MARCH 2022
TO GET THE DIGITAL COPY OF SNL THROUGH TEXT MESSAGE TEXT THE LETTERS SNL TO THE NUMBER 55433.
INSIDE: • Meet the Gailey Family • New Year’s Bash 2022! • Non-Profit Spotlight: Best Buddies • Making A Difference: Meet Melony Salla – How the Special Olympics Changed My Life • Sponsor Spotlight: Connections Case Management • The ABCs of IEPs: Compensatory Services • Pastor’s Corner: The Importance of Community • Local Events and More
ON THE COVER: The Gailey Family -
Kevin, Jane, Max, and Sam Photos by: Heather Gregg, 21 Vines Photography
2 Special Needs Living • March 2022
More than a Trampoline Park Adrenaline is the perfect place for an adventure! Have a blast jumping on trampolines (of course), channeling your inner ninja warrior, making it to the top of the climbing wall, or challenging your friends in jousting. We are the largest indoor adventure park in Indiana, with 50,000 square feet of attractions, including our ALL NEW ropes course, warped wall, stunt fall, all sports course, harnessed climbing wall
and MORE!! Sensory Friendly Play every Monday from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Call or email to reserve your spot!
10080 E 121st St Suite 182 Fishers, Indiana 46037 317-572-2999 adrenalinefishers1.com events@adrenalinefishers.com March 2022 • Special Needs Living
3
I M P O RTA N T
N UMBE R S 317-977-2375
Arc of Indiana www.arcind.org
317-257-8683
ASK: About Special Kids, Inc. www.aboutspecialkids.org
317-676-4222
Autism Community Connection www.autismcc-in.org
800-609-8448
Autism Society of Indiana www.autismsocietyofindiana.org
877-241-8144
Blind and Visually Impaired Services (BVIS)
800-545-7763
Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS)
800-545-7763
Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) DHHSHelp@fssa/in.gov
www.n2pub.com Turning Neighborhoods Into Communities © 2022 Neighborhood Networks Publishing, Inc.
AREA DIRECTOR PUBLISHER
Jamie McCabe jamie.mccabe@n2pub.com
317-233-4454
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) - www.in.gov/fssa/index.htm
317-232-7770
Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities (GPCPD)
812-855-6508
Indiana Resource Center for Autism https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca
317-233-1325
Indiana State Department of Health
844-446-7452
Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council (INSILC)
855-641-8382
Indiana Works
800-332-4433
INSOURCE http://insource.org/
800-622-4968
Disability Determination Bureau
888-673-0002
Division of Aging (IDA)
800-457-4584
Medicaid Disability
800-403-0864
Division of Family Resources (DFR)
317-232-7770
Medicaid Waivers
317-232-7800
Division of Mental Health and Addiction
800-772-1213
Social Security Administration (SSA)
317-925-7617
Down Syndrome Indiana
877-511-1144
Early Childhood and Out of School Learning (OECOSL)
317-466-1000
Easterseals Crossroads https://eastersealscrossroads.org
911
Family Voices Indiana www.fvindiana.org
800-545-7763
First Steps
317-232-0570
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
877-851-4106
Special Education Questions
317-871-4032
United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Indiana
800-545-7763
Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR)
Emergency
844-323-4636
574-234-7101
1-800-772-1213
INSOURCE www.insource.org Indiana Department of Education: Office of Special Education www.doe.in.gov/specialed
4 Special Needs Living • March 2022
SCAN TO VIEW THE PAST ISSUES OF SPECIAL NEEDS LIVING
SCAN TO GET THE DIGITAL COPY OF SNL THROUGH TEXT MESSAGE
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.
Midwest Academy is an intentional educational community serving students in grades 3-12 with ADD/ADHD, language-based learning differences, high functioning autism, and processing challenges. The school is designed to develop academic achievement, self-acceptance, and personal accountability. We offer our students a small, engaging educational setting, an inspiring progressive curriculum, and a culture focused on the development of the whole child.
Schedule a tour today. 317-843-9500 www.mymwa.org | 1420 Chase Ct. Carmel, IN | admissions@mymwa.org March 2022 • Special Needs Living
5
Sponsor I N D E X Thank you to all the below businesses who have chosen to support Special Needs Living magazine each month!! They would be delighted to help you with your next project or need. If you know of a business that helps those with special needs and would be a good resource for families please let us know. Jamie.McCabe@n2pub.com. If you run a business and would like to be involved or support this magazine you can set up a time to talk here https://calendly.com/jamie-mccabe/special-needs-living ABA & COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES K1ds Count Therapy (317) 520-4748
ADVOCACY/EVALUATIONS PEAS for Kids (920) 980-1172
ABA SERVICES Adapt for Life ABA (317) 383-0188
ASSISTANCE DOG Indiana Canine Assistant Network, INC. (ICAN) (317) 250-6450
Applied Behavior Center for Autism (317) 849-5437 Autism Center for Enrichment (317) 436-7080 BehaviorWorks ABA (317) 731-7777 Mindful and Modern ABA Therapies (317) 827-7777 Piece by Piece Autism Center (765) 481-2261 ABA/COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES The Hope Source (317) 578-0410 ACCESSIBILITY PRODUCTS AMRamp (260) 519-1935 ACCOUNTING/PAYROLL/TAXES Borshoff Consulting LLC. Sherry Borshoff (317) 902-6539 ADULT DAY CENTER Adult Day Centers Jay Lugosch (317) 296-8815
DENTAL CARE Children’s Dental Center (317) 842-8453
ATTORNEY Hostetter & Associates (317) 852-2422
ELECTRICAL SERVICES 21 Electric (317) 449-0021
ATTORNEY-WILLS/TRUSTS/ ESTATE PLANNING Law Office of Elizabeth A. Homes LLC (317) 660-5004
FINANCIAL Charter Advisory Corporation David Yearwood (317) 844-7416
CASE MANAGEMENT Connections Case Management (317) 440-0637
Munder Financial James Munder (317) 238-6621
IPMG - Indiana Professional Management Group (866) 672-4764
WestPoint Financial Group Gordon Homes (317) 567-2005
CAT CARE & SITTING Bastet Cat Care & Sitting (317) 919-1948
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE Wholestic Nutrition (317) 429-0111
CBD SUPPLIER Indy CBD Plus (317) 961-0191
GYMNASTICS Body by GymRoots Studio (317) 579-9300
CLEANING SERVICE Pristine Cleaning Service (317) 617-5572
HEALTH & WELLNESS LifeVantage - Team Richards Kristin Richards (317) 698-5264
COFFEE ROASTER Tinker Coffee Co. (317) 438-5728 COUNSELING SERVICE Mark 2 Ministries (317) 777-8070
6 Special Needs Living • March 2022
DAY / BEHAVIORAL SERVICES Developmental Disabilities Systems INC. - DDSI (317) 477-8240
HOME CARE Amiable Home Care Inc. (317) 802-1746
MUSIC THERAPY Resounding Joy (858) 888-0899
SCHOOL Dynamic Minds Academy (317) 578-0410
HOME CARE SERVICES SafeInHome (855) 476-6665
NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY Indy Neurofeedback (317) 888-8500
Midwest Academy (317) 843-9500
INDOOR TRAMPOLINE PARK Adrenaline Family Adventure Park (317) 572-2999 adrenalinefishers1.com
ORTHODONTICS Hallmark Orthodontics (317) 773-5515
INSURANCE State Farm John Cole (317) 430-1958 INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Dan Claxton Investment Advisory & Broker Dan Claxton (317) 250-8080 LANDSCAPING/LAWN CARE/ LANDSCAPE LIGHTING Franco Landscaping, Inc (317) 858-3858 MOBILITY / ACCESSIBILITY CYA Mobility (317) 530-2541 MORTGAGE CrossCountry Mortgage (317) 666-4679
Rigsbee Hall Orthodontics (317) 574-0612 PARKS & RECREATION Johnson County Parks & Recreation (812) 526-6809 PEDIATRIC THERAPY Wee Speak (765) 446-8300 REAL ESTATE Encore Sotheby’s Patti & Jeff Carroll (317) 809-5839 REALTOR Carpenter Realtors-Jeremy Page (317) 413-5311 F.C. Tucker Nicole Lyon (317) 501-0639 REGENERATIVE MEDICINE/ STEM CELL THERAPY Destination ReGen (317) 522-1980
SCHOOL - SPECIAL NEEDS The Fortune Academy (317) 377-0544 SCULPTURE, POTTERY & ART Ripple Mobile Arts (317) 514-8469 SPECIAL EDUCATION CONSULTING IEP Services, LLC. Sheila Wolfe (317) 573-9610 SUPPORT SERVICES Easterseals Crossroads (317) 466-1000 Noble (317) 375-2700 The ALTRUIST Group, LLC (317) 547-3041 x1005 THERAPY & TESTING SERVICES The Brain Center (317) 748-0034 VIDEOGRAPHY/PHOTOGRAPHY Deliver Video Eli Walker (765) 602-1046
March 2022 • Special Needs Living
7
MEET THE
Special Needs Living TEAM JAMIE MCCABE Publisher & Area Director
CHRISTINA MCGAIRK Editor and Writer
CHRISTIA WOODFORD Publishing Assistant and Local Events
MARIA SMIETANA Editor-in-Chief and Writer
JANE GAILEY Event Manager
HEATHER GREGG Photographer 21 Vines Photography
ANGIE ARLINGTON Community Engagement Coordinator / Writer and Contributor
CHRISTIE AND NATHAN BUONANNO Buonanno Photography
KENDAL FORD Kendal Nicole Photography
ISAAC ROMAN Writer and Photographer
Independence Park - a place to PLAY for ALL
• All Inclusive Playground Remodeled in 2020 featuring an Interactive YALP & Sona Arch • 3 Rentable Shelters • Wheelchair Accessible Trail with JCPL Storywalk • Wheelchair Accessible Basketball Court
WRITER & CONTRIBUTORS
ANGELICA N. GRAY, MA, BCBA, LBA
AARON OLSON
SHEILA WOLFE
DEANDRA YATES
PAUL HATHCOAT
MATT KNIGHT
2100 S Morgantown Rd Greenwood, IN 46143 812.526.6809 www.jocoparks.com Follow us on Facebook! @injocoparks @jocoind
8 Special Needs Living • March 2022
DORIE ZIPPERLE
Piece by Piece was founded in February 2019 to bring ABA therapy services to underserved communities. Since then, we've grown to four locations: Lebanon, Frankfort, Monticello, and Lafayette. We have also recently welcomed Indiana Autism Services to our network of clinics, allowing us to serve clients in Crawfordsville and Greencastle as well. Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts work closely with families and other stakeholders to ensure generalization of skills across all settings, including home, school, and the community. We are passionate about providing high quality services to our families and being a resource for the communities we are a part of. Contact us today to learn more about the Piece by Piece difference!
Waiver Services Behavior consulting through the BDDS waiver Piece by Piece ABA Therapy Monticello: 574-240-2192 Lafayette: 765-448-1758 Piece by Piece Autism Center Lebanon: 765-481-2260 Frankfort: 765-670-6300 Indiana Autism Services Crawfordsville: 765-307-2104 Greencastle: 765-359-7700 piecebypiececenter.com
Accepting new clients! Now hiring therapists, behavior consultants, and BCBAs! March 2022 • Special Needs Living
9
featured family By: Lena DeZutti Photos By: 21 Vines Photography
GAILEY FAMILY MEET THE
KEVIN, JANE, MAX, AND SAM
10 Special Needs Living • March 2022
F
Families all over the world have a lot more in common than you might think. They spend time with each other, support each other, share traditions, and, most importantly, love each other. The Gailey family, made up of Kevin, Jane, and their two sons, Max and Sam (plus Josie, the family pup, and feline Tashi), is no different. What makes the Gailey family’s story unique is that Max not only joined the family through international adoption but has struggled with both medical and developmental issues. Kevin and Jane adopted Max from China when he was 3 years old. But Max was not like other 3-year-olds. He struggled to meet typical childhood milestones. He had also been born with a cleft lip and palate, necessitating several surgeries, which taught Kevin and Jane to take each step in the process one at a time. “It is easy to get caught up in the ‘what comes next’ part,” Jane said. “But staying in the moment, recovering from one before concerning ourselves with what comes next, is important.” By the time he turned 14, Max was also diagnosed with autism, epilepsy, and a gene duplication, all of which have contributed to his developmental delays. Despite these challenges, Kevin and Jane strive to normalize Max’s diagnoses and provide him with opportunities to explore his interests and build his confidence. He attends Midwest Academy, a progressive school in Carmel for kids with learning differences, and will soon be participating in the Special Olympics. He loves to swim, which he does at the Carmel Swim Academy. He learned how to ride a bike through the ICAN bike program at Easter Seals, and he delights in performing in school programs. He loves game time with his dad especially Sorry, the many versions of UNO and Go-Fish, music therapy, volunteering at the Humane Society, and trips to the library with his grandmother. Having this kind of parental and academic support can have a huge impact in a child’s life. “[Attending Midwest Academy, where Kevin serves as Head of School] has made a world of difference for Max,” Jane said. The school helps “kids with HFA, March 2022 • Special Needs Living
11
ADHD, and language processing [issues]. Kids from all over central Indiana attend Midwest. It has a strong sense of community and supports families.”
We Love Kids!
most dental insurances and Medicaid accepted
5-Star Rated Pediatric Dentistry
• providing tools to use in future appointments • establishing at-home dental hygiene routines • preparing you and your child to work through fear and anxiety Call 317-842-8453 to book an appointment. 9885 E. 116th Street, Suite 100 | Fishers, IN 46037 babytoothcenter.com
12 Special Needs Living • March 2022
In addition to Max’s activities, the Gailey family enjoys doing things together, too. When they travel to Michigan to see their extended family or go to Sanibel Island or upstate New York, they include Max in the planning process by providing him with travel information and his favorite comfort items. Close to home, they have a variety of favorite restaurants, which include Bella Pizza, Piada, Coopers Hawk, and Omoni Korean. And they share interests in music (classical and classic rock), movies (Pirates of the Caribbean), and sports (New England Patriots). Every Friday night is traditionally family movie night. At Christmas, they make cookies and spread out reindeer food on Christmas Eve. The family also strongly believes in participating in community outreach programs. They take part in volunteering with LDA of Indiana, coaching Special Olympics and soccer, helping out at the Humane Society, at their church, and for hospice. Inclusion in all facets of their lives plays a large role in their family dynamic. Kevin and Jane want other families with a special needs child to know that they’re not alone. “Reach out to others,” Jane said. “Make connections. Being with others helps us all feel like we are in this together. Always advocate for your child. You know them best. We learned very early on to let go of expectations based on chronological age. Max is going to get there when he is ready. He is accomplishing things as he is developmentally ready to do so. The timeline doesn’t matter.”
March 2022 • Special Needs Living
13
Connections sponsor of the month By Maria Smietana
Case Management
More than two decades ago, Michele Lohmeyer and Laura Fife were both starting their families. What happened after their babies were born would profoundly change each woman’s life forever, and set them on a path to help other families in similar situations. Lohmeyer, a native of Attica, IN, was working in mortgages when she gave birth to premature twin, one of whom did not survive. After this tragic life event, Lohmeyer found more meaningful work with First Steps, Indiana’s early intervention program for infants and toddlers born with disabilities or developmental delays. Later, she started working in waiver case management. Jacob, her surviving twin, got a good start in life through First Steps and will soon be a graduate of Purdue University! Lohmeyer went on to have two more children, Isabella and Will. Her family now resides in Westfield, IN. Fife was born in Gary, IN, and after graduating from college, she worked in public relations and writing. Then her daughter Hailey, now 20, was born with a rare chromosome deletion that caused her to have numerous physical and cognitive challenges. Like Lohmeyer, Fife found her employment to be hollow in light of her new reality. She went to work in waiver case management as well as in the residential/support services sector. “It was a welcome change, and I found my niche,” Fife said. She and her husband, Patrick, reside in Noblesville, IN, with Hailey and their other two children, Sara, and Sean.
14 Special Needs Living • March 2022
The two women founded Connections Case Management in 2015. “We provide case management supports and guidance for individuals that use the Family Supports (FS) and Community Integration and Habilitation (CIH) waivers,” Lohmeyer said. (Indiana’s Medicaid waiver programs make it possible for disabled individuals to receive therapeutic and other supports and services without being admitted to an institution, allowing Medicaid to pay for services in the home and in community-based settings.) Thanks to their previous experience, Fife and Lohmeyer knew that proper supports were invaluable to the success and happiness of their special-needs clients. “We set out to hire an amazing group of dedicated case management professionals all over Indiana that have many personal reasons and motivations for dedicating themselves to quality case management services and supports,” Lohmeyer said. “Connections Case Management is grounded in supporting our case managers and providing them with the tools to have work/life balance, a robust training and education curriculum, ongoing supports and resources, and technology,” Fife added. “We know that
everyone to participate. We also provided free education to school systems, parent groups, and other organizations to help ensure that our communities are aware of the Medicaid waiver and all the services it has to offer.” “We support Special Needs Living because we love to hear about the various journeys that others are on,” Fife said. “The creativity, possibilities, and options [in the articles] are wonderful and really help us to show families that their expectations should be high, and that community and waiver supports can be used toward that success.” Fuse Bowl-a-Thon
The Connections Team
Business Contact Information: Connections Case Management, LLC Laura Fife info@connections-in.com (317) 710-7184 9165 Otis Ave., Suite 217 Indianapolis, IN 46216
a case manager who is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to support our individuals on the waiver is an extraordinary commodity in an interdisciplinary team. We are focused on supporting and developing our case managers so that they, in turn, can do the same for the individuals they serve.” Both Fife and Lohmeyer encourage special-needs individuals and families to keep looking if they aren’t getting the kind of support they need. “There are so many options and opportunities out there,” Fife said. “Don’t be afraid to try something new and don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is just an opportunity to learn.” “Choice is integral to the waiver supports,” Lohmeyer added. “You are essentially choosing the people with whom you surround yourself. Your environment and the company you keep profoundly affect your attitude and success. You should always assess the energy and effectiveness of your team and don’t be afraid to shake things up!” Connections Case Management continually gives back to the community by participating in fundraising and awareness for Special Olympics, FUSE (Families United for Support and Encouragement), Family Voices of Indiana, and The Mozel Sanders Foundation. “We have also been a sponsor for S.M.I.L.E on Down syndrome for the past several years,” Lohmeyer said. “This past year we held our first resource fair in Johnson County to bring community supports and services to one place and made it free for
Luck
is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. At Connections we are adamant that all individuals should have access to options and opportunities, which are essential to growth and progress.
317-710-7184 | connectionsin.com March 2022 • Special Needs Living
15
MEET
MELONY SALLA
HOW SPECIAL OLYMPICS CHANGED MY LIFE making a difference By Melony Salla
Have you ever thought of how Special Olympics changes a person’s life? I am writing this article to tell you how Special Olympics has changed my life and how it can change your life, too. As my coach once said, “I don’t know what Melony would do without Special Olympics or what Special Olympics would do without Melony.” All my life I was made fun of because I have a disability. I learn differently than others do. The older I’ve gotten the more I realize I’m really not any different from others. My disability doesn’t define me. I’m so much more. My name is Melony Salla. I’m from a small town in Indiana called Fowler. It’s out in the middle of nowhere. When I was in elementary school, I was bullied, so I had no self-confidence, no self-esteem. I was shy, and just didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere no matter how hard my parents tried to help me fit in. It wasn’t until I hit seventh grade that I met Coach Juanita Garten-Ecret, who told me about Special Olympics. She told me how you become part of a team with other athletes who had disabilities just like mine. How everyone encouraged each other to do something they had never done before. It was something that sparked my interest for a change. I finally found someplace where I felt like I belonged. Needless to say, Special Olympics has become my passion. When I first started in Special Olympics, I thought I couldn’t be anything more than just an athlete. Well, 14 years later I’m still an athlete, but I’m also a leader. I started out as an athlete and worked very hard, participating in all practices, area games, and state games. Then I started helping the older athletes with their events if they needed help. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was slowly gaining confidence in myself. The younger athletes started looking up to me and I started mentoring them. Actually, I
16 Special Needs Living • March 2022
thought I was just helping them until my coach said I was their mentor. I never thought people would look up to me. Who would have ever thought that I, the shy, no-confidence girl in elementary school, would be doing that? In 2013, I was nominated by my coach for the Area Athlete of the Year and won. Being the area athlete allowed my name to be put in the hat for State Athlete of the Year. Sure enough, I was named the 2013 State Athlete of the Year. What an honor that was! That title allowed me to light the cauldron at the Summer Special Olympics in June of 2014. It was very emotional because I was the first athlete from Benton County to ever do the lighting of the cauldron. This is where my journey started to the leadership roles that I have now. Shortly after the summer games, I learned about the Athlete Leadership University (ALU for short). In case you didn’t know, ALU is for athletes in Special Olympics
I DON’T KNOW WHAT MELONY WOULD DO WITHOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS OR WHAT SPECIAL OLYMPICS WOULD DO WITHOUT MELONY. The state also has an ALC. All the county chairpersons participate throughout the year on Zoom and at the State Conference. A chairperson can bring ideas or any suggestions their athletes have and present it to the state ALC. We also help the counties that don’t have an ALC to start one. We have come up with ideas to help. Within the last year, I was voted the state ALC chairperson. The confidence that I have gained through these opportunities has been amazing.
who want to earn a degree. There are many different degrees--coaching, communications, etc. An athlete signs up for a degree, takes several classes and then does a project that pertains to their degree. Classes meet twice a year and athletes attend with their mentors. ALU sounded interesting, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to do it. Even though I was gaining self-confidence, I was still a little bit afraid and didn’t know which degree to go after. The communications degree won. After all, everyone needs to learn to communicate. There was one girl in our class that would start to cry if the teacher even just looked at her. I admired her for trying. She kept coming to classes to earn that degree. Today, you wouldn’t know that it was the same athlete. She has opened up so much and her voice is being heard. I have really put that degree to use. Taking those classes also led me to the opportunity to teach a class at ALU. I have taught several times and it turns out that I love doing it. There again, who would’ve thought that I would be teaching others?
Last year, I decided to put my name in the hat to be on the State Board for Special Olympics Indiana. Guess what? I was voted onto the board. That has been an experience I will never forget. I was very nervous but with the help of others, Special Olympics has led me to where I am today. I have talked at several of the director’s meetings, made a speech at the VIP lunch at the summer games, co-hosted a halftime dance party, and so much more.
Photo credit: Liz Kaye Photography
MARCH IS DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH Our mission changes lives on both ends of the leash.
Each county is supposed to have an Athlete Leadership Council (ALC). This council is made up of athletes and a facilitator. The council is to meet at least twice a year to discuss things the athletes want. The topics could range from designing a T-shirt for summer games to coordinating a fundraising event. It’s SO important for the athletes to have a voice in what they want. This is one way their voice is heard. With the help of my coaches, we were able to get an ALC started in our county. I am the chairperson in our county for now. In a few years, I will pass the position on to.
Our service dogs provide independence and confidence for children and adults with disabilities and offer purpose and a second chance for inmate handlers. We place Mobility Assistance, Veteran Assistance, Diabetic Alert, Facility, and In-Home Skilled Companion dogs.
To learn more about how our service dogs help people, contact Sandi Clark, Director of Client Services, at sandi@icandog.org or call 317-672-3865.
5100 Charles Court | Suite 100 Zionsville, IN 46077
www.icandog.org March 2022 • Special Needs Living
17
I think the coolest thing yet is that I will participate in the 2022 USA games in Orlando, FL, this June. I will be part of the track and field team for Team Indiana. This is my first time going to any USA games. I’m super excited to go. They are having a million-step challenge for everyone that is going to the USA games (all 50 states). I have been asked to be the challenge leader for Team Indiana. So, I will cheer on my teammates to get their million steps in before May 29th. Through these past 14 years I have done so many things I never thought I would do. Special Olympics has taught me to speak up for myself and others and so much more. I’ve always said it doesn’t matter if you have a disability or not, you can do anything you put your mind to. The things I have talked about are only a part of Special Olympics. There’s so much more you can discover when you get involved. I invite anyone, with or without a disability, to join Special Olympics and see where it takes you. The journey will be amazing!
Looking for a fun movement activity the whole family can enJOY? Interested in boosting brain function while increasing strength and flexibility in your body? WE HAVE THE CLASS FOR YOU!
BODY
Be like Nicholas and his family and join us for JOYful JOYnts Virtual Classes. We are LIVE on ZOOM every Tuesday morning (or receive the class recording)
by
Pilates • BioCored • Perfect 10 Posture
Sign up now and get your free month at www.gymrootsinc.com/joyful-joynts and use code JOYFREE
11952 Fishers Crossing Dr, Fishers, IN | (317) 579-9300 | www.gymrootsinc.com
18 Special Needs Living • March 2022
David G. Yearwood, CFP® Vice-President
Helping People Make Smart Choices About Their Money for the Reasons That Are Important to Them • Creating your financial road map and providing guidance through life’s transitions • Celebrating 35 years of serving clients at Charter Advisory Corporation • One of only 29 recipients to have been named an Indianapolis-area Five Star Wealth Manager award winner each year since 2012 Working towards the realization of your dreams is paramount in our relationship with you. The process of understanding your current financial situation is vital in making prudent decisions towards your future goals. We will walk with you, with experienced guidance, toward your financial destination. 250 E 96th Street, Suite 200 • Indianapolis, IN 46240 • Phone: 317-844-7416 dyearwood@charteradvisory.com • www.charteradvisory.com
2012 - 2021 winner David G. Yearwood, CFP
R
Creating Meaningful Music Experiences One Class at a Time!
Estate Planning Resounding Joy's Healing Notes program uplifts children with challenging conditions, helps them achieve their goals, and supports health and wellness for their families. not-for-profit • evidence-based services Board-Certified music therapists • support services for the whole family waiver and non-waiver services • group and individual options in-person and virtual options Scan to Sign Up for Classes Today.
Contact me to check out new classes available at The Main Squeeze, a new arts and movement co-op in Carmel.
Get Immediate Results – And Long-Term Support
Experienced Attorneys Serving Hendricks, Boone, and Marion Counties and beyond.
lzehren@resoundingjoyinc.org | 858-888-0899
RESOUNDINGJOYINC.ORG
Call us today 317-852-2422 or visit hostetterlegal.com to schedule your consultation. March 2022 • Special Needs Living
19
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
Allison M Charette, Ed.S. Nationally Certified School Psychologist Founder, PEAS for Kids (920) 980-1172 • www.peas4kids.com allison@peas4kids.com
Adult Day Habilitation Participant Assistance & Care Behavior Services
MAKE CHOICES • GAIN SKILLS • CUSTOM EXPERIENCES Give us a call today to learn more about being involved.
ddsi-in.com • info@ddsi-in.com • 317-477-8240
5999 W Memory Lane Greenfield, IN 46140
Your Dream Makers Team. Making Your Real Estate Dreams A Reality!
Branch Manager, CRS, GRI
Branch Manager, NMLS # 664589
317-658-5240 317-413-5311 www.facebook.com/YourRealtorJeremy jpage@callcarpenter.com
www.yourrealtorjeremy.com
811 W. Main Street Suite 210, Carmel, In 46032 Branch NMLS #33041
HardWorkingMortgageGuy.com teamripma@advisorsmortgage.com
Years of SOLD
20 Special Needs Living • March 2022
ARE YOU READY TO MAKE
A TRUE DIFFERENCE? Now Hiring: Community Liaison Professionals
The ALTRUIST Group incorporates the T.R.U.E. model. Our unique client focus (1) attracts top quality staff and (2) ensures service levels that exceed expectations. The ALTRUIST Group was founded by passionate professionals who are committed to leading by values to achieve their vision. Because we have family with intellectual disabilities, we empathized with the support and considerations our loved ones deserve. We have made a career of championing vulnerable populations. While doing so, we have brought along staff and team members with the same mission in their hearts.
NOW ALSO SERVING SOUTHERN INDIANA!
BUILDING. DEVELOPING. GROWING TOGETHER.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR OPEN POSITIONS
317.547.3041 | altruistgroup.net
Custom Art Experiences for your whole family to enjoy! Multiple projects to adapt to each member of the family.
Chec k ou t our we b si t e fo r a ll t h e a v a i la bl e Stem & Rec y c l e d A r t o ppo r t u n i t i e s! 317-514-8469 ripplemobilearts.com
In-Home or In-Studio Classes March 2022 • Special Needs Living
21
Amiable Home Care Inc. is a multi-service home care agency. We specialize in helping individuals from all age groups. We assist with errands, light house work, medication reminders, bathing, food preparation, and lots more! We accept A&D and TBI Waivers. For private pay, ask about our rates. Providing Behavioral Health Services under the Family Supports Waiver (FSW) and Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver (CIH). We currently offer Participant Assistance and Care (PAC) Structured Family Caregiver Levels 1, 2, 3 Family and Caregiver Training Wellness Coordination Residential Habilitation & Support and Day Habilitation Attendant Care and Respite
317-802-1746 • amiablehomecare.org
@AmiableHomeCareinc 22 Special Needs Living • March 2022
promotions
This Magazine is
– F O R YOU – BY YOU –
To Support & Connect You HER E IS H O W YOU C AN BE INV OLVED Have a story to share
Let’s Get Social
Would you like to share a story in an upcoming issue of Special Needs Living? We want to hear from you – to share a story or to nominate someone else to be in an upcoming issue of Special Needs Living. Email us your story ideas or nominations to SpecialNeedsLivingIndy@n2pub.com.
To keep up to date with all things happening with Special Needs Living – Upcoming Events/Socials/Gatherings – Stories & Highlights – Ways to be Involved Follow us on Facebook@specialneedslivingmagazine.
To view several story options with quick links to answer questions and upload photos go to Linktr.ee/Community.Stories. FOR ADVERTISING:
Accomplishments/Achievements/Milestones Looking to Celebrate all Special Needs Individuals
Some accomplishments and milestones take years ... We want to recognize you/them! Are you or your child celebrating a birthday, milestone, achievement, or accomplishment? We want to recognize you – email us at SpecialNeedsLivingIndy@n2pub.com.
Calling all 501c3 organizations that support the Special Needs Community
Do you run a business that supports the Special Needs Community and are looking to advertise and support the Special Needs Living magazine email: Jamie.McCabe@n2pub.com.
Highlighting all Special Needs Businesses
Do you have Special Needs and run a Business? We will highlight all those with special needs who run a business for Free – email us or go to Linktr.ee/ Community.Stories and click on (Special Needs Living – Business Profile Q&A).
Each month we will highlight a nonprofit for free to let the community know more about how they support and impact families and individuals with special needs. Do you run a non-profit or know of one that supports the special needs community? Email us at SpecialNeedsLivingIndy@n2pub.com.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE A STORY? SCAN HERE TO SUBMIT A STORY TO BE IN A FUTURE ISSUE OF SPECIAL NEEDS LIVING!
SCAN HERE TO VIEW THE PAST ISSUES OF SPECIAL NEEDS LIVING!
SCAN TO GET SPECIAL NEEDS LIVING DIGITALLY THOUGH TEXT MESSAGE AND TO KEEP UP TO DATE ON ALL THE LATEST IN THE COMMUNITY!
March 2022 • Special Needs Living
23
SANS GLUTEN Tips On Staying Gluten Free During Spring Break
Spring break is right around the corner. This means rest, relaxation, and travel for many kids. Vacations are usually fun for the whole family but can be a bit tedious when it comes to gluten-free kids or parents. You never know where gluten will turn up in the foods that are offered while on a trip. Yet, there are ways to ditch the gluten and stay food safe.
By Christina McGairk
My daughter TiTi and I usually don’t go anywhere exotic or extravagant on spring break because I usually have to work. So I like to take her to closer destinations like Fort Wayne or Chicago. The last thing I want while on a mini-vacation is for my daughter to get glutened and end up having stomach issues. In order to prevent that from happening, I have to take a few extra measures before we even drive off to our mini-vacay. Here are some of my tips on a safe gluten-free spring break. 1. PLAN AHEAD! Planning ahead is usually the story of one’s life if you or someone in the family has a food intolerance or allergy. I can’t stress this point enough. In order to control your eating environment, you MUST do some pre-planning. This includes picking the hotel that fits your needs and researching what gluten-free options are available in the area where you’re staying. I always make sure whichever hotel we stay in has a full kitchen. That way I can cook just in case we don’t feel like eating out. I also research various gluten-free eateries along the route and in town as well just in case we get hungry along the way or I don’t feel like cranking up the stove. 2.BUY SNACKS AHEAD OF TIME There are always vending machines at rest stops and in the hotels, but more often than not, there are no gluten-free options to be found. So I like to buy our snacks a few days before the road trip. We usually get gluten-free pretzels, g-f corn chips, g-f lower sodium potato chips, and g-f graham crackers. TiTi absolutely loves fruit. So we also bag up some blueberries, strawberries, grapes, and organic bananas. Fruit cups are great, too. That way you don’t have to worry about peels or seeds in the car or on the plane if you are flying. 3. BYOB: BRING YOUR OWN BREAKFAST Now, I know this means bringing extra bags or having heavier luggage, but it’s so worth it. I find it easier to find eating spots that offer more gluten-free lunch and dinner options compared to breakfast. I mean let’s face it, eating g-f muffins, toast, or waffles gets old after a while. Utilize that hotel kitchenette
24 Special Needs Living • March 2022
space by scrambling eggs and frying some bacon. TiTi has a bit fancier taste and prefers cage-free eggs and chicken breakfast sausage. 4.JUST HAVE FUN! Being gluten-free on spring break doesn’t have to be dull and boring. More restaurants are catering to customers who have certain dietary needs. That means more options for gluten-free eaters. Check out the local pizzeria that serves gluten-free pizza. Soak in the ambiance at a cafe that serves gluten-free pastries, nutrient-rich smoothies, and freshly squeezed juices. In fact, just go down the list of your carefully planned itinerary and have a wonderful time on vacation. Just do it safely.
***Disclaimer: I’m not a nutritionist or a doctor. I’m just a loving Mama supporting her daughter and others through their gluten-free journey. If you have questions about the gluten-free diet or celiac disease, please contact your medical professional. Thank you.*** If you would like to share gluten-free tips, tricks, info, etc. in an upcoming issue of Special Needs Living, email us at SpecialNeedsLivingIndy@n2pub.com.
Noble has been expanding opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities since 1953.
If You Can Dream It,
We Can Help You Live It. Learn more at MyNobleLife.org,
on social media, or at 317-375-2700.
At Noble, our goal is to meet the needs of the children and adults so they can “Dream It. Live It.” every day. • Family & Support Services • Youth Services • Adult Life Services • Employment • Therapies • Advocacy
Offering free or for-donation Biblical Counseling and Relationship Coaching for families within the Special Needs Community. Coaching - Consulting - Collaborating Follow us on Facebook for exciting updates @mark215
March 2022 • Special Needs Living
25
TELEMEDICINE PRACTICE Join our Addressing Autism From Functional Medicine Perspective Program and understand the mind and body and spirit connection!
Gain the knowledge and expertise to help yourself and others achieve their optimum health!
Functional medicine is ideal for helping individuals with ASD as the body is viewed as one integrated system rather than a collection of independent organs. By understanding and treating the body as a whole, functional medicine can help various ranges of abnormalities such as gut imbalances and detoxification issues common in individuals with autism. Such abnormalities often cause the behavioral and mood symptoms of autism. There is no reason you or your family should endure any additional stress. We understand autism comes with enough complications and trying times, and now settling for mediocrity does not have to be your future.
Dr. Anass Sentisi, HCHC, CFMP Founder and Medical Director *working with Dr. Melillo using his Autism Therapy Program in parallel with our Functional Medicine Nutrition Programs
LORI VARAS, CFMC Coaching Director
Wondering If Wholestic Nutrition Is Right For You? Schedule a FREE Discovery Consultationwith a highly trained TELEHEALTH coach!
317-429-0111 | WholesticNutrition.com | 621 Fort Wayne Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
26 Special Needs Living • March 2022
Community The Importance of
pastor’s corner By Paul Hathcoat
People need to have a strong sense of belonging in order to have a healthy identity, to be open and vulnerable, to trust and share, to learn and practice effective relational skills, and to be able to be held accountable and hold others accountable. This belonging is best developed in community with others. Let’s look at what community is, what it means to be in one, and how important it is to our spiritual wellness, from a pastor’s perspective. Studies have shown that a majority of people who identify themselves as Christians feel that they are only “sometimes” a vital part of a community of believers. That word “sometimes” leaves too much room and time for people to feel isolated and unimportant. As a pastor and a natural empath, I want everyone to feel connected, loved, and accepted. God knew that we needed to feel connected to a community when He created us; that was part of His original design. Let’s look at what He says about community to further cement its importance in our own lives. Acts 2:44-47(NIV) says “all the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold their property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the Temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” I don’t know about you but that all sounds amazing! Being connected and known through the people around us creates security, confidence, gentleness, acceptance, and many other qualities that simply cannot grow and develop in isolation.
What is your life like? Are you caring for someone who is living with a disability that may cause you or them to feel isolated? Do you have a feeling of connectedness to your local church or spiritual community? Over time have you become more or less connected to those around you? Why? These questions and more are so very relevant to many of you readers out there. Let me speak from experience and pray that it helps at least one of you. Don’t quit trying. Even if you have had bad experiences, remember that God has built us for community, and inside of a healthy one, we become our best selves. Be bold in asking others to join yours. You say you don’t have a healthy community to share life with? You are not alone, start one yourself. Find your comfort zone, and take a step past it. Being open to a community often means being open to pain or discomfort. But being closed to community means that we have given up and now have no chance of fully experiencing the joys of life that God has planned for us. Whatever your current community bubble looks like, I want you to know that we are all part of the same body. We all look, function, and serve the body differently as its individual parts, but we are all the same. We are all God’s children and because of that, we get to rest knowing that one day we will enter His community, and be loved exactly how we are. Bless you all this month!
Do you have a thought, idea or information that you would like to see in this section in an upcoming issue? Email Paul Hathcoat – phathcoat@wrcc.org.
March 2022 • Special Needs Living
27
We are committed TO BUILDING BEAUTIFUL SMILES BY FOCUSING ON BEING PERSONABLE, POSITIVE, AND PROFESSIONAL! With special training in craniofacial, surgical, and special care orthodontics, the staff and team at Hallmark and Rigsbee Hall Orthodontics is committed to you! We are excited to see your beautiful smile and have a lot of fun along the way. Call us for a free consultation.
Carmel & Shelbyville IN rigsbeeorthodontics.com 317-574-0612
Noblesville & Elwood IN hallmarkorthodontics.com 317-773-5515
CBD OIL & TINCTURES • EDIBLES • SKINCARE • PETS
Indy CBD Plus was built with the intention of spreading CBD (Cannabidiol) as an alternative medical solution. We do this do this by researching, testing, and carrying the best and most extensive line of CBD products.
( 3 1 7 )
9 6 1 - 0 1 9 1
•
I N D Y C B D P L U S . C O M
locally owned and operated | Monday-Friday: 10AM-6PM | Saturday: 10AM-5PM | Sunday: 12pm-5pm
28 Special Needs Living • March 2022
Literacy Screening and Intervention
The Importance of Early Identification and Structured Literacy Intervention
By: Amal Akbik, MA, CCC-SLP Speech Language Pathologist
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disorder characterized by difficulties acquiring reading and writing/spelling skills. Research has shown that children at risk for reading failure can be identified even before starting Kindergarten and struggling readers who don’t receive early intervention tend to fall further behind their peers. In Indiana, schools are required to screen all K-2 students for signs of dyslexia using a universal screener that assesses reliable predictors of future reading performance: phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, sound-letter correspondence, decoding, encoding, and rapid naming skills. Students who are determined to be at risk should receive structured literacy intervention targeting these skills.
Orton Gillingham is one research based structured literacy intervention approach that is explicit (concepts are clearly explained), systematic, cumulative, multisensory, diagnostic, and prescriptive to individual needs. The primary skills that are taught are symbol to sound and sound to symbol correspondences, blending, and putting symbols together to spell words. Symbol to sound correspondence and blending are the basis for decoding, or the ability to read words. Sound to symbol correspondence and putting symbols together are the basis for encoding, or the ability to spell words. A foundational skill for reading and spelling and an area of core weakness for individuals with dyslexia is phonological processing, which includes phonological awareness, phonological working memory and phonological retrieval. Phonological awareness refers to the awareness of sounds and sound structures in a language and includes skills such as identifying syllables in a word, rhyming, segmenting a word into sounds, and blending sounds to form a word. These auditory tasks should be a component of any comprehensive literacy intervention.
Dyslexia Myths Individuals with dyslexia do NOT “read backwards.” Reading and spelling sequence/reversal errors are not due to visual or motor deficits. They happen because of trouble learning and remembering letter symbols for sounds and forming memories for words. Letter reversals are common up to age 7 when children are learning to write.
K1ds Count Therapy, LLC Brownsburg, IN 1 (317) 520-4748 kctherapy.com
K1ds Count Therapy
Additional Resources:
K1ds Count Therapy offers school-based and outpatient dyslexia screenings and Orton Gillingham services. Contact KCT to schedule a screening or inquire about services!
International Dyslexia Association https://dyslexiaida.org/ Reading Rockets https://www.readingrockets.org/
● ● ● ● ● ●
ABA Therapy Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Mental Health Services School Services
March 2022 • Special Needs Living
29
Special Needs Living –
Photos by: Buonanno Photography - Nathan & Christie Buonanno / Deliver Video Eli Walker / Photography by Dawona - Dowona Samples
What a wonderful way for the community to come together during the Special Needs Living New Year’s Bash! We are so thankful for all the supporters who helped make this a fun and enjoyable event for all. It was lovely to see all the kids and teens having fun and building friendships while the adults had some of their own and enjoyed several performances. We had a great lineup, all free thanks to our supporters. Huge shout out to Adaggio’s Banquet Hall and Conference Centre and Developmental Disabilities Systems Inc. (DDSI) for hosting the event. For the kids and teens side, we had... • Glitter tattoos - thanks to Resounding Joy Inc. • Balloon animals - thanks to IPMG - Indiana Professional Management Group • Ice-cream - thanks to 21 Electric
30 Special Needs Living • March 2022
• A make and take sensory activity - thanks to Ausome Indy • Many fun games - thanks to Best Buddies Indiana and Carter’s Play Place • Clay activity - thanks to Ripple Mobile Arts For the Adult side, we had... • Appetizers and food from Purely Joy Catering thanks to The ALTRUIST Group • Desserts thanks to K1ds Count Therapy and Autism Services • Amazing bands who rocked out the event with us, Voyager, Infinity & Hypostasis. We thank them all! What a fun performance from The Mind Tripping Show. This event was so fun. We had a blast putting it together. Thanks to everyone for coming out and celebrating the start of the New Year with us!
The Mind Tripping Show - Christian & Katalina
Voyager
Amanda and Toru with Infinity
March 2022 • Special Needs Living
31
Jamie McCabe - Publisher of SNL and Angie Arlington - Community Engagement Coordinator with SNL
Papa Curl Ice Cream
Tony and Kellie Joseph - 21 Electric
32 Special Needs Living • March 2022
March 2022 • Special Needs Living
33
34 Special Needs Living • March 2022
A.C.E. Is Growing Exceptional Learners From The Ground Up! We recognize that every individual with Autism is unique in terms of his or her challenges and strengths. Whether you are a family who has just received an Autism diagnosis, you have an older child in the later stages of treatment, or anything in between, ACE will create an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy program that will work for your child and your family. IN HOME & CLINIC-BASED SERVICES In-Network With Most Insurances
www.autismenrichment.com (317) 436-7080 | info@autismenrichment.com
Special Needs Planning & Elder Law Attorney
Here to help you put plans in place to give you peace of mind. Elizabeth A. Homes is a special needs planning and elder law attorney. She has been licensed and practicing law since May of 2014. Her practice at the Law Office of Elizabeth A. Homes LLC is focused on Special Needs Planning, Guardianships, Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate Work. This includes Wills, Powers of Attorney, Advanced Directives, Trusts, Trust Administration, Medicaid Planning, Special Needs Planning, Guardianship, and Probate. She is admitted to practice law in the State of Indiana.
We ask "What If?" so you don't have to ask "What Now?"
Contact Kristin Richards Today!
317-698-5264 | teamrichards25@yahoo.com
Elizabeth A. Homes, Esq., MBA ehomeslaw.com | 317-660-5004 elizabeth@ehomeslaw.com 10412 Allisonville Road, Suite 200A Fishers, Indiana 46038
March 2022 • Special Needs Living
35
LOCAL EVENTS Important Note: Prior to attending any events please be mindful of any COVID-19 restrictions. Please review the state mask executive order. There are exemptions within the order, including that children under 2 years of age should not wear a face-covering due to risk of suffocation; and any person with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability, which precludes wearing a face covering is not required to do so. Since COVID-19 is still among us there is a possibility that the events listed and places to go could be canceled, rescheduled, or closed. Please confirm event status and listed details in case-specific event details that may have changed since posting. Note: Don’t forget to apply for the Access Pass! The Access Pass Program allows for families that meet the specific requirements listed below to visit the Children’s Museum and all participating locations for $2 per family member per visit, for up to two adults and all dependent youths living in the household. Qualifications include the following: • 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 Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Various Events February 1st - March 31st Starting at 10:00 am 3000 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46208 317-334-4000 https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/ calendar?date=01/08/2022 Conner Prairie-Indiana’s Living History Museum Various events through March. In 2022 the second Sunday of every month from 10 am-12 pm will be sensory-friendly hours. Admission is free, and all of the grounds will be open. 13400 Allisonville Road Fishers, IN 46038 317-776-6000 http://www.connerprairie.org/
SPORTS Indiana Pacers March 8,15, 20, 23, 28, 30 Various start times Bankers Life Fieldhouse 125 South Pennsylvania St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-917-2727 https://www.nba.com/pacers/schedule Indy Fuel March 12, 18, 19, 20, 23, 25, 27, 30 200 South Capitol Avenue, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46225-1063 800-323-INDY (4639) | 317-262-3000
FAMILY NIGHT 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
36 Special Needs Living • March 2022
THE ARTS Beef and Boards Kinky Boots Feb. 10th - Mar. 27th 9301 Michigan Rd. 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 Director: Lauren Southard Start Date: September 22, 2021 For more information, contact Lauren Southard at 317-940-8065 or lsouthar@icchoir.org Gigi’s Playhouse Rock Your Socks! World Down Syndrome Day March 21st at 6:00 pm 5909 E. 86th Indianapolis, IN 46250 317-288-8235 indy@gigisplayhouse.org Grab your best ‘80s gear, dance the night away to raise awareness, and celebrate our loved ones with Down syndrome on World Down Syndrome Day. There will be dancing, snacks, crafts, a photo booth, a costume contest, and more! #WDSD21 #LotsOfSocks Fortune Academy “The Epic Defeat of Dys” In this fractured version of Greek mythology, Hercules has ADHD, Perseus dyslexia, and Helen autism. Will they defeat their three-headed enemy Dys-Ability? Thursday, March 17th at 7:00 pm Friday, March 18th at 11:30 am and 7:00 pm 5626 Lawton Loop E Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46216 Tickets will be available at: www.thefortuneacademy.org/store
Helping People Move Their Health Forward
Our team of medical experts is dedicated to providing our patients with the best in regenerative care (commonly known as stem-cell therapy). We are committed to providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision that is best for you and your family. We have provided over 21,000 biologic tissue and stem cell therapies to date and we partner with labs that provide the highest quality product and that work directly with the FDA. BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONES | CHIROPRACTIC CARE | CLINICAL WEIGHT LOSS | IV THERAPY | MED SPA | NEUROMUSCULAR RE-EDUCATION | TISSUE/STEM CELL THERAPY
To find out if you may be a good candidate for regenerative medicine therapy, book a FREE consultation with our medical team today!
(317) 565-1450 Is there a local event for the special meeds community you would like us to promote in an upcoming issue? Email us at SpecialNeedsIndy@n2pub.com.
WWW.DESTINATIONREGEN.COM 11495 N Pennsylvania St #100 Carmel, IN 46032 March 2022 • Special Needs Living
37
BASTET
The Brain Center
CAT CARE & SITTING
Comprehensive outpatient neuropsychological and psychological assessment services for children, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients in whom impairments of cognitive or neuropsychiatric functioning are evident or suspected.
Psychotherapy for children, adolescents and adults. Neuropsychological Testing Forensic/Legal Evaluations
Accommodating all feline family members including special medical & behavioral needs. Teaching and Giving Injections, Medication, Nail Trims and Minor Grooming,Vet Transports, Cat Sitting
Owner AJ Gegenheimer, RVT Bonded & Insured with Pet Sitters Association
(317) 919-1948 | bccs95@gmail.com Serving the westside of Indianapolis, Avon, Brownsburg, Plainfield, Zionsville
Psychotherapy & Caregiver Consults CogMed Training Animal-Assisted Therapy
317-748-0034 braincenteratgeist.com Indy Neurofeedback is Changing Lives! Do you or someone you love suffer from ADHD, Anxiety or Autism? Let Us Help You Explore Your Options.
YOUR CHILD DESERVES TO REACH HIS FULLEST POTENTIAL AND BECOME A VALUABLE PART OF HIS COMMUNITY
Looking for physical, occupational, or speech therapy for kids? Choose a family-friendly therapy center that makes parent education a priority. According to the Center for Disease Control, 15% of children between ages 3 and 17 have encountered some form of a developmental delay.
Is your child developing at the "right" pace? REQUEST A CHILD DEVELOPMENT EVALUATION TODAY! WeeSpeak Lafayette • 765-446-8300 35 Executive Dr, #5 • Lafayette, IN 47905 weespeaktlc@gmail.com • weespeaktlc.com
38 Special Needs Living • March 2022
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
It’s truly clean with Pristine! FULLY INSURED
•
FREE ESTIMATES
A cleaning company that prides ourselves in quality over quantity. We provide one-time, bi-weekly, and monthly cleans.
Commercial • Residential • Office Post-Construction • Pre & Post Sales Homes 317-617-5572
@PristineCleaningServicesIndy
March 2022 • Special Needs Living
39
By Sheila Wolfe IEP Services
THE ABCs OF IEPs COMPENSATORY SER VICES
As families are finally feeling some relief from the threat of COVID, many of our students with special needs have not recovered from the lack of educational and therapeutic services received during the last year and a half of school. Remote learning is typically not as effective for students as in-person learning. This is even more true for students with special needs. In many cases, schools also did not deliver all the services required by their students’ IEPs. This could
Do you need help getting your child with special needs the services they NEED and DESERVE at school? Professional Parent Advocate with 20 Years Experience Specializing in Developing IEPs that WORK Experienced in All Disability Categories Autism Expert Helping families receive a meaningful education for their children in public schools
IEP IEP Services, Services, LLC LLC Integrated Educational Programming
Sheila A. Wolfe Special Education Consultant
sheilawolfe@sbcglobal.net Please email for more information.
40 Special Needs Living • March 2022
entitle students with IEPs to compensatory services from their school system. Last month we covered Extended School Year (ESY) services. Compensatory services differ from ESY. Compensatory services are therapies and other special education services that a school failed to deliver as required by the IEP during the “regular” school year. When this occurs, parents can arrange for the services to be “made up” during the summer (in most cases) or after school (if available). As an example, let’s imagine Sally, a student on the autism spectrum, has an IEP which provides speech services from the SLP (speech-language pathologist) in a small group setting for 30 minutes each week to receive instruction and practice on social skills. Delivering these services in a remote setting would be very difficult, if not impossible, to do. Sally’s parents could ask for compensatory services to recover the missed services designed to learn and practice social skills with her peers. In another example, Kenny, a student with multiple disabilities who is confined to a wheelchair, has an IEP which includes 30 minutes per week of direct services from a physical therapist (PT) to improve his core strength. Kenny’s parents can ask that any services not delivered during the school year be scheduled for the summer. If there isn’t enough time to complete the lost services during the summer, they could be made up, in part, during the following school year. As in all matters concerning special education, every student’s situation is unique. The point of this article is to inform parents that the unusual circumstances faced by
schools during Covid are very unfortunate for all students, but the requirement for each school to deliver the services included in each student’s IEP was not erased because of the pandemic. However, I believe most schools did the best they could in an impossible situation. Kim Dodson, Executive Director of the ARC of Indiana, reported during an interview with WFYI that there was a huge increase in calls from families requesting guidance in understanding what schools are required to do during quarantine periods when schools transitioned to remote learning. Many families also expressed concern over a lack of appropriate/necessary technology to participate fully in remote learning. Another major concern was student regression, not only educationally, but behaviorally, without the structure and supports provided when the students are in the school building. Students requiring direct support (1:1) to learn do not do well with remote learning. Trying to navigate technology, pay attention, and absorb lessons can be almost impossible for students with the highest needs. The support available from families varies greatly across households. Providing support for a child with special needs on a day-to-day basis can be exhausting for many parents. Adding the challenge of trying to help these children adjust to the demands of remote learning can be completely overwhelming.
Moving forward, most schools would benefit from providing more training to families on how to manage behaviors and increase student compliance at home. By using an appropriate behavior intervention plan which provides positive behavior supports, maladaptive student behaviors can be greatly reduced and often eliminated. Ideally, behavior plans should be consistent between school and home. Special education law requires schools to provide training for families. I highly recommend requesting this as part of the IEP to decrease/eliminate any differences between how student behavior is addressed at school and at home. This could help alleviate difficulties when trying to educate students at home during quarantine situations. In addition, direct training of parents by school therapists can improve student learning during quarantine periods. Parents could then help their child practice skills typically practiced during speech, PT, and/or OT therapy. Schools and parents partnering in this way should increase the student’s ability to generalize and master skills across environments. The world is changing, and I seriously doubt this will be the last time we face a serious pandemic. Parents and schools must communicate and plan for the times students cannot be in school. Parents need to ask for and expect training from the school, especially if students are expected to learn at home.
March is Disabilities Awareness Month
My name is Lucy.
March 2022 • Special Needs Living
41
HEART SOS Services for Individuals & Families
Hope, Love, & ASD: Building Skills for Life Want more confidence? Mental Health Counseling can help you get unstuck.
What to go on a dinner date? Occupational Therapy can help you dress to impress.
Want to advocate for yourself? Speech Therapy can help you communicate your needs.
Want to try new things? Behavior Consultation can help you become more flexible.
Heart of the Spectrum Outpatient Services
A New Service Model by The Hope Source
We hear your SOS!
Reach out today at asdheartsos.com 7739 E 88th Street Indianapolis 46256 1318 Ohio Street Terre Haute 47807 42 Special Needs Living • March 2022
Therapeutic Education for ASD Our mascot, the dragonfly, represents the mission of our model perfectly. The dragonfly symbolizes change, adaptability, self-realization, emotional depth, and lightness. Not only can it quickly adapt to it's environment and change it's course, it does so with confidence. We aspire to be like the dragonfly in our journeys of personal growth, even when it seems impossible. The dragonfly has so much strength; it can fly through a storm. Our mission is to help our clients and students with ASD gain knowledge that will build competence in social, academic, and vocational areas of their lives. With dynamic skills they can navigate any challenges they encounter with confidence, just like the dragonfly. -Julie Gordon
BE A DRAGONFLY. ENROLL TODAY. 8350 Craig Street Indianapolis, IN 46250 317.578.0410 asdhopesource.com dynamicmindsacademy.org
ABA, the Natural Way
A developmental, coping, & executive function skills-focused approach to behavioral therapy like no other ABA provider in Indiana. Schedule a tour at
asdhopesource.com • Behavioral Therapy (ABA) • Mental Health Counseling • Speech Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Diagnostic Testing • Special Education Support • Family Guidance Counseling & Workshops • Group Therapy & Specials • Music Therapy • Art Therapy • Recreational Therapy with Fitness Focus • Vocational Development at Hope Source Cafe • Monthly STEM Projects & Expos
Grow Your Own Way. Imagine no longer having to fight for your child's needs at school!
Established in 2013 as the first ever hybrid model of therapy & education for ASD in one location!
8350 Craig Street Indianapolis, IN 46250
317.578.0410
Dynamic Minds Academy was founded to ensure that every support for ASD is built-in. Low Ratios • Low Stimulation Year Round Calendar • Built-in Accommodations Support Services • Highly Qualified Teachers Individualized Paths • Balanced & Flexible Curriculum An Innovative, K-12, Free Public Charter School Specializing in Educating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Enroll today at dynamicmindsacademy.org March 2022 • Special Needs Living
43
INDEPENDENCE IS YOUR RIGHT
HOME ACCESSIBILITY AND MOBILITY EXPERTS FOR SALES, SERVICE AND INSTALLATION OF ACCESSIBILITY & MOBILITY EQUIPMENT, GIVE US A CALL TODAY!
WE NOW ACCEPT MEDICAID
We service most major brands! CYA Mobility | 570 E Tracy Rd. STE 660 | Whiteland, Indiana 46184 317-530-2541 | anthony@cyamobility.com | www.cyamobility.com Local, Woman-Owned Business 44 Special Needs Living • March 2022
By Angela Arlington
positive learning environment
to help your child learn & grow! Currently No Waitlist for ABA Therapy Services Individual Treatment Plans shaped by your child’s needs and designed to help your child thrive. Evidence-Based Practices based on the
latest research.
State-of-the-Art Therapy Tools & Techniques with
progress reports and graphs you can access via our parent portal.
Awareness Awareness You may not be able to see it. You may not be able to touch it. You may not be able to understand it.
But invisible illnesses and disabilities are real.
Team Collaboration
with your child’s physician, other therapists, and teachers to ensure your child is able to reach their full potential.
317-383-0188 · adaptforlifeaba.com
6640 Parkdale Place, Ste R, Indianapolis, IN 46254 Family owned & operated
21 Electric was created in honor of our son, Brody, who has Down Syndrome.
BUILDING FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE! • Full-service electrical contractor • Licensed, bonded, & insured • 100+ years of combined experience • Residential & Commercial services • Stocked service vehicles ready to go
www.21electric.net Contact us today at 317-449-0021 @21Electric.net
AWARENESS
Adapt for Life provides a
Keep fighting, warriors! Your pain is real. Your challenges are hard. Your feelings matter.
Support, Love, Compassion, Patience, Kindness
March 2022 • Special Needs Living
45
non-profit spotlight By: Angela Arlington
IN IN D I A N A Best Buddies Indiana is a local chapter of Best Buddies International, which has changed lives in 54 countries around the globe. “Our programs build one-to-one friendships between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), offering social interactions while improving the quality of life and level of inclusion for a population that is often isolated and excluded,” said Mark Lantz, Deputy Director of Programs and Operations at Best Buddies Indiana. “Through their participation, people with IDD form meaningful connections with their peers, gain self-confidence and self-esteem, and share interests, experiences and activities that many other individuals enjoy.”
46 Special Needs Living • March 2022
One on One Friendships:
Best Buddies builds friendships between people with and without IDD, offering social mentoring while improving the quality of life and level of inclusion. One-to-one friendship happens at our school chapters and through our adult friendship program, Best Buddies Citizens. A participant with IDD is paired with a person without IDD based on location and shared interests for at least one year of friendship. For school programs, matches typically start at the beginning of the school year. Then, buddies participate in activities and spend quality in-person time together at least twice a month for buddy pairs of all ages. Best Buddies offices and chapters plan events,
host group activities, support friendship matches, and provide onsite support. “Some events that happened this past fall were a pumpkin patch visit, apple orchard visit, bowling, cookies and canvas, and many more! Check out our social media to see some events done by our school partners,” Mark said. Buddy pairs connect by email, phone calls, texting, social media, or written correspondence at least once a week. For e-Buddies©, participants communicate via email at least once a week for a year. Best Buddies staff members maintain regular contact with friendship program participants to ensure the quality of matched pairs. Integrated Employment:
The Best Buddies Jobs program is focused beyond the typical jobs in which a person with IDD might be placed. Best Buddies focuses on finding work that matches the job seeker’s interests and talents. “We have participants all over the greater Indianapolis area,” Mark said. “Some great partners are the Children’s Museum, Stone Creek Dining, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, Telemon, Cake Bake, IU Health, and many more! It takes between 2-6 months to find a match after a discovery period. It has to be an excellent match for both the employer and the participant. We will soon have a participant working at Edible Arrangements after the individual showed a passion for food and creativity!” Leadership Development:
Best Buddies Ambassadors offers people with and without IDD the opportunity to gain the public speaking skills, self-esteem, and confidence needed to successfully advocate for themselves, their peers, and Best Buddies in communities, workplaces, and government.
“When a Best Buddies participant joins the Ambassador program, they enter into a series of group and private training sessions in speech writing and public and conversational speaking to become advocates for themselves and the disability rights movement,” Mark noted. Once trained, Ambassadors work with Best Buddies staff to identify public speaking opportunities in their local community where they can share their personal stories. Those could be Best Buddies chapters, businesses, legislators, interest groups, and donors. Each Ambassador is paired with a speech coach, who helps them brainstorm, organize, write, edit and practice a speech and provides one-on-one attention as needed. Throughout their participation in the program, Ambassadors have access to a variety of ongoing advocacy training led by Best Buddies staff. As Ambassadors gain advocacy experience in conversational and public speaking, they have the opportunity to grow into a State or Global Ambassador, where they may be invited to speak nationally or internationally on behalf of Best Buddies. For more information, email Indiana@bestbuddies.org or visit www.bestbuddies.org/indiana
March 2022 • Special Needs Living
47
You deserve an agent that is supportive, understanding, and compassionate. Nicole Lyon is here to guide your family with your real estate needs, every step of the way.
I am proud to serve the special needs community. My career is Real Estate my PASSION is helping others with their goals and dreams. I am humbled and honored to work in the real estate industry.
Are challenges in moving holding you back from finding your next home? • Availability to work with your schedule • Daily research of the market including new construction • Setting up showing apts based on your schedule • Give you the time you need during each showing • When you find the right home I am here every step of the way and even after your close
Call today so we can talk more about ways I can help your special needs family find your next home!
NICOLE LYON
NICOLE.LYON@TALKTOTUCKER.COM WWW.TALKTOTUCKER.COM/NICOLE.LYON 10 NORTH FIRST ST., ZIONSVILLE, IN 46077
Call me today at 317.501.0639 48 Special Needs Living • March 2022
March 2022 • Special Needs Living
49
