Two years ago, when Janey’s two-year-old son Dominic was diagnosed with autism, she sat in a room at Easterseals Crossroads and cried many, many tears.

“I was so scared, because it was so new to me,” Janey says. “How is the world going to treat him? Is he ever going to talk? It was really hard to accept at first.”

Now, Janey wouldn’t change a thing. Easterseals Crossroads’ Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) services have had a profound impact on Dominic’s life. Janey says that although she was scared, the staff made her feel comfortable and confident in the program.

Dominic receives ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and has graduated from physical therapy. Whenever they arrive at Easterseals Crossroads, he runs to the elevators, ready for the day.

“He absolutely loves coming here,” Janey says. “I think his favorite thing about coming here is the Sensory Room. He loves the bubble tubes in there.”

Jen Ward, ABA Coordinator, says when Dominic started the program, he had very few skills, and one of his greatest challenges was communication. Staff worked with Dominic using pictures to communicate.

“Having so few skills, we didn’t know how quickly he would pick it up,” Jen says, “but he picked it up so quickly. It’s been amazing to see how quickly he could pick up a skill and communicate his needs. He had never been able to do that.”

Now, Dominic communicates using an AAC device, a communication device that allows him to point at different pictures to show what he wants or needs.

“I feel really great about his progress,” Janey says. “He is doing so much better with communicating and interacting with other children.”

Dominic’s success has required commitment beyond the Easterseals Crossroad’s staff.

“(Janey) was really motivated because she saw the progress,” Jen says. “She started working with him at home from what she had learned here.”

Parents are required to attend training sessions to learn the basic skills of ABA, and Ward says Janey has always been eager to learn. That, and the entire family being on board, has been imperative to Dominic’s success.

“It’s not just the person with autism that we’re serving,” Jen says. “The entire family has to be involved.”

When Jen looks back at where Dominic was two years ago, she’s amazed at his progress.

“He went from not communicating at all and not having any independence, to now being able to have back-and-forth conversations with someone through the use of an AAC device,” Jen says. “It’s just great to see how quickly a child can grow.”

And there’s more growth to come. Janey can’t wait to see what’s in store for Dominic’s future.

“I hope he achieves every goal he ever has,” she says. “I know that he’s had a lot of obstacles in his way, but I hope if he wants to be an artist, or a nurse, or a doctor, or a police officer, that he can do that and follow his dreams.”

Dominic’s journey shows the incredible impact that early services, dedicated staff, and engaged families can have on a child’s future. With the right support, children of all abilities can grow, communicate, and confidently follow their dreams, just like Dominic.

💛 Your generosity helps make stories like his possible. Support life-changing services for children and families. Donate today!

Tammy unpacked her lunch bag and put her ravioli in the microwave. She set the time, and while she waited, she put in a load of laundry. Those actions are just a few of the ways Tammy has become more independent thanks to the Easterseals Crossroads Adult Day program. She even recently moved out of her mother’s house.

“I have seen her confidence skyrocket,” says Breann Riley, Activity Lead and DSP.

For more than two decades, Tammy has been attending Easterseals Crossroads’ Adult Day program at the south location. The program is for adults with disabilities, and it also gives family members and caregivers some respite. However, the program is not an adult daycare service.

“A lot of people have that misconception, that it’s daycare for adults,” Breann says. “That’s far from the truth. We do so many things to make their lives meaningful. They volunteer in the community, they go places, they learn new skills, improve social skills, and we even have clubs for things like photography, cooking, and reading.”

Tammy has taken full advantage of her time in the program, especially when it comes to volunteering. For two years, she’s been volunteering at Calvary Lutheran, working with Kindergarteners, helping with learning activities, and playing. Tammy also took an online training course to become a certified volunteer at Nine Lives Cat Cafe.

The Adult Day program is more than just a place to be. It’s helping people, like Tammy, find true independence.

The Easterseals Crossroads Adult Day program is more than a place to go; it’s a community that fosters confidence, purpose, and independence for adults like Tammy. Your support helps create opportunities for skill-building, volunteering, friendship, and meaningful growth every single day.

💛 Help empower more individuals on their journey toward independence. Donate today!

“I would be stuck, and I’d probably be one grouchy woman,” says Dosia, who found fulfilling employment through Easterseals Crossroads Pathways to Opportunity program. Everything she tried before wasn’t getting her anywhere, and as a deaf person, she struggled to find good employment.

“When I met Jessica at Easterseals Crossroads, everything was immediate,” she says. “We just kept rolling through, and we didn’t waste any time. I really appreciated that.”

Jessica Mawby is Dosia’s Career Navigator, and the two have formed a close bond throughout the Pathways process. Dosia says Jessica has been very patient in helping her find employment in Health Information Management at Community Health Network. Dosia handles confidential patient information for many different hospitals around the city.

“I’ve learned a lot, and I’m still learning,” Dosia says. “The patient information is very important, so when they’re giving it to me, I have to be very careful and file it properly in the system.”

One thing that helped Dosia succeed is Digital Literacy Training. Jessica says she has improved a lot of her skills and is now thriving and happy with her work.

“She’s an inspiration to be around, an overall incredible human,” Jessica says.

Easterseals Crossroads has also helped Dosia via the Assistive Technology Department. She was provided with a laptop and checked out some helpful devices.

“Easterseals Crossroads has a wonderful program that works and helps people thrive and become fully independent,” Jessica says. “We really do provide ability and beyond.”

Stories like Dosia’s remind us why our work matters. With the right support, individuals of all abilities can find meaningful employment, build confidence, and achieve true independence.

💛 Your generosity makes journeys like hers possible. Support more success stories — donate today!

The lights are low, and the computer and television screens are glowing. A group is playing Mario Kart, while others cheer them on. Across the room, people are playing a board game, and yet others are taking a break from gaming to have a snack. It’s the second Wednesday of the month, and the gaming studio at Easterseals Crossroads is full of activity.

“ES Gaming Indy is an initiative that brings together gamers of all abilities, with and without disabilities,” says Brandon Scott, head of ES Gaming Indy. “Everybody comes in and enjoys themselves.”

ES Gaming Indy gives individuals living with disabilities the opportunity to connect with others to enhance a sense of belonging and provide a range of emotional and mental benefits.

“Through gaming, I was able to find community,” says Abigail, who has attended some gaming nights at Easterseals Crossroads. Due to her disability, she struggled to feel like she fit in when she was younger. Gaming was an avenue to build her confidence.

The current space for ES Gaming Indy has PC games, console games, a retro arcade area, as well as a designated space for tabletop games.

The Easterseals Crossroads Assistive Technology department has a loan library with a plethora of devices to make gaming more accessible for those who need it. Josh Anderson, Director of Assistive Technology, says the controllers are impressive, and many can be modified to assist with several disabilities to make gaming more accessible.

“Just as you would buy something off a website, you can request to loan one of our devices,” Josh says. “People can borrow them from our library, try them out at home to see if they work to help them game just like anyone else would.”

ES Gaming Indy is looking to break down barriers in the gaming world and bring people of all abilities together. Brandon calls gaming the “great equalizer,” saying that all that matters is a love for gaming. Through gaming, Easterseals Crossroads is seeing the many benefits it brings to those who participate.

“We have seen massive growth from individuals,” Brandon says. “They come in and are conversing with friends and showing new people around the studio. We have seen some extreme growth from people who were coming in and just sitting in the corner, who are now saying hello to everyone and making friends. That is the community that gaming builds.”

At ES Gaming Indy, we’re breaking down barriers, building friendships, and creating a space where people of all abilities can truly belong. Your support makes this possible — and keeps our inclusive gaming community growing.

💛 Help empower more gamers of all abilities. Donate today!

As a teenager, Rodney wasn’t excited about the idea of joining the United States Army, but he did it anyway. Now, many years later, he looks back and sees that the discipline and consistency it brought to his life were truly a blessing. After serving in the military, Rodney moved to Arizona. However, Indianapolis was his home, and he recently came back after decades across the country. He had the drive to find a career and housing, but needed a little extra help.

“I had heard of Easterseals, but I thought it mainly pertained to youth,” Rodney says. “I never knew they had a veteran department.”

Easterseals Crossroads Veteran Services had a huge impact on Rodney’s transition back to his home state. He’s been working with Troy Drake, Lead Career Coach, to get his feet on the ground. Troy helped Rodney secure a full-time security guard job.

“It was really his drive,” Troy says. “His work ethic, his eagerness to get settled in a new city. He came ready to go, focused, and we made a plan.”

Rodney’s aspirations go far beyond working a full-time job as a security guard. He is working to open his own barber shop and, even more importantly, wants to make a difference in his community.

“Hopefully, I can continue to work with Easterseals Crossroads and use the resources they provide to position myself where we all can come together as a community and make Indianapolis a lot better,” Rodney says.

Troy says Rodney is a true success story for Veteran Services.

“Rodney is one of the many blessings to come through the program,” Troy says. “Some people stress out when they move to a new city and don’t know how to access resources for veterans. Working with Rodney has been very fulfilling. He’s definitely a success story.”

Allison Friedman was about to give up on her filmmaking dreams. During the pandemic, there were few opportunities for Deaf and disabled talent. Then, she discovered the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, and it reignited her passion.

Friedman grew up near Chicago and had a passion for acting as a young girl. In middle school, she began acting and dancing at the International Center on Deafness and the Arts. Now, a resident of Indianapolis, her film Erased was selected as a finalist for the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. From pausing filming for a tornado warning, to traveling to Hollywood for the awards ceremony, it’s been quite an adventure for Friedman and her team.

“The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge is based in Los Angeles, and even though I’m from Indianapolis, I was able to make my dreams come true in another state — that means so much to me,” Friedman says. “I’ve been blessed to meet so many talented artists through this journey. And now, with Erased being screened at the Heartland Film Festival, it feels like everything has come full circle. I’m beyond grateful and excited for what’s ahead!”

Q&A with Allison Friedman (AF)

What is Erased about?
AF: Erased explores what the world would look like if sign language were banned. Sadly, sign language was actually banned in the past, so the film is a reminder of how important it is to embrace, protect, and celebrate our language and culture.

Where did you film, and what was it like filming?
AF: We filmed Erased in Indianapolis, and wow — it was quite an adventure! We stayed up from around 3 or 4 p.m. until 6 a.m. filming. Then, the next day, we had to miss an entire day of shooting because of the weather — there was even a tornado warning! We had to make last-minute changes, but we pulled through and made it happen. It was exhausting but so worth it — I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished together.

Tell us a bit about your cast and crew.
AF: I was so lucky to work with Sarah and Aaron Margolis-Greenbaum for the third time — they’re amazing filmmakers and owners of Naptown Films, a Deaf-owned production company based in Indianapolis. I met Sarah in college, and I’m so grateful for our ongoing collaboration and friendship.

I also worked with another talented Deaf filmmaker, Rydrea Walker, who owns WarriorsGate Entertainment, another Deaf-owned production company. He was also part of a major ASL film production called Jesus Film.

Our entire cast and crew were Deaf, and most were from the Indianapolis area. It was such a beautiful, empowering experience to collaborate with an all-Deaf team.

What was it like going to Hollywood for the awards ceremony?
AF: It was a dream come true. Honestly, I had goosebumps — I couldn’t believe I was there! The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge ceremony was held at Sony Studios, and I even met a Hollywood director who told me I was talented and on his list. I was fangirling so hard!

As a Deaf actor, being in that space made me feel seen and inspired. It reminded me that my biggest dream — to act and one day win an Oscar — is possible. The experience fueled my motivation to keep growing and dreaming even bigger.

Why do you think the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge is important?
AF: It’s incredibly important because it gives disabled creatives a safe and empowering space to share our stories. We are often overlooked in the industry, and this challenge creates a bridge for us to collaborate, be visible, and be celebrated. It takes a village to make something meaningful, and Easterseals helps us find that village. It’s boosted my confidence and career as a Deaf filmmaker and showed me that representation truly matters.

What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers who are Deaf or have another disability?
AF: Keep dreaming big and find your community — that’s where you’ll grow and thrive. Don’t be afraid to start your own project. Someone once told me, “Create your own opportunity,” and that stuck with me. Be consistent, trust your vision, and never underestimate the power of your story. The world needs your perspective, so keep showing up and believe that anything is possible!

At Easterseals Crossroads, we are honored to walk alongside individuals as they pursue their goals for independence, self-sufficiency, and meaningful work. One of those individuals is Semaj, whose journey showcases the power of perseverance, learning, and support.

Getting Started with Employment Services

Semaj first connected with Easterseals through our Vocational Rehabilitation Employment Services program. As a young man in his early twenties, he was eager to find work and become more self-sufficient. With the guidance of his Employment Consultant, Semaj began working at Crossroads Industrial Services (CIS).

At CIS, Semaj quickly excelled. He gained a wide range of transferable skills and learned the value of being open to training across different departments. These early experiences helped build his confidence and prepared him for the next step in his career journey.

Pathways to Opportunity

By 2022, Semaj was ready for new challenges. He enrolled in the Pathways to Opportunity Program, a grant-funded program at Easterseals that provides employment services and wraparound support to adults with disabilities.

Soon after, Semaj began working at Home Depot, earning higher wages than ever before. Beyond the paycheck, he gained valuable customer service experience, strengthened his confidence, and started envisioning bigger goals for himself.

One of those goals was obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). With support from the Pathways team, Semaj enrolled at 160 Driving Academy, completing the program while continuing to work part-time. Not long after earning his CDL, Semaj was hired by IndyGo as a full-time Coach Operator — a role where he now helps others get to where they need to go.

Lifelong Learning and Resilience

Semaj’s drive to keep learning extends far beyond the workplace. During the pandemic, he and his job coach used remote meetings to explore new skills. His coach delivered computer equipment and tools to his home, and Semaj quickly taught himself how to take apart and reassemble the computer. By their next meeting, he was confidently demonstrating his new technical skills.

His willingness to learn carried into his role at IndyGo, where he quickly mastered multiple driving routes across the city. Today, he continues to grow by practicing customer service and conflict management skills every day on the job.

Overcoming Barriers

Semaj’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. He and his family had understandable fears about how full-time employment might affect his SSI and Medicaid benefits. With guidance from Easterseals’ Benefits Counseling services, he gained the knowledge and confidence he needed to move forward without fear.

What once felt like a barrier became a stepping stone toward self-sufficiency. Today, Semaj is not only financially independent but also thriving in a career that matches his skills and ambitions.

Giving Back Through Volunteerism

While pursuing his own employment journey, Semaj also found ways to give back. He volunteered with Easterseals’ INDATA computer reuse program, refurbishing laptops for people with disabilities who applied for their own devices. His curiosity and skill made him a valued member of the team, and he earned glowing references that helped propel his career even further.

A Generous Spirit

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Semaj is known for his generous spirit. He has always cared deeply for his family and coworkers. What once felt like a major hurdle — relying on his grandmother for transportation — has now become a full-circle achievement: today, he is licensed and employed to provide transportation for countless others who depend on public transit.

A Path Toward Independence

From being unemployed and reliant on SSI benefits to thriving as a full-time Coach Operator, Semaj’s story is one of growth, resilience, and independence. He continues to meet with his Pathways team twice a month for budgeting support and ongoing guidance — always keeping his eyes on the next step forward.

Semaj’s journey reminds us that with the right support, opportunities, and determination, meaningful work and independence are possible. At Easterseals Crossroads, we are proud to celebrate his achievements and look forward to seeing where his drive takes him next.

Years before comedian, actor, and producer Nic Novicki was touring with comedian Nate Bargatze like he is now, he launched the Disability Film Challenge in 2013 in response to the under-representation of talent with disabilities both in front of and behind the camera. Novicki created the challenge to give aspiring filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their work and provide them with meaningful exposure. In 2017, Novicki joined forced with Easterseals to expand the event, now known as the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge.

On October 12, Novicki will be in Indianapolis for the screening of the finalists in the Film Challenge as a part of the Heartland Film Festival. He says he’s excited to be back in Indianapolis for the event.

“Every year it is such an honor to screen our finalist films at such a prestigious film festival alongside films that will end up being in the running for Oscars and Golden Globes consideration,” Novicki says. “This exposure helps provide opportunities for our Film Challenge participants and that has always been the mission and the reason I created the Disability Film Challenge.”

Novicki has an impressive resume, including several tours through Armed Forces Entertainment and performing for troops. His television credits include: Boardwalk Empire, The Good Doctor, Bad Thoughts, The Sopranos, Loudermilk, Alone Together, Gotham Comedy Live, Jack and Triumph, The Neighbors, Austin and Alley, Private Practice, and Drop Dead Diva. He has appeared in several movies including: Spiderman Across The Spider-Verse, L!fe Happens, Marry Me, November Rule, The Last 5 Years, Boston Girls, Breaking Wind, Dead Ant and the upcoming Hipsters, Gangsters, Aliens and Geeks. He is a board member of Easterseals Southern California.

The public is encouraged to attend the screening of the short films, which are anywhere from one to five minutes each. Films were created over a six-day period in April, and the cast and crew must be made up of volunteers. At least one cast or crew member should have a physical or cognitive disability. Each year has a different genre that the films must fall into, with this year’s being thriller and suspense.

Check out this year’s films at the Heartland Film Festival on October 12 at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Tickets are free, but space is limited. Reserve your seat here.

The start of a new school year can bring a mix of excitement, anticipation, and nerves for every family. For families of children with disabilities, these emotions are often magnified. Beyond buying school supplies and picking out the first-day outfit, there are additional considerations that help ensure your child feels supported, included, and ready to thrive.

Build a Strong Connection with the School Team

One of the most important steps you can take is building a collaborative relationship with your child’s teachers, support staff, and administrators. Introduce yourself early, share insights about your child’s strengths and needs, and keep open communication lines. If your child has an IEP or 504 Plan, confirm that everyone involved is familiar with the accommodations and supports outlined.

Prepare Your Child for the Transition

Change can be overwhelming, so preparation goes a long way. If possible, visit the school before classes start to walk through the building, meet teachers, and practice routines like navigating hallways or lunch lines. Visual schedules, social stories, or role-playing can also help your child feel more comfortable with what to expect.

Advocate with Confidence and Compassion

You are your child’s best advocate. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, request clarity, or bring concerns forward, but approach conversations with a spirit of collaboration. Schools and families share the same goal, helping your child succeed. Approaching challenges as a team helps build trust and creates the best outcomes.

Focus on Social Connections

School isn’t only about academics. Friendships and peer interactions are vital to your child’s growth and confidence. Encourage teachers to support inclusion in group activities and consider ways your child can connect with peers outside of the classroom, such as clubs, sports, or community programs that welcome all abilities.

Celebrate the Wins

Every milestone matters, whether it’s mastering a new skill, making a new friend, or navigating a tough day with resilience. Take time to celebrate these achievements with your child. Recognizing progress, no matter how small, builds confidence and sets the tone for a positive school year.

Lean on Resources and Community

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Connect with other families, advocacy groups, and community organizations for resources and support. Organizations like Easterseals Crossroads can provide valuable guidance, services, and encouragement as you advocate for your child’s success.

Starting a new school year with a child with a disability may come with unique challenges, but it’s also filled with opportunities for growth and connection. With preparation, collaboration, and celebration along the way, you can help your child step into the school year feeling empowered, supported, and ready to shine.

By Brandon Scott | Easterseals Crossroads

Each year, we proudly celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—a landmark civil rights law that changed the lives of millions of Americans, including mine. Signed into law on July 26, 1990, the ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and access to public and private spaces. It was a game-changer—opening doors (literally and figuratively) that were previously shut.

At Easterseals Crossroads, the ADA isn’t just a law we reference; it’s a foundation we build on. It’s the reason so many of the individuals we support can go to work, school, and community spaces with greater dignity and independence. It’s the reason I’ve been able to thrive in a career I love, raise a family, and navigate a world that’s just a little more built for people like me.

But as we celebrate more than three decades of the ADA, it’s also important to acknowledge a simple truth: we still have work to do.

Why We Celebrate

We celebrate the ADA because it represents progress. Before the ADA, people with disabilities were routinely excluded from public life. Sidewalks didn’t have curb cuts. Buses didn’t have lifts. Employers didn’t have to accommodate workers with disabilities. Buildings, schools, and workplaces could be completely inaccessible, and there were no legal consequences.

The ADA changed that. It gave people with disabilities the right to be seen, heard, and included. It sparked conversations about inclusion, led to the development of accessible technology, and laid the groundwork for further disability rights advocacy.

Celebrating the ADA is about honoring the activists who fought for this law and recognizing how far we’ve come.

Why We Still Advocate

Even with the ADA in place, accessibility gaps persist in almost every area of life. Public transportation may technically be required to be accessible, but in practice, it often falls short. New buildings sometimes meet the minimum legal requirements, but ‘minimum’ isn’t the same as ‘inclusive’. Digital accessibility remains an overlooked issue in many workplaces and websites. And attitudinal barriers—people’s assumptions, biases, or lack of awareness—can be the hardest obstacle of all.

Many people with disabilities still face employment discrimination, inaccessible housing, limited healthcare options, and barriers in education. For those of us in the disability community, the ADA is a critical foundation—but not a finish line.

Moving Forward Together

True inclusion means going beyond compliance. It means designing environments, systems, and experiences that consider people of all abilities from the start. It means amplifying disabled voices, advocating for better policy enforcement, and continuing to ask hard questions about equity and access.

At Easterseals Crossroads, we live this mission every day. Whether we’re helping someone find a job, access technology, or attend a summer camp built for all abilities, we are continuing the work the ADA began—work that will only be complete when accessibility is not the exception, but the norm.

Yes, we celebrate. We celebrate the ADA’s anniversary with gratitude and pride. However, we also recommit ourselves to the work still ahead, because a more accessible and inclusive world benefits all of us.

Let’s honor the past by building a better future.