Everyone has their own idea of what makes a great Friday night. Maybe it’s going to a high school football game, eating at their favorite restaurant, or seeing a movie. For some caregivers of those with disabilities, a relaxing or fun Friday night out can be a challenge. That’s where Easterseals Crossroads’ Respite Services can help.

While parents/guardians get some time off, clients have a blast for a few hours at Easterseals Crossroads. From dinner and snacks to activities like music BINGO, dancing, and various crafts, there are plenty of things to keep clients smiling at Friday Night Out (FNO).

Amy Coyle, Registered Behavior Technician, has been with the Easterseals Crossroads Respite Department for almost four years, and for the past three years, she’s had the privilege of co-leading FNO with Sydney Antisdel.

“FNO is always filled with energy and connection,” Coyle says.

FNO is valuable to both clients and their families. The program is open to adults 18 and older with a wide range of disabilities. Coyle says FNO is the only break some family caregivers get all month.

“Can you imagine only having a few hours to yourself a month?” Coyle says. “Being able to give them that peace of mind while their loved one is engaged and cared for means so much.”

Typically, FNO is the second Friday of each month. There are often 15-20 clients, many of them who attend regularly. The consistency helps staff build relationships with the clients and also allows the clients to form friendships with one another.

Coyle’s favorite annual respite event, and that of the clients, is the formal dance. Coyle and Antisdel spend months planning the annual dance, working a 12-hour shift between setup and teardown. Coyle says many of the clients didn’t have access to some typical life experiences, like prom, and that the dance provides that experience in a safe and supportive environment.

“(The hard work preparing) is absolutely worth it,” Coyle says. “Our clients talk about the dance all year long!”

Deanna was a teenager when her brother Jerome was born; she and her older brother were not sure how a new baby in the house would change their lives, but they quickly grew to love him. It was Deanna and her mom who realized that Jerome was not meeting some developmental milestones; after evaluations, they learned that he has autism. After high school, his family knew that he needed an option for day services where he would be challenged and engaged each day.

Jerome has been attending adult day services for over 9 years. Deanna is now his primary care provider and she is secure in knowing that Jerome is well cared for and is an active participant in his own life.

“There are some things that Jerome would not be able to do if it hadn’t been for Easterseals Crossroads. I don’t think he would be to the point where he could pick out his clothes, take his medicine on his own or fix his food. And I don’t think he would exercise without Crossroads working with him,” said Deanna.

Deanna feels good knowing that she is not the only person looking out for Jerome. She feels that Jerome is part of a community of support where he has grown, gained confidence and become more independent.

“He has great relationships with his friends and the staff. Everybody looks out for everybody else,” said Deanna.

Lean more about Adult Day Services.

Beth is 8 years old; she loves books, climbing, music and games that light up. When Beth was 6 months old, her parents contacted their physician when they noticed that she was not reaching some developmental milestones. Beth has microcephaly, which means that her brain has not grown at a typical level.

“I feel that parents should trust their own instincts. When something feels wrong, there is just no downside to getting an evaluation,” said mom Kelly.

Beth is nonspeaking and she receives speech therapy at Easterseals Crossroads where she is learning to use a two-button communication device to express her wants and needs. Eventually, her parents would love her to use a device to communicate the more difficult things such as her thoughts and her feelings.

Occupational therapy is another service that Beth receives as she has generalized muscle weakness. Her parents want her to be as independent as possible and they appreciate the wraparound services that we offer in addition to therapies. Beth has attended our summer camp programs, and she has benefitted from our assistive technology lending library to borrow various communication devices.

“When we come to Easterseals, it feels like everyone is all in for ability. The building is set up for her access with everything she needs. Everyone is always happy to see us; we feel really welcome,” said Kelly.

As Beth grows, her family can count on us for programs and options that will grow with them.

Learn more about Children’s Therapy Services at Easterseals Crossroads.

Meet Jenny. She has been receiving recreational therapy services for the last year at Easterseals Crossroads with Gina Schulz, CTRS, Manager of Therapeutic Programs. Recreational Therapy is a process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address assessed needs of the individual as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery and well-being.

Jenny has been working hard to set and reach her goals over the last year. She works along side Gina to set her own recreation therapy schedule to include tasks and activities that she enjoys and that get her out and a part of her community. Being a part of the community is one of the goals she values most when it comes to being an active part of her rec therapy program. Some of her favorite community visitations happen at the park, bowling alley, the zoo, shopping, and even a cat café!

Jenny has many physical goals she is working to reach as well. Some of these include working to improve fine motor skills and strength in her hands. Her primary focus is the weakness and limited mobility in her right side. Baking, playing games, exercising, and painting are great ways that Jenny works to improve these motor skills along with coordination and overall muscle tone and strength. Jenny was initially hesitant to engage in walks or use her right-side during these activities, but over the last year she has started to engage these targeted areas and see progress!

“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Jenny as she is a bright light in my day. She is always excited for recreation  therapy and has a smile on her face. She has a great sense of humor and is very witty. Working with Jenny reminds me of why I fell in love with Recreation Therapy,” state Gina, Jenny’s rec therapist.

 

Jenny also has a supportive family unit helping her work hard towards these goals and make it possible for her to see Gina for recreational therapy. “Jenny looks forward to working with Gina on the days she is at Crossroads,” says mother, Georgia.  “She especially likes the baking sessions and smiles with pride after she is able to do it.  I think she has gained confidence that she can accomplish something.”