Special Needs Living March 2024 Digital Issue

MEET THE COBLE FAMILY

ISSUE PREVIEW

• Pages 12-15 Featured Family: Meet Cecelia Coble

• Pages 18-19 White River Christian Church Special Needs Ministry

• Pages 26-27 Pastor’s Corner: Joy Out Loud- Poetic Essay

• Pages 46-47 Making A Difference: Meet the City of Fisher’s Champion for Awareness and Inclusion: Stacey Oldham

• Pages 34-35 Sponsor Spotlight:

Grateful Care ABA

• Pages 38-39 Nonprofit Spotlight: IN*SOURCE

• Pages 42-43 Single Mamas Seen: Meet the Payne Family: The 3

D’s: Delisa, Deleah, & Delynn

• Page 44 Sensory Blurb!

• Pages 22-24 Outdoor Sensory Parks, Places and Spaces

• Page 17 What’s Happening at Janus, Inc.! March is Disability Awareness Month

• Pages 50-53 Recap: Special Needs Living New Years Bash

• Pages 28-30 Local Events

OWNER/ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

Jamie McCabe 248-882-8448

Jamie.McCabe@n2co.com

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Featured Family: Meet Cecelia Coble

Making A Difference: Meet the City of Fisher’s Champion for Awareness and Inclusion: Stacey Oldham

Outdoor Sensory Parks, Places and Spaces

Meet

Payne Family: The 3

Delisa, Deleah, & Delynn

Sponsor Spotlight

White

Nonprofit Spotlight

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.

www.mymwa.org

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

Mindful and Modern ABA Therapies (317) 827-7777

ABA SERVICES

Grateful Care ABA (317) 572-5315

gratefulcareaba.com/

Piece by Piece Autism Center (765) 481-2261

Stepping Stones

Behavioral Solutions (317) 863-8388

The Umbrella Center (463) 701-0909

ABA SERVICES - IN HOME

B Above Services (317) 773-0500

www.baboveservices.org

Blue Balloon ABA (317) 650-1109

www.blueballoonaba.com

ABA/COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES

The Hope Source (317) 578-0410

ADOPTION

Indiana Adoption Program (855) 677-5437

www.indianaadoptionprogram.org/

ADULT INDEPENDENCE

Janus Developmental Services, Inc. (317) 773-8781

www.janus-inc.org/

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

Stinson Law Firm (317) 622-8181

www.stinsonlawfirm.com

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT

Supportive Behavior Services (765) 337-1895

www.supportivebehaviorservices.com

CASE MANAGEMENT

Connections Case Management (317) 440-0637

CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

The Dust Devils (317) 709-6120

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

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

Carters Play Place (317) 836-5510 cartersplayplace.com

LEL Home Services (317) 387-1443 lelhomeservices.com

Noble (317) 375-2700

DAY / BEHAVIORAL SERVICES

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

FINANCIAL

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

WestPoint Financial Group

Gordon Homes (317) 567-2005

HOME CARE

Amiable Home Care Inc. (317) 802-1746

HOME CARE & TRANSPORTATION

ABC Community Services LLC (317) 516-1178

www.abccommunityservices.com

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/

ICE CREAM

Howdy Homemade Ice Cream (317) 397-0008 www.howdyindy.com

INSURANCE

State Farm

John Cole (317) 430-1958

Thomas Insurance Agency (756) 561-5138

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT & PHARMACY

George’s Pharmacy & Medical Equipment (855) 600-6251

www.georgespharmacy.com

MUSIC THERAPY

Dynamic Music Therapy (317) 829-6654

NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY

Indy Neurofeedback (317) 888-8500

PEDIATRIC HOME CARE

Guardian Care (317) 360-0359

myguardian.care/

REALTOR

F.C. Tucker Nicole Lyon (317) 501-0639

SCHOOL

Dynamic Minds Academy (317) 578-0410

Midwest Academy (317) 843-9500

SUPPORT SERVICES

Easterseals Crossroads (317) 466-1000

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

Thank you for your involvement in ghting for Parent Attendant Care, a program that bene ts thousands of Indiana families. Your love and concern for your children ows through to every Indiana family affected by these decisions. Please know that our staff will be standing next to you, ghting to keep this program.

If Indiana decides to discontinue Parent Attendant Care, Healing Hands is ready to launch our Medically Complex Warrior Program 2.0. This hybrid program will combine Structured Family Caregiving and Prior Authorization hours to provide a nancial safety net for caregivers. Our specialized teams have been serving Indiana families for years and are ready to help your family make a smooth transition.

317.788.0777

|

healinghandsindiana.com

Prior Authorization Hours. Attendant Care. Structured Family Caregiving.

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

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

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

988

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

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Social Security Administration (SSA)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Special Education Questions

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

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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.

Delivering

DISABILITY INCLUSION CHAMPION!

BY DAROLYN “LYN” JONES PHOTOS BY 21 VINES PHOTOGRAPHY

MEET CECILIA COBLE

first met Fishers City Councilor

At-Large, Cecilia Coble, in Children’s TherAplay’s hippo therapy waiting room. My son, Will, was a little over a year old and Cecilia’s daughter, Crysta, was a year older than Will. We sat there across from each other with our children on our laps waiting to go back to see our child’s therapist.

These waiting rooms are difficult spaces. They are spaces where you are anxiously hopeful. Anxious about whether all of the many medical and therapy interventions your child endures will help them move or communicate or cope with their many sensory issues.

Anxious because you worry about how this therapy session will go—will your child make progress or regress?

Hopeful because what if today, your child says “mom” or crawls or crosses midline successfully.

This might seem like hyperbole to a neurotypical child’s parent, but the inner dialogue in a special needs

mom’s head in those ten minutes before therapy starts is intense.

Sometimes we moms talk and sometimes we sit in silence with our worry. I was a newer mom, and this was a newer space and my son’s diagnosis was raw. And he was so small and medically fragile. My husband and I had just moved and changed jobs, so the support system we had for many years was no more. My husband, the only other person who understood this hard journey we were on, was gone for long periods of time with his military service.

I remember feeling very alone in those early days. I kept my head down in those waiting rooms fearing any conversation or interaction. But Coble started talking to me. I remember her literally bending down to get my head to come up for that first conversation. She started asking about Will and talking about her daughter. Each week, we would sit and talk before our therapy sessions and each week, I opened up more.

One day I confided in her that I didn’t think therapy was working. “He’s almost two and he still can’t crawl,” I said.

I remember her confidently and compassionately looking at me, and responding, “Crysta didn’t learn to crawl until she was two. Don’t give up hope.”

Several weeks after Will turned two, he started crawling. She was the first person I told that news to. I remember hugging her and thanking her for giving me hope. And you know what? Coble has never stopped giving hope. Nor stopped being a visionary. Her work in making the City of Fishers a national model for disability awareness, accessibility, and economic inclusion is unmatched.

In 2014, Coble ran successfully for city councilor at-large in the city’s first municipal election when Fishers was transitioning from a town to a city.

Coble had no prior history in politics, but she had a heart for community service and felt she could help make a difference for her family and many others. She made history as the first Latina to be elected to the Fishers City Council and again in 2020 as the first woman president of the city council. She won re-election in 2023 and is once again serving as council president.

“I believe in learning to serve and serving to learn,” Coble said. “When the City of Fishers transitioned from a town to a growing city, I saw an opportunity to make a positive impact in the community and to help advance the quality of life for all residents, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I spoke to Mayor Scott Fadness and shared the challenges that my family faces, along with many other families who have a loved one with a disability. I wanted to bring more awareness about disability inclusion and opportunities for Crysta and other residents with disabilities.

Mayor Fadness explained that he didn’t know anyone with a disability, nor did he know much about

disabilities, but he supported Coble. He encouraged her to gather all the stakeholders and said he was open to listening and learning more about disability inclusion.

Coble explained that every city is required to have an ADA Transition Plan. The City of Fishers had an ADA Task Force, but it was focused on rights-of-way and curb cuts to meet ADA requirements. Coble was interested in doing much more than that. She wanted to form an advisory committee to create more awareness and to help provide more opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In 2016, with Coble as the co-chair of the newly formed Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability (FACD) the city hosted its first successful March Disability Awareness Month. Every March since then, the committee has kicked off the month with a guest speaker who shares more about their experience living with a disability. The committee also plans various events that bring awareness of inclusion, accommodations, employment and celebration of the talents and

contributions of the disability community. The work has grown so much that the FACD was codified by the Fishers City Council in 2021, and has assisted the cities of Carmel, Lawrence, Noblesville, and Westfield in forming their own disability advisory committees.

“We were initially meeting in a grass roots way and now this committee has become a model for how local stakeholders and municipalities can work together to make major strides in disability inclusion,” Coble said. “The Indiana General Assembly recognized the City of Fishers and the FACD through a resolution for its commitment to disability inclusion in March of 2023. It was a proud moment for me and for so many other people who have been actively involved with disability advocacy.”

The biggest impact of FACD’s work, according to Coble, is the annual My Point of View Day, which is held during March Disability Awareness Month. The city invites various stakeholders from the community, such as individuals with disabilities, direct support providers, caregivers,

educators, municipal department heads, and elected officials from every level of government, to participate in roundtable discussions related to employment and social opportunities, housing, mental health, accessibility, transportation, and recreation. This is an opportunity for the disability community to share what life is like from their point of view. These discussions help to form yearly initiatives to help advance the quality of life for residents with disabilities in Fishers.

Other highlights of what Coble and FACD have accomplished include:

• The City of Fishers received the 2017 Champions of Inclusion Award from the Indiana Governor’s Council on Disabilities.

• Fishers instituted the Special Needs Data System, a voluntary registry for residents with special needs which assists firefighters and police officers in emergency situations.

• The new Fishers Community & Recreation Center at Johnson Farms, which is being built at the corner of Hoosier Road and 116th Street, will be the new home of Outside the Box. This makes it the

first community center of its kind to house a day program. It will have accessibility features such as adult companion care rooms with adult changing tables, a zero-depth entry pool, water wheelchair, and accessible fitness equipment.

• Fishers was the first city in Indiana to provide affordable and accessible apartments with supportive services when Southpointe Village was created. Southpointe Village received the Lt. Governor’s Excellence in Affordable Housing/ Special Needs Development Award in October 2022.

• Through FACD and Allies for Disability Employment, a networking group was created which includes direct support providers and companies in Fishers. The group meets every other month to find ways to provide more opportunities for employment for individuals with disabilities. This group helps employers understand how they can hire qualified individuals in the disabled population. They hold a Reverse Job Fair where individuals with disabilities interview the company or organization. This allows employers to really learn who that individual is, what they are interested in, and what they can do for their organization or company. Employers are trained in how to interview candidates with a wide range of disabilities.

• Fishers Parks received KultureCity’s Sensory Inclusion Certification after staff received training on sensory sensitivities and how to handle challenges. The Nickel Plate District Amphitheatre, Fishers AgriPark, Fishers Makers Playground, and public special events are sensory inclusive and welcoming to all guests. Sensory bags are available to check out that include noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads. Assisted listening devices are also available for individuals who are hard of hearing or use a hearing aid. A sensory quiet zone and accessible seating areas and ADA accessible picnic tables are located at the Nickel Plate Amphitheater.

• The new Geist Waterfront Park has an ADA accessible beach mat, accessible restrooms and an adult changing table. The picnic tables are designed with space for a wheelchair so the user can sit alongside others. The launch area is accessible for canoeing.

• Fishers is now providing a language interpretation service that provides real time translation service in over 350 languages, including ASL. This is significant because it helps anyone who doesn’t speak English and individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing access city services. This initiative provides video remote and over-the-phone interpreting services, as well as document translation.

Future Initiatives that Coble and the FACD are working toward include:

• More housing options. Southpointe Village has been so successful that the waiting list is very long, which illustrates how important the need is for affordable and accessible housing.

• More day programming options. Many young adults who age out of the school system can’t be left home alone but have parents who must continue to work full-time. There are not enough safe places for them to find enrichment or to engage in the community.

• Improved public transportation options for people with disabilities.

• Increased employment and meaningful work for individuals with disabilities.

It’s been an honor and privilege being Cecilia Coble’s friend, watching our children grow and turn into young adults, sitting with her on the March Disability Awareness Month Committee, and listening and learning from her. She’s truly a passionate public servant, special needs mom and disability champion who is helping to put Fishers on the map as one of the best places to live in the country.

IF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE CLICK BELOW.

https://www.fishers.in.us/561/Cecilia-Coble https://www.fishers.in.us/1447/ Fishers-Advisory-Committee-on-Disability https://www.fishers.in.us/999/ March-Disability-Awareness

I am committed to earning your trust and loyalty through my superior professional care, concern and communication. I am personally committed to each and every client, investing my time, energy and real estate market knowledge to ensure that I exceed your expectations at every level. I have a true passion and love for helping others, it's my ministry. Some of my strongest attributes are patience and genuine care. I work FOR you making sure that every decision made is in YOUR best interest. I welcome the opportunity to learn about you and your family and how I can best serve you.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT JANUS, INC.!

March is Disability Awareness Month

BY JERRY D. JAMISON DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Abby began attending Janus in the summer of 2021 after she exited the transition program at Noblesville schools. When Abby first started attending Janus, she was very shy and needed a lot of encouragement to engage in conversations. Abby was also nervous to start riding Hamilton County Express to get to and from Janus, but her confidence has grown exponentially in the last two years, and she has shown great leadership qualities. She has become more independent and will take the initiative in leading conversations and group activities. Abby enjoys participating in a variety of activities like painting, sewing, cooking, and gardening. Abby is a great example of why the Doorways program is very important in the lives of the participants as her time at Janus has offered her the opportunity to participate in meaningful activities while creating and maintaining friendships.

Work Experience/Art Program

Tim has been part of Janus since 1984. He is a kind, sweet soul who loves to work and cares deeply for his peers and staff. I have known Tim for just seven months, but during that time I have come to know him as a talented, precise, and passionate worker. He comes in to work on glass and the other production side of the work floor. He likes routine, along with his soft drinks and candy. Tim loves to paint and create, just as much as he does working on Linnea’s glass. When I am blessed to have Tim in my group, we work together to come up with a birdhouse design, and then he takes his time to be exact with his brushstrokes and coloring. Just a few days ago, he came up with his own gourd design as a gift for a relative, complete with blue and white colors with crosses. He has a big heart to share, and I cannot wait to see how he continues to impact us at Janus as well as his community.

Community Employment

Kelsey is a 30-year-old woman whose personality can best be described as bright and sunny. She loves her family and all things Disney, and she loves to keep busy. That’s why she wanted to find a job in addition to the job she already had working twice a month at the Janus Capabilities Café in Noblesville, and her work at Janus Developmental Services twice a week. Kelsey was open to working anywhere but expressed a desire to work someplace where she could put her excellent organizational skills to good use. She was very excited when she learned that a new Goodwill store was opening close to her home and couldn’t wait to apply there. After she submitted her application, she waited patiently to hear whether she’d been hired. When she finally heard the news, she fell to her knees with tears of joy. She then walked around Janus to let everyone know that she got a new job and each and every person was ecstatic for her. This was Kelsey’s FIRST time accepting a job in the community and she had been looking forward to this opportunity for years. Kelsey feels the best part of her job is seeing the many treasures that await the customers every day! Way to go, Kelsey!

Kelsey

Tim Ripberger

Abby Tragesser

White River Christian Church Special Needs Ministry

BY LISA DEFILIPPO

When you become a special needs parent, your world seems to get smaller and smaller. Your social calendar can easily get scratched completely. Activities you once loved or thought you would love can’t accommodate your child’s special needs, so you don’t go. Places you thought your child would love now cause anxiety and angst, and let’s face it, sometimes it just doesn’t seem worth it. We learn that so much of this big world just isn’t equipped for our little ones; so, we naturally build a smaller, safer one. This small new world can quickly become isolating and lonely; but it doesn’t have to. Instead, this new worldview can shine a light on the places that are working hard FOR our special kids, that are designed to INCLUDE our special kids, they can act as beacons in an otherwise dark time, not just for us but everyone around us.

One such light (on the hill) is White River Christian Church (WRCC). Located in Noblesville and founded in 1972 by a small, prayer-filled home group, WRCC now serves over 1,800 people in their three locations, and even more significant, their special needs ministry has served hundreds of families since its beginning in 2011.

What makes this ministry, and this church so extra special isn’t just their monthly respite nights, their capacity to have four special needs classrooms [a high-support room, a kids’ room, a teen room and an adult room], a staff of volunteers and several 1-on-1 Buddies; it’s not their special community events like their annual talent show, summer adult camp or parent/caregiver enrichment conference; no, in addition to all of this awesomeness, their main mission is to help our kids understand the Bible as best they can and build a relationship with Jesus Christ.

“’This Christmas we want to do more than give financial resources. We have the opportunity to make an investment in the lives of individuals living with special needs that extends well past their physical needs. Our community of faith at WRCC is becoming an authentic gathering of all individuals. In a large range of age groups, individuals living with special needs could benefit from someone to assist with physical needs, teach them Bible lessons, and provide assistance during age-appropriate programming.’ This is what those who attended White River Christian Church heard as they sat in service in December of 2011: an invitation to help integrate and support individuals living with a disability into the Church,” explained Pastor Paul Hathcoat, who has helped start over 20 different ministries that support the special needs community throughout his time at WRCC.

Theresa Thompson, who still serves in the ministry to this day, wrote an email to the lead pastors at

the time explaining how she attended a camp for people with disabilities and that she was paired with a young lady who attended WRCC, Pastor Hathcoat further explained. The young lady expressed her struggle to understand the Bible and that no one was there to help her make sense of it.

“In the email Theresa stated, ‘… after hearing the sermon and stating a desire to reach out to those with disabilities, I decided to ask a couple questions and put forward these prayer requests,’” he continued.

“God had his hand and blessing in the start of this ministry and WRCC chose to respond by investing in the mission with their time and financial resources… The old saying of ‘if you build it, they will come’ was exactly what happened. Once word got out about a church offering a special needs ministry, families from near and far started coming.”

Brooke Garcia was the ministry’s first director. Brandi Britton stepped in, followed by Hathcoat, and in the spring of 2023, Austin Ginther stepped into the role, leaving his job as a CPA to now serve the church full time. Ginther says it’s easy to see the hand of God at work since that December 12 years ago.

“My family and I were sitting in a Sunday service in 2019 and saw a slide come across the screen advertising the first annual special needs talent show,” said Ginther. “I had been involved in Special Olympics and Best Buddies prior to this, [and had a good friend in high school, Mitch, with special needs] and my mom and I looked

Ava Smith and Jose Luis Olvera learning about Jesus and reading the Bible during teen class time.

Jacob Robinson, student, performing and singing “Good Good Father” at the 2024 Special Needs Talent Show with Pastor Philip Strickalnd (worship pastor), Emily Zepp (volunteer) and Austin Ginther.

Austin Ginther, Paul Hathcoat, Austin Fields (student) before their first baptism meeting!

at each other and both said, ‘let’s definitely go to this!’ We all attended as a family and, man, did God use that event in a greater way than I could imagine. Many student performances moved me to tears and I felt the desire to become involved. I went up to Pastor Paul and asked how I could be involved, and the rest is history!”

WRCC’s campus and outreach has grown tremendously over the past decade, and walking into the building, guests get to see exactly where their heart is with four amazingly equipped special needs classrooms nestled right next to the main worship sanctuary. Ginther’s ministry on Sundays generally consists of 15 volunteers over WRCC’s two services, averaging anywhere from 20-30 individuals total, and their monthly respite night events can bring in an average of 25 kids and teens with an additional 20-25 volunteers.

“White River has seen the immense blessings of this ministry, its people, and the inclusion of people of all abilities, since the beginning of its existence,” shared Hathcoat. “We currently have individuals with disabilities serving across the church on Sunday mornings. We have special needs students attending typical youth group retreats and large group experiences as well.”

In serving in this ministry, Ginther says, he has learned how to love genuinely, how to care for and encourage a friend, how to endure trial, how to let go and have fun and how to simply be the person God

made him to be. “I could go on and on how I have been blessed,” he gushed. “I look forward to Sunday mornings knowing the smiles, laughs, hugs and encouragement that await myself and our team of awesome volunteers. My faith has been enriched through friendships I have with each student. I tell people all the time, and mean it, I can never give more back to the individuals we do ministry with than what they have each given me. God has used my position to enrich my faith through our students by getting to see first-hand how worship can look and feel, how powerful prayer is and how mighty He is.”

The recent faith-filled decision of one special young man moved the hearts of Ginther and his ministry, and the entire congregation: the baptism of 16-year-old Austin Fields. Austin has autism (autism spectrum disorder, or ASD) and a rare genetic disease that causes significant visual impairments, explained his mom, Melissa Fields. Because of this it’s hard for Austin to see well in dim or dark settings, plus he suffers from social anxiety associated with ASD, which can make new environments a real challenge.

“We tried several local churches over many years and never really found a place where he felt connected or supported in the way he needs,” said Mom. “About two years ago, his older sister, Cady, and I found out about the

special needs ministry at WRCC from a neighbor and decided to give it a try. They allowed him to have a caregiver in his ‘special’ room as he became more familiar with the environment and routines at church. After a couple of weeks, he told us he didn’t need his caregiver to accompany him anymore and has been able to thrive in the teen special needs room ever since.”

“Austin has a giant heart and is constantly surrounded by the amazing support of his family, his caregivers and his school team, and he completely took the lead in his baptism!” she continued. “He decided he wanted to be baptized so he could tell everyone about his faith in God. He attended baptism classes with the pastors of the special needs ministry, Paul and Austin #2 (because my Austin claims to be Austin #1) over the summer. As a part of these classes, Austin shared that before he knew Jesus, he ‘didn’t know that there was a purpose to life.’

“We all watched his anxiety grow in the weeks leading up to his baptism,” Melissa continued. “Austin #2 graciously walked him through what would happen during his baptism several times in preparation. Even the morning of his big day, I wasn’t sure if he would actually go through with it—and I have no doubt that a big reason for his baptism was because of the love and support he had through the team in the special needs ministry at WRCC. As he was baptized by Austin #2, he bravely shared with our family and friends that ‘I know I am not alone, and God is always with me. I do not have to do it on my own.’”

“In the first few weeks following his baptism, I think he expected a radical, magical change to occur. Instead, our family at home and at church have been able to remind him of the need to be intentional about his

Tony Banks (volunteer) and John Pierce (student) playing bingo at the 2024 Christmas Party for adults, teens and kids.

Will Smith (student) during teen class time.

Alexis Smith, Anna Skomp and Gigi Tyus having fun at a respite night

faith-speaking kind words, praying to and praising God regularly, and even working on devotional workbooks at home,” she continued. “I have seen so many little changes in him since his big day in September. He seems more confident in himself and his ability to do hard things. He has been more respectful at home with less frequent verbal outbursts. He is more willing to talk to other people at church and school about his faith in God and how he knows that God is always ‘watching and there.’

“As his mama, I couldn’t be more proud of the amazing decision he made to share his faith openly through baptism, the bravery he displayed as he shared his story on his big day, or the intentionality in his walk with God that he has showed since being baptized,” shared Mom. “Our family will be forever grateful to and for the FAMILY that we have found at WRCC.”

“I recently read a book, Jesus and Disability: A Guide to Creating an Inclusive Church by Chris H Hulshof, and in the book Hans S. Reinders highlights the difference between ‘doing something for’ and ‘being with’ so well. He says, ‘It is the distinction between professional intervention and personal presence. “Being with” is not inspired by professional goals of improvement,’” said Ginther. “Our ministry wants to do life WITH individuals living with a disability by helping them belong to a community, become more like Jesus, and build God’s Kingdom together. We are all created in His image, and we believe

the Church is incomplete without all parts of the body included. We see the importance of doing so directly in the Bible, ‘In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary’ (1 Corinthians 12:22 New Living Translation). People with disabilities should not be just included but should be seen as a vital part of the communities we live in and interact with!”

WRCC continues to grow and offer new services to the special needs community, hosting various events throughout the year for individuals and the entire family. “We are the host site for a summer camp for young adults with disabilities called Camp Joy Indiana each fall,” said Hathcoat. “We helped launch a first-of-its-kind post-high school, college-like continuing education and socialization school called Same As U in Noblesville. We are helping to support and grow a disability ministry in the country of Belize, and we recently held our 5th annual special needs talent show to a crowd of over 300 community members. This is but a small sampling of how this ministry has been a benefit to the people of WRCC, the community, and even the world. All we have to do is look around us to find the people and to see the benefits of ministries like this. ALL people are offered a place in God’s family and the WRCC Special Needs Ministry blesses our people every day by ensuring that this truth is lived out with dignity and grace for all.”

“Hundreds of individuals living with disabilities have been afforded the opportunity to find community, find a sense of belonging and acceptance, and, most importantly, learn about Jesus.”

For more information about WRCC and its amazing ministries, please visit https://www.wrcc.org.

Within your smaller world of safe spaces, I pray one of those for you and your family is a church environment. Knowing the Lord during the hard times of diagnosis and treatment plans can mean life or death for our minds and spirits. Finding a church that can accommodate the needs of our kids can be tricky, but what better place to find the love and support we so desperately need on this walk? And if you are interested in starting one at your church, you have a friend in WRCC. Simply reach out to Austin and he will gladly lead you through it. Blessings!

LISA

“Often, there are targeted service projects directed towards individuals living with a disability. This is great but when the program or event ends, the encounter is on hold until the next time. This is felt and noticed by individuals living with a disability and is discouraging… Our ministry wants to do life WITH individuals living with a disability by helping them belong to a community, become more like Jesus, and build God’s Kingdom together.”

AUSTIN GINTHER, WRCC SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY DIRECTOR

Austin Ginther and Mitch Bonar

Noah Zarraga (student) during kids service

Andrew Olt (student) and Jodie Hanlon (student) sharing a laugh with Steve Meyer (adult teacher and volunteer in the adult room)

Jesse Graffis (volunteer) and Zach McMichael (volunteer) teaching Ben Roth (student) the weekly memory verse during kids service.

Carter’s Play Place was opened with the intention of providing a space for kids of all abilities to play. We have invested in adaptive play equipment and offer special play times outside of regular hours that strive to be sensory friendly. We also host birthday parties and other special events in our 3 themed party rooms.

1021

Outdoor Sensory Parks, Places & Spaces Near You

Banker’s Life Fieldhouse

pacersinsider@pacers. com 317-917-2500

125 S Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, IN https://www. bankerslifefieldhouse.com

Sensory-friendly bags (headphones, Fidgets, lap pads, badging)

available at Guest Relations on Main Concourse between sections 19/20; Club level across from Suite 29; Balcony level across from sections 106/107; Sensory Wall located in Section 13; Accessible

Road Fishers, IN play@franklin.in.gov 317-736-3689

https://www.franklin.in.gov/ egov/apps/map/viewer. egov?view=map;id=2 Expression swings, inclusive park, nature preserve, trails

Brooks School Park parks@fishers.in.us 317-595-3150

https://www.playfishers.com/ Facilities/Facility/Details/ Brooks-School-Park-5

Sensory play area, learning trail, accessible playground

Cardinal Park

3432 Hornaday Road, Brownsburg, IN parks@brownsburgparks. com 317-858-4172

https://brownsburgparks. com/cardinal-park/ Sensory and inclusive playground (under construction April 2021)

City Center Park

415 Lincoln Street, Greenwood, IN 317-881-4545

https://www.greenwood.in.gov/ division/blocks.php?structureid=39 Expression swings, county’s only splash pad, accessible playground

Clear Creek Park

1201 West Main Street, Richmond, IN parks.richmondindiana. gov 765-983-7275

https://www.richmondindiana. gov/location/clear-creek-park

Sensory panels, sensorybased equipment

Connor Prairie

13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN

https://www.connerprairie. org/about/contact/ 317-776-6000

Sensory-friendly hours: 3rd Sunday of the month, 10-12 pm but may stay longer. Free admission, quiet spaces and all loud sounds silenced, quiet space boxes

Coxhall Children’s Gardens

Coxhall Gardens, 11677 Towne Rd, Carmel, IN

Coxhall Gardens is a unique and fascinating park, waiting to be

discovered. This modern, 125acre park includes the elegant Centerpiece, twin 90-feet bell towers, a recreation lake, and Children’s Garden, which features village stores, echo walls, peek-a-boo hills, a sun dial, and Tiki huts. https://www. hamiltoncounty.in.gov/facilities/ facility/details/coxhall-gardens-3

Everybody’s PlaygroundRiver Heritage Park 11813 River Road, Carmel, IN guestservices@carmelclayparks. com 317-848-7275

Accessible playground, children’s amphitheatre, soft surface trails

Fishers Agripark @ Roy G

Holland Memorial Park

Kulture City Sensory Friendly Certified 11171 Florida Road, Fishers, IN parks@fishers.in.us 317-595-3150

http://www.playfishers. com/217/Fishers-AgriPark Sensory-friendly bags, quiet spaces

Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo

Stroller rental station; quiet areas, sensory-friendly trained staff

Freedom Trail Park

500 Deer Walk Trace, Westfield, IN guestservices@westfield. in.gov 317-804-3184

https://www.westfield.in.gov/ egov/apps/locations/facilities.

egov?view=detail;id=67 Sensory garden, inclusive playground, sand table

812-526-6809

https://www.jocoparks.com/ independence-park/ Sensory play area with over 20 different elements, YALP SONA arch, sensory-friendly music area, accessible playground

Lucas Oil Stadium

Friendship Corner at Matter Park

Kulture City Sensory

Friendly Certified

500 S Capital Ave., Indianapolis, IN tour@icclos.com 317-262-8600

https://www.lucasoilstadium.com

1803 North Quarry Road, Marion, IN 765-662-9931

https://cityofmarion.in.gov/ government/departments/ parks-recreation/list-of-parks Sound, texture and fragrance play components; accessible playground, fully fenced

Holiday World and Splashin Safari

452 E. Christmas Blvd, Santa Clause, IN fun@holidayworld.com

1-877-463-2645

https://www.holidayworld.com

Kulture City Sensory Friendly Certified 3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN

https://kidszoo.org/ 260-427-6800

Sensory-friendly bags (headphones, Fidgets, lanyard identifying sensory concerns) can be checked out in

Boarding passes for those with disabilities, ride accessibility guide, calming room for sensory-sensitive guests (reserve at Guest Relations)

Independence Park 2100 South Morgantown Road, Greenwood, IN

Sensory-friendly bags (headphones, lap pad, verbal cue cards, Fidgets, lanyard identifying sensory concerns) available at Guest Services kiosk behind section 121; designated quiet areas, sensory signage, accessible

Mulberry Fields

9645 Whitestown Road, Zionsville, IN 317-873-5410

http://www.zionsvillein.gov/ Facilities/Facility/Details/ Mulberry-Fields-9

ADA accessible; splash pad

Nickel Plate District AMP Pavillion

Kulture City Sensory

Friendly Certified 10 Municipal Drive, Fishers, IN parks@fishers.in.us 317-595-3150

http://www.playfishers.com/

Facilities/Facility/Details/ThePavilion-at-the-NPD-AMP-25 ADA accessible water fountain that shoots and bubbles from the ground, fountain illuminates at night; sensoryfriendly bags available; all events are sensory friendly

Potawatomi Zoo

Kulture City Sensory Friendly Certified 500 South Greenlawn Avenue South Bend, IN info@potawatomizoo. org 574-235-9800

https://www.potawatomizoo.org

Sensory-friendly bags (headphones, Fidgets, lanyard identifying sensory concerns) can be checked out at the attraction booth by the carousel. Sensory signage around zoo, quiet areas, sensory-friendly trained staff

Riverwood Spray Park

7201 N. Crittendon Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 317-327-4553

https://www.indy.gov/ agency/department-ofparks-and-recreation Spray grounds, comfort station

Stephens Park

Taylor’s Dream Boundless Playground (located inside Kreager Park)

7225 North River Road, Fort Wayne, IN 260-427-6000

http://www.fortwayneparks. org/general-information/stayconnected/talk-to-us-2.html

http://www.fortwayneparks. org/facilities/boundlessplayground.html

Multi-sensory themed play, variegated play space for different age groups, therapy play guides available online, Accessible playground

Therapeutic Sensory

Gym at Rhodius Park

1720 West Wilkins Street Family Center, Indianapolis, IN indyparks@indy.gov 317-327-7191

https://www.indy.gov/ activity/find-a-park Sensory swings, ball pit, balance beam, ladder light, sensory activity wall, trampoline. Children 12 and under $3 per child

Victory Field Ball Park

605 Stephen Drive, Brownsburg, IN parks@brownsburgparks. com 317-858-4172

https://brownsburgparks. com/stephens-park/ Accessible playground, trail encircling the park

Kulture City Sensory

Friendly Certified 501 West Maryland Street Indianapolis, IN indians@Indyindians. com 317-532-6928

https://www.milb.com/indianapolis Free sensory-friendly bags (headphones, Fidgets, weighted lap blanket, lanyard identifying sensory concerns); sensory wall in PNC Plaza, quiet rooms, sensory signage around park, accessible seating and restrooms

Joy Out Loud- Poetic Essay

BY PAUL HATHCOAT

IN THE TAPESTRY OF EXISTENCE, where the human spirit yearns for meaning and purpose, the Bible stands as an eloquent guide, offering profound insights on how one may weave a life that brings joy not only to themselves, but radiates outward to embrace the community and the world. The pages of Scripture unfold a narrative of compassion, love, and grace, illuminating a path where believers, anchored in faith, become harbingers of joy and happiness. Let’s take a look at how we can be inspired to spread joy and grace to the world around us, from a pastor’s perspective.

In the sacred verses of Matthew 22:39, the words of Jesus resonate with timeless wisdom, echoing through the corridors of ages: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This divine directive encapsulates the essence of spreading joy. It is a call to approach human relationships with a transcendent love and empathetic kindness that cross the boundaries of familiarity. The resonance of this divine commandment reverberates in the hearts of those

who seek to uplift not just their inner circle but also extend benevolence to the stranger and even those deemed difficult to love around them.

The apostle Paul, a luminary of the early Christian community, emerges as an exemplar of joy in the face of affliction. Despite enduring persecution, imprisonment, and complex tribulations, Paul’s epistle to the Philippians resounds with an unwavering declaration: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). Within the crucible of adversity, Paul radiates joy, embodying the transformative alchemy of faith that allows one to sow happiness in the midst of life’s harshest storms.

The symphony of grace, as orchestrated by the Divine, finds its crescendo in the teachings and actions of Jesus. In the toughing narrative of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), Jesus responds not with judgment but with grace and compassion, offering a powerful lesson in forgiveness. This sublime act exemplifies the profound impact of extending grace, transforming lives burdened by

guilt and shame, and infusing the atmosphere with the fragrance of joy.

To live with joy and grace, as espoused in the biblical ethos, demands a mentality of selfless service. Jesus’ words in Mark 10:45 resound as a clarion call to embrace humility and service: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” The mandate to serve selflessly becomes the cornerstone upon which individuals, fueled by faith, build a legacy of positive impact within their communities, and contribute to the well-being of the world.

The biblical concept of joy as a fruit of the Spirit, elucidated in Galatians 5:22-23, paints a portrait of a life deeply rooted in God’s presence:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” This joy, an intrinsic byproduct of communion with the Lord, transcends circumstantial fluctuations, blossoming as a resilient source of contentment within.

Consider the narrative arc of Joseph, an Old Testament luminary who endured betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment. Amid such great adversity, Joseph’s unwavering faith in

God became a lantern, guiding him to a position of prominence in Egypt. His grace in forgiving his brothers (Genesis 37-50) stands as a testament to the redemptive power of joy and grace, even when life is filled with threads of suffering and discontent.

In conclusion, the symphony of joy, composed by the good Lord, finds its resonance in the adherence to biblical standards and the unwavering belief in God. The scriptural quotes, like melodic refrains, echo through the corridors of time, inviting believers to dance to the rhythm of love, kindness, and humility. Within this dance, individuals discover the transformative power of faith, becoming vessels through which joy cascades into their communities and the broader world. In the profound tapestry of existence, the biblical narrative becomes a luminous thread, weaving a story of purpose, compassion, and enduring joy that transcends the short-lived challenges of the human journey. May you be blessed!

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.

LOCAL EVENTS

BY CHRISTIA WOODFORD

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 Museum My Way

Mar. 12, 4:00 pm-7:00 pm

An adaptive museum experience Capacity limited. Registration required. This special event is an opportunity for visitors with disabilities and/or sensory sensitivities to experience the museum in a new way. Families and groups of all abilities are welcome to play and learn together! Sensory modifications to the museum environment include:

• Limited capacity

• Quiet area with sensory items

• Some music is turned down or off

• Edited lighting effects in some areas

Members: Free, Nonmembers: $6 per person

Access Pass: $2 per person. For tickets: https://www.childrensmuseum. org/visit/calendar/event/464

Various Events

Mar. 1- Mar. 31, Opens at 10 AM

3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, 317-334-4000

https://www.childrensmuseum.org

Conner Prairie — Indiana’s Living History Museum

Winter on the Prairie

Mar. 1- Mar. 24, 10:00 am- 3:00 pm

Join us beginning January 18 for special programming highlighting the beauty of winter! Winter on the Prairie is a one-of-a-kind way to experience everything Conner Prairie has to offer. Grab your boots and mittens as you journey across acres of nature to explore. Discover the tranquility and beauty that can only be found after a fresh snow. Then, join the residents of Prairietown and warm up by the hearth as you take in the smells of the food on the fire. Make new friends as you learn how winter was embraced with parlor games and time spent indoors with friends and family much like it is today.

Looking for a place to play?

Check out our two indoor play spaces featuring elements of Discovery Station and special programming that celebrate creativity and play! https://www.connerprairie.org/ winter-on-the-prairie/

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

Mar. 1- Mar. 31, 10:00 am- 10:00 pm 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038 Phone: 317-776-6000 or 800-966-1836 https://www. connerprairie.org/events/list

Sports

Indy Fuel

Mar. 1, 15,16, 22, 23, 24, 27

Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 1202 E 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46205 https://www.indyfuelhockey.com/

Indiana Pacers

Mar. 7, 13, 16,18, 29

Gainbridge Field House, 125 South Pennsylvania St. Indianapolis, IN

https://www.nba.com/pacers/

Best Buddies Night with the Indiana Pacers Night

Mar. 16, Doors open at 6:00 pm

Gainbridge Field House, 125 South Pennsylvania St. Indianapolis, IN

As a part of Best Buddies, you are invited to participate in a special night with the Indiana Pacers. Invite your friends and family and receive a discounted ticket price!

Join Best Buddies before the game as we participate in an exclusive pregame viewing experience and enjoy a FREE Pacers Branded Hat, a food voucher, the Best Buddies name on the LED ribbon board at halftime, and a postgame free-throw on the main floor! Tickets: https://pacers.formstack. com/forms/buddies24?engag eddonorid=31184045-c4d44ff7-a685-1b8f72df0a31&utm_ campaign=website&utm_ medium=Email&utm_source=Summa

Indy Eleven

Mar. 23, 30

IU Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium, 1001 W New York St. Indianapolis, IN 46202

https://www.indyeleven.com/

Indianapolis Indians

Victory Field, 501 W Maryland St, Indianapolis, IN 46225

https://www.milb.com/indianapolis/ schedule/2024-03

Family Fun

Dig Dig for Kids Sensory Friendly Play Month of March, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:00 pm- 4:00 12800 Ford Drive, Fishers, IN 46038

Biggest Sandbox in Indiana!

Reserve your spot here: standard pricing

https://digdig.pcsparty.com/ bookings/index.asp

Sensory Friendly Play | Urban Air Noblesville

Mar. 3, 9:00 am- 11:00 am

14450 Mundy Dr, Noblesville, INJoin us for Sensory Friendly Play the first Sunday of each month (unless conflicted by holiday)!

Sensory Friendly Play is an event specifically designed for children with sensory processing difficulties to enjoy time at the park without loud music, flashing lights- and to have a lot of fun! $15.99 Ultimate Pass per child Parents are FREE!! https://indywithkids. com/events/sensory-friendly-playurban-air-noblesville-2024-03-03/

Brickworld Indy

Mar. 16 and 17, Saturday - 10 AM - 6 PM, Sunday - 10 AM - 5 PM

Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 East 38th Street Indianapolis, IN 46205

Bring the entire family for an afternoon of fun! See more than 65,000 square feet of spectacular creations all built from LEGO bricks by local LEGO enthusiasts. Enjoy interactive activities, such as the LEGO and DUPLO play brick areas, seek and finds, fighting robots, etc. Buy your favorite LEGO sets, minifigures, and LEGO accessories from various vendors. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ brickworld-indianapolis-2024-tickets741747957107?aff=oddtdtcreator

Adaptive/Inclusive | 4th Annual Easter Egg Hunt Mar, 23, 11:00 am- 1:00 pm

Rhodius Park Sensory Gym | Climbing, Crawling, Swinging and Playing, 1720 W Wilkins St, Indianapolis, IN

This very special Easter Egg Hunt for ages 5-10. There will be a variety of arts & craft activities, stuffed plastic eggs with prizes, stuffed animals, and a very special sweet treat. Rumor has it that the Easter Bunny might make an appearance. Fee $5 for each participant. All participants must register prior to the event to participate. https://anc.apm.activecommunities. com/indyparks/activity/search/ detail/26333?onlineSiteId=0&from_ original_cui=true

Indianapolis Zoo Zoo Camp

Spring – March 25-29; April 1-5 Summer – June 3-7, 17-21, 2428; July 8-12, 15-19, 22-26

From learning about wild animals to careers in conservation, campers at the

Indianapolis Zoo have a blast exploring and learning while making new friends! Zoo Camps are offered during school breaks during the year. Camps include outdoor exploration of the Zoo and special behind-the-scenes tours to meet animal ambassadors and members of the Zoo’s animal care team. Zoo Camps also foster curiosity and STEM-based skills such as investigation, collaboration, problem solving, communication and more through fun hands-on activities. For information and registration

https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/ learn-explore/zoo-camps/

Various events scheduled daily Mar. 1- Mar. 31, 9:00 am- 4:00 pm 1200 West Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46222

https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/

Jurassic Quest

Mar. 29 through 31, Friday: 9 AM - 8 PM, Saturday: 9 AM - 8 PM, Sunday: 9 AM - 7 PM

Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center, 1310415, Indianapolis, IN 46205

ATTENTION Indianapolis dinosaur lovers! Come see for yourself why Jurassic Quest is America’s biggest and most popular dinosaur event and walk among the dinosaurs!

Our classic indoor adventure is back! Jurassic Quest and our skyscraping dinosaurs bring supersized family fun – only here can you get up close to life-size, realistic dinos, and even see them move and roar! Whether the dinos had skin that was scaly, feathers or fur, Jurassic Quest has spared no expense to bring the dinosaurs to life.

Walk through the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods, and “Deep Dive” into the “Ancient Oceans” exhibit with ancient ocean dwellers including the largest apex predator that ever existed – a moving, life-size, 50-foot-long Megalodon!

Loved by millions, only Jurassic Quest can bring families memories this BIG! Fan-favorite, can’t-miss-moments include:

Walk among animatronic dinosaurs created with paleontologists to be trueto-detail (and size – watch the teeth)! Climb aboard some of the largest rideable dinosaurs in North America! Get your giggles going at our interactive Baby & Walking Dinosaur Shows

Live your best dinosaur life with activities like fossil digs, fossil science exhibit, inflatables, a “Triceratots” soft play area, & MORE!

Meet the babies – hatched only at Jurassic Quest – Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T-Rex and Trixie the Triceratops. And you may even catch one of our star dino trainers: Safari Sarah, Dino Dustin, Captain Caleb, Prehistoric Nick or Park Ranger Marty! Dig for fossils, and check out a real T-Rex teeth, a triceratops horn and life-size dino skull at our fossil exhibit. With exciting and unique experiences for the whole family, Jurassic Quest guests have a dino-mite time! Get your tickets before they go extinct at www.jurassicquest.com. Timed tickets are available and advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged. Tickets at: www.jurassicquest.com

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

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical Feb. 8 - Mar. 30, 2024 9301 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268 https://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

Disability Resource Fair- Indianapolis Mar. 2nd, 11:00 am- 2:00 pm 9330 E 56th St, Indianapolis, Indiana 46216

The disability resource fair will feature local resources for individuals with cognitive disabilities and their caretakers including local services, therapy options, resource awareness, and advice from parents who have already gone through the process of navigating the system for their families. Event is free and open to the public and is made possible in partnership with the Lawrence Advisory Council on Disabilities. Visit www.indypl.org/calendar for more details. Event Details

Westside Transition Fair-Brownsburg Mar. 5, 5:30 pm- 8:00 pm

Brownsburg High School, 1000 S Odell St, Brownsburg, IN 46112

The WSTC services the following school districts: Avon, Brownsburg, Danville, Decatur, Monrovia, Mooresville, North West Hendricks, Plainfield, and Wayne Township.

For more information, contact Jennifer Frick at jfrick@brownsburg.k12.in.us

Tippecanoe County Disability Resource Fair hosted by OASIS Community, Inc. and The Arc of Tippecanoe County Mar. 5, 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm Cost Free

Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, East Wing 1406 Teal Road Lafayette, IN, 47905

We are partnering with The Arc of Tippecanoe County (https://www. facebook.com/thearcoftippecanoe/) to bring together every disability resource we can find in Tippecanoe County and beyond. We hope you can join us to meet

other families and professionals and discover new resources to achieve your Good Life. Learn more about advocacy groups, assistive technology, HCBS Waiver providers, financial planning and future planning, recreational opportunities, and more. In-person for Individual / Family or Caregiver / Professional Join us for the 2024 Disability Resource Fair as we kick of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Register: https://www.oasisforlife.org/ oasis-events/disability-resource-fair-1

Down Syndrome Indiana Circles

Curriculum hosted by Down Syndrome Indiana (DSI) and ILADD Mar. 5, 12, 19 and 26, 6:00 pm8:00 pm Sessions every Tuesday through March 26th, Cost is Free 615 N. Alabama Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Who: For individuals with disabilities 18 and over DSI and ILADD are excited to team up to offer the Circles Curriculum. The Circles Program teaches social distance and levels of intimacy through the use of six color-coded concentric circles.

Starting from the center circle, which represents the self, each new colored circle represents behaviors, feelings, and actions appropriate to the distance from the center of self. Participants will meet weekly to discuss the Curriculum. https://forms.office.com/Pages/

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https://dsindiana.org/circles-curriculum/

FUSE Inspiring Abilities

Expo Hancock County

Mar. 9, 9:00 am- 1:00 pm

J B Stephens Elementary School (1331 N Blue Rd, Greenfield, IN 46140, United States)

Please see FUSE website for additional information: https://fuseinc.org/

Indiana Miss Amazing 2024

Mar. 9, 12:00 pm- 8:00 pm

5715 S Keystone Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46227

Indiana Miss Amazing’s mission is to provide opportunities for girls and women, ages 5 and up, with disabilities to raise selfconfidence in a supportive environment. Miss Amazing is a nationwide program run in more than 35 states. Our program gives participants the opportunity to participate in our main event, which includes teambuilding experiences, interview, evening wear/ introduction, and an opportunity to share what they are passionate about. At this event, we will crown a queen in each age division. It is fun for every participant! The cost to participate is free! To watch this event, please purchase a ticket. Tickets will be available on our social media, just look up Indiana Miss Amazing on Instagram or Facebook! www.missamazing.org for more information

Evansville Disability Resource Fair 2024

Mar. 16, 11:00 am- 2:00 pm

Ivy Tech Community College Southwest (3501 N. First Avenue, Evansville, IN 47710

Connections Case Management, SelfAdvocates of Indiana and Ivy Tech Community College present the 3rd Annual Evansville Disability Resource Fair. This resource fair will provide information about community resources and services for individuals disabilities and their families. Exhibitors will talk about the services and resources to assist individuals and families. There will be interactive areas, raffles, and food vendors. To be a vendor please reach out to info@connections-in.com for more information.

Rock Your Socks Sponsored by GiGi’s Playhouse

Mar. 21, 5909 E. 86th, Indianapolis, IN 46250

Grab your best 80’s gear, and 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, costume contest, and more! #WDSD23 #LotsOfSocks

For more information https://gigisplayhouse. org/indianapolis/rock-your-socks/

2024 Hamilton County Transition Fair

Mar. 27, 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm

12499 Olio Road, Fishers IN 46037 Enter through door 18

Questions? Contact Chrissy Pogue at: cpogue@hse.k12.in.us

Is

Navigating the world of autism can feel overwhelming. But we believe that your child, with all their unique strengths and potential, deserves the best shot at success. Whatever the journey brings, we’re here.

Our work goes beyond providing ABA therapy; it’s about igniting that spark of joy and confidence in your child.

From high-functioning children to those who require more support, our family-oriented, in-home Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services are personalized for every level. We are passionate about nurturing your child’s individual potential and bringing out their best, right where they’re most comfortable—at home.

Whether your child has already received an ASD diagnosis or you’re still figuring things out, we can help.

At Grateful Care ABA, where we are dedicated to transforming the experience of ABA therapy for families and children with special needs across Indiana. Our journey is fueled by a commitment to quality, personalized care, and a deep-seated passion for making a significant difference in the lives of those we serve.

Quality care is the cornerstone of everything we do. We manage smaller caseloads to ensure that every child and family receives our

Grateful Care ABA

full attention and expertise. This approach allows us to tailor our therapy sessions to the unique needs and potentials of each child, fostering a nurturing and effective environment for growth and development.

Recognizing the challenges many families face in accessing therapy, we’ve made it our mission to extend our services across Indiana with our in-home ABA programs. We believe in bringing comfort, convenience, and quality care right to your doorstep, ensuring that geographical constraints never stand in the way of receiving the support you need.

We understand the importance of timely intervention in ABA therapy. That’s why we’ve taken a stand against long waitlists, offering immediate support to families. Our commitment is to provide the necessary care at the right time, ensuring that every child gets the opportunity to thrive from the outset.

The opening of our center in southeast Indianapolis this past summer was a milestone for us. It’s

BY YITZ MANDEL

more than just a therapy center; it’s a community hub where learning, growth, and connection thrive. The center embodies our ethos of doing things the right way and serves as a nurturing space where children can develop and explore their abilities in a supportive environment.

Our staff firmly believe that every child deserves access to ethical and effective care. This belief drives our passion for delivering top-notch services and focusing on the individual needs and potential of each child. There’s a profound joy in witnessing the children in our care reach new milestones, and our team, comprised of highly skilled professionals, is committed to fostering these achievements.

Understanding that each family’s journey is unique, we tailor our therapy plans to fit individual goals and lifestyles. This flexibility ensures that our therapy is not only effective but also aligns seamlessly with each family’s specific needs and preferences.

Our holistic approach to therapy involves collaborating with other professionals to provide comprehensive care. By considering all aspects of a child’s development, we promote well-rounded progress, ensuring that every facet of their growth is nurtured and supported.

The ultimate goal at Grateful Care ABA is to empower children toward independence. We aim to equip each child with the skills

they need to thrive on their own, reflecting our commitment to their long-term success and well-being.

The relationships we build with each child and their family are the bedrock of our work. These connections, fostered with trust and mutual respect, drive us to make a positive, lasting impact in the lives of those we touch.

At Grateful Care ABA, we are more than just ABA therapists; we are partners and guides on a journey toward a brighter, more independent future. Our focus on quality, personalized care, and ethical treatment sets us apart as we strive to make a meaningful difference in the special needs community of Indiana.

IN*SOURCE

BY ANGIE ARLINGTON

IN 1975, A LAW was enacted that guaranteed a free, appropriate, public education (FAPE) for all children with disabilities called the Education for Handicapped Children Act of 1975, now called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). “While this meant that all children with disabilities are entitled to FAPE in the least restrictive environment, to some parents in South Bend, Indiana, around that time, it meant something a lot more personal,” said Beth Ernsberger, IN*SOURCE Associate Director of Community Development. “It meant that THEIR children would have the opportunity to an education that wasn’t available to them before that time. So, around a kitchen table, eating grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, they discussed what that would look like, and what they could do to make an impact for their children and all children in the state of Indiana with disabilities. Out of that conversation, a grant was written, and IN*SOURCE was born.”

“There have been so many changes in the years since we received our first grant,” Ernsberger added. “A small staff in a tiny office in South Bend has grown to over 40 throughout the state. Many staff, volunteers and board members have come through our doors over the years, and to them we are eternally thankful. One thing for certain has remained as our laser-focus since that first conversation – the desire to help children and young adults with disabilities receive the education to which they are entitled in order to give each of them a promising future.”

“A small staff in a tiny office in South Bend has grown to over 40 throughout the state. Many staff, volunteers and board members have come through our doors over the years, and to them we are eternally thankful. One thing for certain has remained as our laser-focus since that first conversation – the desire to help children and young adults with disabilities receive the education to which they are entitled in order to give each of them a promising future.”

One of our most recent and exciting changes is that we received a new grant from the federal government which focuses on family engagement. The addition of this grant helps us continue serving all families in Indiana who have children with disabilities and working with all families and schools in Indiana to pave the way for better outcomes for all students.

MISSION STATEMENT:

We provide high-quality information, training, and support to families of children and young adults with disabilities and the individuals and organizations who serve them.

VISION STATEMENT:

Children and young adults with disabilities will thrive due to access to effective educational programming and appropriate individualized services.

BELIEF STATEMENT:

We believe it is our social and moral purpose to ensure that every child and young adult with disabilities experiences inclusive opportunities, well-being, and equitable access to appropriate challenges.

IN*SOURCE supports the special education process from birth to age 26, assisting by phone and email, training classes, support and information at school meetings, ways for schools and families to work together, special education

liaisons who serve the entire state of Indiana, transitionaged students with training on self-advocacy, special education training for school interpreters, and a wealth of resources and trainings at www.insource.org. “Our services are provided at no cost to all in the state of Indiana and while we serve all families in the state, we strive to reach out to families who might not know of our services, especially those in low-income households and with limited English proficiency, among others.”

SUPPORTING IN*SOURCE:

Donations can be made at mightycause.com/organization/ In-Source or email bernsberger@insource.org for more information.

IN*SOURCE helps thousands of families each year. As one mom shared, “I have worked in public schools for nearly 20 years and I had families who needed support, and that led me to learn about IN*SOURCE. Our relationship was always professional and positive. So when I was questioning the services my own daughter was receiving, of course I turned to IN*SOURCE. There’s a wealth of information on the website alone before you even speak with anyone. I got connected with an IN*SOURCE rep to help me through the process, and she has been invaluable to us. As much as I thought I knew about the process, I still needed someone beside me. IN*SOURCE is an amazing resource for families to access, and it is so helpful to have them involved.

Meet The Payne Family: THE 3 D’S--DELISA, DELEAH, & DELYNN

BY CHRISTINA MCGAIRK

According to the Go Daddy Venture Forward National Survey, conducted in February of 2023, single moms are the fastest-growing group in the U.S. microbusiness world. Among them is Evansville native DeLisa Payne.

Payne, the mom of two daughters on the autism spectrum, started Nerdz World in 2012. What began as a web-based computer repair company later spun into a powerhouse in the web development, graphic design, promo video, and mobile app world.

The Tennessee State University engineering graduate is a selftaught website and mobile app developer, who used her highrisk pregnancy bedrest time to teach herself coding skills.

“I watched YouTube Udemy videos which taught me how to pretty much

“Our goal is to put all the resources that autism families need in the palm of their hand.”

customize anything a client may need for different types of programs or graphic design,” said Payne.

This single-mama entrepreneur is also the co-developer of EVV Cares and the founder and CEO of DTEAM, Inc.

EVV Cares is a free app that connects Evansville residents with quality-of-life resources, such as addiction help, crisis support, education services, and much more.

DTEAM, which stands for Differently Talented Extraordinary Autism Minds, is a non-profit that advocates for autism recognition and integration while fostering acceptance, understanding and inclusion for those on the autism spectrum.

“This platform allows us to help autism families and individuals by

providing them with quality-of-life resources,” said Payne. DTEAM also empowers autistic people to showcase their abilities, expertise, and passions in their preferred manner.

Last year, Payne expanded DTEAM, Inc. by creating DTEAM Technologies, which leverages the use of technology to tackle societal challenges, enable communities, and promote sustainable growth.

“We’re currently working on an app that shows all the resources in the area,” said Payne. “Our goal is to put all the resources that autism families need in the palm of their hand.”

There’s no doubt Delisa

Payne is a woman with drive and ambition, which she has passed down to her daughters.

Her oldest, Deleah Payne, is already making a name for herself

in her own right. The super smart 17-year-old carries a 3.9 GPA, is a graphic designer, has won numerous awards for her art, and is the cofounder of DTEAM, Inc. She’s also an autism advocate and author. At the age of 12, she self-published her first book, entitled ‘Our World’. The book sheds light on what it was like for her and her younger sister to live with autism. It also talks about bullying, and how, despite their differences, they share certain commonalities with neurotypical children.

Payne’s younger daughter, Delynn, is mommy’s “Little Tinkerer”. The 11-year-old enjoys constructing and fixing things. She’s built everything from switch-operated fiber optic cable lights to wooden, laser-cut 3D puzzles.

“She doesn’t read, but if she sees something and you give her the pieces, she can build it,” said Payne.

Payne is a fierce, hardworking advocate for her daughters, which she attributes to her parents, who were married for 41 years before her father’s death in March 2023. “Both my parents taught me how to support my children, told me about God’s strength, and how everything is possible,” she said.

To learn more about DTEAM and how to support their initiative, visit www.https://www.dteaminc.org

1. Go Daddy: Venture Forward Research Initiative. Single Moms More Ambitious Than Most Microentrepreneurs, Says GoDaddy Study.https://www.godaddy.com/ resources/advocacy/single-moms-more-ambitiousthan-most-microentrepreneurs-says-godaddy-study

Christina McGairk

Sensory Blurb!

Sensory items to better support the community

Does your loved one have trouble sleeping at night? If they toss and turn and awaken easily, compression sheets or a Beddy may be just the thing to help! Compression sheets are lightweight, so they won’t get too hot. A Beddy is similar to a sleeping bag. It zips around the mattress to give a tight and snug feel. These options can help provide a great calming sleep experience for all-night comfort! If you have a loved one receiving waiver services in Indiana, let us know if we can help.

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

There are several different types of ramps that can be used for different scenarios and in different locations. You can find various materials, sizes, and applications!

No matter which type of ramp would work best for you, they are definitely beneficial. Ramps make mobility less stressful and more accessible to individuals with different mobility needs. It improves safety, too!

If you’re interested in getting your own ramp, our team would love to speak with you. We often work with insurance companies to create a custom experience for each client.

(888) 506-4182 | specialized4u.com

621 N Central Ave, Connersville, IN 47331 specializedhomecareservices@gmail.com.

Stacey Oldham has never let a diagnosis determine the prognosis for her future, and she doesn’t want you to, either. A born and raised Hoosier, Stacey grew up in Noblesville and has lived in Hamilton County for 50 years. She graduated from Noblesville High School in 1983 and Indiana University in 1987. Her children are Mallory, 32, Molly, 28, and Matthew, 18.

Stacey was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)at age 20 while attending college. At that time, a neurologist told her that people with MS didn’t live to be 50. The only treatment option was to take steroids to keep the immune system quiet. Stacey has the relapsing/remitting form of MS where a relapse can be just around the corner at any time.

Stacey didn’t let her diagnosis define her back then and she doesn’t now. Her education and background are in organizational change management and communication strategies. She worked in television, for an ad agency, an airline, and as a consultant to Fortune 500 companies including Carrier, AT&T, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, among others. The last years of her professional career were spent as a senior communications associate at Eli Lilly and Company.

When Stacey’s health took a turn, she had to leave the professional workplace after nearly 25 years, but she pivoted her education, experience, and expertise into championing inclusion in the city of Fishers, Indiana. Stacey was the co-chair of the first Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability (FACD) with City Council Member Cecilia Coble when the committee was first established in 2016. When the FACD was codified

Meet the City of Fisher’s Champion for Awareness and Inclusion: Stacey Oldham

BY DAROLYN “LYN” JONES WITH STACEY OLDHAM

(made an official committee of the city) in 2022, Stacey was appointed by Mayor Scott Fadness to be one of nine members. Her term ends this year.

Because Stacey has lived with a disability most of her adult life, she wanted to make community wide impacts not only for herself but for others living with disabilities as well. Stacey advocates for those with disabilities because she has witnessed first-hand the gaps in accessibility in Fishers. Some things were as simple as the sidewalks in her neighborhood not being accessible. She met early on with Mayor Fadness about this issue among others, and she was heard.

Stacey said, “Unlike many cities, our mayor and city leaders have embraced and supported those with disabilities. As a newer and fast-growing community, we have been able to build in programs, accommodations, and strong awareness of all disabilities so that Fishers is truly a community for all.” Fishers received the Champions of Inclusion Award in 2017 for the many incredible accomplishments of the FACD.

Every year, Stacey and her fellow FACD members put together programs for Disability Awareness Month (March) that are the envy of other communities. Even during COVID, online opportunities for education, accommodation, and celebration of those with disabilities continued under Stacey’s leadership.

Stacey is most proud of Southpointe Village, an affordable housing complex with wrap around services for those with disabilities. “My part in making this happen was very small,” she said. “I just signed a letter requesting federal funds for the

project. However, I was able to fulfill a promise to an elderly man who came to our committee with a request in 2016. He was in his 90’s and nearly blind. He came with a caregiver. He pleaded with the city to establish a place where his son, who is in his 60’s and has an intellectual disability, could live near him. At that time, his son was living in Richmond, Indiana because there was nothing available for him anywhere in Hamilton County. I know his request took years to meet, but his inspiration led to action on our part. I get a tear in my eye every time I drive past Southpointe Village going south on I-69 and realize what it now means to so many.”

Stacey will receive the “Life Without Limits Award” this month. “I was particularly humbled to learn that I was nominated by more than one person,” she said. “You don’t go into advocacy or volunteering with the goal of recognition. I am just passionate about making life easier for those with physical and intellectual disabilities and their families. Having a disability doesn’t preclude a person from achieving great things. This award is an exclamation point to that.”

2024 marks 40 years since Stacey was diagnosed with MS. While her health has fluctuated over that time period, she is still up and walking. She uses a cane most days, and a scooter for long distances. When Stacey turned 50, she remembered the prognosis from her neurologist that she most likely wouldn’t live to be 50. Now 59, she said, “I decided I was still here for a reason. My motto now is: ‘I don’t have a Bucket List. I have a To Do list for [helping] others.’”

Stacey’s hope for the future is that FACD continues advocating with the same passion and strength it has had since 2016 in three areas of focus:

• HOUSING: Programs can be set into place that offer financial support for those needing to retrofit their home due to disability. But the most important thing is that new buildings and homes incorporate universal design so that modifications aren’t needed later.

• TRANSPORTATION: Other communities, like Green Bay, Wisconsin, have solutions already in place to accommodate

disabilities. Stacey believes that transportation options that meet the needs of everyone can be implemented across Hamilton County and into Marion County.

• EMPLOYMENT: The FACD has made wonderful progress and gains to ensure that those with disabilities can locate employment opportunities as they age out of the school system. Stacey hopes that continued partnership with Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation will grow these opportunities so that the percentage of people with physical and intellectual disabilities who hold a job increases tenfold in the next few years.

Special Needs Living New Year’s Bash!

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.

The event was kicked off by the band Infinity, a beautiful opening. Jamie McCabe, the publisher of SNL, welcomed everyone, expressing gratitude for their attendance and introducing herself. Reflecting on her personal

experience as a parent of a special needs child, she highlighted the importance of community and resources, expressing joy in organizing events like this. Throughout the evening, families and individuals shared their stories, and attendees were encouraged to explore ways to be involved, share their own

stories, and access the digital version of SNL for free. Guests enjoyed food, drinks, and games, fostering connections with other families.

Get to Know You Bingo began, offering participants a chance to win prizes by completing their bingo cards. The event featured live performances by bands

Blue Balloon ABA - Food Sponsor

who volunteered their time, and a special mention and thanks were given to Angie Arlington, our community engagement coordinator.

The event concluded with Rhino Down. Special moments were had with the band, as many joined on the dance floor to help sing, play the tambourine, the drums and help strum the guitar. Please follow them on social media to

find out about where their next show is playing around town.

The event concluded with a heartfelt appreciation for everyone’s participation, including bands, performers, sponsors, and volunteers. A round of applause celebrated their collective effort in making the event possible, with wishes for a wonderful start to the year and anticipation for future gatherings.

Thomas Insurance Agency- Glitter Tattoo Sponsor

BAbove Services - Table Appetizer Sponsor

ENABLE - Phil & Chelsea Clark - Facepainting Sponsor

John Dickerson with My Quillo & Life Course Connect - Donated Gift baskets for the winners of the get to know you BINGO!

Infinity: Amanda McClaran, Toru Kikuchi

Rhino Down: Paul Giefing, Steve Meyer, Adam Hayes, Mike Brown, Amanda McClaran, Robyn Glushik & Francesco Pasquinell

We had a great lineup, all free thanks to our supporters. Huge shout out to Adaggios Banquet Hall and Conference Centre and Developmental Disabilities Systems Inc. (DDSI) for hosting the event

THANKS TO THE EVENT SPONSORS

Adaggios Banquet Hall DDSI

Appetizers & Desserts

Blue Balloon ABA

Face Painting

• ENABLE Special Needs

Planning- Phillip & Chelsea Clark

Balloon Animals

• Guardian Care

Games & Activities

• Best Buddies Indiana

Glitter Tattoos

•Thomas Insurance Agency

Guardian Care - Balloon Animal Sponsor

Angie Arlington - SNL Community Engagement Coordinator