Ready or not for Toilet Training?

Recently our own Tracy Gale, PsyD, and Laura Tease, BCBA, wrote an article for Indy’s Child Parenting Magazine – our partners and friends. Specifically for parents and caregivers, the article addressed the always timely topic of readiness for toilet training.
Read the article here (page 38).

Toilet training can be a complicated process for parents and children. Here are some tips to make it easier for everyone:
Watch for signs of readiness
Children are ready for toilet training at different times. If your child is staying dry for longer periods of time, awakening in the morning with a dry diaper, and showing interest in going to the restroom, it may be time to start toilet training.
Find your reinforcers
Teaching your child to potty train is similar to teaching other skills, and strong motivators are essential to success. Think about using small items such as M&Ms or a short video, and try to stay away from items that require you to remove them after a period of time. Be sure to verbally praise your child during the toilet training process.
Make sure you are prepared
Potty training is a labor-intensive process for both you and your child. Some children may take a longer time to train than others, and your persistence is key! Seek support from friends, partners, and therapists during toilet training.
Keep data
No one likes being forced to do things they do not need to do, so make sure that your child needs to use the toilet. Keep track of how often your child’s diaper or pull-up is wet and consider using this schedule when you toilet train. This will ensure that your child actually needs to go to the bathroom.
Reward, don’t bribe
Think about rewarding toileting rather than punishing when your child does not go. Your child should be motivated to use the toilet rather than scared not to! Do not shame or reprimand your child for accidents or bribe with statements like “We can’t get ice cream if you don’t go potty.”

Meet John Nick

John Nick recently joined Crossroads Industrial Services as the Sales Manager for Document Services. Crossroads Industrial Services is a division of Easterseals Crossroads. John is excited to be part of an organization where his background and interests are well-suited to the mission. He has experience working with document imaging and he brings this background of working with all types of organizations (everything from county offices to Fortune 500 companies) to his current role. He looks forward to helping grow the division to make an even bigger impact within the overall organization financially.
John’s typical day involves him meeting potential customers and spreading the word about how our Document Services division can offer them comprehensive document management solutions. Many customers are not familiar with alternative paper record solutions that result in affordable, easy-to-access, secure archiving of their information.
Within just a few weeks, John has learned and seen that Crossroads Industrial Services is a quality organization with exceptional service and commitment to our customers. He was impressed with the employees from the very beginning:
“The people are terrific. I have been a part of several different work environments, yet I have never been in a place where everyone seems to be so committed to the greater good of the organization. This is an opportunity where I think I can really contribute and make a difference,” said John.
John was born in Philadelphia, but he moved around quite a bit growing up. He attended Brebeuf Preparatory School during his high school years and later went to the University of Dayton and IUPUI for college. Outside of work, John enjoys anything that has to do with watching or playing sports.
John brings his knowledge and his strong sales background to the position of Sales Manager for Document Services. A great match for his role in the agency, he is eager to meet new customers and show them how we can archive their information safely and easily accessible for their day-to-day needs.
Contact us to learn more about Document Services at Crossroads Industrial Services.

Volunteers are Key to Success

iCan Bike is a bicycle camp for people with disabilities to learn how to ride a conventional bicycle. The program is offered in partnership with Rainbow’s End Optimist Club, Indy Parks and Easterseals Crossroads and is brought to our area through iCan Shine.
Israel is an 11-year old boy who participated in iCan Bike in 2015. Israel wanted to learn to ride a two-wheel bicycle, but he was having some difficulty making that happen. His family turned to iCan Bike and found that the team approach to learning from professionals was a really good option. “We wanted Israel to learn how to ride for a number of reasons. It builds confidence, independence, inclusion – all those things,” said Israel’s father.
iCan Shine operates its iCan Bike program with partners all over the country. Since its inception in 2007, the program has successfully taught 20,000 people with disabilities how to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle. The program further states that it operates with an 80 percent success rate.
How it Works
Riders participate in the same 75-minute session each day for five days during the iCan Bike program. Riders use adapted bicycles at the beginning of the week and gradually move toward more independent riding on traditional bicycles as they progress. In Indianapolis, the program offered in partnership with Easterseals Crossroads and Rainbow’s End Optimist Club uses an IndyParks facility – Perry Park Ice Skating Rink. This enclosed, circular arena works very well for beginning riders.
The day-to-day progress of the participants is fun to watch. There is a huge difference in many of the riders as the week moves from day one to the final day. On that final day, typically 80 percent of the participants or more are successfully riding on their own and the remaining group has made tremendous progress.
Volunteers Truly Make it Happen
Riders are assigned to a team of volunteers who literally run/walk alongside the riders throughout the entire learning process. This method assures the riders that someone is right there at all times, which has a tremendous effect on building confidence and trust. The same rider is paired with the same team of volunteers each day furthering that element of trust for the riders.
Easterseals Crossroads works diligently with Rainbow’s End Optimist Club to provide 80 volunteers during the week of iCan Bike. We specifically look for running clubs, track teams, cross country teams and other sports teams to fill the volunteer needs for iCan Bike. We have been lucky to engage high schools and middle schools who take this volunteer role very seriously and do a great job for us. Perry Meridian, Roncalli, Center Grove and Southport have provided us with terrific volunteers for the past several years.
It is difficult to judge who is most proud at the end of the week; the riders surely, but the effect on the volunteer spotters is worth noting. Everyone feels the impact of the week, from the parents and caregivers to the entire program staff (iCan Shine, Easterseals Crossroads, Rainbow’s End Optimist Club).
After volunteering for a week at iCan Bike, volunteers have been eager to let us know their thoughts about what they have liked best:

• “I loved being able to see my rider progress each day.”
• “I really enjoyed helping someone learn to ride a bike.”
• “It was so fun to see my rider smile after she learned that she could do it.”
• “I liked knowing that my rider trusted me to help him achieve his goal.”

Individual success is the goal, but with that accomplishment comes the realization that a group can often accomplish so much when the goal is so rich.

High Level Accreditation

Easterseals Crossroads recently achieved another three-year accreditation from CARF International. Attaining and maintaining CARF-accredited status requires a significant effort, strong teamwork and a high commitment at all levels of the organization.
Employees and the agency are dedicated to provide quality services and enhance the lives of the people whom we serve. CARF accreditation demonstrates to our funders, payers and other stakeholders that we are committed to continually improving the quality of our services and that we focus on outcomes and consumer satisfaction.
Easterseals Crossroads has consistently maintained CARF accreditation for more than 30 years and has never failed to earn less than a three-year accreditation, which is the highest possible accreditation.

Our programs that are accredited include:

• Assistive Technology Services and Supports
• Behavioral Consultation Services
• Community Employment Services: Employment Supports
• Community Employment Services: Job Development
• Community Integration
• Transition Services
• Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation Programs for Children and Adolescents

Congratulations to all our the hard-working staff members at Easterseals Crossroads on this achievement and their commitment to delivery of quality programs and services to our community.

Century 21 recently released their 2015 fundraising statistics as they relate to Easterseals affiliates across the country. Century 21 Scheetz is the local partner to Easter Seals Crossroads.
Century 21 Scheetz ranked in the top ten in their national rankings as top fundraisers for Easter Seals affiliates. Easter Seals Crossroads is proud and honored to be the recipient of $43,804 due to hard-working efforts of Century 21 Scheetz.
Collectively, the Century 21 system raised $2.9 million for Easterseals affiliated around the country during the 2015 calendar year. Their grand total now surpasses $114 million!
According to the press release dated February 16, 2016, Rick Davidson, president and chief executive officer of Century 21 Real Estate LLC, stated
“The generosity and commitment of the Century 21 system to the individuals and families touched every day by the Easterseals organization mirrors the professionalism and highest level of quality service our brand ambassadors deliver to home buyers and sellers in local markets throughout North America. What makes me most proud is knowing that the brand’s value proposition is backed by actions like these that provide support to communities and to people so they, too, can realize their full potential.”
Read the full press release from Century 21.
 

Camp Options

Summer camps are just around the corner! Easterseals Crossroads offers several camp options for your child with special needs – they fill up quickly, so now is a good time to consider summer camp.
CampAbility is a traditional summer day camp for children ages 4 – 10. CampAbility takes place at Hilltop Developmental Preschool (1915 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis) and you can sign up for any one of three, two –week sessions. Or you can sign up for all three summer sessions – lots of families do! Parents feel so good about leaving their children at CampAbility, where they know there will be lots of fun activities, outings, theme-days and friendships. Activities have been designed by physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and special education teachers. And the kids? They just have fun – growing, learning and playing!

Camp R.O.C.K.S! is an overnight camp for individuals on the autism spectrum who are 10 – 18 years of age. This camp takes place at Bradford Woods and is a 5-night, 6-day camping experience that our campers return to year after year. Aside from being in the great outdoors swimming, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing – campers also have fun inside with skit-nights and talent shows.

 
Camp FUEL was created so that adolescents ages 11 – 17 could enjoy a summer day camp during their teenage years. Campers enjoy field trips, peer mentoring, special guests and hanging out with their friends at Camp FUEL. There are two, two-week sessions of Camp FUEL this summer; both take place right at Easterseals Crossroads.

iCan Bike is a bicycle camp for people with disabilities to learn how to ride a conventional bicycle. The program is offered in partnership with Rainbow’s End Optimist Club, Indy Parks and Easter Seals Crossroads and is brought to our area through iCan Shine. Participants enroll in the same 75-minute session each day for five days and enrollment is limited to 40 participants. iCan Bike takes place at Perry Park Ice Skating Rink (451 E. Stop 11 Road).
If you are considering summer camp for your child with special needs, consider Easterseals Crossroads this year. We have been offering camp programs for several years now; our families agree that we really do make growth and development look like child’s play!

Team Lead

Today’s post  written by Sara Croft features Jennifer Meagher, who works as a Team Lead for Community Day Supports at Easterseals Crossroads. Jennifer became involved with Easterseals Crossroads through her college sorority, which led her to the unique opportunity to become a mentor.

Name: Jennifer Meagher
Hometown: Indianapolis
Education: North Central High School, Ball State University – Bachelor of Social Work. I’m hoping to be accepted into a graduate program at IUPUI this summer.
Date joined Easter Seals Crossroads: August 2014
How did you hear about Easter Seals Crossroads?
In college, one of my sorority’s philanthropies was Easterseals. I didn’t know much about the organization until I joined the sorority. I have always been passionate about working with people who have disabilities. After I completed college I decided to look into Indianapolis’s chapter of Easterseals. I found Crossroads and thought it would be a good fit.
What is your favorite part of being a team lead?
I enjoy getting to know each consumer individually. I like learning about their interests and skills. This allows for me to provide more in depth person centered services.
What does a typical week look like for you and your mentee? Describe the activities you do/go to, what you do there, and why these activities are important for your mentee.
I currently work with five different consumers in the community and one charter school student who participates in the NEXT Project. Each day is different as the individuals have different needs, goals, and interests.
Monday: In the morning I see a person who has goals that focus on socialization. Most of his activities include community integration that allows him to interact with others. These have included eating out at restaurants, visiting museums, and browsing around stores. Each of these outings gives him the opportunity to practice appropriate communication with others.
Tuesday: I see an individual who has been volunteering at a day center for the homeless. This individual works in the kitchen. He sets out food for breakfast, cleans the kitchen area, washes the dishes, greets the homeless, and prepares lunch. In this position he practices social skills, following directions, initiating and focusing on tasks, and job skills. This opportunity allows him to build confidence in his abilities to successfully complete a job.
Wednesday: On Wednesday mornings I meet with a girl who has goals pertaining to exercise and creating a healthy lifestyle. She will always be given the opportunity to work out. She walks on trails and in the mall. She also uses exercise equipment, such as a treadmill. After she participates in physical activity, she will usually play a game or do a craft.
Thursday: I work with an individual who is looking for a volunteer opportunity. He hopes to improve upon his job skills. This person will benefit from working on having professional conversations, focusing on tasks, and learning new skills.
Friday: On Friday mornings I work with the same person that I do on Monday mornings. In the afternoon I see a person who has a variety of goals ranging from safety, to exercise, to socialization. This individual participate in many activities, such as going to parks, working out in a fitness center, volunteering at a food pantry, frequenting museums, and exploring at the library.
What have you learned from being a team lead?
As a team lead, I’ve learned that it is important to treat each consumer with respect and compassion. It is essential that I listen to the people I work with and take their input into account. The consumers and I have to come to an understanding of our roles so that we can both get something out of the experience.
What is something your mentee has taught you?
Working with teenagers I have learned new slang, what is going on in pop culture, and that I do things that make me “old.” On a more serious note, I have learned that each person I work with is a unique person. They all have different interests, strengths, behaviors, and personalities. Even though they are labeled as having a disability, as individuals they cannot be grouped together.
Are you interested in becoming a team lead like Jennifer? Read more about Community Day Supports or visit our job opportunities page to apply for the Community Team Lead position!

Fun Volunteer Opportunity

Are you looking for a fun way to give back to a great organization? Easterseals Crossroads is partnering with the Shamrock Beer Run 5K on Saturday, March 12, from 12:45 p.m. to whenever the last participant goes through (6:00 p.m. at the latest). We’re responsible for recruiting at least 20 volunteers with serving permits to pour at one of four beer stops along the route. This race, much like Tap N Run, will start on Georgia Street and weave through downtown Indianapolis. The beer offered at this race is outstanding – Three Points, Upland, Carson’s, Scarlet Lane, and Quaff On!
So, what if you had a permit, but it’s expired? No worries! If you email tbarnard@eastersealscrossroads.org for the application form and return it by March 3, Fun-Races will pay your $5 application fee for a one-day permit. You’re also welcome to apply for your own two-year volunteer employee permit for $15 through ATC.
But what if you’d rather run/walk? You can do that too and still support Easterseals Crossroads. Use the code EASTER to receive a discounted price on registration. Each time the code is used we’ll receive $5 from Fun-Races, so tell your athletic and/or beer enthusiast friends to sign up!

Employee achieves Certification

Easterseals Crossroads is proud to announce that Kayla Shoemaker has recently become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). To recognize her achievements, Sara Croft asked her a few questions about why she decided to pursue an LCSW and what it means for her future success.

Hometown:
Ridott, Illinois
Undergrad/Graduate:
Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana with a Master of Social Work
How did you come to know Easter Seals Crossroads?
Being relatively new to Indianapolis, I stumbled upon Easterseals Crossroads while looking for other opportunities here and came across the Medical Social Worker position. Once I saw the scope of services provided here, I felt passionate about becoming part of such an amazing organization. Being here has been a dream.

Why did you decide to pursue an LCSW?
I decided to pursue my LCSW so that I am able to have more opportunities available to me and continue to grow as a professional.
How will your new certification impact you? What will it allow you to do that you couldn’t do before?
My clinical license will allow me to see more individuals and families served through Autism and Behavioral Services and provide clinical supervision to Masters-level Social Workers.
Do you have any future plans for certifications or degrees?
Yes! Within hours of passing my clinical exam I thought, “What’s next?” I have not specifically identified anything at this time but I am always looking at opportunities for growth.
Tell me about one of your favorite moments while working at Easterseals Crossroads.
This question is the most difficult to answer as there are so many moments I share with individuals, families, and even my coworkers that fall on a continuum of awesomeness. This could be from a goal met in therapy services to helping out at the ADS Fall Festival or volunteering at events like Bingo Bonanza.

Important day at Statehouse

Join the Indiana Citizens’ Alliance for Transit (ICAT) and partners for Transit Day at the Statehouse on Thursday, February 11.
Transit Day at the Statehouse is the one day during the Indiana General Assembly session dedicated to mass transit advocacy and provides transit supporters the chance to join others from around the state to meet with their state legislators, share information, and build support for transit funding.
The ability to meet with state elected leaders is the most important aspect of Transit Day. Our lawmakers often need to a reminder as to why transit is important in their districts and to the lives and livelihoods of their constituents.
Easterseals Crossroads staff and consumers use IndyGo and other public transportation methods to get from home to work and back every day. The value of and need for public transportation brings to Indianapolis has a far reaching impact that continues to grow.
The event lasts from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Interested individuals can register and find more information about the event by clicking here. It would be much appreciated if those who plan to attend could register for our records.
Possible Transit Day participants include riders, local elected officials, transit agency staff, nonprofit/community partners, transit supporters, local government employees, individuals with disabilities, disability advocacy organizations, interested citizens, and/or anyone else who is interested in improving public transit in Indiana.
Finally, similar to last year, we are presenting ‘Outstanding Transit Advocate’ awards in three categories: elected official, community organization, and individual. We are asking for nominations until Monday, January 25.