Today’s blog post was written by Sam Sanders
Twenty-four years ago, on July 26, 1990, George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law. This was a huge step forward for all disability activists and changed the lives of millions.
 
Image of President Barack Obama Signing New ADA Rules and Celebrating the 20th Anniversary in 2010 (Courtesy WhiteHouse.Gov)
What does this act do? It is fairly simple, exciting and important. The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, gives civil rights protection to individuals with disabilities that are like those provided to individuals on the basis of race, sex, national origin, and religion. It also guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodations, telecommunications, and State and local government services.
Here are 7 fun facts about the impact the ADA has made:

1. The number of federal employees with disabilities has increased to nearly 12% of all federal employees in 2013, up from 7% in 2010.
2. States like Oregon and Illinois are creating more supply-side opportunities for people with disabilities. This is called becoming a State as a Model Employer.
3. Newly designed or newly constructed amusement rides must be accessible and located on an accessible route to the ride
4. At least 50% of all holes on a miniature golf course must be accessible. These accessible holes must be consecutive, and they must be on an accessible route.
5. Newly designed, newly constructed, or altered fishing piers must provide accessible routes, subject to the same expectations permitted for gangways.
6. Accessible means of entry/exit are required for swimming pools.
7. Students with documented disabilities may request academic adjustments, including auxiliary aids which enable them to participate in and benefit from allpost-secondary educational programs and activities.

As you can see, the ADA has made a huge impact on millions of lives. Not only are long over due implications finally being made, but society is truly working to make sure that everyone is treated equally. Easter Seals Project Action is focused on increasing access to transportation for people with disabilities and has a lot of information for individuals, businesses and government entities on their website here: http://www.projectaction.org/.

2014 marks the second year of a charitable partnership between the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon and Easterseals Crossroads. This year, the 5K, half marathon and full marathon races take place on Saturday, November 1, in downtown Indianapolis. Over 13,600 participants from eight foreign countries and 46 states helped set registration and finisher record numbers in 2013, and we hope our participation helps boost those numbers for 2014.
Over 2,000 volunteers are needed to make the event a success. Easterseals Crossroads is looking for volunteers who can assist with packet pick-up at the Expo. Duties include creating the racer packets with t-shirts, posters, bibs and event info along with handing them out to each runner.
Volunteer shifts available:
Thursday, October 30 – 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM or 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Friday, October 31 – 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM or 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM 
To sign up, visit the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon’s volunteer page and click “register as volunteer.” Select an expo time and in the comments section, write that you are volunteering on behalf of Easter Seals Crossroads. 
Your participation as a volunteer supports children and adults with disabilities and special needs in central Indiana. Thank you for your continued support! For more information about expo volunteer opportunities or to register as a group, contact Tessa Barnard, Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator, at tbarnard@eastersealscrossroads.org.

Today’s blog post was written by Sam Sanders

It’s that time of year again when kids head back to school and every parent’s first priority is to make sure they have everything their kids need. Do you know what’s missing from that supply list that could be the most critical tool your child needs?

Every year, millions of young children with undiagnosed disabilities enter school with issues that can put them behind their peers. This is frustrating for the children and the family and it can create a lasting, negative impact on the child’s educational process.

Make the first five years of life count for your child. Through the generous support of the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust, Easter Seals is providing access to the Ages & Stages Questionnaires to parents. The questionnaires serve as a simple screening tool to help parents monitor their child’s development. If the results indicate a need for developmental services, the children’s programs at Easterseals Crossroads can help you at every age and stage.

Here are some examples of warning signs to watch for before your child begins school:

At age 4, is your child…

• Unable to separate from parents without major protest
• Easily distracted and unable to concentrate on any single activity for more than five minutes
• Showing little interest in playing with other children
• Refusing to respond to people in general, or respond only superficially

At age 5, is your child…

• Not using plurals or past tense properly when speaking
• Unable to build a tower of six or eight blocks
• Having difficulty feeling comfortable holding a crayon

Early identification and treatment are keys to a bright future for your child. Trust you instincts – you know your child best. If something does not feel quite right, share your concerns with you health care provider. Your child is unique and develops at his or her own pace but understanding the basics about child development will make you more aware of the skills your child should achieve.

If you are considering  services or are unsure if your child is in need of services, contact us today to ask your questions. Regardless, be sure to take the Ages & Stages Questionnaires periodically to continue to make sure that your child is readily prepared to succeed in school.