Program features Aaron Likens, autism ambassador and new flagman for Indianapolis 500
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Oct. 21, 2020) – Easterseals Crossroads, a local nonprofit organization providing disability services, is celebrating the 75th anniversary of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month by partnering with two other national Easterseals affiliates on a special virtual program focused on individuals with disabilities in the workplace.
“Mining for Gold: Finding, Hiring and Nurturing Talented Employees with Disabilities” takes place Tuesday, October 27 at 4 p.m., targeting employers, parents, people with disabilities and special educators. It is free to attendees but requires registration here.
The webinar will feature Aaron Likens, Easterseals ambassador and new IndyCar flagman. Likens is an award-winning public speaker and author of “Finding Kansas: Living and Decoding Asperger’s Syndrome.” Diagnosed with autism later in life, Aaron helps businesses better understand the talents and value individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace as well as the need to include disability in their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies. He also provides useful strategies, resources and inspiration for people with disabilities and other special needs who are seeking employment.
“There is so much human potential in every person on the autism spectrum,” Likens said. “Whether I’m speaking to law enforcement, parents, teachers or classmates, the goal is just to get as much understanding about autism as possible.”
The Easterseals program will include a recorded interview with Likens by Easterseals Arkansas CEO Ron Ekstrand, along with several short videos from employers on the benefits of employing people with disabilities and their lessons learned. Aaron will field a 15-minute live question and answer session after the interview.
“This year, we are celebrating 75 years of National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Easterseals Crossroads President and CEO David Dreith. “This proof-of-concept program was a great opportunity to get involved with an initiative providing insights to employers, individuals and parents about working with and hiring people with disabilities. And the fact that Aaron, who is such a highly-sought-after speaker and ambassador for Easterseals on a national level, also has a connection with Indianapolis through his love of racing — that makes it an even more perfect fit. We look forward to having him share his story with audiences throughout the Indianapolis area and across the country.”
A former resident of Indianapolis, Likens has gone to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with his father since he was three years old. A huge race fan, Aaron became the head flagman for the St. Louis Karting Association at age 13, which made him one of the youngest chief starters in American racing. Likens serves as the National Series flagman for SuperKarts USA. He was recently in the flag stand for the IndyCar Harvest GP races on October 2-3 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.
Easterseals Crossroads works with children and adults with disabilities and special needs and their families, with additional support areas serving veterans and military families, seniors and caregivers, to promote growth, dignity and independence by providing appropriate and progressive services in central Indiana.
Visit eastersealscrossroads.org for more about the services offered through Easterseals Crossroads.
About Easterseals Crossroads
Easterseals Crossroads has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for over 80 years. Whether helping someone improve physical mobility, return to work or simply gain greater independence for everyday living, Easterseals Crossroads offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals. We provide top-quality, family-focused and innovative services tailored to meet the specific needs of the individuals we serve. For more, visit eastersealscrossroads.org.
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