Our Stories 2011

Alex Neu

Alex came to Easter Seals Crossroads in 1995 after being diagnosed with developmental expressive apraxia, which had been caused by a mild stroke during birth. Prior to coming to Easter Seals Crossroads, Alex’s parents were told that he would never be a candidate for attending a traditional school, but David and Erin never gave up hope.

Alex thrived with the services provided by Easter Seals Crossroads, where he received occupational and speech therapies, and he attended developmental kindergarten three days a week. In May 2011 Alex graduated from Roncalli High School and he has been accepted at the University of Indianapolis where he will study physical therapy. Alex is well-prepared and excited to see where his abilities will take him!

Madeline Todd

Maddie is the daughter of Cindy and Vince Todd. Maddie came to Easter Seals Crossroads when she was 3 years old in 2006 with the diagnosis of congenital hydrocephalus. Maddie worked with physical therapist Michelle Sutton to increase her strength, balance and coordination. Maddie also worked with occupational therapist Karrie Veteto to improve her fine motor and visual motor skills. Initially, she struggled with the concept of working with her body to complete a task, such as getting on a swing and then swinging-a task she now enjoys! Maddie is in elementary school, and she has made great strides. Maddie continues to become stronger in using her arms and hands and she runs, jumps and rides a bicycle. Maddie’s abilities are growing by leaps and bounds!

Peter Smith

Peter came to Easter Seals Crossroads in 2008 while he was in high school; his teachers and his vocational rehabilitation counselor wanted to help Peter with his job possibilities beyond high school. Peter is a young man with autism who is also legally blind.

After working with Peter to learn more about his interests and skills, his employment consultant Jennifer Shaw helped him find a job in food services with Aramark on the campus of Butler University.

Peter loves being in the college environment and he loves his job with Aramark. He is learning new skills, he has increased his part-time hours and he has been able to contribute money to help with home expenses. Aramark is happy, too; Peter’s boss would like “twenty more of Peter!”