Olivia and Sophia are twins (Olivia left and Sophia right in above photo) who attend the Indiana School for the Deaf. Like many 16-year-olds, they want to learn to drive. The written test to gain a learner’s permit is now accessible for Deaf people in Indiana because Easterseals Crossroads worked with the BMV to make the computerized tests available in American Sign Language.

“ASL is my first language; I don’t understand written English all the time. Having the questions signed was the only way to make the test accessible for me,” said Sophia. Olivia thought some of the wording was tricky. “I would not have understood the questions without the videos,” said Olivia.

Easterseals Crossroads realized the tremendous need for ASL test options and Stephanie Ritchie and Jennifer Alka from our Deaf services team worked diligently during the past year to make this need a reality. The computerized versions of the tests now provide video links of ASL interpreters signing the questions. “ASL is a visual language; it is definitely different than written English and some words do not transfer well,” said Jennifer.

“A huge barrier for Deaf people no longer exists. An entire new generation of drivers will never realize that there were struggles with testing accessibility. It has been amazing to be part of something this big. We made a change that can benefit every Deaf driver in Indiana,” said Stephanie.

Lucas was diagnosed with autism before his second birthday and has been working with autism specialists for three years. Now five, he is learning to communicate and make friends in addition to learning his colors, numbers and letters – all amazing things according to his mom Mary.

Mary is a social worker, but still learns more about autism and available services every day since both of her children have autism. “I have a lot of knowledge, but it isn’t the same when you apply it to your own kids. Reading the books about autism is one thing, but having someone with experience guide you is best. Easterseals Crossroads helps our family every step of the way,” said Mary.

Learn about autism services for children and young adults at Easterseals Crossroads.

Crossroads Industrial Services is an ISO 9001:2015 contract manufacturing plant within the Indianapolis area that offers high quality solutions for businesses that include assembly, supply chain management, fulfillment, product packaging, document scanning and more. “What makes us unique is our mission – we employ people with disabilities and the work we perform generates income for programs for people with disabilities at Easterseals Crossroads,” said Jeff Gore, General Manager, Administration.

“We have been in business for many years because of the reliability and accountability of our workforce. The bottom line is that our customers want quality products delivered on time. That is always number one to us,” said Greg Roberts, General Manager, Operations.

There is great accountability and responsibility in working at Industrial Services. So much so that many of the employees have 20+ years of tenure. “This speaks to the value of the staff and the benefits of working at Industrial Services, but it also speaks to the fact that the employees are working to create better opportunities for others by being part of something bigger,” said Greg.

I have been part of making products that are shipped all over the country, all over the world. This has made me realize that I am doing something very important, said John, Industrial Services employee, 27 years.

Learn more about Crossroads Industrial Services.

You can be part of something bigger on Giving Tuesday this year for children with disabilities at Easterseals Crossroads. Through children’s therapy and autism programs, we provided over 21,191 service appointments for families who count on us to meet their needs. In turn, we count on our community to help us cover the 25% of our operating budget that relies on philanthropy. There has never been a better time to be a part of something bigger for people with disabilities and veterans at Easterseals Crossroads.

All gifts to up to $50,000 will be matched through the end of the year.

Meet Fenton

“Five-year-old Fenton is the gift that our family never thought of asking for,” said mom Erin. With four older brothers and one older sister, he is surrounded by a protective, loving sibling team.

Fenton was born with Down syndrome and his mom Erin, a speech pathologist at Easterseals Crossroads years ago, knew where she wanted Fenton to receive therapy. “I trust the people and the mission at Easterseals Crossroads. I knew this would be a long-term journey for our family, so I wanted him to be in a place where he is loved, taken care of and treated like family,” said Erin.

Learn more about children’s services.

“My grandson calls me the Zoom Queen,” said Gladys who is a recipient of a refurbished laptop computer from the INDATA Depot at Easterseals Crossroads. The Depot refurbishes donated computers for distribution to people with disabilities in Indiana.

Success of this program is dependent on the generosity of businesses in our community. CareSource – a healthcare insurance provider – recently donated over 100 laptops from the Indianapolis location. “At CareSource, we always want to find ways to improve the lives of others; coming together across communities is better for everyone,” said Steve Smitherman, CareSource President, Indiana Market.

Gladys heard about the program and applied for a laptop. As a breast cancer survivor, Gladys is careful with her health and in-person contact especially since COVID. She uses her laptop to schedule virtual doctor’s appointments, as well as meetings with friends, family, church members and craft groups.

“Having my laptop to communicate with people has opened my world. Without it, I think I would be a little lost and depressed. With my cancer, I have been through a lot of things. Being able to see my friends and family through my laptop has made a huge difference,” said Gladys.

Learn more about donating computers or receiving them at the Depot.