Meet Lily. She is 21 years old and has been working alongside Sherri Negri, Lead Employment Consultant in our Employment Services program, to find meaningful and long-term employment. Lily has found just this through her job with Goodwill. “Lily has pushed herself to achieve her goals,” said Sherri.  “She has a positive outlook and a can-do attitude and is always a joy to be around. She has an extremely supportive family and Goodwill is a wonderful community partner.”

Easterseals Crossroads employment programs set themselves apart due in large part to the heart and hard work that our staff put into each case presented to them. Every case is customized based on the needs and abilities of the client. We provide a range of services to assist in developing their skills to obtain employment. We assist them through communication with employers, writing resumes and cover letters, completing applications, identifying job leads, improving interview skills, following up on applications, arranging internships, networking with area leaders, learning new and necessary skills, enhancing current skills, and connecting them with other services essential to living more independently.

Lily was already a hard worker when it came time to set her goals and find the right fit. “Effective communication was her biggest barrier,” mentioned Sherri when speaking about her time with Lily. “We took time up front to practice communication and interview skills. Lily took notes and practiced with her parents. She worked diligently to get this job. Once employed, we created cheat sheets for her for the time clock and clothing sizing. She is now able to do these tasks independently and her managers are extremely pleased with her job performance. Lily is also an extremely positive, polite, kind person and adds to an overall positive environment on her job.”

The independence has made such an impact on Lily too.  “Sherri made me feel like I could do whatever I set my mind to and always encouraged me. I now have a job I really like and my own money. I feel productive. I love that I can buy and do things now without having to ask my parents for money. I’m saving for a trip to London!”

Our employment staff do a lot of the work upfront to make sure that we are making a good employee/employer match. A good number of our candidates have gone on to be employee of the month and received increases in hours and consistent raises.

There are great advantages to employers in the community working alongside Easterseals Crossroads as they hire new employees. We provide them with qualified candidates who can fulfill their employment needs. We educate them on hiring skilled employees while creating a culture of inclusivity. In working with us, employers get an extra coach for their employee at no cost to them. We can provide long-term support as well for as long as that person is employed.

Lily was unsure of the type of job she wanted upon high school graduation. She loved fashion and travel; she would have loved the opportunity to work in Paris but knew that was not a realistic first job. However, she acknowledged that she wanted to be independent and productive while doing something she enjoyed.  Sherri and Lily spent time finding what her interests were, going on job site visits and shadowing employers in different positions, until Lily found a great fit.

“I can’t imagine trying to do all of this without the help from Easterseals and Sherri,” said Lily.  “There are so many people that have challenges and need help. It’s so nice to know that people care and that there are places like Goodwill and Easterseals in the community that give people with challenges a chance at a happy life.”

In recognition of the important role people with disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive American workforce, the theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) 2022 is Disability: Part of the Equity Equation. Observed annually in October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices.

Learn more about National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Employment Programs at Easterseals Crossroads

Easterseals Crossroads has a fantastic team of employment professionals who work with those we serve who are seeking careers. Not only do we recognize our workforce and the accomplishments of those with disabilities this month, we celebrate those who work behind the scenes so that meaningful employment is a reality.

We appreciate our employment and veteran services staff — our employment consultants, retention specialists, benefits coordinators, career coaches and administrative staff. Our programs include employment services, transition services, Pre-Employment Transition, Project SEARCH, CHIPS, Pathways to Opportunity, Family Opportunity Program and our College InternXperience program.

Transition Services

The goals of the transition program are to ensure seamless transitions for students as they emerge from high school by providing information, resources and guidance as they choose adult services and support systems within our community.

Pre-Employment Transition

The Pre-ETS program serves students between the ages of 14 and 22. These students are eligible for, or receiving, special education services through the Individualized Education Plan or 504 Plan under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Project SEARCH

An immersive program for high school students, Project SEARCH provides employment and educational opportunities for high school students in their final year who meet the eligibility requirements.

CHIPS

This program for high school students with disabilities is a comprehensive, one-semester community and work-based learning program designed to give high school students with disabilities the opportunity to access meaningful employment and career planning activities to facilitate the seamless transition from high school to employment or post-secondary training. The primary objective is to prepare students to be as work ready as possible upon exit from high school.

Employment Services

We help adults with disabilities who are seeking meaningful employment opportunities. Our staff help individuals identify their employment goals and create a plan to meet those personal goals. We believe each individual who wants to secure or maintain employment has unique needs. Whether someone is looking for a professional, skilled, semi-skilled or entry-level job, we provide a flexible and creative solution to meet specific needs, abilities and interests.

Pathways to Opportunity

Pathways to Opportunity is a program designed to provide intensive services for individuals with disabilities who want to create their path to a good future with a promising job. Career navigators will guide candidates through individualized steps toward economic independence.

Family Opportunity Program

Family Opportunity is a program designed to help your family move toward financial stability by improving employment. For families with a child with a disability who is under the age of 18 and an adult caregiver who is 18+ seeking employment, we can provide services for the adult job seeker including career counseling, resume development, placement assistance and more.

College InternXperience Program

College students who have autism might benefit from our College InternXperience program, a partnership with participating area colleges and universities to provide paid internship opportunities for college students who have been diagnosed with autism. The program provides hands-on experiences for students within their chosen fields of studies.

For information about any of the above programs, contact us.

The Heartland International Film Festival has once again partnered with the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge to showcase the slate of 2022 finalists and winners!

The EDFC founder Nic Novicki will join us in-person to present this year’s lineup! Nic Novicki is an actor, comedian and producer whose television credits include the following: Boardwalk Empire, The Sopranos, AXS Gotham Comedy Live, Jack and Triumph, The Neighbors, Austin and Alley, Private Practice and Drop Dead Diva.

Created in 2013 by Nic Novicki and launched in 2014, the challenge gives filmmakers – with and with-out disabilities – the opportunity to collaborate to tell unique stories that showcase disability in its many forms, inviting aspiring storytellers to creatively write, produce and complete short films. The week-long filmmaking contest – open to all – provides a platform for new voices in the entertainment industry.

This is your chance to see the shorts and meet Nic! Heartland International Film Festival is offering a FREE screening of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge finalists on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. EDT. The screening will take place at Deboest Lecture Hall at Newfields (4000 N. Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46208).

Order your free tickets today!

Community Day Event
John Boner Neighborhood Centers

2236 East 10th Street, Indianapolis IN 46201

Saturday, October 1, 2022 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Easterseals Crossroads’ Community Day Event at John Boner Neighborhood Center, presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and in partnership with JPMorgan Chase, is a free, family-friendly event. Activities include an exhibit hall of community partners, book giveaways, child and adult program offerings, child development check-ups, games, food and fun.  Our community partners are gathering to bring resources to John Boner Neighborhood Center for this special day of sharing information about services.

“Attending these Community Events at the Neighborhood Centers sponsored by Easterseals Crossroads has been a wonderful way to connect with families and provide information and resources about Adult & Child Health! As a Vendor attending the event I have gained information from the other vendors to share with my agency and have appreciated building relationships with the team members at the neighborhood centers.”  – Carla Orr, Team Lead, Adult & Child Health

Easterseals Crossroads will be providing free child-development check-ups onsite and sharing information about employment services for individuals and families living with disability, support services for veterans facing homelessness and career opportunities at Easterseals Crossroads.

Highlights

• Free lunch available for the first 150 people
• Food Box distribution provided by Gleaners and Eskenazi Health
• Free financial journey session presented by JPMorgan Chase
• On-site health screenings
• Free child-development check-ups provided by Easterseals Crossroads
• Free books, crafts and giveaways

Community Partners

• Adult and Child Health
• American Red Cross
• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Covering Kids and Families
• Easterseals Crossroads Children’s Services
• Easterseals Crossroads Employment Programs
• Easterseals Crossroads Veteran Services
• Family Development Services
• HealthNet
• Indiana Department of Health MCH Mother’s Helpline
• Indiana Diaper Bank
• Indiana WIC Program
• Indianapolis Public Library
• John Boner Neighborhood Center
• JPMorgan Chase
• Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana
• Versiti Blood Center of Indiana

We are looking for a few volunteers who can assist with this event; if you can volunteer, please fill out this form and we will contact you.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and our partner Chase.

Community Day Event
at MLK Center

40 W 40th Street, Indianapolis IN 46208

Saturday, September 17, 2022 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Easterseals Crossroads’ Community Day Event at MLK Center, presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and in partnership with JPMorgan Chase, is a free, family-friendly event. Activities include an exhibit hall of community partners, book giveaways, child and adult program offerings, child development check-ups, games, food and fun.  Our community partners are gathering to bring resources to MLK Center for this special day of sharing information about services.

Easterseals Crossroads will be providing free child-development check-ups onsite and sharing information about employment services for individuals and families living with disability, support services for veterans facing homelessness and career opportunities at Easterseals Crossroads.

Highlights

• Food Box distribution provided by Gleaners and Eskenazi Health
• Free lunch available for the first 150 people
• Free financial journey session presented by JPMorgan Chase
• Free child-development check-ups provided by Easterseals Crossroads
• Free books, crafts and giveaways

Community Partners

• Adult & Child Health
• Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
• CICOA
• Covering Kids and Families
• Easterseals Crossroads Children’s Services
• Easterseals Crossroads Pathways and Family Opportunity Programs
• Easterseals Crossroads Veteran Services
• Eskenazi Health
• Family Development Services
• Firefly Indiana Children and Family Alliance
• Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana
• Indiana Department of Health MCH Mother’s Helpline
• Indianapolis Public Library
• Indy Book Project
• JPMorgan Chase
• MLK Center
• Versiti Blood Center of Indiana

We are looking for a few volunteers who can assist with this event; if you can volunteer, please fill out this form and we will contact you.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and our partner Chase.

iCan Bike is a highly successful program that provides instruction for people with disabilities so that they can learn how to ride a two-wheel bicycle. The program is offered through iCan Shine – a nonprofit organization that collaborates with local organizations around the country to host training opportunities for bike riding and other activities.

Local organizations like Easterseals Crossroads agree to promote the program, engage a venue, find the participants, provide staff to coordinate and run the program and then recruit volunteers to create an environment where each bike rider is empowered to maximize his/her individual abilities.

The iCan Bike program consists of a highly refined and researched protocol and very special equipment. The protocol involves providing initial success and confidence (by way of special equipment – the roller bike). Once a rider is comfortable on a stable roller, there is a very gradual and subtle increase in difficulty by adjusting the size and shape of the roller, which increases the challenge to the rider’s balance teaching them to correct ever larger imbalances. Eventually a transition to a two-wheeled bike is completed when the rider has attained the appropriate level of success.

Staff Highlight – Meet John Kelly

Easterseals Crossroads has been offering this program for well over ten years. Staff member John Kelly has been involved for nine of those years as the director of the program. His unique background has made him especially suited to the needs of the program; not only does he head the home modification program at Easterseals Crossroads, he is a licensed physical therapy assistant. As a cycling enthusiast his entire life, he sees the benefits of cycling as a form of exercise, transportation, freedom and inclusion.

Frequently parents are skeptical or unsure about the prospect of learning how to ride a bike in a single week. Often they have tried to teach their own child to ride for years, which has resulted in frustration and fear of failure. iCan Bike has a proven success rate of approximately 80% of riders who can ride independently by the end of the camp week.

There are so many factors that go into success rates and often success comes in many forms; some riders might be afraid to put a helmet on or go near a bike. Success for that person might include pedaling in a straight line with assistance. Success then continues the next year when that same camper potentially returns and learns to ride independently. Every year, the camp hosts a few return riders who ultimately become independent on a bike.

“This camp works! The program is a lot of hard work and some magic that comes from the combination of many factors coming together to create success – most importantly, the iCan Bike program and huge amounts of dedicated (and physically fit) volunteers,” said John.

The ability to ride a bike for recreation and transportation can provide inclusion with friends, family and community that can in turn improve physical fitness, mental health and overall quality of life. In addition to the ability to ride a bike, the increase in self-esteem and confidence are often dramatic affecting other positive changes in family dynamics, school and friendships. Instead of being left behind, the child with a disability is empowered to be able to participate in a fun outdoor activity with friends and neighbors.

Success of iCan Bike depends largely on the 80+ volunteers needed to offer the program each year. Volunteers must be able to run alongside their riders offering support and encouragement. The program has established relationships with many sports teams from schools located on the south side of Indianapolis near the venue, Perry Park. Coaches have encouraged players to volunteer at iCan Bike since it is a demanding workout as well as a team building activity – all for a great cause.

Staff Highlight – Meet Shae Kelly

John believes that volunteers get as much out of the program as the volunteers do because the bond than naturally forms between a volunteer and rider is so genuine. He has turned the camp into a family affair and has recruited his own three kids Shae, Piper and Brody as volunteers. There is a lot that goes into a week of camp including hard work and learning as well as emotional experiences with success and challenge. John believes these qualities are important for kids – including his own – to learn in order to become adults who are valuable to society, to employers and in interpersonal relationships.

John and his daughter Shae ran the program again this year; they are hands-on camp directors. Neither one can just observe and/or watch the sessions; they truly enjoy participating in the program. Both enjoy physical exercise and being outside. Most importantly, they both understand that demonstrating a high level of active commitment to the volunteers helps to improve engagement and participation. When they can demonstrate necessary skills directly to the volunteers, it guides the high level of enthusiasm needed for the positive outcomes in the program. They are a team; every volunteer is engaged to be part of that team.

“I began as a full-time volunteer in 2016; my sister and I were recruited as soon as we were old enough. Instead of signing up for a specific session, our dad had us attend every session each day and we were paired with riders whenever a session needed extra volunteers. I don’t think my sister or I knew how important this camp would become to our family in the coming years. It has been so fun to work with my dad, brother and sister – we even recruited my mom this year for a few sessions and I got to run alongside a rider with her,” said Shae.

Shae is a junior at Villanova University double majoring in computer science, peace and justice with an ethics minor. The iCan Bike program has guided her interest in social justice and she feels more vocal about disability awareness because of experiences with iCan Bike. “I have seen first-hand the struggles that kids with disabilities overcome in learning to ride. My favorite part of camp is watching the excitement from both riders and parents in accomplishing the goal of riding. There are always happy tears from the parents; I cry as well almost every year,” said Shae.

Volunteer Highlight – Meet Michael Ferron

Michael has volunteered at iCan Bike for the past two years. His initial motivation was to support a fun and educational program. Beyond that, Michael is an agency board member who feels that his commitment to the agency extends beyond governance. Understanding what staff members do is critical to him understanding the importance of the programs upon which our community depends.

“Biking, running and playing outside were huge parts of my childhood and teenage years. Bike riding was mostly a way to get around the neighborhood and spend time with friends. As an adult, biking has primarily been for fitness and to get outdoors more often. After my first day as a volunteer for iCan Bike, I spoke with my mother who told me that I learned to ride a bike at five years of age. I realized bike riding was so prosaic that I could not remember when I could not do it. I now see how privilege and ableism influence our views about seemingly ordinary skills like using a bicycle,” said Michael.

Since the same volunteer works with the same rider each day of the five-day camp, volunteers can observe progress. Michael was so happy and sometimes surprised to watch the riders make so much significant progress with the help and assistance of their volunteers who are often high school students.

“I was very impressed with the young volunteers working with our program participants. I have been involved with people with disabilities in my community since I was 18. This has definitely shaped my passion for advocacy and inclusion for almost 20 years. Hopefully, experiences like iCan Bike will do the same for teens who volunteer with this program each year. Even though I felt physically exhausted after some sessions of iCan Bike because of all the running, I felt great emotionally because of the riders,” said Michael.

“One of my riders left a very strong impression on me. At the end of this rider’s second or third session, her mother was in tears after witnessing how quickly her daughter had progressed. She said that a few years ago, she accepted the fact that her daughter woul

d never ride a bike. But after this training, she truly believes that her daughter can do it. She then went on to say that she would be fine if her daughter had to live with her the rest of her life, but if she could learn to go out into the world and live independently, that would change both of their lives. Admittedly, I choked up hearing that and hugged my own daughter that night thinking about how much I take for granted. Services at Easterseals Crossroads are so vital to the families we serve,” said Michael.

Volunteer Highlight – Meet Sarah Schwomeyer

Sarah was a first-time volunteer at iCan Bike this year. Sarah is also a board member at Easterseals Crossroads and wanted to become involved because she is so dedicated to the mission of learning to ride a bike. She knows that bike riding is a very direct way to help a young person gain confidence and wanted participants to have that opportunity. Since iCan Bike depends so heavily upon volunteers to make it happen, Sarah was concerned that some people wouldn’t be able to participate in the program until more volunteers stepped up.

The model of iCan Bike benefits from the relationships that form with riders and their volunteers. Sarah enjoyed getting to know her rider buddies during their breaks. She found that when she and her rider could relax for just a short time during a break, the bond between them would strengthen. Riders benefit in knowing that their volunteers truly do want them to succeed and have fun during the process of learning to ride.

“The parents of one of my riders proudly told me that his son’s confidence and skills were way ahead of where they had been a year ago. I felt proud after every volunteer session because it was so very rewarding to see how much my riders improved in just the short time we were together each day. I literally saw them gain confidence in themselves right before my eyes! I was so surprised to see participants improve two or three levels – from the training bike to the two-wheel bike to riding independently outside – in just one or two sessions. The program is amazing. And I must also say that I was proud of myself for getting some good cardio,” said Sarah.

iCan Bike offers a bridge leading to confidence and independence for its participants. The confidence that results from something as important as that first bike ride can be life changing. It takes a community to guide the outcome of this program, one that Easterseals Crossroads is proud to offer because the power of independence can create a more inclusive community for our future.

Joe Mattingly is returning for his fifth year as a camp counselor for Camp FUEL. Camp FUEL is a camp opportunity for adolescents with disabilities ages 11-17. What makes the camp unique can vary from day to day as the participants spend much of their camp days in the community exploring the fun of Indianapolis with peers and counselors.

“Camp programs developed and provided by Easterseals Crossroads respond to the needs in our community; this is how the concept of Camp FUEL was created. We realized there was a great interest in camps for this age group in greater Indianapolis. We wanted to meet that need by providing fun and unique experience-based learning opportunities in a setting that would provide enjoyment and engaging opportunities for the campers/participants,”  said Kristyn Greenawald, Manager of Camps, Respite, and School-based Services.

Camp FUEL Explores Community

The campers are the main reason that Joe returns to Camp FUEL each summer; he is always so happy to see returning campers and meet new ones. During the rest of the year, Joe is an aide in a life skills class at Beech Grove High School and has been for the past nine years.

“I love that we get to provide a unique experience for campers in our community from a variety of places such as Agape, the JCC for swimming and Conner Prairie. Every day is a new and different experience; there is no typical day because every day is new and different. Campers tell me that they love making new friends and visiting places that they have never been,” said Joe.

Peers and New Experiences

Every year, we hear from parents about how much their campers love coming back to us each summer to see their camp friends and visit different places in the community. We strive to meet the individual needs of our campers and we definitely make certain that each camp event is accessible and fun for every camper.

Attending a new camp can cause some first-time participants to be a bit nervous. We have learned that typically by the end of the first day, campers have had such a great time with new experiences and their peers that they cannot wait to return the next day. By the time the session of camp ends, most of our parents tell us that their child cannot wait to return next year.  A significantly large percentage of campers are return campers each year until they outgrow the program.

“Years from now, I hope I still remember the smiles on the faces of the campers. This camp experience is honestly one that campers cannot have anywhere else that I know of.  I remember one camper who used a wheelchair to ambulate being nervous about horseback riding. After the first horseback riding session at Agape, this camper had the biggest smile! I hope families and campers remember all the unique experiences that camp offered them. I think we will all remember the fun that we had,” said Joe.

Learn more about camps provided by Easterseals Crossroads.