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.