people to move around the city to work, attend appointments, grocery shop and participate in social activities. The bus system is timed to allow for transfers from one route to another without major interruption.

Benefits of Using Public Transportation

Public transportation is a safe way to travel, and all public buses have safety systems in place including video cameras inside the buses and on the exterior parameters.

All public busses are equipped with a wheelchair lift and there are areas in the front of the bus for wheelchairs with secured fastening systems. Each bus has an area in the front for individuals with disabilities as well as older people to sit without having to maneuver down the small bus walkway. This designated area provides the rider with the opportunity to seek out assistance from other riders and the driver while in route or when entering / exiting the bus.

Public bus schedules are consistent and reliable and run routes frequently providing riders additional flexibility in planning routes. The use of technology increases riders’ real time experiences through the ability to track specific buses to learn of routes, locations and changes.

When traveling on a public bus a rider may find time to relax and even work if traveling with a phone or tablet since many busses are equipped with USB ports to charge devices. This provides riders the opportunity to continue to be productive during travel time.

Riding public transportation can give riders a sense of belonging. Riders may also learn about other areas of the city, landmarks, people, places and things. Riding public transportation when traveling in a new city provides an opportunity to see new sights.

The use of public transportation is an effective cost saving strategy that is not available through use of many rideshare programs, door to door paratransit systems and personal transportation. Using public transportation can result in some savings for people when considering costs of driving a car (gasoline, insurance, parking, etc.).

Challenges of Using Public Transportation

While the benefits can outweigh the obstacles and challenges of public transportation, there are some worth mentioning.

• When utilizing public transportation, an individual must be at a bus stop at the appropriate time.
• If the marquee inside the bus is not working properly and not luminating the routes and stops and/or the voice activation is not working, a rider will need to resort to landmarks to pull the cord to signal the bus to stop when appropriate.
• The time spent on a public bus may mean it takes longer to get to a destination because of the route traveled and the transfer involved.

Overcoming Challenges of Public Transportation

To overcome some of the obstacles and challenges involved in public transportation, a rider must become aware of routes, landmarks and travel time.

Training is key, and perseverance can dictate results. Travel training is an important and necessary step in eliminating fears and anxiety. The unknown can create anxiety, but training, knowledge and experience can contribute to knowledge and empowerment.

Technology is a great way to overcome many challenges of public transportation. The use of GPS, transit apps, pictures and time cues are a part of everyday life for many individuals and these factors can be used to master public transportation.

Public transportation companies post information in real time on websites with information pertaining to schedules and detours that can affect rides. There are some free apps that can be downloaded to track the bus in real time. A couple of examples are My Transit App or My Stop App.

The Wayfinder App is a cost to users, but it has a programmed route that offers the capability of voice and use of landmarks during travel. This app is a great option for individuals whose travel training is limited or if the individual may need constant prompting.

Many social service agencies for individuals with disabilities have mobility training specialists or other professional staff who can provide training. This training consists of real time coaching, picture cues, technology and landmark identification. The goal is for the individual to be able to travel to and from work.

Paying for Public Transportation

There are several options available to pay to access the public transportation system. Exact change on the bus can be used by inserting coins or dollars in the on-board bus pay and pass system. This option only allows for exact change and a ticket that is purchased will print out to be used for the remainder of the tickets valid time and date. Tickets can also be purchased at the transit store located at the main hub or at the Indianapolis airport. Online accounts can be created to obtain a public bus ID, called MY KEY. Funds can be added to MY KEY; when used to enter a bus, costs are deducted from the card.

“Learning the public transportation system was the best thing for our son it allowed him to be independent, his self-confidence increased, and he had the opportunity to participate in activities with his friends.”- Project SEARCH intern parent.

About the Author

Keith Fox, program manager at Easterseals Crossroads, has been training individuals with disabilities on public transportation for 24 years. Many individuals with whom he works have never used public transportation, which can create uncertainty for the individual and with his/her family. “Creating individualized plans help alleviate anxiety. When families see their loved ones reach new independence with transportation, there can be an overall sense of pride and comfort in having a reliable way of getting around the city independently. This directly increases the individual’s self-esteem, self-confidence and self-determination. This can greatly contribute to empowerment and advocacy for people with disabilities,” said Keith.

original content created by Coles Marketing for Easterseals Crossroads INDATA Program

The Indianapolis Public Library and Easterseals Crossroads have partnered to facilitate equal access to technology by installing accessible workstations at all 24 Library locations throughout Indianapolis, Lawrence and Beech Grove.

This project is part of The Library’s Strategic Plan for 2021-2023. As it states: “An informed community, where a child’s first library card opens the door to a world without limits, will help to ensure that Indianapolis will rise from the challenges of 2020’s uncertainty and embrace the opportunities ahead with great confidence.”

Opportunities for All Abilities

The accessible workstations are part of The Library’s Digital Inclusion Roadmap, which it drew out based on interviews with community partners and brainstorming sessions with a staff advisory panel.

“The outcome was a clear roadmap goal: Ensure the technology we offer and digital materials we lend can be used successfully by people with a wide range of abilities,” said Marianne McKenzie, Supervisor, Digital Inclusion. “The expansion of accessible technology workstations arose from staff feedback around equitable access. They observed the need for this resource in their branch, noting only two workstations in the library system.”

While the Central and Glendale Branches have rooms dedicated to accessible workstations, this new initiative improves inclusion by placing these workstations out in the open, among all Library patrons. This is beneficial in reinforcing the idea that not all disabilities are obvious or visible and in welcoming people with disabilities to work among the public.

“We hope to increase the confidence of all of our patrons in using technology independently and to enhance their quality of life,” said Shanika Heyward, director of innovation and technology at The Indianapolis Public Library.

The workstations were developed through a comprehensive review process.

“The framework for the accessible workstations took shape through site visits, conversations and online surveys with Library staff,” said Brian Norton, director of assistive technology at Easterseals Crossroads. “The strategy was to use a small amount of technology to meet the majority of patron needs. This includes needs for vision, mobility, intellectual/cognitive and hearing impairments as well as language barriers. Built-in durable tools, devices and apps make the workstations user-friendly, intuitive and sustainable.”

What to Expect at the Workstations

The design of the workstations aims to make people with various disabilities instantly feel comfortable when they approach them.

Mobility
With a hydraulic, height-adjustable desk, the workstation immediately accommodates people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

Adjustable, articulating arm supports assist people with fine motor control or fatigue issues due to multiple sclerosis, stroke, or repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel.

During a demo of a workstation at the East 38th Street branch, Norton said, “We’ve already seen people who’ve had strokes use the station and benefit greatly from it.”

A trackball mouse with programmable buttons helps users with limited dexterity or range of motion move the cursor across the screen and click on or drag items.

Vision
For people with low vision, the BigBlu Vision Keyboard has keys that are 250 percent larger than standard keyboards. The high contrast of black letters on white keys reduces eye strain. Of course, the computer has high-contrast screen settings as well.

In addition to Windows’ built-in screen magnifier, the desktop computer is equipped with speech recognition software, which enables hands-free voice control of the computer. The desktop also has Non-Visual Display Access, an open-source screen reader.

The workstation comes with a stand for an Android Galaxy tablet, which can serve as a magnifying device for reading and viewing items around the library.

Hearing
In addition to the Sound Amplifier app, the tablet comes with Live Transcribe, which captures speech and sound and allows users to see both captioned on the screen.

What Lies Ahead

These are just a few of the workstations’ many features. To avoid overwhelming users and give them a starting point, each desktop has a guide pointing Library patrons to helpful tools and apps for reading, writing, math, note-taking, hearing and vision.

These tools can “read” information to patrons and respond to voice commands; and help people with learning disabilities or mobility limitations complete tasks such as writing a document or accessing the internet.