Special Needs Living Indy August 2023 Digital Issue

PHOTOS BY BUONANNO PHOTOGRAPHY L.L.C.

Behavior Services

Dr. Amaurita Kanai: Dr. Kanai is an autism evaluation specialist, waiver service provider, and proud mother of two boys on the autism spectrum. Dr. Kanai has traveled the country training and educating herself and others about autism; teaching others on how we can better understand, support, and celebrate neurodiversity. Amaurita is a licensed clinical psychologist who sees children and their families in private practice for neurodevelopmental concerns. Dr. Kanai is a graduate of UC Berkeley, John F. Kennedy University, and completed her residency in Family Medicine at Franciscan Health, Indianapolis, with an emphasis on Developmental Pediatrics. In her free time, she loves to spend time with family, loves eating vegetarian food, and loves studying di erent languages. (www.kanaips.com)

Level 1 Services with SBS: At Supportive Behavior Services, it is our duty and responsibility to be there for everyone across the state, whether they be individuals or other provider agencies. SBS is proud to partner with and provide Level 1 Behavior Management Supervisory Services for multiple fellow agencies across Indiana.

Monthly CEUs: Through partnership with the Indiana Behavior Association, an accredited CEU provider for behavior consultants, Dr. Kanai is able to support BCs across all Indiana by providing monthly CEU opportunities.

ISSUE PREVIEW

Pages 24-26 Featured Individual: Melissa Poore and Her Family

Page 51 Pastor’s Corner: The Power of Prayer

Pages 32-34 Meet Dr. Courtney Jarrett

Pages 42-43 Why Traditional Interviews Don’t Work for The Neurodiverse Community, and What Can Be Done

Pages 30-31 Sponsor Spotlight: Joseph Maley Foundation

Page 46 Single Mamas Seen

Pages 28-29 Nonprofit Spotlight: Disability Legal Services of Indiana

Pages 36-37 Special Needs Living Party In The Park Recap

Pages 48-49 Autism Momma!

Page 39 Sensory Blurb!

Pages 18-19 Community Resources

Pages 20-22 Local Events

OWNER/ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

Jamie McCabe 248-882-8448

Jamie.McCabe@n2co.com

Scan the QR Code toSubscribe or Nominate:

Scan to share a story or check out https:// linktr.ee/community.stories

Scan or Text the letters SNL to the number 55433 to get the digital copy and text communications.

Looking to advertise or connect more? Scan to schedule an appointment with Special Needs Living Indy.

Facebook (@specialneedslivingmagazine)

Instagram (specialneedsliving)

Single Mamas Seen

Party In The Park

Meet Melissa Poore and Her Family

Meet Dr. Courtney Jarrett

Pastor’s Corner

Non-Profit Spotlight: Disability Legal Services of Indiana

Sponsor Spotlight

This section is here to give our readers easier access when searching for a trusted neighborhood partner to use. Get to know the businesses that make this magazine possible. Please support them in return and thank them if you get the chance!

ABA & COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES

K1ds Count Therapy (317) 520-4748

ABA SERVICES

Grateful Care ABA (317) 572-5315 gratefulcareaba.com/

Link to Learn (317) 863-8388

Mindful and Modern ABA Therapies (317) 827-7777

Piece by Piece Autism Center (765) 481-2261

Step Ahead ABA (317) 732-8380

The Umbrella Center (463) 701-0909

ABA/COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES

The Hope Source (317) 578-0410

ADVOCACY/EVALUATIONS

PEAS for Kids (920) 980-1172

ATTORNEY

Hostetter & Associates (317) 852-2422

ATTORNEY-WILLS/TRUSTS/ESTATE PLANNING

Law Office of Elizabeth A. Homes LLC (317) 660-5004

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT

Supportive Behavior Services

(765) 337-1895

www.supportivebehaviorservices.com

CASE MANAGEMENT

Connections Case Management

(317) 440-0637

IPMG - Indiana Professional Management Group

(866) 672-4764

CBD SUPPLIER

Indy CBD Plus (317) 961-0191

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Achieve Community Services (317) 918-0337 acssupports.com/

Ausome Indy (317) 331-2434 ausomeindy.org/

Indiana ACT for Families (317) 536-6900

COUNSELING SERVICE

Mark 2 Ministries (317) 777-8070

DAY / BEHAVIORAL SERVICES

Developmental Disabilities Systems INC. - DDSI (317) 477-8240

DENTAL

Children’s Dental Center (317) 842-8453

FINANCIAL

ENABLE Special Needs Planning, LLC (765) 585-1050 enablesnp.com

WestPoint Financial Group

Gordon Homes (317) 567-2005

GYMNASTICS

Body by GymRoots Studio (317) 579-9300

HEALTH & WELLNESS

LifeVantage - Team Richards

Kristin Richards (317) 698-5264

HOME CARE

Amiable Home Care Inc. (317) 802-1746

HOME HEALTH CARE

Comfort Care (317) 552-2039

HOME HEALTH SERVICES

Tendercare Home Health Services (317) 251-0700

www.tchhs.net/

HOME MODIFICATIONS / SPECIALTY EQUIPMENT

Specialized Home Care Services (888) 506-4182

www.specialized4u.com/

INSURANCE State Farm

John Cole (317) 430-1958

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

Dan Claxton Investment Advisory & Broker

Dan Claxton (317) 250-8080

MORTGAGE

CrossCountry Mortgage (317) 666-4679

MUSIC THERAPY

Dynamic Music Therapy (317) 829-6654

Resounding Joy (858) 888-0899

NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY

Indy Neurofeedback (317) 888-8500

PARKS & RECREATION

Johnson County Parks & Recreation (812) 526-6809

PEDIATRIC HOME CARE

Guardian Care (317) 360-0359

myguardian.care/

PEDIATRIC THERAPY

Wee Speak (765) 446-8300

REALTOR

F.C. Tucker

Nicole Lyon (317) 501-0639

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE/STEM CELL THERAPY

Destination ReGen (317) 522-1980

SCHOOL

Dynamic Minds Academy (317) 578-0410

Midwest Academy (317) 843-9500

SCHOOL - SPECIAL NEEDS

The Fortune Academy (317) 377-0544

SENSORY SPACES

Corporate Interior Solutions (317) 691-4156

SPEECH THERAPY

Positive Interactions Therapy (317) 518-0627 positiveinteractionstherapy.com

SUPPORT SERVICES

Abundance Living Ministries - PMA (765) 534-3564 abundancelivingnd.com

Easterseals Crossroads (317) 466-1000

Embracing Abilities (317) 825-8326

Joseph Maley Foundation (317) 432-6657

www.josephmaley.org

My Quillo (317) 626-4387 myquillo.com/

The ALTRUIST Group, LLC (317) 547-3041 x1005

THERAPY & TESTING SERVICES

The Brain Center (317) 748-0034

HeartSOS

Children, A dolescents, Young A dults with A SD & R elated Needs

Mental Health Counseling

A nxiety, Depression, A ttachment, PTSD & R elationships

Speech Therapy

Self- A dvocacy, A rticulation, Feeding, A praxia & R elationships

Family Guidance

Social Communication, Emotional R egulation, Flexible Thinking & R elationships

Occupational Therapy

Executive Functioning, A DLs, Sensory Processing & R elationships

Indy & Terre Haute Clinics

Outpatient Services for Individuals & Families

W e H e a r Y o u r S O S !

R each out at asdheartsos. com

317-977-2375

317-676-4222

800-609-8448

877-241-8144

800-545-7763

800-545-7763

800-622-4968

888-673-0002

800-403-0864

317-232-7800

317-925-7617

877-511-1144

317-466-1000

Arc of Indiana

www.arcind.org

Autism Community Connection

www.autismcc-in.org

Autism Society of Indiana

Blind and Visually Impaired Services (BVIS)

Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS)

Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS)

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS)

DHHSHelp@fssa/in.gov

Disability Determination Bureau

Division of Aging (IDA)

Division of Family Resources (DFR)

Division of Mental Health and Addiction

Down Syndrome Indiana

Early Childhood and Out of School Learning (OECOSL)

Easterseals Crossroads

https://eastersealscrossroads.org

911

800-545-7763

574-234-7101

317-232-0570

844-323-4636

317-233-4454

317-232-7770

812-855-6508

317-233-1325

844-446-7452

855-641-8382

800-332-4433

800-457-4584

317-232-7770

800-772-1213

800-772-1213

877-851-4106

317-871-4032

800-545-7763

Emergency First Steps

INSOURCE – www.insource.org

Indiana Department of Education: Office of Special Education – www.doe.in.gov/specialed

Indiana Family to Family - www.inf2f.org

Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) – www.in.gov/fssa/index.htm

Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities (GPCPD)

Indiana Resource Center for Autism

Indiana State Department of Health

Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council (INSILC)

Indiana Works

INSOURCE – http://insource.org/

Medicaid Disability

Medicaid Waivers

Social Security Administration (SSA)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Special Education Questions

United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR)

DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a N2 Publishing but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Special Needs Living magazine are not endorsed or recommended by The N2 Company or the publisher. Therefore, neither The N2 Company nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies. NOTE: When community events take place, photographers may be present to take photos for that event and they may be used in this publication.

Indy CBD Plus was built with the intention of spreading CBD (Cannabidiol)

an alternative medical solution. We do this do this by researching, testing, and carrying the best and most extensive line of CBD products.

as

Delivering Neighborhood Connections © 2023 The N2 Company, Inc.

Meet the Special Needs Living Indy Team

Sheila Wolfe — Writer and Contributor

Angela Arlington — Community Engagement Coordinator, Writer and Contributor

Paul Hathcoat — Writer and Contributor

Angelica N. Gray, MA, BCBA, LBA — Writer

Matt Knight — Writer

Maria Smietana — Editor-in-Chief

Kendal Ford — Kendal Nicole Photography

Dr. Darolyn “Lyn” Jones — Content Coordinator and Writer

Jamie McCabe — Publisher and Area Director

Lisa DeFilippoWriter and Contributor

Charles Spray MS, LMHCWriter and Contributor

Heather Gregg — Photographer, 21 Vines Photography

Jane Gailey — Contributor

Tasha Cleaver — SNL Account Executive

Isaac Roman — Writer and Photographer

Dorie Zipperle — Writer and Contributor

DeAndra Yates — Writer

Christina McGairk — Editor and Writer

Christia Woodford — Publishing Assistant and Local Events

Christie and Nathan Buonanno — Buonanno Photography

Aaron Olson — Writer

Tanya Sood — Writer and Contributor

HERE TO HELP YOUR FAMILY THRIVE & SURVIVE THROUGH YOUR NEXT MOVE.

IMPORTANT COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Need to know who to connect with to ask a question? This is where you find out who you need to know!

BY ANGIE ARLINGTON

ARC OF INDIANA

317-977-2375 or 800-382-9100

www.arcind.org

Special needs trust, advocacy network, support in applying for waivers and social security, family support, Self Advocates of Indiana

AUTISM SOCIETY OF INDIANA

800-609-8448

www.autismsocietyofindiana.org

Resources, support, events

BUREAU OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SERVICES (BDDS)

800-545-7763

Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver, Family Supports Waiver, Supervised Group Living, consumer and provider education and resources, Caregiver Supports Services, Contact to update and track if on a waiver waitlist.

DIVISION OF FAMILY RESOURCES (DFR)

800-403-0864

Receives applications and determines eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Refugee Cash Assistance.

DOWN SYNDROME INDIANA

317-925-7617

www.dsindiana.org

information, resources, events

EASTERSEALS CROSSROADS

317-488-1000

www.eastersealscrossroads.org

Adult Day Services, Adult Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation Programs, Children and Adolescent Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation Programs, Employment Services, Community Services, Assistive Technology Supports and Services

FAMILIES UNITED FOR SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT (FUSE)

317-462-9064

www.fuseinc.org

Serves families of children with disabilities of all types. Events, support groups, resources, monthly newsletter

FINDER INDIANA DISABILITY RESOURCES

www.indianadisabilityresourcefinder.org/

Directory of services for the disability community

FIRST STEPS

800-545-7763

www.firststeps.in.gov

Early intervention for children from birth to 3 years old with developmental delays. Evaluations and therapies in-home

DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES OF INDIANA

317-426-7733

www.disabilitylegalservicesindiana.org

A nonprofit organization offering free and low-cost legal services to the disabled community on any civil matters

INDIANA FAMILY AND SOCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (FSSA)

317-233-4454

www.in.gov/fssa/index.htm

Serves families, children, senior citizens, people with disabilities and mental illness

INDIANA FAMILY TO FAMILY

844-323-4638

www.inf2f.org

Information, education, training, outreach and peer support for families

INDIANA RESOURCE CENTER FOR AUTISM (IRCA)

812-855-6508

www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/index.html

Online articles, resources, training and conferences

INDIANA VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

800-545-7763

www.vrs.in.gov

Vocational counseling and training, job placement assistance, physical and mental restoration services, rehabilitation technology (e.g., adaptive devices, vehicle modifications)

IN*SOURCE

800-332-4433

www.insource.org

Special needs education support, Advocates for IEP help

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE

988 or 800-273-TALK (8255)

Resources and support for any kind of mental health issues

NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI) — INDIANA

800-677-6442

www.namiindiana.org

Support groups, classes, resources, conferences, information

211

Database of organizations to help with any type of needs by location in Indiana

PATINS

www.patinsproject.org

Supports students in public schools with accessible educational materials, assistive technology, Universal Design for Learning, expos

Have a suggestion for an important connection that could be added to this page? Email your suggestion to Jamie.McCabe@n2co.com.

LOCAL EVENTS

Note: Don’t forget to apply for the Access Pass! The Access Pass Program allows families that meet the specific requirements listed below to visit The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and all participating locations for $2 per family member per visit for up to two adults and all dependent youths living in the household. You qualify if you receive: Hoosier Healthwise Insurance (Indiana’s health care program for low-income families, pregnant women and children)

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

Apply here: https/www. childrensmuseum.org/visit/ hours/access-pass.

MUSEUMS

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

First Thursday Nights

The first Thursday of every month, 4:00 PM-8:00 PM.

Go back in time to the Age of the Dinosaurs and explore the basics of science through fun, hands-on activities in Dinosaur

Train: The Traveling Exhibition Travel to Greece without leaving Indiana in Take Me There®: Greece

Uncover ancient artifacts in National Geographic Treasures of the Earth https/www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/ calendar/event/273/2023-04-06

Various Events

August 1- August 31, Opens at 10 AM

BY CHRISTIA WOODFORD

3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, 317-334-4000 https/www.childrensmuseum.org

Conner Prairie — Indiana’s Living History Museum

Sensory-Friendly Hours

The second Sunday of every month, from 10 AM to noon, are sensoryfriendly hours at Conner Prairie! Enjoy a calm environment. Check-in with Guest Relations, stating that you are here for sensory-friendly hours. You will get free admission and may stay as long as you wish.

Various events

August 1- August 31

13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038 Phone: 317-776-6000 or 800-966-1836 https/www. connerprairie.org/events/list

SPORTS

Indianapolis Indians

August 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27

Victory Field, 501 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis, IN 46225 https/ www.milb.com/indianapolis

Indy Eleven

August 9, 26

IU Michael A. Carroll Track and Soccer Stadium

1001 W New York St Indianapolis IN 46202. 317-274-9749 http/ www.indyeleven.com

Indiana Fever

August 1, 4, 8, 10, 13,18, 24, 27

Gainbridge Fieldhouse

125 S Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 https/fever.wnba.com/

FAMILY FUN

Indianapolis Zoo

Animals And All That Jazz

JUN 15 - AUG 3 5:30pm-8:30pm

AS THE SUMMER HEATS UP, CHILL OUT WITH THE SMOOTH SOUNDS OF LIVE JAZZ DURING

OUR WILDLY POPULAR THURSDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES!

One of the Zoo’s longest-running events, this series will showcase a diverse lineup of musicians from across the Midwest, covering jazz genres from classic to contemporary, smooth soul to blues, and even blending in the sounds of pop and R&B.

All performances will take place under the Bicentennial Pavilion. Located near the Zoo’s entrance, this stunning space offers an open-air atmosphere as well as weather protection a perfect place for attendees to relax for an evening of music, rain or shine.

Best of all, concerts are included with Zoo admission. Come early and enjoy a full day of Zoo fun, then stay late for a night of live jazz music! And, enjoy the ambiance of the Zoo after-hours along with: Live music from 5:30-8:30pm

Specialty food that features a delicious new menu for purchase each night

A full bar for those 21 years and older provided by Zink Distributing, official beer provider, Hotel Tango Distillery, official cocktail provider, and Daniel’s Vineyard. official wine provider Animals on exhibit until 7pm Bring a chair to relax and enjoy the music! A limited number of tables are available on a firstcome, first-served basis

*Looking to bring a group? Tables of ten are available for reservation during each night of the concert series. Contact Group Sales or call (317) 630-2051 to get more information. https/www.indianapoliszoo.com/ events/animals-all-that-jazz/

*Members receive buy two, get two free ride tickets (limit of 20 tickets) from 5-7pm every night of the concert series. https/www.indianapoliszoo. com/events/animals-all-that-jazz/

Various events are scheduled daily Check the calendar for events.

https/www.indianapoliszoo. com/visit/daily-schedule/

1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46222

317-630-2001 9 AM - 5 PM, Mon. - Thur., and 9 AM - 7 PM, Fri.-Sun. and holidays

Indiana State Fair

July 28- August 20

1202 E. 38TH ST. INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46205

Tickets: https/www. indianastatefair.com/p/tickets

The Studio Movie Grill

3535 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46268 317-315-8113

Sensory-friendly screenings of movies! Check the website for movies and times. https/www.studiomoviegrill.com/ movie/special-needs-screenings

THE ARTS

Beef and Boards

Sophisticated Ladies

July 14- August 20

Grumpy Old Men August 24- October 31

9301 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 317-872-9664

https/www.beefandboards. com/Online/default.asp

Jubilate Choir

Butler University, Lilly Hall, Room 133 Wednesdays, 6:45-7:30 PM

The Jubilate Choir is for singers with special needs in grades 3-9. Singers with varying abilities meet each week to grow musically. This tuition-free choir focuses on proper singing techniques, music theory and sight-reading, partsinging, and social skills involved in being a member of a musical ensemble. Though Jubilate has, at its core, the same goals as other choirs in the Indianapolis Children’s Choir (ICC), singers in Jubilate engage in additional activities like visual and tactile experiences that are catered specifically to the current members of the choir. Director: Lauren Southard

For more information, contact Lauren Southard at 317-940-8065 or lsouthar@icchoir. org. https/icchoir.org/special-needs/

Gigi’s Playhouse

Various classes during the week. 5909 E. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46250 317-288-8235 indy@gigisplayhouse.org https/gigisplayhouse.org/ indianapolis/sfcalendar/

EVENTS

Dr. Lisa Thompson Golf Outing

Supporting RHI Foundation

August 3, 8:00 am- 4:00 pm River Glen County Club, 12010 Clubhouse Dr, Fishers, IN 46038 Supporting Families of Brain Injury Patients

This annual fundraiser supports the Dr. Lisa Thompson Center for Family Education mission:”To provide funding for research, therapy, and ongoing education to families of brain injury patients.” Brain injury often has devastating, life-long effects for the patient, their family, friends, colleagues, and all those in relationships prior to the injury. Current rehabilitation services do not address these chronic challenges that can lead to loss of purpose, meaning, connectedness, and even life itself. An Outing to Remember

raises funds that help patients and families live with the long-term challenges of this chronic condition. Plan now to join RHI, family, and friends for an”Outing to Remember,” on August 3, 2023. This event benefits the RHI Foundation’s Dr. Lisa Thompson Fund. All proceeds support initiatives that help patients and families living with the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury.

Call to Register for the Golf Outing: (317) 329.2212. https/api.neonemails. com/emails/content/Z0Qdr2vm_ JrJiLMFqFiadyWV2

iAodnhTbskL3chJ0E=

Herd of Hope Round-Up Golf Outing

August 8, 11:30 am- 4:00 pm

The Golf Club of Indiana South 525 East, Whitestown, IN 46075

Herd of Hope Equine-Assisted Therapies, in association with RaceMaker Productions, is excited to present the first annual”Giddy-Up”

Charity Cross Country Run. Do not miss the opportunity to challenge yourself on this one-of-a-kind cross country run that winds through 176-acres of serene views and vibrant nature! The timed runs will consist of 2.5 mile, 5.0 mile, or 7.5 mile races around a course set on our beautiful and historic equestrian farm located in the heart of the Traders Point rural historic district. Additionally, there will be a 1-mile”Family Fun Run” that will include multiple family-friendly rest stops on your way to a popsicle finish! We look forward to having some fun in the sun with you and your family as we all come together to support a great cause!

https/www.herdofhopetherapy. org/events

Special Olympics Plane Pull Challenge

August 12, 8:30 am- 12:00 pm

Indianapolis International Airport postal hub 2475 Hoffman Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana 46241

• 7:30 a.m.-noon Registration

• 8:30 a.m. Opening ceremony

• 9 a.m. Competition begins

• 11 a.m. Halftime ceremony

• 11:30 a.m. Kids Pull

• Noon Competition resumes

The Plane Pull Challenge also features a festival-like atmosphere. The Indianapolis International Airport postal hub will be transformed with live music, food, souvenirs, games and other activities throughout the day. For more information or to register: http/soindiana.org/plane-pull/

Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana’s 5th Annual Adaptive Sports Expo

August 12, 8:00 am- 1:00 pm

Indy Fuel Tank, 9022 E. 126th Street, Fishers, IN 46038

Attendees can try an adaptive sport first-hand, watch our athlete demonstrations, and visit with vendors and community partners who provide resources and services for individuals with physical disabilities. Vendors are provided with a complimentary 6’ table and two chairs and are encouraged to bring a popup tent up to 10’x10’ that is securely weighted. RHI Corporate Sponsors and organizations that promote the event to their members and stakeholders, in advance, participate free of charge. Register: https/rhifoundation.app. neoncrm.com/np/clients/rhifoundation/ eventRegistration.jsp?event=527&

Adaptive Sports Expo

RHI’s Adaptive Sports Expo is about sharing the mission of the RHI Adaptive Sports Program, providing families living with and professionals specializing in physical disabilities an opportunity to connect, share information and

resources, and learn about the many life-enrichment opportunities available in our community.

Plenty to Do:

Come see RHI Adaptive Sports Program team demonstrations performed by our athletes and try the sport yourself! Wheelchair Lacrosse, Wheelchair Tennis, Wheelchair Basketball, and Power Soccer. You can talk with elite athletes and Paralympians in the sport of fencing, archery, para-power lifting, para-triathlon, water skiing, and racing. You will also learn about the many recreational clinics available through the RHI Adaptive Sports Program.

St. Mary’s Western Days Festival *Sensory Friendly

August 19, 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm 525 N Broad St. Griffith, IN Individuals with Special Needs & Their Caretakers! All Ages!

Come enjoy Western Days Festival’s softer music and no flashing lights *During this time, guests will be offered a free wristband to ride all the rides and a free popcorn. https/www.facebook.com/ WesternDaysGriffith/

Terre Haute Disability Resource Fair

August 26, 11:00 am- 2:00 pm

Happiness Bag Inc 3833 Union Rd, Terre Haute, IN 47802 Happiness Bag, Connections Case Management, Self Advocates of Indiana and Hometown Waiver Solutions

will have their 2nd annual Disability Resource Fair in Terre Haute.

Terre Haute Disability Resource Fair will provide information about community resources and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Exhibitors will talk about the services and resources to assist individuals and families. There will be interactive areas, food trucks and more!

19th Annual Kammy’s Kause

4p- Music Festival Fundraiser

August 26, 12:00 pm- 8:00 pm

Landmark Park, 216 E Staat St., Fortville IN 46040

Silent Auction, Arts and Crafts, Food and Beverages, 125-mile Motorcycle ride

The 19th Annual Kammy’s Kause is FREE to the public with a HUGE KidZone, Silent Auction, all-day music festival from some of your local favorites, Food Trucks, Vendors and much, much more - including a 125mile motorcycle ride Kammy’s Ride! We will have several LIMITED EDITION merch items. Not to mention some pretty incredible custom-wrapped KK items for our famous Silent Auction! All funds raised are donated directly to the 4p- Support Group!

Facebook: https/www.facebook. com/kammyskause/?ref=br_rs or https/kammyskause.org/support/

Is there a local event for the special needs community you would like us to promote in an upcoming issue? Email us at SpecialNeedsIndy@n2pub.com.

Melissa, Bailey, Brooke, Brynna, Brock and David MEET MELISSA POORE AND HER FAMILY

Melissa Poore’s life-long pursuit of learning started with a stepwise approach. Coming from a family of five, she had to pay her own way through college, so the Alexandria, IN, native first earned a certification in radiologic technology from Ball Memorial Hospital’s School of Radiologic Technology. Working as a radiologic technologist gave her the income to graduate with a BS in health science from Ball State.

While raising her family in Anderson and Lapel with her (now former) husband, her youngest child, Brock Troutman, was diagnosed with regressive autism at the age of 36 months. The diagnosis changed everything for Melissa. “[Once Brock was] in ABA we were not given many tools to help us address his behaviors at home,” Melissa recalled. “I decided to go back to school so that I could learn for myself the best strategies to use with him at home and in the community.” She earned a master’s

degree in special education (nonlicensure), along with certifications in autism and ABA.

After Brock’s diagnosis, Melissa learned that her kids had gluten and dairy allergies and switched the family to a gluten - and dairy-free diet. This was more than 20 years ago, when many considered the diet to be a fad at best. She remembers that her daughters, who were in public school at the time, found it hard to fit in because they couldn’t eat what the other kids were eating. “My oldest was bullied and made fun of for eating her homemade gluten and dairy free foods.”

Melissa started homeschooling her three oldest in 2006 and continued all through high school. But even in her homeschool co-op, where one would expect to find more understanding, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. “The girls still encountered difficulties for not being able to eat what everyone else did,” she said. “And when their brother

Maria Smietana — Editor-in-Chief

did come along occasionally, there were [judgmental] looks and stares because Brock could be unusually loud or behave ‘inappropriately’.”

That acute awareness of how stigmatizing it can be for kids to grow up with a sibling with autism keeps Melissa in awe of her daughters. “As a mother, I still to this day have no idea how hard it was for my daughters to have their childhood geared around [their brother’s] diagnosis of autism,” she said. “The true unsung heroes in a family with a special needs child are indeed the siblings. Brock’s sisters adored him, but I know many times he would also have been a source of embarrassment for them while growing up.”

In spite of, or maybe because of, their early challenges, Melissa’s daughters have gone on to be very successful adults. Her oldest, Bailey Troutman, holds degrees in communication arts and communication technology. She is currently Associate Director of CCIT Communications at Clemson University.

Second daughter Brooke Troutman earned her BS in psychology from IU and is a certified master herbalist and Reiki Level 2 practitioner.

Youngest daughter Brynna Troutman studied graphic design and digital audiences and works as a free-lance artist and entrepreneur. Brynna’s partner David, who is like another son to Melissa, served in the US Coast Guard and now works at a stone company that installs countertops and does other types of stone installation.

Divorced since 2018 after 28 years of marriage, Melissa now shares her home in Lapel with Brooke, Brock,

and two beloved cats, a ragamese (part ragdoll and part Siamese) named Simon and a domestic short hair named Poppie “Brock is my hero, and the reason I am the person I am today,” Melissa said. “I am his sole guardian. He enjoys living his best life and plans to start selling his collection of art and be an entrepreneur, too.”

Brock is considered non-verbal but with support, he can type to communicate. He loves making pour paintings. During the summer, he enjoys kayaking, and with a gift from his maternal aunt and uncle, he was able to buy a tandem kayak, which he paddles at a man-made lake in Madison County. He likes to meet at Fort Harrison State Park with another young man with autism. “The fellas enjoy walking at Fort Ben and on occasion will do the musical swings that are close by,” Melissa said. “However, it can be challenging for Brock to do the swings for any length of time and we usually say our goodbyes to his friend and his mother after 5-8 minutes at the swings.”

During the 10 years that Melissa worked as a contracted behavior consultant with a provider group for the Indiana Waiver services, she was always seeking out new modalities to assist her son as well as her waiver clients. “I wanted to help my son’s healing and support him in all aspects

of his health, not only physically, but also his emotional wellbeing,” she said.

That passion turned her into a non-stop learner. “I finished a total of 18 courses in Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI) and became a core specialist in training - level 2 in 2017. I also completed courses in quantum reflex integration (QRI) which utilizes lowlight laser therapy to assist with reflex integration. I am a certified QRI laser specialist as well.”

After completing all four levels of training in the Touch For Health® acupressure method and becoming a Touch For Health® level 4 facilitator, Melissa started coursework toward a doctor of naturopathy degree, which she earned in 2021. She additionally became certified as an emotion code practitioner and later as a body code practitioner. “That is what led me to the (eesystem.com) and why I decided to create Abundance Living Ministries – A Private Ministerial Association (PMA),” she shared (abundancelivingnd@gmail.com).

As chairperson and trustee of this ministry, which Melissa started in February of this year, she oversees an ambitious program that offers members the 12-unit Energy Enhancement System™ experience, body code therapy, and numerous forms of naturopathic treatment. Daughter Brooke offers Reiki natural healing sessions and serves as a ministry trustee. Brock is involved with the ministry too, helping to get the space ready for members on the days sessions take place.

Looking back over the decades, Melissa says her happiest memories are all the time her family spent together during her children’s homeschool years

as well as their vacations. “I was thrilled after having started a protocol with my son in 2012 that had been so very helpful for him. That was the year he actually enjoyed the ocean at Myrtle Beach without screaming in terror. This was huge for him and us!”

The family still gets together for their traditional Thanksgiving gluten free/dairy free feast with all the goodies, and all the kids spend Christmas Eve with Mom. Brock likes to celebrate his birthday in January with his Uncle Rick in Sarasota, so Melissa and Brooke make the trip with him. “We used to fly, and Brock did great during the flights,” Melissa recalled. “We now drive, and Brock still does really well with the long trip. He enjoys watching YouTube videos on his iPad as well as playing games.”

At home, Melissa and Brooke try to keep life simple. Brock’s favorite meal is his sister’s homemade gluten free, dairy free pizza. He also looks forward to steak and potatoes night as well as the family’s modified Italian meatball and spaghetti dinner. They might watch Home Town on HGTV and listen to just about any genre of music. During football season, they cheer for Ohio State, where Melissa’s nephew, Justin Frye, is currently the running game coordinator and offensive line football coach.

Brock’s autism diagnosis got the family involved with many organizations when the kids were still young. Melissa remembers that when her daughters were in junior high and high school, they would all volunteer at a local food pantry, with the girls working on site while she and Brock were driving to local restaurants to collect donated food.

Melissa credits The Autism Community in Action (TACA) with helping her navigate the world of special needs. “It has been and still is a wonderful national resource for our family,” she said. “Soon after Brock’s diagnosis, this is where I learned so much about how to help my son physically and biomedically. The National Autism Association in its early years was also VERY instrumental in our journey and remains a great resource for us today.”

When talking to other families, Melissa shines the light on the siblings of special needs kids. “As a mother to four amazing young adults, I cannot stress enough to newly diagnosed families to not forget the siblings. I encourage parents to continue seeking out activities for them, too. We were blessed that there was SibShops when the girls were young, which allowed them to be with others who had a sibling with special needs. As parents we can sometimes forget how taxing it can be on the siblings, in ways we may not even understand.”

Another thing Melissa has learned on her journey is that “everybody’s body is different. No matter what someone else has found to be the “key” thing, it does not necessarily mean it is going to be the “key” for me and my son. Always go into whatever therapy/modality you try with an open mind to receive what is best and for your highest good. What worked for one person, and how it worked, does not mean it will be identical for you. Seek out groups and organizations pertinent to your child’s special needs. Community is critical, and the best way to learn about different modalities that have worked for others.”

“I had to learn early on that even though my son did not progress as I had hoped, there is ALWAYS progress going on in deeper, unseen layers at the cellular level,” she added. “One should never quit after once or twice doing a modality and not seeing major improvements. I know my son’s regression was not instantaneous and his speech was the last thing that was lost. Just because he doesn’t speak verbally, it doesn’t mean that the treatments we’ve tried haven’t helped in some way.”

DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES OF INDIANA

BY ANGIE ARLINGTON

Margaret Jones, J.D., is the executive director of Disability Legal Services of Indiana. Margaret, along with other attorneys and parents, founded the organization in response to a concern over the lack of educational advocacy and legal services for children and adults with disabilities in Indiana, particularly in education law.

Disability Legal Services of Indiana (DLSI) provides free and lowcost legal assistance and educational advocacy to help ensure low-income Hoosier students with disabilities reach their full potential. DLSI’s goal is to improve the educational outcomes for students. For the past 12 years, DLSI attorneys have empowered students with disabilities

by successfully advocating for their access to an appropriate education.

“Data from the Indiana Department of Education indicates that over 180,000 Indiana children are receiving special education services,” Margaret shared.”The laws governing special education are complex and parents often need assistance to understand their rights and responsibilities. DLSI provides that assistance and empowers the student, and their parents, to have a voice in their education. We also provide free disability education law seminars to groups when requested.”

“I love the work we do,” she added.”It combines my love for education, my respect for the law, and my passion to help children reach their potential.”

DLSI assists families with educational matters involving IEPs and Section 504 plans and can address a variety of other issues, including a student’s eligibility for special education services, the appropriate level of the services, educational placement issues, and discipline matters. DLSI’s work helps break the cycle of poverty by improving the educational outcomes for students with disabilities in Indiana.

“DLSI provides legal assistance and educational advocacy, yet we also support meaningful collaboration between families and schools,” Margaret said.”We know the value of a strong parent-school relationship. With our assistance, parents work with the school to obtain effective educational programs for their children.”

Margaret Jones, J.D. and Mylene (Mimi) Huybers, J.D.

SUPPORTING:

DLSI is looking for passionate and dedicated board members to provide leadership and vision to help DLSI achieve its goals. Opportunities for board involvement include fundraising, marketing, and strategic planning.

DLSI is interested in increasing the diversity of its board to ensure a wider representation of minority groups and other individuals who have an interest in assisting children and adults with disabilities to obtain an appropriate education. For more information about DLSI, go to https/www. disabilitylegalservicesindiana.org/

TESTIMONIALS:

“In the Spring of 2022, I spent over a month calling numerous law offices to assist me with my son’s educational matter. I was redirected several times. The last time I was very blessed to have made contact with Mrs. Margaret Jones with Disability Legal Services of Indiana or DLSI. She met with my son and me. She was very attentive, patient, and understanding. I was very pleased with her work and professionalism. Within less than a month she successfully and collaboratively resolved our matter with our school district. I could not thank her enough. She listened to me cry and sob a few times. She made me feel like she was in my shoes and understood me completely. I would highly recommend DLSI to any family needing legal help.”

KRISTI S.

“Margaret and Mimi, of DLSI, were wonderful to work with. They showed such compassion in such an emotionally challenging time in our lives. They both were thorough in explaining everything every step of the way. They both made it possible for my daughter to get the education she is entitled to.”

STEPHANIE

“I love the work we do,” she added.”It combines my love for education, my respect for the law, and my passion to help children reach their potential.”

Dash For Disabilities

Office

Joseph Maley Foundation

BY AUBREY WIEST (SHE/HER/HERS) SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

kids teaching kids, the program utilizes seventh and eighth-grade students who use child-sized puppets to perform skits on topics related to all of the Foundation’s education programs. Puppeteers are trained at summer camps and become skilled at facilitating puppet shows. They then interact with the audience during the question and answer session after each show.

on diversity and inclusion into their classroom.

As of 2023, the Foundation’s education programs are implemented over 80 times yearly, in more than 60 Greater Indianapolis schools.

In addition to our education programs, the Foundation has three service-centered programs: Junior Board of Directors, Fitness, and Family Support.

Children possess some of the most remarkable qualities of humanity — curiosity, affability, and total acceptance, to name a few. Building on those innate qualities by teaching youth to celebrate the differences that exist between us all is at the forefront of Joseph Maley Foundation’s mission and programming.

Joseph, the eldest son of John and Vivian Maley, was born in 1990 and lived with a myriad of disabilities. As Joseph’s four younger brothers entered school, they began looking for ways to talk to their classmates about Joseph and how he navigated the world. With strong support from parents and community volunteers, Vivian created a disability awareness program for their school.

When Joseph passed away from leukemia at the age of 18, Vivian, John, and their sons established Joseph Maley Foundation in his memory to continue the work Vivian was doing. In fact, this first iteration

of Disability Awareness has evolved into the Foundation’s cornerstone program. And while this program is focused on awareness and education, it has always centered around celebrating the beauty of our differences, and what makes us unique. That core value drives all of our work, and is at the heart of Joseph Maley Foundation’s mission: to celebrate differences and cultivate an inclusive community through education and service of youth in Greater Indianapolis.

The initial Disability Awareness program consisted of an educatordeveloped curriculum and volunteer speaker sessions, where individuals with disabilities would share the stories of their lived experiences with youth. Building on that model, Vivian knew that there was an opportunity to engage youth further. Not long after the Foundation’s establishment, she created our second education program, Puppets. Based on the ideal of

In response to the changing needs of youth and the community, the Foundation went on to add two additional education programs to our roster of offerings: Hope and As You Are.

Hope, created to address the increasing mental health needs of youth, teaches students how to advocate for their own well-being, as well as that of their peers. And the latest educational offering, As You Are, was developed in 2021. This program focuses on family and gender diversity and ultimately teaches youth that they belong here just as they are.

Each of the Foundation’s education programs are modeled on the successful structure of Disability Awareness. The programs are educator-developed and developmentally appropriate, with the curriculum built to span all grade levels, from preschool to high school. Because these programs meet Indiana state standards, they integrate seamlessly into the school year, and provide teachers with the guidance needed to incorporate vital lessons

The Junior Board of Directors is composed of high school students from a multitude of area schools. Members serve as ambassadors for the Foundation, cultivate servant-leadership skills, and learn what it means to sit on a nonprofit’s board of directors.

Fitness, created in response to the need for adaptive recreational activities for children of all abilities and their families, now consists of three major initiatives: run2gether, seasonal family fun days,

Hope

Puppet Show

Puppets and puppeteers

Run2gether

and tri2gether. run2gether, the program’s most popular initiative, pairs youth with disabilities with experienced runners. The athletes with disabilities are known as captains, while the experienced runners are their crew. The crew and captains work together, with specially designed running/racing wheelchairs, to train for and compete in a variety of racing events.

Understanding that to serve a child means to serve their family, the Foundation created our Family Support program in 2013. The program’s first initiative was to serve families through Individualized Education Program (IEP) assistance. Families who have a child with a disability and need

help navigating the IEP process are paired with a pro bono attorney, who can provide guidance and act as an advocate for them. Family Support has grown to include the Sibling Support initiative. Sibling Support recognizes that siblings of children with disabilities are an underserved population, with distinct needs and experiences. Sibling Support offers youth the opportunity to connect with peers who have similar lived experiences and to learn strategies for navigating their unique role.

Over the Foundation’s fifteen-year history, we have served more than 350,000 Indiana youth. Our rate of service increases exponentially each year, especially with the transition of our education programs from exclusively in-person implementation to its current hybrid structure. The hybrid model--which includes both in-person and digital programming-was developed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Needing a way to serve existing school partners who were then operating solely under a virtual education model, the Foundation pivoted, creating dozens of curriculum videos. Initially designed to serve schools through completely digital programming, the curriculum evolved as schools began to re-open, offering in-person puppet shows and speaker events once more. The new model has given Joseph Maley Foundation the ability to grow its reach rapidly.

With the knowledge that each child, family, and school is one-of-a-kind, the Foundation tailors programming to fit the unique needs of those they serve. This standard has been scrupulously maintained throughout the years. And while the Foundation serves children primarily through instructional lessons on empathy and kindness, another core value of our programming is to provide youth with the opportunity to use their voices for the betterment of themselves and their communities. The two programs that most obviously fulfill this value are Puppets and Junior Board, but you can find it within each of our offerings, most notably, perhaps, through our volunteer speaker opportunities. Each of the Foundation’s curriculumbased education programs— Disability Awareness, Hope, and As You Are—utilizes the voices of volunteer speakers. Speakers provide impactful opportunities for their audiences to connect to individuals who may look, communicate, think, or feel differently than themselves. The Foundation’s youth speakers, the youngest of

which is in fourth grade, are especially powerful. By sharing their lived experiences with their peers, they aid in the creation of a kinder and safer school environment. We are always looking for ways that we can better serve the youth of Greater Indianapolis. The Foundation’s ability to react to and serve emerging youth needs is integral to all we do. As new youthfocused statistics on mental health, bullying, peer exclusion, and more, are released each year, the need for empathy-building programming is more than apparent. Joseph Maley Foundation knows that all youth deserve to feel not just heard or accepted, but celebrated for who they are.

If you’d like to learn more about Joseph Maley Foundation’s programs, events, or volunteer opportunities, please visit our website at josephmaley. org, follow us on social media, or reach out directly to our executive director, Vivian Maley, at vmaley@josephmaley.org

Joseph and his brothers, 2000

Sibling Support

Joseph, 1994

Junior Board

Volunteer Speaker

Meet Dr. Courtney Jarrett

Pioneering disability services at Ball State University

BY DR. DAROLYN”LYN” JONES

Meet Dr. Courtney Jarrett, Director of Disability Services for Ball State University. Jarrett was working at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and her boss had a master’s degree so she decided if she wanted to advance herself in the field, she had better get an advanced degree also. To help offset the costs of returning to school, Jarrett accepted a graduate assistantship which required her to work with students in the Learning Center at Ball State. It was there that she first started working with students with

disabilities who needed the services of the Learning Center.

After she earned her doctorate, she began teaching at Ball State in the Women and Gender Studies Program, but because of budget cuts, her position was eliminated after a year. Then the Associate Director of Disability Services position opened up.” I didn’t think I was qualified, but because of my work at the Learning Center and my interest in working with marginalized populations, I was hired,” she said. What she realized about the position

is that you learn by being in the job, working directly with students. No two students are the same, not even two students who have the same disability. Every student has different needs and requires different accommodations.

After 10 years as associate director, Jarrett was promoted to Director in 2018. Ball State became a pioneer of disability services in higher education in the 1960s, long before the Americans with Disabilities Act became law. That pioneering work continues today under Jarrett’s leadership.

Nick with Adaptive Games

Dr. Courtney Jarrett fall 2020

Dr. Courtney Jarrett Staci Mannella

Back in the 1970’s, Richard Harris, who was wearing many administrative hats at the university, took on the cause of students with physical disabilities who needed accommodations. Someone in a wheelchair wanted to be part of a fraternity, so Harris made sure that location had a ramp. A student wanted to have a more accessible dorm room; Harris made that happen. A student wanted to be able to access certain buildings, and Harris complied. Ball State started to get noticed by wheelchair users everywhere as a university that was accessible and inclusive.

Eventually, Harris’s work turned into the Office of Disability Services and he became its first director. College Magazine now ranks the campus number one for services for physically disabled students. New Mobility magazine ranked Ball State among”ten schools that set the bar high” by offering”a wide range of inclusive opportunities in a truly accessible setting.”

Key indicators used by New Mobility included Ball State’s wheelchair-friendly infrastructure, the percentage of accessible buildings, and the integrated accessible housing options. Ball State also scored well

on personal assistance programs, adaptive sports and recreation opportunities, accessible on-campus transportation, and adaptive computer labs, among other criteria.

But Jarrett’s office works with much more than just wheelchair users. There are 3200 students on campus with disabilities that range from autism spectrum disorder and mental health diagnoses to a wide range of orthopedic, occupational, hearing, and visual impairments, and Jarrett’s job requires her to coordinate with just about every entity at the university to serve them appropriately. She works with Facilities Planning to make sure curb cuts, ramps, tables in classrooms, and elevators are all in place and in working order; with residence hall directors to make sure that dorms have accessible showers, grab bars, and keyless entries; with dining hall and food services for accessibility and dietary restrictions; with transportation to organize shuttle bus services on the large campus; and with university instructors from every major and department to ensure that everything from visuals, seating,

Accessible teaching March 2023

Goalball

James

Sydni at awards April 2023

captioning, note sharing, lighting, and accommodations are in place. She helps ensure that the Learning Center and Assistive Technology Lab have what they each need to serve students, faculty, and staff who need those services.

“The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the floor, but at Ball State we set the bar way higher than that for our disability services,” Jarrett said. She meets with administrators, staff, and faculty from every sector of this mid-size public university, educating them that universal compliance is everybody’s job. Ball State is unique in that it has a faculty mentorship program that pairs disabled students with a faculty member from their major area of study. Students meet regularly with their mentor, who”helps them with the complexities of the academic experience. These mentors are trained to give students a sense of belonging to the university community and a better understanding of the academic expectations” (BSU, Faculty Mentorship, 2023). Faculty mentors also help students learn to selfadvocate and can act as a liaison in their respective departments.

Students with disabilities are drawn to Ball State because of its commitment to inclusive excellence and accessibility. Butanother draw, according to Jarrett, is the sports program for students with disabilities

which offers rugby, power soccer, wheelchair basketball, and goal ball for the visually impaired.

Ball state is also home to a very strong and long-standing student organization, The Alliance for Disability Awareness, which does advocacy work on and off campus. Additionally, the nationally known Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD) on campus offers a program for university students who are on the spectrum.”The CAPS2 program at the CASD empowers students with ASD to maximize their strengths as well as develop and refine skills in the areas of self-development and self-determination,” Jarrett said.

Jarrett explains that at Ball State, you will encounter less stigma as a student with either mobility or non-apparent disabilities than you do elsewhere, something that she is very proud of.

This year, Ball State was the first university to provide a summer bridge program for new students coming to campus with a disability. Students got to move in a week early to learn the campus, find their classes, orient themselves to the campus climate, and engage with disability services staff and important supports like the Learning Center and Assistive Technology Labs. This is yet another example of Ball State’s pioneering leadership in disability services and inclusion work.

To learn more about disability services at Ball State University, visit https/www.bsu.edu/about/ administrativeoffices /disability-services

Ball State University. (2023). Center for autism spectrum disorders: CAPS2 cultivating the academic and personal success of students. https/www.bsu.edu/ academics/centersandinstitutes/ center-for-autism-spectrumdisorder/caps2

Ball State University (2023). Office of disability services: Faculty mentorship program. https/www.bsu.edu/about/ administrativeoffices/disabilityservices/services-resources/ students/fmp

Thomas, M. (2019, Mar. 23). Disability services at ball state ranked no. 1 nationally. Ball State Daily News. https/www. ballstatedaily.com/newslink/ article/2019/03/disabilityservices-ranking

Tabling 2023

Special Needs Living Party in the Park Recap!

PHOTOS BY ELIETH PINA PHOTOGRAPHY

In a heartwarming celebration filled with laughter and joy, the special needs community came together for a truly memorable event at The Park at Traders Point Christian Church. The first-ever Party in the Park, organized by Special Needs Living Magazine, proved to be a resounding success, leaving lasting impressions on everyone involved.

For many special needs individuals, hosting birthday parties can be a challenging task, as making friends and finding supporters can sometimes prove difficult. Understanding this struggle firsthand, one passionate parent had a dream of bringing the community together for an unforgettable gathering. After seven years, that dream became a reality in the form of the Party in the Park.

The event was made possible by the gracious support of Traders Point Christian Church, which opened its doors to host the festivities. The generosity and warm hospitality created the perfect setting for an afternoon filled with fun and celebration. Families and individuals from near and far gathered, their excitement palpable in the air.

A special shoutout goes to the event’s sponsors, who played a vital role in making this day possible: Julie Walker of Positive Interactions Therapy and Specialized Home Care Services sponsored the delightful balloon animals, while Angela Northrup created vibrant face paintings. Healing Hands stepped in to sponsor glitter tattoos, adding a touch of sparkle and whimsy to the

Healing Hands - Susan GrahamSponsoring Face Painting

event. And thanks to the generosity of Mark Cline and My Quillo, each guest indulged in scrumptious cookies.

No birthday celebration is complete without gifts, and the Party in the Park ensured that every individual had something special to take home. The joyous smiles on the faces of the attendees as they received their birthday gifts were a testament to the happiness shared throughout the event.

This gathering wasn’t just about the immediate celebration—it was about fostering a sense of togetherness and community. Special Needs Living Magazine takes great pride in organizing events that bring people from all walks of life closer, creating bonds that go beyond a single day of festivities. The success of the Party in the Park has only fueled the passion for future endeavors and events.

As the day drew to a close, the organizers expressed their gratitude to everyone who made the Party in the Park possible. They also extended an open invitation to the community, encouraging individuals to share their ideas for future events. The Special Needs Living team eagerly looks forward to planning more occasions that unite people in laughter, friendship, and celebration. With each event, they hope to make a positive impact on the lives of special needs individuals and their families, fostering a stronger and more inclusive community for all.

Adrenaline Family Adventure Park

Special Needs Living Magazine - Jamie McCabe

- Publisher & Angie Arlington - Community Engagement Coordinator

Specialized Home Care Services - Angela Northrup - Sponsoring Balloon Animals

Guardian Care - Tendra Duff & Elieth PinaSponsoring Glitter Tattoos

My Quillo - Mark Cline - Sponsoring Cookies

•

•

Sensory Blurb!

Because no two people are alike, and neither are their needs.

Not everyone processes their surroundings the same way. This can cause overwhelming situations for some individuals. Our team at Specialized Home Care Services is here to help you find the right solutions.

The air you breathe within your home can have a great impact on your overall health. Indoor pollutants and air particles can have an influence on the condition of your lungs and respiratory function. Adding an air purifier to your home can reduce the particles and improve the air quality. Although air purifiers don’t necessarily remove all particles from your residence, they can reduce the amount of potential allergens and harmful particles in the air. The biggest benefit of this is creating a cleaner environment and improving your respiratory health.

How Can We Tell If A

The Rocker Chair is available in 2 sizes and can be turned over to use as a sensory chair. It’s a great option for individuals who like to soothe themselves by rocking.

The gentle movement offers soothing proprioceptive input and the high sides help enhance body awareness. When turned over, the chair will provide a stable base.

Ruth Roberts at Specialized Home Care Services

621 N Central Ave Connersville, IN 47331

ruth@specialized4u.com

(317)-348-0708 Mobile

(317)-348-0708 Fax

• the child can sing songs, but doesn't have any "words"

• the speech the child uses is single words that have been taught, or unintelligible speech often labeled as "jargon"

• the unintelligible vocalization are rich in intonation if you listen closely,

• if using AAC and there is not progress despite intense intervention

• the child studies an/or repeatedly replays media (songs, movies, tv shows, etc.)

Rocker Chair

PEAS for Kids

PEAS for Kids specializes in educational consultation, advocacy, and customized assessment plans for children (grades PK-12+).

Assessment plans address emotional concerns and learning disabilities such as Dyslexia, as well as characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

PEAS for Kids strives to utilize the results of our evaluations to provide recommendations for, and work with parents in advocating for their child's educational needs within the school setting.

Psycho-educational Evaluations and Advocacy Solutions (PEAS) for Kids

Ed.S.

allison@peas4kids.com

In this role, you will provide interactive supervision and support to children

with intellectual disabilities in their homes and community. We are looking for determined individuals that can achieve this through respectful interactions in our client's homes, the creative use of resources, networking and involvement in the community at large. To learn more, scan the QR code to be taken directly to the open positions listed on our Careers page.

Why Traditional Interviews Don’t Work for The Neurodiverse Community, and What Can Be Done

BY MATT KNIGHT

As many neurodiverse and other disabled people know, the traditional job interviewing process is massively flawed. In my own experience of submitting over 3,000 job applications and attending more than 100 interviews in the span of 9 years, I have come to realize that it is mostly an exercise in memorization, having good control over your emotions, and making a good first impression. As a result, the interviewer must rely mostly on their instincts to find the”right” candidate since the interviewee may give”cookie cutter” answers that can be manipulative, inauthentic, or embellished.

Also, the traditional interview process does virtually nothing to critically examine one’s skillset with regard to the job duties and how well one reacts to stress and roadblocks while working. It simply shows how one can communicate in a particular setting (i.e., can you mask well enough to function in this role/team/company/etc.?).

Sadly, that makes it harder for neurodiverse people to get hired, myself included. More often than not, interviewers are looking for normal, extroverted individuals with enough social skills to flatter the interviewers into thinking that they are a good”culture fit” and won’t be a burden to the team. Many neurodiverse individuals aren’t

outgoing and find it hard to exhibit the kind of social skills that an interview requires. Others may need special accommodations to complete an interview but have a hard time admitting or verbalizing that. Starting from the assumption that an interviewer has already seen a candidate’s resume or online application, here is my”AllInclusive Showcase” interviewing method/process that I think would be a massive improvement over the current one:

1. For initial screening, use email conversations instead of phone interviews. This is helpful for quality neurodiverse candidates who simply have a different verbal communication style and can’t sell themselves as well as neurotypical candidates. Additionally,

1. Anything that can be asked in a phone screen can be said in an email.

2. If one or both parties have an accent or speech impediment, misunderstandings are reduced.

3. Behavior and body language cannot be observed.

2. Ask candidates 2-3 general questions and give them a time limit to send a reply. Failure to answer all questions within the time limit automatically disqualifies the candidate. Candidates could be given the option of recording responses in a video or audio format where it makes sense.

1. What are some of your strengths/weaknesses?

2. What’s your ideal company/ manager/work environment/etc.?

3. What are your goals?

4. Why did you leave (or why are you leaving) your last/current job?

For neurodiverse/disabled individuals, ask them to elaborate how their divergence/ disability may impact their work.

1. Consider administering one of the more widely accepted personality tests, such as Big 5, Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ 32i), or Extended DISC Assessment.

2. Ask candidates to submit a portfolio of previous work. Depending on

the industry, this could include published work, photos, coding projects, data analyses, research projects, written or graphic content, art, drawings and designs, examples of coding, and much more.

3. If not already included in the resume, ask candidates to provide a list of certifications and scores from industryspecific examinations, if applicable.

4. Have candidates participate in practical exams or job auditions, where they can show their experience and expertise given a specific scenario and a defined amount of time. In the IT world, this might include diagnosing device problems and fixing them, writing or correcting code, or creating a user flow.

1. In sales and marketing, the candidate could create a brief pitch of a product or service.

2. In almost any field, a candidate could be asked to demonstrate skills or carry out tasks alongside the individuals they would be working with.

5. Finally, provide an opportunity for candidates to ask questions of the interviewer and vice versa.

Admittedly, my”All-Inclusive Showcase” interviewing process is more time consuming than the traditional process, since it takes a”quality over quantity” approach. This can be mitigated somewhat by group interviews or auditions, such as what is done in the NFL, NBA and MLB Draft Combines and in casting calls in the entertainment industry. While the hiring process will always boil down somewhat to the inherent biases of the interviewer and what they want in a candidate, I do think that a process that focuses on the demonstration of actual skills or knowledge is a more fair and effective way to evaluate candidates, whether they are neurotypical or neurodivergent. The core issue regarding interviews (and employment) that I think is happening is that employers use “culture fit” as a way of separating candidates too often. In order for the neurodiverse community to get a more even footing, employers need to start placing more emphasis on merit (or measured potential for entry level jobs). The way I see it, if a few industries have managed to discover and perfect job auditions, I see no reason why the rest of the corporate world should not follow suit.

WHERE EVERYONE IS FAMILY

Estate Planning

At Guardian Care, we know that no one takes care of family like family.

If your child has a complex and/or chronic medical condition, you may qualify to be their paid caregiver.

• Experienced Child Advocacy to get your child approved for the appropriate Waiver and ongoing supports.

• Our caregivers earn an average of $2,000 - $4,500 per month!

• Streamlined process to get you approved and working in as little as one week.

Down Syndrome Awareness

317.360.0359

care@myguardian.care

www.myguardian.care

SINGLE MAMAS SEEN

BY CHRISTINA MCGAIRK PHOTOS BY BRANDY ROLDAN

Hi, I’m Christina, a super mom raising a precious 11-year-old on my own and taking on motherhood like a champ! Okay, that’s a lie. That’s what I want people to think and see. Yet, to be honest, I am the mother of the most amazing girl in the world, but some days I’m sleep-deprived, stressed out about money and bills, emotional, irritated, and always on high alert for the next meltdown that may happen.

Raising a child as a single parent is rough. Raising a child who has exceptional needs by yourself is super rough, especially when the other parent is non-existent.

I’m blessed beyond measure because I have a village that helps me. I have my Mama, who will do anything for her Grandbaby and”Big Baby” (me). She has helped me emotionally, monetarily, and the list goes on. Even though she doesn’t always agree with my style of parenting, I know her concern comes from a heart that’s good.

Another part of my village is my church family. We felt the love as soon as we walked through the doors seven years ago. They have embraced us and shown us God’s love time and time again. I am forever grateful for them.

Then there’s the special needs community. Once you’re in this loving and accepting circle, you have a family for life. It’s so nice to be around other parents who GET IT. You don’t have to apologize for the way your child is behaving because they understand. They have been there. Their ability to not just empathize, but relate with the ups and downs of special needs parenting is so refreshing.

Yet, I understand not every mother receives that kind of love from family, friends, their support system, their village, especially single mothers. That’s where I want to try to fill the void. Far too often we watch the news or read stories where a mom of a special needs child or adult gets overwhelmed to the point that they abandon them or even end their life. That’s why having that mental, emotional, and spiritual support is so important.

Do I have all the answers about special needs parenting as a single mom? No, I don’t proclaim to. Heck, there are some days when I feel like I’ve fallen short. But I do have life experience and have learned from other single mamas facing the same journey. So this column is not just about my single special-needs parenting adventures, but also other strong single mamas out there.

The bottom line is we have good days and bad days, but no matter how tired, beat down, and helpless we feel, we don’t love our children any less. We will fight to the ends of the Earth for them just like any parent, single or married.

Photo by Tricia Miller at Best Buddies Prom

Indy Neurofeedback is Changing Lives!

Do you or someone you love suffer from ADHD, Anxiety or Autism? Let Us Help You Explore Your Options.

Neurofeedback is a non-drug, non-invasive solution to symptoms related to brainwave dysregulation. It's natural and offers a fix to the problem, not just a bandage that masks the symptoms.

"We followed the same path most of the other autism parents do with GFCF, DAN Dr., supplements, HBOT. What really made a difference in our son’s attention span, executive processing skills, and anger management was neurofeedback through INDY Neurofeedback and Leanne O’Neil."

~Maria S. (parent)

Schedule a consultation today!

8801 N. Meridian, Suite 306, Indianapolis, IN 46260

(317) 888-8500 • www.indyneurofeedback.com

Services to help manage ordin ary and tax advantaged investagement, or savings for healt h events. is available Claxton

(317) 250-8080

dclaxton@claxtonfinancial.com

a registered investment advisor, memb er FINRA/SIP C

THE AUTISM MOMMA!

BY TANYA SOOD

Most people are unaware of the costs associated with raising a child with autism. Many of these children require round-the-clock care, which is mostly done by the mother, who is often the”first responder.” From child-rearing, to carrying out the instructions of therapists, to giving medications, providing special diets and administering biomedical interventions, the mom in many cases is compelled to give up her career, leaving her financially dependent on her other half.

Days turn to months, years, and decades, and she is still selflessly catering to her child’s needs. By now she is”almost” a therapist, through time

spent in and out of therapy sessions. In this never-ending reality, her education and career have taken a back seat.

A frightening situation arises when her partner decides to leave, dies unexpectedly, or becomes disabled. Many mothers are left in financial danger if there are no savings or assets, or if child support is inadequate or non-existent. It is extremely important that moms prepare for their financial future and stay aware of how their situation would change if a partner was no longer in the picture.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one out of every 65 children is diagnosed with a form of autism. In a two-parent family, that generally means one parent must

shoulder the burden of earning enough money to support the family and cover the cost of care not paid for by insurance or Medicaid waivers.

The Center for Anxiety and Women’s Emotional Wellness notes that clients exhibit common behaviors such as setting high and unequal expectations for themselves, self-criticism, negative self-talk and perfectionism, and”avoiding stressors that make them feel overwhelmed or worried. An ongoing pattern of these behaviors can result in feelings of anxiety, depression, frustration, disappointment, helplessness, despair, or grief.” Feelings of fatigue, burnout, being unseen, undervalued, and unappreciated, emptiness and

numbness, and physical ailments from stress are commonly reported.

The extra financial strain often associated with an autism diagnosis comes on top of the fact that families with autistic children generally earn 28 percent less than families with non-autistic children. Extra costs can include:

SPECIAL SCHOOLING-- Children with autism often cannot attend the same schools as non-autistic children. This is because they require different learning environments and instruction. Specialty schools, tutors, and teachers can cost families several hundred dollars per month—or thousands per year.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES-- It has been shown that specialized activities with other autistic children help those with autism learn to function in a nonautistic environment. These activities include special camps, swimming lessons, and social events, but these activities can be expensive. Parents can spend hundreds of dollars annually on activities that are imperative for the social development of their child.

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT-- Autistic children may require specialized equipment to learn. Recent studies have shown that iPads help autistic children relate to the world, learn, and socialize in a nonconfrontational environment. Parents who want to provide their child with an iPad can expect to spend upwards of $500 for the most basic model.

That’s just the start of a list that can get very long depending on the degree of the child’s needs. Medicaid waiver assistance can help, but the application process isn’t always simple, the waiting list is long, not all families are eligible, and there are limitations to what is covered. Family resources quickly get stretched, and the impact is worse on single-parent households.

What is EES?

EES is the perfect laser light acupuncture on every meridian and in every cell of the body, simultaneously.

~Dr. Sandra Rose Michael, Creator

Our 12-Unit EESystem is open to Abundance Living Ministries Members & by appointment ONLY on:

WEDNESDAYS-SUNDAYS

Session Times: 10am-12pm, 12:30pm-2:30pm, 3pm-5pm, & 5:30pm-7:30pm

Sessions/Packages

2-hr (minimum) session- $50/hr.: $100

4 Pack Package: $380

6 Pack Package: $540

10 Pack Package (Best Value): $880

We are a Private Ministerial Association, and therefore not open to the Public.

Experience the Surprising Effects of the EESystem On:

Arthritis • Autism • Auto-Immune Disorders • Blood Disorders

Brain Fog • Ionizing/Non-ionizing

Radiation • Chronic Fatigue

Detoxification • Depression • Diabetes

Diabetic Neuropathy Fibromyalgia

Infertility • Injury Recovery • Lyme

Memory Loss • Multiple Sclerosis

Nervous System Disorders

Sickle Cell Anemia • Pain Relief

Parkinson's • Peak Performance

Deep relaxation & meditation states

Increased energy • Improved skin

Improved stress, tolerance & sleep

Enhanced learning states improved creativity **and more!

Music Therapy & Wellness

Early Childhood Music Classes

Sign & Sing Virtual Classes

Music Therapy can help individuals of all ages and abilities, including those with:

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia ° Autism ° Cerebral palsy

Developmental Disabilities

End-of-life care (Hospice)

Mental health

° Down Syndrome

° Intellectual Disabilities

° Neurological disorders

Psychiatric disorders

° Rehabilitation

7502 Madison Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46227 (317) 829-6654

dynamicmusicservices.com

The Power of Prayer

BY PAUL HATHCOAT

Prayer is a powerful tool for parents and caregivers navigating the journey of raising children and loved ones with disabilities. In times of challenge and uncertainty, turning to God in heartfelt prayer can provide solace, strength, and hope. This article presents a collection of Christian prayers designed to uplift, support, and encourage both parents and their beloved children living with disabilities. Take these prayers from a pastor’s heart and make them your own today.

Prayer for Strength and Guidance: Heavenly Father, we come before You today, seeking Your strength and guidance as we care for our precious child with special needs. Grant us the wisdom to navigate each day with grace and patience. Help us understand their unique challenges and bless us with the ability to provide the love and support they need. Grant our child strength and resilience, so that they may face life’s hurdles with courage. Lord, be our constant companion on this journey, and may Your presence be a source of hope and peace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Prayer for Healing and Restoration: Loving God, we bring our child’s challenges before You, knowing that You are the ultimate healer. We ask for Your divine touch to bring restoration and wholeness to their body, mind, and spirit. Grant them comfort in times of pain and grant us the strength to care for them with compassion. Lord, we trust in Your perfect plan for their life, and we surrender our fears and worries to Your loving embrace. May Your healing power flow through our child, bringing them the peace and joy they deserve. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Prayer for Acceptance and Inclusion: Dear Lord, help us foster a world of acceptance and inclusion for our child. Open the hearts and minds of those around them, so that they may see the incredible worth and potential our child possesses. Give us the strength to advocate on their behalf, so they may be treated with dignity and respect. Guide us in creating opportunities for them to shine, and surround them with a supportive community that recognizes their unique gifts. May our child be embraced and celebrated for who they are, reflecting Your love and grace in their lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Prayer for Peace and Comfort: Heavenly Father, grant our child a deep sense of peace and comfort in the midst of life’s challenges. Shield them from feelings of loneliness or isolation, and fill their hearts with Your divine presence. Wrap them in Your loving embrace when they feel overwhelmed, and grant them assurance that You are always near. As parents, grant us the ability to offer solace and understanding, knowing that You are the ultimate source of comfort. May our child find strength and peace in You, knowing that they are fearfully and wonderfully made. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

As parents and caregivers, you have the privilege of lifting your children and loved ones with disabilities in prayer. By seeking God’s guidance, healing, acceptance, and comfort, you nurture their faith, and others. Through these heartfelt prayers, I invite God into your journey, knowing that His love and grace will sustain you every step of the way.

Do you have a thought, idea or information that you would like to see in this section in an upcoming issue? Email Paul Hathcoat at phathcoat@wrcc.org.

Through these heartfelt prayers, I invite God into your journey, knowing that His love and grace will sustain you every step of the way.