If you’ve lived in central Indiana for any length of time, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the name Easterseals Crossroads.

But you may have also wondered: What exactly does Easterseals Crossroads do?

The answer is bigger than any single program or service.

For 90 years, Easterseals Crossroads has been part of the central Indiana community, serving and advocating for people with disabilities and their families. From a toddler working toward an important developmental milestone to an adult looking for meaningful employment, our programs are designed around a common goal: helping people maximize their independence and achieve what matters to them.

Serving Our Community Since 1936

Our story began in 1936 with a small group of teenagers with disabilities who came together for socialization. What started with just a few volunteers grew over the decades into one of central Indiana’s most comprehensive providers of disability services.

Today, Easterseals Crossroads provides services for children, adults and families throughout our community.

While the programs have changed and expanded over the years, our purpose remains clear: we serve and advocate for people with disabilities and their families.

Our vision is equally important: a community with 100% equity, inclusion and access for people with disabilities.

What Does Easterseals Crossroads Actually Do?

One of the biggest misconceptions about Easterseals Crossroads may be that we serve only children or people with certain types of disabilities.

In reality, our services can support people at many different ages and stages of life.

For children and families, that can include early intervention, autism services and augmentative communication. These services can help children develop skills, communicate, participate in everyday activities and become more independent.

As young people prepare for adulthood, programs such as transition services and Project SEARCH can help them explore employment, build workplace skills and prepare for what comes next.

For adults, our services include employment programs, adult day services and resources for veterans, among other supports. Our goal isn’t to define success for someone. It is to provide the resources and opportunities that can help each person pursue their own goals.

And our work goes beyond traditional disability services.

Through programs such as assistive technology, Deaf services and home modification services, we help people access tools, communication and environments that can make greater independence possible.

We also believe recreation, connection and belonging matter. Camps, respite programs and other community activities give people opportunities to have fun, build friendships, try something new and simply be part of their community.

Disability Can Be Part of Anyone’s Story

Sometimes people don’t think about disability services until they or someone they love needs them.

A child may experience a developmental delay. A teenager with a disability may begin thinking about life after high school. An adult may acquire a disability after an injury or illness. A veteran may need support transitioning to civilian life. A family may suddenly begin searching for assistive technology or ways to make a home more accessible.

There isn’t one type of person who comes through our doors.

That’s why Easterseals Crossroads offers programs that can support people across different stages of life.

And sometimes the most important thing we can provide is a place to start.

Independence Looks Different for Everyone

At Easterseals Crossroads, we talk a lot about independence.

But independence doesn’t have one definition.

It might mean a child finding a new way to communicate.

It could mean someone landing their first job.

It might mean learning to use assistive technology, developing skills to participate more fully in the community, finding resources after military service or gaining greater independence in everyday life.

The goal is not to decide what someone should be able to do. It is to listen to what they want to accomplish and help connect them with services, resources and opportunities that can support those goals.

That’s why our services are individualized and family-focused. Every person who connects with Easterseals Crossroads brings different experiences, abilities, challenges and goals.

Our Impact Reaches Beyond the People We Serve

When someone gains greater independence, the impact rarely stops with that individual.

Families gain support. Employers gain talented employees. Caregivers gain resources. Communities become more accessible and inclusive.

That ripple effect is an important part of who we are.

Easterseals Crossroads serves thousands of people with disabilities each year, but the broader impact extends to families, friends, coworkers, employers and others throughout our community.

Our work also includes creating employment opportunities directly. Crossroads Industrial Services, our competitive social enterprise division, has a workforce in which 75% of employees are people with disabilities who are paid market wages. Profits from the business help support underfunded services at Easterseals Crossroads.

It is one more way our mission extends beyond providing services and into creating opportunities.

We’re Here for Central Indiana

For someone unfamiliar with Easterseals Crossroads, the easiest way to understand us may be this:

We are a resource for people with disabilities, their families and our community.

You don’t need to know the name of the program you need before contacting us. You don’t need to understand every service we provide. And you don’t need to have all the answers.

Whether you’re a parent looking for resources for your child, a person with a disability looking for greater independence, a job seeker, a veteran, a caregiver, an employer wanting to build a more inclusive workforce or a community member who simply wants to learn more, Easterseals Crossroads is here.

Because creating a community with greater equity, inclusion and access doesn’t happen through one program, one organization or one person.

It happens when we work together.

By Brandon Scott | Easterseals Crossroads

Every July, people across the United States celebrate Disability Pride Month. While many have heard of it, fewer understand what it truly represents and why it matters.

Disability Pride Month is a time to recognize the contributions, achievements, and experiences of people with disabilities. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made toward accessibility and inclusion while acknowledging the work that still remains.

The month of July was chosen because it marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. The ADA was a landmark piece of legislation that prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities and helped create greater access to employment, transportation, public accommodations, education, and many other aspects of everyday life.

But Disability Pride Month is about more than legislation.

At its core, Disability Pride is about recognizing that disability is a natural part of the human experience. It is about embracing who you are and understanding that having a disability does not make someone less valuable, less capable, or less deserving of opportunity.

For many people with disabilities, the greatest challenges are not always the physical barriers they encounter. Often, the biggest obstacles are the assumptions others make about what they can or cannot do. Low expectations, misconceptions, and stereotypes can create barriers that are just as limiting as a flight of stairs without a ramp.

As someone who was born with a disability, I have experienced those perceptions firsthand. Throughout my life, I have encountered people who were surprised to learn that I drive, have a career, am married, raise children, travel, and live independently. Their surprise is not necessarily rooted in negativity; it often stems from a lack of exposure and understanding.

That is why Disability Pride Month is so important.

It creates opportunities for conversations that challenge misconceptions and broaden perspectives. It encourages people to see individuals with disabilities not through the lens of limitations, but through the lens of possibility.

Disability Pride does not mean pretending disabilities do not present challenges. Many people face significant obstacles related to health, accessibility, communication, transportation, and daily living. Pride is not about ignoring those realities. Rather, it is about recognizing that a person’s worth is not defined by those challenges.

Disability Pride is about embracing identity, celebrating resilience, and acknowledging the unique experiences that shape our lives.

It is also a reminder that accessibility benefits everyone. Features such as curb cuts, automatic doors, captions, accessible websites, and inclusive design make communities stronger and more welcoming for all people. When we create environments that include individuals with disabilities, everyone benefits.

As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, I encourage you to take time to learn from the stories of people with disabilities. Listen to their experiences. Challenge your assumptions. Advocate for accessibility and inclusion in your workplace, school, organization, and community.

Most importantly, remember that disability does not diminish a person’s potential. Every individual deserves the opportunity to pursue their goals, contribute their talents, and be valued for who they are.

Disability Pride Month is not just a celebration for people with disabilities. It is a reminder to all of us that our communities are strongest when everyone has the opportunity to belong, participate, and thrive.

This July, let’s celebrate progress, embrace inclusion, and continue building a world where possibilities are greater than perceptions.

By Kathleen Gaither, BSN, RN

Receiving a developmental delay or disability diagnosis for your child feels like a gut punch. Suddenly, questions flood your mind. What caused this? What does the future look like? Where do we even begin?

You may feel guilt, fear, and overwhelming uncertainty. To make matters harder, your pediatrician may not always have the answers, especially if most of their patients are neurotypical children.

This was my reality thirteen years ago with my son.

In 2013, autism rates were reported as 1 in 50. Today, they are closer to 1 in 31, according to the CDC.

First Steps

Our journey began when our son was about eight months old. He was not meeting developmental milestones, and due to ongoing concerns, our pediatrician referred us to First Steps Indiana.

First Steps provides early intervention services for children with developmental delays or disabilities. Therapies take place in the home, allowing children to learn in their natural environment. Services continue until age three.

Our son required speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral support due to global developmental delays.

Aging Out of First Steps

When our son turned three, services ended.

Now what?

He still needed support, but we were suddenly on our own. I returned to our pediatrician for guidance, but the only resource provided was a flyer for a “special needs” information fair.

That phrase hit me hard.

Then came the words I wasn’t prepared to hear:

“Your son is demonstrating symptoms of autism.”

That was my breaking point.

As a nurse, my mind immediately jumped to outdated and inaccurate stereotypes. I thought of scenes from Rain Man and memories of a classmate who struggled significantly in school. I began to wonder: Is this our future?

Meanwhile, my son’s symptoms became more pronounced. He stopped making eye contact. His tantrums lasted for hours. He couldn’t communicate his needs. Sensory challenges grew, and his diet became extremely limited.

I knew early intervention was critical. But what did that actually look like now?

There was only one option left: attend the information fair.

ABA Therapy

At the fair, I felt overwhelmed by the information. But one approach stood out: ABA Therapy.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), as defined by Autism Speaks, focuses on improving positive behaviors and reducing harmful ones through reinforcement.

A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) conducts an assessment and develops a personalized treatment plan.

We chose in-home ABA so I could be involved and carry strategies into daily life.

However, when our son reached kindergarten, we encountered another barrier. Our school district did not allow outside therapists in the classroom. This forced us into half-day school and half-day therapy.

Eventually, we had to stop ABA altogether, despite medical necessity. It was a frustrating and disheartening experience.

Family Supports Waiver

At the same fair, I learned about Indiana’s Family Supports Waiver.

This program provides services for individuals with developmental disabilities living at home. To qualify, families must apply for Medicaid, but parental income is not considered for children.

However, a qualifying diagnosis is required.

The Waiting Game

Wait times for services can range from eight months to three years.

When selected, families receive an invitation letter and have 30 days to respond. From there, you meet with specialists, choose a case management company, and begin building a care plan.

This process is time-consuming and often overwhelming. Finding the right providers may take multiple attempts.

But it is worth it.

Our Diagnosis

Getting a diagnosis is not easy. Waitlists can stretch for months or even years.

Our son was evaluated by a psychologist and diagnosed with PDD-NOS, a classification used at the time for children who did not meet full autism criteria.

Today, under the DSM-5, conditions like PDD-NOS and Asperger’s have been consolidated under the umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Getting an Evaluation

If autism is suspected, pediatricians may refer families to specialists such as:

• Developmental-behavioral pediatricians
• Child psychologists or psychiatrists
• Pediatric neurologists

Today, finding providers is much easier through online searches. That was not the case when we began our journey.

A Better Path Forward

Looking back, there is one thing I wish I had known sooner:

You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Organizations like Easterseals provide a centralized approach, offering evaluations, diagnoses, and therapies all in one place. In fact, Easterseals is a First Steps provider!

Having that kind of support early on could have reduced so much stress and uncertainty for our family.

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Links Towards Help

Family Supports Waiver

First Steps 

Autism and Behavior Services

The NCAA Men’s Final Four brings thousands of fans downtown with events across multiple venues. With thoughtful planning, you can make the most of the experience, especially if you or someone in your group has mobility or sensory needs.

Key Fan Events and Locations

• Fan Fest at the Indiana Convention Center
• Tip-Off Tailgate on Georgia Street
• March Madness Music Festival at American Legion Mall
• Reese’s Final Four Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium
• Final Four Dribble along a downtown route to Fan Fest

Mobility Accessibility Tips

Indiana Convention Center (Fan Fest)

The Indiana Convention Center is a large, fully accessible venue with wide pathways, elevators, and accessible entrances.

Accessibility information: https://www.icclos.com/indiana-convention-center-venue/ada-accessibility/

Tips:

• Visit during early hours for easier navigation
• Expect long lines for interactive exhibits
• Use elevators and accessible routes throughout the building

Lucas Oil Stadium (Final Four Friday)

Lucas Oil Stadium offers accessible seating, elevators, and guest services support throughout the venue.

Accessibility information: https://www.lucasoilstadium.com/plan-your-visit/a-z-guide/

Tips:

• Arrive early to avoid heavy congestion
• Utilize the guest services staff if assistance is needed

American Legion Mall (Music Festival)

This outdoor venue is generally flat but can become crowded and loud during performances.

Tips:

• Be aware of grassy or uneven areas
• Use accessible drop-off points when possible
• Stay toward the outer edges for easier movement

Georgia Street (Tip-Off Tailgate and Downtown Events)

Georgia Street serves as a central hub for fan activities, including food, music, and entertainment.

Tips:

• Expect dense crowds, especially in the evenings
• Identify entry and exit points ahead of time
• Consider attending earlier in the day for more space

Sensory Accessibility Tips

High-Stimulation Environments

Many events include loud music, bright lights, large video displays, and significant crowd density.

The most intense environments are typically:

• Music Festival
• Fan Fest
• Tip-Off Tailgate

Strategies for Sensory Comfort

Plan your timing:

• Attend during less crowded hours, such as early in the day or on weekdays

Identify quieter spaces:

• Convention center lobby areas
• Outdoor perimeter spaces
• Nearby hotels or public buildings

Bring sensory supports:

• Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs
• Sunglasses or hats
• Comfort items or fidgets

Pace your visit:

• Focus on one or two key activities per visit
• Build in breaks between events

Tips for Families

• Establish a meeting point in case of separation
• Review maps and event layouts in advance
• Prepare children for crowds, noise levels, and waiting
• Take breaks as needed

The Men’s Final Four is an exciting experience for fans of all abilities. With thoughtful planning and awareness of available resources, you can navigate the events comfortably and confidently.

Take your time, know your options, and enjoy the experience.

Each March, Indiana recognizes Disability Awareness Month. At Easterseals Crossroads, this month holds special meaning. It is a time to celebrate the strengths, talents, and contributions of people with disabilities across our state. It is also a time to reflect on the work that still needs to be done to create communities where everyone belongs.

Disability Awareness Month is about more than recognition. It is about action. It is about making sure our workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, and public spaces are accessible and inclusive. It is about understanding that disability is a natural part of the human experience and that every person deserves opportunity, dignity, and respect.

Celebrating Ability and Impact

People with disabilities are leaders, employees, parents, students, entrepreneurs, artists, and advocates. They enrich our communities in countless ways. When barriers are removed and opportunities are provided, individuals with disabilities thrive.

At Easterseals Crossroads, we see this every day. We see children gaining confidence at camp. We see young adults preparing for meaningful employment. We see families finding connection and support. We see individuals discovering independence through assistive technology. These stories are not exceptions. They are examples of what is possible when inclusion is intentional.

Why Awareness Matters

Awareness leads to understanding. Understanding leads to change.

Even today, many individuals with disabilities face barriers to employment, transportation, housing, health care, and recreation. Disability Awareness Month encourages all of us to examine how we can remove those barriers. It challenges employers to create inclusive workplaces. It calls on community leaders to prioritize accessibility. It invites neighbors to foster belonging.

True inclusion goes beyond compliance. It means designing spaces, programs, and opportunities so that everyone can participate fully. It means listening to the voices of people with disabilities and ensuring they are part of decision-making at every level.

Our Commitment

At Easterseals Crossroads, our mission is to empower people with disabilities and their families to achieve their goals and live with greater independence. During Disability Awareness Month and throughout the year, we remain committed to:

• Expanding access to services and supports

• Promoting inclusive employment opportunities

• Providing assistive technology and training

• Creating adaptive recreation experiences

• Supporting families through every stage of life

We believe accessibility is just the beginning. Inclusion is the goal.

How You Can Get Involved

Disability Awareness Month is an opportunity for everyone to participate. You can:

• Educate yourself about disability inclusion

• Support inclusive businesses and organizations

• Advocate for accessibility in your community

• Volunteer your time

• Share stories that highlight ability and impact

Small actions create meaningful change. When we work together, we build a stronger, more inclusive Indiana.

Moving Forward Together

March reminds us that awareness is powerful, but it must be paired with action. At Easterseals Crossroads, we are proud to stand alongside individuals with disabilities, families, partners, and advocates who are working every day to create communities where everyone can thrive.

This month and every month, we celebrate ability. We champion inclusion. And we continue building a future where opportunity is open to all.

Video games are more than just entertainment. They are gateways to connection, creativity, and achievement. For many in the disability community, gaming provides a powerful way to explore the world, build friendships, and enjoy the same sense of excitement and challenge as anyone else. However, for a long time, games were not always designed with everyone in mind.

That is starting to change, and it matters now more than ever.

Gaming as a Level Playing Field

In everyday life, people with disabilities often encounter physical and social barriers. Inaccessible buildings, limited transportation, or a lack of inclusive recreational options can create isolation. In contrast, virtual worlds offer a place where those barriers can disappear. With the right tools and thoughtful design, a gamer using adaptive equipment can play alongside others from around the world.

Gaming can create a level playing field, but only if developers and communities intentionally include everyone.

Representation and Belonging

Inclusive gaming is not only about accessible technology. It is also about representation. Seeing characters with disabilities in games or having the ability to create avatars that reflect personal experiences helps foster a sense of belonging. When games reflect the real diversity of their players, they send a clear message: You are welcome here.

True representation also means including people with disabilities in every stage of game development. From design and testing to storytelling and voice acting, their perspectives make the games richer, more authentic, and more relatable.

Social Connection Through Play

Online games can provide an important source of social interaction for gamers with disabilities. Through multiplayer experiences, individuals can form friendships, collaborate on missions, and enjoy a shared sense of purpose and accomplishment. For those who may face mobility limitations or experience social isolation, these virtual connections are incredibly valuable.

Gaming can promote mental well-being, confidence, and a strong sense of community, as long as everyone has the opportunity to participate.

Innovation That Helps Everyone

Accessibility features like customizable controls, text-to-speech, and colorblind modes are often developed with disability inclusion in mind. However, they benefit a much broader audience. Just as curb ramps designed for wheelchairs help people with strollers or bikes, inclusive design in gaming improves the experience for all players.

Designing for accessibility leads to innovation that makes games better for everyone.

The Path Forward

There is still more work to be done. Many games are not yet accessible, and adaptive gaming equipment can be expensive or difficult to obtain. Fortunately, organizations, advocates, developers, and gamers themselves are making progress and moving the industry forward.

At Easterseals Crossroads, we believe in the power of play for everyone. Through our Assistive Technology program and support for accessible gaming, we are helping individuals with disabilities discover new possibilities and experiences in the digital world.

Amy Corbin is the Executive Director of the Indiana ABLE Authority, where she leads efforts to expand access to ABLE accounts and promote financial empowerment for individuals with disabilities and their families across Indiana.

For individuals with disabilities and their families, financial planning can feel like walking a tightrope. Saving money is essential for stability and independence, but saving too much can put critical public benefits at risk. That’s where an INvestABLE Indiana account comes in.

INvestABLE Indiana, our state’s ABLE savings program, is a savings and investment program designed specifically for people with disabilities. Also know as an “ABLE account”, this program allows eligible individuals to save money without losing important benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid. So, all the money saved in an ABLE account does not count against any resource limits you or your loved one might have.

To be eligible for an ABLE account, the person must have a disability that began before their 46th birthday (this recently increased from 26 years old) and be receiving either Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or be able to self-certify they have a significant disability. The disability must be a physical or mental impairment that is expected to last at least 12 months, or result in death. An individual may also be eligible if their disability began before age 46 and their disability is on Social Security’s List of Compassionate Allowances.

The account is owned by the individual with the disability, even if a parent, guardian, or other authorized person helps manage it.

Key features of ABLE accounts include:

• Tax advantages: Contributions are made with post-tax dollars, but earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified disability expenses. [i]
• State tax incentive: Indiana taxpayers may receive a state tax credit of 20% of their total contributions, worth up to $500.[ii]
• High savings flexibility: Those who are receiving SSI benefits can save up to $100,000 in their ABLE account. If they do not receive SSI, their total savings limit is even higher.[iii]
• Broad usage: Funds can be used for a wide range of disability-related expenses, including housing, education, healthcare, transportation, assistive technology, employment supports, and more. Even basic living expenses can be qualified!
• Individual control: In many cases, the person with a disability can manage their own account, promoting independence and autonomy.

INvestABLE Indiana offers seven investment options, as well a checking account option with a debit card. So, the money can easily be accessed at any time to help meet your, or your loved one’s daily expenses. Up to $20,000 can be contributed per year and is the total amount from all contributors. Employed INvestABLE account owners may be able to contribute additional amounts beyond that annual limit.

Recent legislative enhancements to ABLE raised the age of onset for ABLE eligibility from 26 to 46 years old. This dramatically expanded access to ABLE accounts. Now, millions more Americans can benefit from these accounts, including people who acquire disabilities later in life due to accidents, military service, chronic illness, or later-onset disabilities.

If you or someone you care for has a disability, whether starting in childhood or adulthood, an ABLE account may be an important part of a comprehensive financial plan. INvestABLE accounts can provide financial independence and peace of mind and can be a powerful step toward a more secure and empowered future. To learn more about INvestABLE Indiana or enroll please visit in.savewithable.com.

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[i] Earnings on non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as applicable state and local income taxes

[ii] Indiana taxpayers are eligible for a state income tax credit of 20% of contributions to an INvestABLE Indiana account, up to $500 credit per year. This credit may be subject to recapture from the account owner (not the contributor) in certain circumstances, such as distributions made from an account that is terminated within 12 months, rollovers to another state’s ABLE plan, or rollovers to a 529 plan other than a 529 plan established by the State of Indiana.

[iii] The first $100,000 in an ABLE account is excluded from the SSI resource limit

The start of a new year often invites reflection. It is a time to look back with gratitude and to look ahead with intention. At Easterseals Crossroads, we approach the new year not with grand resolutions, but with a renewed commitment to the work we have always believed in.

Our mission remains simple and meaningful. We support people with disabilities and their families as they build independence, confidence, and connection. That work does not change with the calendar. What changes is our opportunity to show up each day with fresh energy and continued care.

In the year ahead, we resolve to keep listening. Every individual we serve has a unique story, and we want to continue learning from those experiences. Listening helps us provide support that is thoughtful, respectful, and centered on real needs.

We also resolve to keep strengthening our community. Whether it is through employment services, therapy, assistive technology, inclusive programs, or everyday moments of connection, community is at the heart of everything we do. Progress often happens quietly, one relationship and one step at a time.

We resolve to keep supporting our families and caregivers. Their trust means everything to us, and we know the journey is not always easy. Being a consistent partner and source of encouragement matters more than any promise of change.

Finally, we resolve to care for our staff. Their compassion, creativity, and dedication make our mission possible. Supporting them allows them to continue supporting others with purpose and heart.

As we move into the new year, we are grateful for the community that surrounds Easterseals Crossroads. Together, we will continue doing the work that matters, one day at a time.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

As we look back on the year, one word rises above the rest: thankful. At Easterseals Crossroads, gratitude is not something we express only during the holiday season. It is woven into who we are because we are surrounded every day by people who help make our mission possible. This season gives us the chance to slow down, take a breath, and reflect on the many individuals and groups that strengthen our community in meaningful ways.

Thankful for Our Community

Our community is the heart of everything we do. Every program, every service, every celebration, and every moment of growth is rooted in the people who walk through our doors. We are grateful for individuals of all abilities who trust us with their goals, their challenges, and their dreams. They inspire us daily with their resilience, their humor, and their willingness to step forward toward something new. Their journeys are our purpose.

Thankful for Our Partners

We are proud to work alongside organizations, agencies, schools, and businesses that share our belief in possibility. Whether they help expand access to services, provide expertise, or open new pathways for connection, our partners lift our work far beyond what we could accomplish alone. They help us innovate. They help us grow. They help us say “yes” more often. For all of this, and so much more, we are deeply grateful.

Thankful for Our Donors

To our donors: thank you for choosing to invest in people. Your generosity fuels progress and opens doors that once felt out of reach. Because of you, children are gaining confidence in therapy, adults are finding employment, families are discovering hope, and individuals are building more independent lives. You are proof that community care is powerful. Your support is not just a contribution. It is a gift of opportunity.

Thankful for Our Staff

The heartbeat of Easterseals Crossroads is our staff. They show up with compassion, creativity, and determination, ready to walk alongside every person we serve. They celebrate victories, big and small. They solve problems, lift spirits, and make our spaces welcoming. Their commitment shapes the lives of those they serve, and their belief in inclusion and possibility strengthens our entire community. We are proud to have a team that leads with heart.

Moving Forward With Gratitude

Thankfulness is more than a feeling. It is a reminder of how far we have come and how much more we can do together. Our community, partners, donors, and staff each play a vital role in advancing Ability and Beyond throughout central Indiana.

As we move into a new year, we remain grounded in gratitude and energized by the work ahead. Together, we are creating a stronger, more inclusive community where every person has the opportunity to thrive.

Thank you for being part of our mission. We are grateful for you today and every day.

“I’m sure that guy’s dead,” a man told the operator when he called in Gary’s accident. It was 8.8.88, a date Gary will never forget. The accident left him with a diffused axonal injury. His brain was twisted inside his skull.

After a long stay in the critical care unit, including some time in a coma, Gary was released and ready to get back to work as an occupational therapist. He knew something wasn’t right, but he faked being fine for as long as he could.

“I was not going to admit I was wrong, or that I needed help,” Gary says. “I ended up getting fired three different times.”

Family talked Gary into applying for disability, which he was on until he was 66 and a half years old. Then, he could get a job, something he was very excited about doing. To help with the process, he connected with Easterseals Crossroads Brain Injury Services and began working with Jade Cooper, a Resource Facilitator.

Jade assisted Gary in putting his resume together and finding a job he would enjoy. He really wanted to work at one of the state parks.

“I thought, well, I can’t pick up trash, because I can’t walk that far without help,” he says. “I thought, well, I could sit in one of those little wooden boxes at the front of the park.”

Sure enough, that’s exactly the job Gary applied for, and after a trial period, he was hired at Mississinewa Lake.

“I noticed the biggest change after he started this job,” Jade says. “His confidence really grew. In a lot of ways, I think he finally realized how capable he really was.”

Without Easterseals Crossroads, Gary says his life would be depressing. “I owe them a lot. I think they believed in me, and that means a lot.”

Gary’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, healing and hope are possible, even after a life-changing injury. Easterseals Crossroads Brain Injury Services helped him rebuild his confidence, find meaningful employment, and rediscover his purpose.

💛 Your gift can help more people like Gary find their path forward. Donate today!