Indiana AgrAbility is a USDA-sponsored program that assists farmers, ranchers and other agricultural workers with disabilities. Since 2022, our INDATA Project staff have been involved in a partnership with Indiana AgrAbility, although the two entities have worked together prior to the partnership. Lisa Becker, an assistive technology technician for Easterseals Crossroads, has been involved with the project and explains more about it below.

According to Lisa, AgrAbility is similar to what our clinical assistive technology services does in that we provide vocational service through vocational rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities seeking employment. In this area, the core employment goals are agriculturally related. We help people keep farming or working in the agriculture field after experiencing a traumatic event or being diagnosed with a disability that might affect the ability to work in the field. It could also include individuals who have interest and skills in starting a new business in agriculture after a diagnosis.

Referrals for this service are typically made by vocational rehabilitation through the AgrAbility staff. INDATA has purchased approximately $10,000 of items to start the AgrAbility lending library, which is a service that allows interested individuals the opportunity to borrow and try a piece of equipment – in this case, equipment related to agriculture – before having to make a purchase. The lending library provides a unique, try-before-you-buy opportunity that can be a huge cost-saving measure for individuals with disabilities. While we are currently in the library set up phase, it is our goal that these items will be available to anyone in Indiana to check out and try before purchasing from other sources.

This new partnership formalizes our work and challenges us to find ways for us to work together and provide additional outreach opportunities. Each organization has been successful in specific outreach programs. So far, our skills have complimented each other and are improving and expanding our outreach programs. At our first ever Indiana AgrAbility Agricultural Assistive Technology Expo (April 13, 2023), we spotlighted two Easterseals Crossroads programs – home modification services with service provider John Kelly and the INDATA alternative finance program. – Lisa Becker, Assistive Technology Technician.

The expo provided an opportunity for people with and without disabilities to work and learn more about tasks typically associated with agriculture. Different types of assistive technology were explored to see what might work best on a farm.

Attendees attempted the following tasks: stepping up into a big tractor; climbing through the bucket into a skid steer; hopping into a zero-turn mower and steering with both hands; and flying a drone to look over a field and identify problems.  They then were guided to other tasks with the use of assistive technology such as using lifts to move someone in and out of a truck (to and from a wheelchair, for example) or to view the top of a tree or piece of equipment; moving in and out of a utility tractor using automatic hitches; driving a wheelchair adapted for all-terrain use (trackchair); using that trackchair to stand straight up; laying a temporary ramp to move over an obstacle; and much more.

Expo attendees toured two farms affiliated with Purdue University including a dairy farm to observe milking, feeding adult cows and viewing the calf area;  sheep operation to observe feeding, care of babies and shearing; grain silo operations and planting; and aquaculture to observe various fish breeding and raising for release to increase a population of the Eastern hellbender (North America’s largest salamander).

The conference was attended by 67 individuals who represented vocational rehabilitation counselors and supervisors; occupational therapists and therapy students; extension office employees; and individuals representing neighboring AgrAbility programs (Ohio, Illinois and maybe Wisconsin).  Several farmers who had worked with AgrAbility spoke as part of a panel about their experiences.

For more information about AgrAbility and Easterseals Crossroads, contact us.

contributed by Keith Fox,  program manager at Easterseals Crossroads; article originally seen in Special Needs Living magazine, June 2023

Public transportation makes it possible for all people to move around the city to work, attend appointments, grocery shop and participate in social activities. The bus system is timed to allow for transfers from one route to another without major interruption.

Benefits of Using Public Transportation

Public transportation is a safe way to travel, and all public buses have safety systems in place including video cameras inside the buses and on the exterior parameters.

All public busses are equipped with a wheelchair lift and there are areas in the front of the bus for wheelchairs with secured fastening systems. Each bus has an area in the front for individuals with disabilities as well as older people to sit without having to maneuver down the small bus walkway. This designated area provides the rider with the opportunity to seek out assistance from other riders and the driver while in route or when entering / exiting the bus.

Public bus schedules are consistent and reliable and run routes frequently providing riders additional flexibility in planning routes. The use of technology increases riders’ real time experiences through the ability to track specific buses to learn of routes, locations and changes.

When traveling on a public bus a rider may find time to relax and even work if traveling with a phone or tablet since many busses are equipped with USB ports to charge devices. This provides riders the opportunity to continue to be productive during travel time.

Riding public transportation can give riders a sense of belonging. Riders may also learn about other areas of the city, landmarks, people, places and things. Riding public transportation when traveling in a new city provides an opportunity to see new sights.

The use of public transportation is an effective cost saving strategy that is not available through use of many rideshare programs, door to door paratransit systems and personal transportation. Using public transportation can result in some savings for people when considering costs of driving a car (gasoline, insurance, parking, etc.).

Challenges of Using Public Transportation

While the benefits can outweigh the obstacles and challenges of public transportation, there are some worth mentioning.

• When utilizing public transportation, an individual must be at a bus stop at the appropriate time.
• If the marquee inside the bus is not working properly and not luminating the routes and stops and/or the voice activation is not working, a rider will need to resort to landmarks to pull the cord to signal the bus to stop when appropriate.
• The time spent on a public bus may mean it takes longer to get to a destination because of the route traveled and the transfer involved.

Overcoming Challenges of Public Transportation

To overcome some of the obstacles and challenges involved in public transportation, a rider must become aware of routes, landmarks and travel time.

Training is key, and perseverance can dictate results. Travel training is an important and necessary step in eliminating fears and anxiety. The unknown can create anxiety, but training, knowledge and experience can contribute to knowledge and empowerment.

Technology is a great way to overcome many challenges of public transportation. The use of GPS, transit apps, pictures and time cues are a part of everyday life for many individuals and these factors can be used to master public transportation.

Public transportation companies post information in real time on websites with information pertaining to schedules and detours that can affect rides. There are some free apps that can be downloaded to track the bus in real time. A couple of examples are My Transit App or My Stop App.

The Wayfinder App is a cost to users, but it has a programmed route that offers the capability of voice and use of landmarks during travel. This app is a great option for individuals whose travel training is limited or if the individual may need constant prompting.

Many social service agencies for individuals with disabilities have mobility training specialists or other professional staff who can provide training. This training consists of real time coaching, picture cues, technology and landmark identification. The goal is for the individual to be able to travel to and from work.

Paying for Public Transportation

There are several options available to pay to access the public transportation system. Exact change on the bus can be used by inserting coins or dollars in the on-board bus pay and pass system. This option only allows for exact change and a ticket that is purchased will print out to be used for the remainder of the tickets valid time and date. Tickets can also be purchased at the transit store located at the main hub or at the Indianapolis airport. Online accounts can be created to obtain a public bus ID, called MY KEY. Funds can be added to MY KEY; when used to enter a bus, costs are deducted from the card.

“Learning the public transportation system was the best thing for our son it allowed him to be independent, his self-confidence increased, and he had the opportunity to participate in activities with his friends.”- Project SEARCH intern parent.

About the Author

Keith Fox, program manager at Easterseals Crossroads, has been training individuals with disabilities on public transportation for 24 years. Many individuals with whom he works have never used public transportation, which can create uncertainty for the individual and with his/her family. “Creating individualized plans help alleviate anxiety. When families see their loved ones reach new independence with transportation, there can be an overall sense of pride and comfort in having a reliable way of getting around the city independently. This directly increases the individual’s self-esteem, self-confidence and self-determination. This can greatly contribute to empowerment and advocacy for people with disabilities,” said Keith.

original content created by Coles Marketing for Easterseals Crossroads INDATA Program

The Indianapolis Public Library and Easterseals Crossroads have partnered to facilitate equal access to technology by installing accessible workstations at all 24 Library locations throughout Indianapolis, Lawrence and Beech Grove.

This project is part of The Library’s Strategic Plan for 2021-2023. As it states: “An informed community, where a child’s first library card opens the door to a world without limits, will help to ensure that Indianapolis will rise from the challenges of 2020’s uncertainty and embrace the opportunities ahead with great confidence.”

Opportunities for All Abilities

The accessible workstations are part of The Library’s Digital Inclusion Roadmap, which it drew out based on interviews with community partners and brainstorming sessions with a staff advisory panel.

“The outcome was a clear roadmap goal: Ensure the technology we offer and digital materials we lend can be used successfully by people with a wide range of abilities,” said Marianne McKenzie, Supervisor, Digital Inclusion. “The expansion of accessible technology workstations arose from staff feedback around equitable access. They observed the need for this resource in their branch, noting only two workstations in the library system.”

While the Central and Glendale Branches have rooms dedicated to accessible workstations, this new initiative improves inclusion by placing these workstations out in the open, among all Library patrons. This is beneficial in reinforcing the idea that not all disabilities are obvious or visible and in welcoming people with disabilities to work among the public.

“We hope to increase the confidence of all of our patrons in using technology independently and to enhance their quality of life,” said Shanika Heyward, director of innovation and technology at The Indianapolis Public Library.

The workstations were developed through a comprehensive review process.

“The framework for the accessible workstations took shape through site visits, conversations and online surveys with Library staff,” said Brian Norton, director of assistive technology at Easterseals Crossroads. “The strategy was to use a small amount of technology to meet the majority of patron needs. This includes needs for vision, mobility, intellectual/cognitive and hearing impairments as well as language barriers. Built-in durable tools, devices and apps make the workstations user-friendly, intuitive and sustainable.”

What to Expect at the Workstations

The design of the workstations aims to make people with various disabilities instantly feel comfortable when they approach them.

Mobility
With a hydraulic, height-adjustable desk, the workstation immediately accommodates people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

Adjustable, articulating arm supports assist people with fine motor control or fatigue issues due to multiple sclerosis, stroke, or repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel.

During a demo of a workstation at the East 38th Street branch, Norton said, “We’ve already seen people who’ve had strokes use the station and benefit greatly from it.”

A trackball mouse with programmable buttons helps users with limited dexterity or range of motion move the cursor across the screen and click on or drag items.

Vision
For people with low vision, the BigBlu Vision Keyboard has keys that are 250 percent larger than standard keyboards. The high contrast of black letters on white keys reduces eye strain. Of course, the computer has high-contrast screen settings as well.

In addition to Windows’ built-in screen magnifier, the desktop computer is equipped with speech recognition software, which enables hands-free voice control of the computer. The desktop also has Non-Visual Display Access, an open-source screen reader.

The workstation comes with a stand for an Android Galaxy tablet, which can serve as a magnifying device for reading and viewing items around the library.

Hearing
In addition to the Sound Amplifier app, the tablet comes with Live Transcribe, which captures speech and sound and allows users to see both captioned on the screen.

What Lies Ahead

These are just a few of the workstations’ many features. To avoid overwhelming users and give them a starting point, each desktop has a guide pointing Library patrons to helpful tools and apps for reading, writing, math, note-taking, hearing and vision.

These tools can “read” information to patrons and respond to voice commands; and help people with learning disabilities or mobility limitations complete tasks such as writing a document or accessing the internet.

hosted by Jane Harper, an information security and risk expert

About Jane
Jane is a Senior Director of Information, Security Risk Management and Business Engagement, Eli Lilly and Company, as well as a member of our Easterseals Crossroads Board of Directors and a published author. Additionally, Jane serves on the board of the National Cyber Security Alliance, and she works actively with them to help everyone stay safe online.

She is passionate about information security for all and she is excited to share some tips to help keep us safe online, compliments of NCSA. Every other month, Jane will share some key facts, stories and tips regarding online security.

Do Your Part and Stay Cyber Smart

You can help take a bite out of cybercrime! The first step toward bringing cybercriminals to justice is reporting cybercrime when it happens.

We can’t let criminals own the internet.  Through responsible digital citizens like you, there is more focus on reducing cybercrimes.  Authorities have seriously upped their game since the first viruses, malware, and phishing attacks. There continues to be significant increases in spending to focused on preventing, stopping, and investigating cyber threats. There has also been an increase in legislative attention at all levels of government.

Even with this, you are the key to reducing cybercrime. If you are a target of cybercrime, you must notify the appropriate authorities. Compliments of the National Cyber Security Alliance, I want to share a few insights to help you Stay Cyber Smart!

WHO TO CONTACT

Local Law Enforcement

Even if you have been the target of a multinational cybercrime, your local law enforcement agency (such as your local police department or sheriff’s office) has an obligation to assist you by taking a formal report. They are also required to make referrals to other agencies, when appropriate. Report your situation as soon as you find out about it.

Your Workplace’s IT Department

If the cybercrime happened in a work context, like if you received a suspected phishing email in your work email inbox, you should contact a supervisor or your company’s IT department.

Your Workplace’s IT Department

If the cybercrime happened in a work context, like if you received a suspected phishing email in your work email inbox, you should contact a supervisor or your company’s IT department.

Your Email Provider

Deleting spam, malicious messages or any other suspicious emails keeps you safe, but you can bolster your cybersecurity by reporting any serious cybercrime attempt to your email client. Many of the major email services (like Gmail and Outlook) make this very easy to do. You can also block senders, so you can ensure a bad actor email account never contacts you again.

The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

You can get the federal government’s help with your issue by contacting IC3. IC3 will thoroughly review and evaluate your complaint and refer it to the appropriate federal, state, local or international law enforcement or regulatory agency that has jurisdiction over the matter. https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

While the FTC does not resolve individual consumer complaints, it does run the Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database used by civil and criminal law enforcement authorities worldwide to detect patterns of wrong doing. If you are the victim of identity theft, you can receive additional help through the FTC hotline at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). Find more resources aimed at individuals, businesses, and law enforcement at identitytheft.gov.

Remember, you aren’t alone online! You have the power to stop cybercriminals!