Special Needs Living November 2022 Digital Issue

PHOTOS BY 21 VINES PHOTOGRAPHY

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 adrenaline shers1.com events@adrenaline shers.com

317-977-2375

317-676-4222

800-609-8448

877-241-8144

800-545-7763

800-545-7763

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

800-622-4968

888-673-0002

800-403-0864

317-232-7800

317-925-7617

877-511-1144 317-466-1000

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 800-772-1213 800-772-1213 877-851-4106 317-871-4032 800-545-7763

Emergency First Steps

INSOURCE – www.insource.org

Indiana Department of Education: Office of Special Education – www.doe.in.gov/specialed Indiana Family to Family - www.inf2f.org

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

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

Indiana Resource Center for Autism

Indiana State Department of Health

Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council (INSILC)

Indiana Works

INSOURCE – http://insource.org/

Medicaid Disability Medicaid Waivers

Social Security Administration (SSA)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Special Education Questions

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

Scan to view the past issues of Special Needs Living

Scan or text the letters SNL to the number 55433 — to get the digital copy of SNL through text message

DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this

and/or

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.

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

ABA & COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES K1ds Count Therapy (317) 520-4748

ABA SERVICES 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

Step Ahead ABA (317) 732-8380

The Umbrella Center (463) 701-0909

ABA/COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES

The Hope Source (317) 578-0410

ACCOUNTING/PAYROLL/TAXES

Borshoff Consulting LLC. Sherry Borshoff (317) 902-6539

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

CASE MANAGEMENT Connections Case Management (317) 440-0637

IPMG - Indiana Professional Management Group (866) 672-4764

CAT CARE & SITTING Bastet Cat Care & Sitting (317) 919-1948

CBD SUPPLIER Indy CBD Plus (317) 961-0191

COUNSELING SERVICE Mark 2 Ministries (317) 777-8070

DAY / BEHAVIORAL SERVICES

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

DENTAL CARE Children’s Dental Center (317) 842-8453

ELECTRICAL SERVICES 21 Electric (317) 449-0021

FINANCIAL Munder Financial James Munder (317) 238-6621

WestPoint Financial Group Gordon Homes (317) 567-2005

GYMNASTICS Body by GymRoots Studio (317) 579-9300

HEALTH & WELLNESS

LifeVantage - Team Richards Kristin Richards (317) 698-5264

HOME CARE

Amiable Home Care Inc. (317) 802-1746

HOME CARE SERVICES

SafeInHome (855) 476-6665

INDOOR TRAMPOLINE PARK

Adrenaline Family Adventure Park (317) 572-2999 www.adrenalinefishers1.com

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

MORTGAGE

CrossCountry Mortgage (317) 666-4679

MUSIC THERAPY Dynamic Music Therapy (317) 829-6654

Resounding Joy (858) 888-0899

NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY Indy Neurofeedback (317) 888-8500

PARKS & RECREATION

Johnson County Parks & Recreation (812) 526-6809

PEDIATRIC THERAPY Wee Speak (765) 446-8300

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

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE/STEM CELL THERAPY Destination ReGen (317) 522-1980

SCHOOL

Dynamic Minds Academy (317) 578-0410

Midwest Academy (317) 843-9500

SCHOOL - SPECIAL NEEDS

The Fortune Academy (317) 377-0544

SCULPTURE, POTTERY & ART

Ripple Mobile Arts (317) 514-8469

SENSORY SPACES

Corporate Interior Solutions (317) 691-4156

SUPPORT SERVICES Easterseals Crossroads (317) 466-1000

Embracing Abilities (317) 825-8326 Noble (317) 375-2700

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

Wabash Center (765) 423-5531

THERAPY & TESTING SERVICES

The Brain Center (317) 748-0034

VIDEOGRAPHY/PHOTOGRAPHY

Deliver Video Eli Walker (765) 602-1046

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.

Meet the Special Needs Living Team

Sheila Wolfe – Writer and Contributor

Lisa DeFilippo – Writer and Contributor

Angela Arlington – Community Engagement Coordinator, Writer and Contributor

Paul Hathcoat – Writer and

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

Matt Knight – Writer

Kendal Ford – Kendal Nicole Photography

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

Jamie McCabe – Publisher and Area Director

Heather Gregg – Photographer, 21 Vines Photography

Jane Gailey – Contributor

Tasha Cleaver – SNL Account Executive

Isaac Roman – Writer and Photographer

Dorie Zipperle – Writer and Contributor

DeAndra Yates – Writer

Christina McGairk – Editor and Writer

Christia Woodford – Publishing Assistant and Local Events

Christie and Nathan Buonanno –Buonanno Photography

Brooke Russell – Operations and Events Manager

Aaron Olson – Writer

Tanya Sood – Writer and Contributor

Maria Smietana – Editor-in-Chief

PEAS for Kids

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 O ce 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.

BEAUTY BELONGS TO EVERYONE

A story shared simply through images: meet Beckett

Would you like to submit

to

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SYSTEMS INC. (DDSI)

BY MARIA SMIETANA

For more than 30 years, one Hancock County family has been a pioneer in providing community-based services to Hoosiers with developmental disabilities. It all started with Bob Dugger, who had an intellectually disabled son. Bob naturally became concerned about the care his son would receive as he progressed through his adult years. In the late ‘80s, only a few years after the Medicaid Waiver became law in Indiana, Bob opened New Adventures,

which provided residential services in a group home setting.

By 2003, Bob’s other son, Doug, had grown the business to 16 group homes and, with a business partner, opened Developmental Disabilities Systems Inc. (DDSi), a behavior support program serving individuals throughout the state of Indiana.

Today, DDSi is a family supports waiver (FSW), community integration and habilitation (CIH) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) Medicaid provider

offering behavior support and participant assistance and care (PAC). The company also offers day habilitation (small group fouron-one or one-on-one) through their community integration-based program, New Adventures 4 You. This service is available to individuals with the CIH or FS waiver.

Doug’s children, Allison Davis and DJ Dugger, who grew up in Hancock County and graduated from New Palestine High School, both

joined DDSi and support their dad in managing all the services the company provides. DJ was more interested in the business side, while Allison said she fell in love with the clinical work on her first day as a direct support professional (DSP) in a group home. She went on to become a behavior consultant with a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis. She hopes to add ABA to DDSi’s services to complete the family’s vision for a behavior center

where individuals with special needs can grow up and live their lives in a safe and supportive atmosphere.

“DDSi is a team, and we serve [our clients] well,” Allison said. “When an individual becomes part of our program, they become part of our family. We do an incredible job of being focused on what the individual wants out of their life and the goals they have in place.” She adds, “Behavior is communication. Listen to what it tells you.”

When you choose DDSi, you also get an advocate. DDSi serves clients ranging from 3 years old to 89 years old.

DDSi gives back to the community by offering many free events throughout the year, including their Easter Trunk Hop, Monster Mash, Pool Party, Prom and Santa Meet and Greets. The company also supports Special Olympics of Hancock County and FUSE Inc. “We also do an event with Special Needs Living magazine in January called The New Year Bash,” Allison added. We support Special Needs Living because it offers

a way to get information to families that need support but are not sure where to go. It’s a great addition to the disability community!”

Business Contact Information

Allison Davis — Director of Operations DDSi/New Adventures 4 You 317-364-2885 www.ddsi-in.com allison.davis@ddsi-in.com

Adult Day Habilitation • Behavior Services Participant Assistance & Care

CHOICES

a call

GAIN SKILLS

CUSTOM

WHAT IS THE TRUTH?

BY TAMMY SHORT

In the first story Tammy wrote for Special Needs Living, she shared her experiences with Indiana’s Medicaid waiver program and how it fails our most vulnerable citizens—children and adults living with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities and hard-to-manage behaviors. In this story, she shares the raw truth of what it has been like for her to raise a daughter with severe autism.

What is the Truth?

By Tammy Short

I’ll tell you my truth. it’s not pretty. It’s not sweet. It’s not promising. It’s almost hopeless. You may say nothing’s hopeless, but you’ve never walked in my shoes.

This is my life. This is the life I was given. I prayed for another baby. I’d already lost my first pregnancy and I begged God to give me another child. I didn’t care if it was disabled and I still don’t. All I wanted was to be a mother. I wanted to prove to the world that I could love and be loved. I wanted to prove that I was a “real woman” by having a child. Then she came along—my beautiful, curlyhaired, sweet daughter.

But as soon as she was placed in my arms, I knew something was wrong. I have spent the last 21 1/2 years fighting, begging, pleading, researching, advocating, planning, digging and

begging God, doctors, specialists and other families to help me find a way to help LeeAnn overcome the struggles of severe autism. I have had failed marriages and relationships. I had to quit jobs that I loved and I lost who I was as a person. I don’t laugh anymore. I’m not depressed necessarily, I just don’t find anything funny anymore. When I do laugh, it’s more of a kneejerk reaction. All I do is stress and react every single day. I’m on auto pilot. Everything has to be regimented, all the way down to when to go to the bathroom. Taking care of another human being that’s more important to me than anything on the planet because she is so vulnerable takes precedence over anything else. With her vulnerability comes huge responsibility and I lost myself in that process.

If you have walked in my shoes, then you know exactly what I’m talking about and you probably feel just like I do. I have hopes and wants and dreams outside of what I do every single day to care for my daughter. I fantasize about having a separate life somewhere else. That sounds so messed up, but it’s the brutal truth.

Some mornings I’ve awakened and wondered is it even worth it? All that I do--the bathing, brushing and flossing her teeth, putting on the perfume, making sure she’s presentable before

worth it? Is it going to matter in the end? Because eventually I’m going to die and everything I’ve done for her all these years, all the effort I put into her will be futile because she’ll be at a group home or supported living center with people who won’t care about her like I do and she’ll never get that special loving treatment again. I’m probably just setting her up for ultimate failure.

The problem is, LeeAnn may be 21, but when I look at her I see my helpless little autistic daughter. I don’t see what you see. You see an obese, wild-haired adult who is dependent on other people for just about every aspect of her life. You see a whole lot of work and stress. I know I sound bitter, because I can’t understand why society isn’t more accepting and tolerant of differences. But I think my biggest problem is I’m exhausted, and nobody seems to understand that.

I still get ready every day. I still work. I take care of her and our household, but somehow, I’ve gotten lost in the mess of it all. I have few real friends anymore. We seldom have visitors and we can’t go visit others because it’s too unpredictable for LeeAnn. I don’t have anyone to talk to, not really talk to. I turn to social media because that’s where

my group of people is. They’re my high school and college friends and most importantly, my family. I have a few coworkers that have become very close friends, but they’re spread out across the entire United States. I’m profoundly lonely. I’m lonely because I lost who I was. I was the class clown in high school. I loved to make people laugh. I wish I could still be like that, but I’ve completely lost my lightheartedness. I lost it because nothing is fun anymore. It’s all work.

I get two days every other week to recoup what I lost. Just two simple days. The first day I actually can relax because she’s with her dad and there’s no extra work to do. I’m just me for a day. I try to use those days to spend time with my stepdaughters and especially my grandchildren. God, how I love them. They give me so much joy. The problem is that as soon as that first day is over, the dread sets in because the next day I have to go pick her up. Don’t get me wrong, I want to pick her up, but the dread is still there because I know what’s coming. It’s back to the grind. It’s driving that hour and a half one-way to pick her up, only for her to be slightly agitated and on edge. For her to repeat multiple times the same sentences, questions and phrases and for me to smile and respond yes to give her the affirmation she desperately needs to soothe and comfort her fears and anxiety. It’s exhausting. Nobody ever sees it because I hide it. Nobody ever asks about it. Nobody ever says “Are you OK? How are you? Is there anything I can do to help you?” No one ever says “Here, take yourself out, go get a massage, or take the day off. I’m here to care for LeeAnn, and I insist.”

One thing that ignites my anger is when somebody who knows nothing about what really goes on in my world tells me how I should do things, or how I could make things better for myself. How dare people think that they have some kind of insight into my life when they have never walked a moment in my shoes? They may have seen my kid for a few hours at a family gathering or while visiting my home. What I can assure them is those few hours they saw my kid were the best hours of her

day, if not her week, because she was thrilled to have company and was on her best behavior.

It looks easy to a lot of people because I make it look easy. I don’t post the temper tantrums. I don’t speak about her behaviors that I intercept all day long. I don’t speak of the fights between my husband and me because we’re always on edge. We’re exhausted so we’re always at each other. I don’t talk about those things because nobody wants to hear it. I find it hysterical that some people really believe that families

with severely disabled children have normal lives. They don’t!

And there’s more. Let’s talk about PTSD. My husband has it. I have it. Her siblings have it. We walk on eggshells. We never know what the next seconds are going to bring, but we love LeeAnn anyway and we go on about our day as if nothing’s wrong. We carry that weight and it is always affecting our lives. We see her for the little girl that she is, laying on the couch and watching cartoons that are geared toward preschoolers. We see the little smiles and giggles, the

light in her eyes when she gets a new toy. We hear her plan out things that are going to happen at Thanksgiving and Christmas. My husband works all day and then helps pick up the pieces around the house that I can’t get picked up. Our younger daughter helps when she can but she needs to build her own life because she lived her whole childhood around her sister. As for me, I don’t know that I’m even living at all. I feel like I’m just existing to care for another human being that desperately needs me as much as I need her. It’s bittersweet.

The one thing that is so rewarding is watching LeeAnn grow up and become a woman, knowing that she is healthy and that sometimes she’s happy. That brings me joy beyond imagination. But I am getting older. My mind is tired and my body hurts. I have arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow. I have

lesions on my brain for which no cause has been found. I wonder what the future holds for me, but more so, what does it hold for her? What will happen to my precious child when I die or can no longer care for her? These are the thoughts that run through my mind day and night. Even though I know that God is in control I cannot help but be afraid for my child. I cannot help but worry about the “what-if‘s.”

So if you know a family that has a child with a disability, please be considerate enough to realize that they’re going through struggles that you don’t see. You might even want to really get to know that child and spend time with them in the presence of the family. Become the kind of friend or neighbor that they could rely on for a few hours to take care of their child so they can get away for a bite to eat or just take some time to

breathe! Do you know what a gift you would give that family? And if you see stories about families like mine, please don’t judge us. These stories are the raw truth that most of us just don’t verbalize because we feel embarrassed or are afraid of ridicule from others. I’m not afraid and I’m not embarrassed, because I’m a great mom but I’m a tired mom.

A few months ago, Tammy received a call that would change her life. LeeAnn was accepted into a supported residential living program. The first month was rocky, as the staff learned her medication schedule and her daily needs. Since then, the adjustment has been remarkably smooth. Tammy is cautiously optimistic; happy that her daughter is starting a new phase of her adult life, but also painfully aware that the situation could change at a moment’s notice.

BEST BUDDIES CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

PHOTOS BY: KARA LUCERO

On Wednesday, Sept. 15, Best Buddies in Indiana kicked off their ninth annual Champion of the Year campaign in Indianapolis. One of Best Buddies’ signature fundraising events, Champion of the Year, recognizes individual volunteers in the community who are advocates for inclusion.

During an eight-week period, these volunteer leaders will engage in friendly competition to raise the most funds and awareness for Best Buddies programs in Indiana. Best Buddies provides Hoosiers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with opportunities for oneto-one friendships with their peers without IDD, integrated employment, and leadership

development and selfadvocacy training. www. bestbuddies.org/indiana

Funds raised through the Champion of the Year campaign will support Best Buddies’ existing programs in Indiana that serve more than 4,500 youth and adults statewide at more than 100 schools, communities and workplaces. Funds will also support Best Buddies’ efforts to expand into new schools and communities in Indiana.

The ultimate Champion of the Year will be announced at the Best Buddies Champion of the Year Gala: Bloom Where You are Planted, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom on Nov. 12, 2022. The gala will include dinner and cocktails, live and silent auctions, live music and more!

The 2022 Champions are:

• Haley AndersonRoberts, Teacher at Franklin Community High School

• Cady Fields, Student at Indiana Wesleyan University

• Jamie McCabe, Publisher, Special

Music Therapy & Wellness Early Childhood Music Classes Sign & Sing Virtual Classes

Needs Living Magazine

• Jennifer Miller, Project Manager, Capital Group

• James Pillischafske, Manager, PE, Katz Sapper & Miller

• Jillian “Jill” Robbins, Student at Lake Central High School

• Charlene “Charly” Tunison, Teacher at Mt. Tabor Elementary School

• RJ Zeph, Facilities Porter, TCC

Each champion is also paired with a mission partner with IDD, a Best Buddies participant who provides support throughout the eight-week Champion campaign. The mission partner also

provides each champion with the opportunity to form a unique Best Buddies friendship, especially for those who are not already in a Best Buddies program or have never been matched in a Best Buddies friendship. You can support Best Buddies and Champion of the Year by purchasing a ticket to the gala, supporting a champion’s campaign, becoming an event sponsor, donating an auction item or making a general donation to Best Buddies. For more information on Best Buddies and Champion of the Year, visit www. bestbuddieschampion.org or contact Natalie Seibert at NatalieSeibert@ bestbuddies.org.

Music Therapy can help individuals of all ages and abilities, including those with: Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Developmental Disabilities

End-of-life care (Hospice)

Mental health

Autism

Down Syndrome

Cerebral palsy

Intellectual Disabilities

Neurological disorders

disorders

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

BEST BUDDIES CHAMPION OF THE YEAR NOMINATION

PHOTOS BY: KARA LUCERO • JAMIE MCCABE — SPECIAL NEEDS LIVING PUBLISHER

I am proud to announce that I am a champion candidate for Best Buddies! Please consider supporting my campaign as I raise funds and awareness for Best Buddies.

Having a son with special needs myself, I know the importance of helping our kids build lifelong friendships and the impact that having a best buddy can have not only for the special needs individual but also for the best buddy. The chance to allow others to come alongside individuals with special needs and build relationships is truly special. This is such a great honor; I am happy to help raise money for this great organization.

Best Buddies International is a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With your support, Best Buddies will help more people form meaningful friendships with their peers; secure successful jobs; live independently; improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills; and feel valued by society.

As a champion candidate, I have committed to raising awareness and funds for this life-changing mission.

I am so grateful for your support!

Funds raised through the Champion of the Year campaign will support Best Buddies’ existing programs in Indiana that serve more than 4,500 youth and adults statewide at more than 100 schools, communities and workplaces. Funds will also support Best Buddies’ efforts to expand into new schools and communities in Indiana.

The ultimate Champion of the Year will be announced at the Best Buddies Champion of the Year Gala, Bloom Where You are Planted, based on who raises the most money. You can help me win by scanning the QR code below using this link: https://www. bestbuddieschampion. org/indiana/ supporting/#jamie.

Bloom Where You are Planted will be held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom on Nov. 12, 2022. The gala will include dinner and cocktails, live and silent auctions, live music and more!

Each champion is also paired with a mission partner with IDD, a Best Buddies participant who provides support throughout the eight-week Champion campaign. The mission partner also provides each champion with the opportunity to form a unique Best Buddies friendship, especially for those who are not already in a Best Buddies program or have

never been matched in a Best Buddies friendship. My mission partner is Lily Thompson. Lily loves magic, typing, martial arts, music, video games and swinging. She was born in China. She loves to hang out with friends and go out to eat. She has been in Best Buddies since 2012.

You can support Best Buddies and Champion of the Year by purchasing a ticket to the gala, supporting a champion’s campaign, becoming an

event sponsor, donating an auction item or making a general donation to Best Buddies. For more information on Best Buddies and Champion of the Year, visit www. bestbuddieschampion.org or contact Natalie Seibert at NatalieSeibert@ bestbuddies.org.

Scan to give to Best Buddies and to help support Jamie to become the champion with Best Buddies Indiana.

Jamie McCabe, Champion of the Year candidate, and Lily Thompson mission partner.

JAN’S VILLAGE PIZZA

Nov. 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Join the special needs community for dinner at Jan’s Village Pizza. This is for parents and caregivers of special needs individuals, along with a few support partners of Special Needs Living. This event is limited to 20 people and is first come, first serve. Dinner and beverages on your own. We invite you to join us to connect with others in the community and have some meaningful conversation.

Nov. 10, 6:30-8:30

Jan’s Village Pizza 108 S. Union St. Westfield, IN 46074

You can RSVP by emailing specialneedslivingindy@n2pub.com.

LOCAL EVENTS

BY CHRISTIA WOODFORD

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 that 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 event details have changed since posting.

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. 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

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Chemistry Day Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sunburst Atrium

In partnership with the American Chemical Society, join us for special activities, live demonstrations and thrilling shows provided by real chemists and chemistry students. Chemistry is a Blast! Combustion. Chemiluminescence. Properties of gasses. Have a blast watching wild and wacky chemistry demonstrations with

Guy Hansen.

Local organizations, including Corteva Agriscience and American Institute of Chemical Engineers. https://www. childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar/ event/171/2022-11-12

Various Events

Nov.1-Nov. 30

Opens at 10 a.m.

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

https://www.childrensmuseum.org/ visit/calendar?date=01/08/2022

Sensory day at Newfields & the Lume Dec. 3, 10-11 a.m.

4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46208

https://discovernewfields.org/

Join the Special Needs Living and special needs community on Dec. 3 at Newfields and the Lume for a special sensory day. They will open early to the special needs community from 10 to 11 a.m.

Conner Prairie Indiana’s Living History Museum

Sensory-Friendly Hours

The second Sunday of every month, from 10 a.m. to noon, will be 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

Nov.1-Nov. 30

13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038

Phone: 317-776-6000 or 800-966-1836

https://www.connerprairie.org/ events/list/ Sports Indianapolis Colts Nov. 20, Philadelphia Eagles; Nov. 28, Pittsburg Steelers

Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46225 https://www.lucasoilstadium.com/

Indy Fuel

Nov. 4, 5, 17, 20, 25, 26

Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205 https://www.indyfuelhockey.com/ news/2022/5/fuel-announce-202223-regular-season-schedule

Family Fun

Indianapolis Zoo Christmas at the Zoo Nov. 19-Dec. 30, 5-9 p.m.

EXPERIENCE OUR BELOVED HOLIDAY TRADITION!

Dating back to 1967, the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the nation to hold a holiday lights event. Year after year, Christmas at the Zoo continues to grow. For our 54th year, we’re adding beautiful new décor to enhance your holiday experience. And the best part is it’s all included with regular admission!

Under the Bicentennial Pavilion, you’ll discover Santa’s Village featuring: Extra Opportunities to Visit Santa: Meet the Kris Kringle in Santa’s Study warmed by Peterman Brothers from 5 p.m. until close. Or escape to the tropics to see Vacation Santa from 3-9 p.m. at Flights of Fancy. With the help of his flamingo flock and some holiday magic, the Jolly Old Elf can be in two places at once to greet even more children this year. Visits with Santa continue through Dec. 23.

Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen: Free visits with Mrs. Claus through Dec. 23.

Santa’s Barn: See Santa’s sleigh and a few of his reindeer through Dec. 23.

Polar Pathway: Have your camera ready to remember the moment you step inside the glittering tunnel and are surrounded in glowing lights! Look for the one-way entry through the tunnel this year.

Penguin Encounter: Get up close to these winter-ready birds from 6-8 p.m. (animal and weather dependent).

Tinsel Tavern: Enjoy holiday-themed cocktails featuring Hotel Tango spirits. https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/ events/christmas-at-the-zoo/ Various events are scheduled daily Check the calendar for events. https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/visit/ daily-schedule/

1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46222 317-630-2001

HOURS: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Thur., and 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri.-Sun. and holidays

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

Christmas Night Of Lights

Nov. 11, 2022-Jan. 02, 2023

State Fair Grounds, use entrance at Gate 12 located on 42nd Street

Christmas Nights of Lights is returning to Indianapolis for the 2022 season! Come see over 1 million lights synchronized to traditional and newer, rocking Christmas music played through your car stereo. Pack your vehicle full of friends and family to enjoy the show and begin a new Christmas tradition with us.

ONLINE RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED

No cash or credit will be accepted at the ticket booth. With the new reservation system, wait times should be under an hour.

TICKET EXCHANGES

With limited tickets available each night, there are NO REFUNDS.

Exchanges for a different night or time slot based on availability. Exchanges can only be made five days prior to your original ticket date. https://www. indianastatefair.com/events/2022/ christmas-nights-of-lights

To exchange your tickets, please call 317-593-4046.

The Umbrella Center Parents’ Night Out!

Dec. 2 FROM 5-8 p.m.

THE UMBRELLA CENTER IN GARFIELD PARK! 1061 E. SOUTHERN AVE.

*Registration Required*

A night of childcare just in time for holiday shopping, holiday parties or a night of silence at home.

$5 per participating child.

Free to current, past, or waitlisted clients. Once you’re part of the Umbrella family, you’re always family.

The Arts

Fortune Academy Presents:

A Christmas Carol by C. Dickens Thursday, Nov. 17 at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. For tickets, go to: www.thefortuneacademy.org/store

Beef and Boards

The Addams Family Oct. 6-Nov. 20

It’s A Wonderful Life Nov. 25-Dec. 23 9301 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 317-872-9664

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

Jubilate Choir

Butler University, Lilly Hall, Room 133

Wednesdays, 6:45-7:30 p.m.

Director: Lauren Southard Start Date: Sept. 22, 2021

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

Gigi’s Playhouse

Various classes during the week. 5909 E. 86th St. Indianapolis, IN 46250 317-288-8235

indy@gigisplayhouse.org

Events

Family2Family

Nov. 2

Hosting a virtual workshop on Government Benefits, ABLE and SNT. Register at training@f2f.org.

IRCA Family Autism Support Webinars (Online) Nov. 7 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Navigating the Adult Systems

Just when you finally figured out the school system, it’s time to navigate the adult systems. Leaving a school system based on entitlement or a free and appropriate public education to a system based on eligibility can be overwhelming. This presentation and

conversation will help inform you about the adult systems and the information needed and questions to ask.

Presented by: Teresa Grossi, Ph.D. Director of Strategic Development Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Indiana University Register at https://iu.zoom. us/webinar/register/WN_ l55Di_5lQYWAVgMWnt4lAQ

Fall Inspiring Abilities Expo 2022 Nov. 5, 2022, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Admission: Free

Location: Perry Meridian High School Gymnasium, 401 W. Meridian School Road, Indianapolis, IN 46217

The Expo offers families and professionals a great opportunity to network with organizations and service providers who meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.

Visit the Exhibit Hall to meet and talk with therapy and service providers, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, recreation programs and other agencies serving adults and children with disabilities. https:// www.indianadisabilityresourcefinder. org/view/event/3957/fall-inspiringabilities-expo-2022/817

Navigating the Adult Systems

Nov 7, 2022, 6:30 p.m.

Presented by: Teresa Grossi, Ph.D., Director of Strategic Development, Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Indiana University

Just when you finally figured out the school system, it’s time to navigate the adult systems. Leaving a school system based on entitlement or a free and appropriate public education to a system based on eligibility can be overwhelming.

This presentation and conversation will help inform you about the adult systems and the information needed and questions to ask. https://www. indianadisabilityresourcefinder.org/ view/event/3708/navigating-the-adultsystems/588

Special Needs Living Community Dinner

Nov 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Jan’s Village Pizza, Westfield

Join the special needs community for dinner at Jan’s Village Pizza. This is for parents and caregivers of special needs individuals, along with a few support partners of Special Needs Living. This event is limited to 20 people and is first come, first serve. Dinner and beverages on your own. We invite you to join us to connect with others in the community and have some meaningful conversation.

You can RSVP by emailing specialneedslivingindy@n2pub.com.

Northside Disability Resource Fair

Nov. 12, 2022, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

White River Christian Church, 1685 N. 10th St., Noblesville, IN 46060

White River Christian Church, Achieve Community Services, Connections Case Management and The Columbus Organization present their first annual Northside Disability Resource Fair. This resource fair will provide information about community resources and services for individuals with 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. https://www. indianadisabilityresourcefinder.org/ view/event/4003/northside-disabilityresource-fair/860

Paint Party Fundraiser with Live Love Paint Studio

Prodigy Burger Bar Nov. 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 14490 Clay Terrace Blvd. Carmel, IN 46032

We welcome you to join us for the Paint Party Fundraiser with Live Love Paint Studio. In this class, you will be making an 18-inch wooden sled pictured here. A portion of each person’s class will be given to help cover a free paint class for special needs moms and caregivers for the special needs moms’ weekend retreat in May. www. livelovepaintstudio.com

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

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MEET JORDYN CHURCH & JAKE HOGLE

Westfield high school best buddies

During the Best Buddies Launch Party for Champion of the Year 2022, we had the pleasure of hearing from Jordyn and Jake. They have such a beautiful friendship. Hearing them share brought tears to so many eyes during the event that we just had to share it here.

Jordyn: Hi, everyone. My name is Jordyn Church. Jake: And I am Jake Hogle.

Jordyn: Jake and I have been best buddies and best friends for the past two years. I first joined Best Buddies seven years ago when I was in Intermediate School. I didn’t have many friends at the time and didn’t feel like I had a place in my school where I could be myself. That is until I found Best Buddies. I was drawn to Best Buddies because of a colorful poster hanging in the school hallway with the words “inclusion” and “friendship” in bold. Those are the two biggest words that could describe this one-of-a-kind

organization. From the day I saw that poster, I have been hooked on Best Buddies and making sure that everyone that I meet gets the opportunity to participate in this amazing organization and community of friends.

Jake: I have been doing Best Buddies since freshman year. I joined because it looked like fun, and I wanted to make more friends. My favorite part is getting to see my friends, dance and talk with everyone.

Jordyn: Jake is like the brother I never had. I include Jake in everything I do, and my other friends and family have gotten to know Jake and have learned from our friendship. Jake is my best friend, and I hope everyone gets to have a friend like him in their life. We have done many things together, like going hiking through Cool Creek Park for Jake’s 18th birthday, getting Culver’s at 7:30 on a school night because I called him craving ice cream and didn’t want to go alone, or even driving around

neighborhoods looking at holiday lights over the holiday break.

Jake: My favorite thing we do is watch movies at dinner together when it is just the two of us. We have watched Tangled, Incredibles and many others.

Jordyn: Jake and I have learned so much from being around each other, like how to sing as if no one can hear you or to not care about people watching you run through a sprinkler on a blazing hot summer day. It takes a special someone to make you feel included, and Jake is that extra special person for me.

Thank you so much for attending tonight’s Kick Off Party. By supporting Best Buddies and the Champion of the Year campaign, you are creating a more inclusive community now and in the future. Your support is creating more special friendships like Jake’s and mine. Thanks again, and good luck to all of the Best Buddies champions!

Photo by: Kara Lucero

MEET THE FAMILY Dunn Dunn

BY CHRISTINA MCGAIRK • PHOTOS BY 21VINES PHOTOGRAPHY

In February 2019, Justan and Alicia Dunn brought a precious little boy, who they named Odin, into this world. Although he had a brief stay in the NICU, he was otherwise a healthy baby boy. It wasn’t until around 13 months when Alicia had a feeling something wasn’t quite right about her son, “My little guy that had been eating everything, I mean everything- pasta, meat, bread, seafood...you name it he ate it, stopped eating and slowly started excluding foods,” said Alicia. “Odin also had about 10 words including a couple of animal sounds and he woke up one day and stopped talking.”

She brought her concerns to her pediatrician at the time but felt like she wasn’t taking her concerns seriously. So, her husband put on his researcher hat and found Riley Children’s Health Pediatric Gastroenterologist Dr. William Bennett MD.

They scheduled a virtual appointment because of the COVID pandemic and once the day arrived, Alicia said she finally felt heard. Dr. Bennett prescribed

Odin an acid reflux medication and at their next appointment, referred her to First Steps, Developmental Pediatrics, and Sleep Psychology. He also brought up the topic of autism.

“I said,’’ Wait, what? Odin doesn’t have autism. He does have words and expresses emotion. Dr. Bennett kindly explained to me how expansive an autism diagnosis is and then it all started to make sense. If it wasn’t for him, I have no idea where we would be today. I’m forever grateful to him and that he listened to me. He didn’t just “hear” me, he listened,” Alicia said.

Odin was later diagnosed with autism and a global developmental delay shortly before his second birthday.

During this span of time Alicia, originally from Texas, left her job of 10 years to care for Odin and her elderly grandmother, who raised Alicia along with her grandfather. Her husband, originally from California, eventually lost his job as a massage therapist due to COVID and they faced many hardships. Yet, good things eventually got better.

JUSTAN, ALICIA AND ODIN

The Dunn family ended up moving to Westfield where Odin had more children to play with in the neighborhood. Alicia, who likes to consider their place as “the fun house”, a bubble machine, sidewalk chalk, and water table can

be found. Odin enjoys playing outside with his friends, but he also builds with his Legos, playing with his dinosaurs, and he loves his superhero figures. His favorites are a tossup between Batman and Spiderman. The Dunn’s also added two Goldendoodles, Peanut & Graham, to the family much to Alicia’s geriatric mini–Schnauzer Bella’s chagrin.

Life began to improve for the couple individually as well. Justan has finished his bachelor’s degree in Accounting (June 2022) and is pursuing his master’s in data Analytics. Justan is a Financial Business Analyst for American Lawn Mower Company. Alicia is a Underwriter IV for Cuna Mutual Group working remotely full time and I’ll also still be hustling for my Odin’s Treasures business.

Odin, now 3, is currently. Odin receives ABA here at home only. He’s

swims with Ms. Allison at Stony Creek Swim Center where he’s been since he was 5 months old. And he also receives feeding/ speech therapy with Ms. Tara at Riley Outpatient at IU North. Unfortunately, he’s still enduring feeding issues and hasn’t gained weight in the past 6 months. He’s currently on an appetite stimulant and his parents give him Carnation Instant Breakfast for caloric content. Sleep has also been a major hurdle, which he has a specialist for. But on the upside, Odin is talking more and is saying 3-word phrases. “His favorite one right now is “Leave me alone”,” laughed Alicia.

Through all the ups and downs the family has faced, Alicia is just taking it one day at a time. “Our days are busy and exhausting with Odin’s and mom’s doctor’s appointments and

Sensory Day at Newfields and The Lume

Dec. 3 10-11 a.m.

Join Special Needs Living and the special needs community on Dec. 3 at Newfields and the Lume for a special sensory day. They will open for the special needs community at 10 a.m. The museum opens to the public at 11 a.m., but you are welcome to stay as long as you would like. This day will be sensory-friendly and adaptive for the community. You can grab your discounted tickets here.

We hope to see you there!

Sensory Day at Newfields and the Lume Dec. 3, 10-11 a.m. 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46208 https://discovernewfields.org/

Special Parents of Special Kids

BY PAUL HATHCOAT

As I now have over 10,000 hours invested in special needs pastoring, I can consider myself an expert, according to Malcolm Gladwell in his work Outliers. But even with all those hours spent walking alongside parents and caregivers of loved ones living with disabilities, I still don’t know what it is truly like to live that life and feel those feelings. What I do have is an enormous amount of second-hand experience walking side-by-side with hundreds of families over these last eight years.

Let’s talk about the difficult parts of parenting and how the faith and life lessons that can be learned, could make the journey worth it in the end, from a pastor’s perspective.

I have seen the eyes of a parent who has just received a diagnosis, the fear of the unknown and what the future holds. I have seen the tiring journey of crossing over the first hurdle, only to see that there is an entire track full of them lying in wait. One of the first families I truly connected with asked me to walk with them in this early period of their special needs parenting journey. The first topic that we explored together was their disappointment. They were unexpectedly disappointed that their brand-new baby boy was diagnosed with Down syndrome. There was a sense of panic and fear in their words. It took many months before I could

start to see them coming to terms with their new life and making peace with their new family dynamic. I watched as they eventually began to see God’s grace in their son’s life, and they came to rely on the lord daily. It was through prayer and open, honest relationships with others that God found a way to reach their hearts and assure them of His providence in their family’s life. “Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed” (Psalms 119:116).

The second hurdle I saw this family cross over, and have watched many other parents work through, was trust. They simply did not know what to do, and they did not know what was next. What they did know is that they would not be able to protect their special needs child in the same way that they were able to protect their other children. There would be doctors and therapists and nurses and aids and specialists that would all have access to, and responsibility for, their vulnerable child. They would not be able to rely on their son to communicate fully all of what he was feeling or had been through, either. Ultimately, they would have to hand over their child, one way or another, and let God’s plan unfold day by day. That is just what they did. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not

lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

Finally, I watched as this family came together, connected with their community, and began to see that they were not alone. They saw that I and others recognized the opportunity that was there to invest in them, to learn from them, and to even find joy in watching them persevere. God has designed us all for the community, and in the life of so many parents raising children with disabilities, I have seen their connection to their community and their God be the keys to unlocking their season of thriving. “They will thrive like watered grass, like willows on a riverbank” (Isaiah 44:4).

Let it be known that life is hard for us all. There are ups, and there are downs. But underneath all the chaos and turmoil is a beautiful rhythm that can be found. It involves letting go of our disappointments and seeing everything as an opportunity. It involves trusting in an unseen God to make your life and efforts have a Kingdom impact. And it involves opening up and connecting with as many of His people around you as possible so we can, all together, build a network of support that allows us all to thrive. I pray that these experiences and words of mine bring you even just one step closer to walking with the Lord. Blessings to you all!

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.

PAINT PARTY FUNDRAISER

Nov. 15, 6:30-8:30

PAINT PARTY FUN! We welcome you to join us for the Paint Party Fundraiser hosted by Live Love Paint Studio. A portion of each person’s class fee will help cover a free painting class for special needs moms and caregivers at a special needs moms’ weekend retreat in May. No experience required! Come join us for this fun event! Make special memories with your friends and family, and have fun! Register below! Painters’ choice, pick one of the two paintings featured! Pre-sketched sled is provided, and all step-by-step instructions! We provide the fun; you take home the memories! Eighteen-inch sled provided, along with instruction and all painting supplies! Door prizes will be awarded! Custom colors are available. No refunds; only painting kits will be provided if you cannot attend. They will have all the supplies and a video.

Date and Time: Nov. 15, 6:30-8:30

Location: Prodigy Burger Bar 14490 Clay Terrace Blvd. Carmel, IN 46032 www.livelovepaintstudio.com Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/423839634757

Scan to register

The INDATA Project, Indiana’s Assistive Technology Resource

For more than 80 years, Easterseals Crossroads has been a leading provider of programs for people with disabilities in Indiana.

As a leading provider of programs for people with disabilities in Indiana, Easterseals Crossroads has been providing services more than 80 years. Realizing the tremendous need for people with disabilities to achieve and maintain their greatest levels of independence, Easterseals Crossroads started to incorporate assistive technology in its employment training programs in 1979 and then opened its Assistive Technology Center in 1990 to provide technology solutions for all program areas.

In 2007, Easterseals Crossroads began partnering with the State of Indiana Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services to establish the Indiana Assistive Technology Act (INDATA) Project. The INDATA Project is one of 56 similar, federally-funded projects designed to increase access to, and awareness of, assistive technology.

Improving Access to Assistive Technology: “It is the mission of the INDATA Project to improve access to, acquisition of and knowledge about assistive technology to individuals of all ages with disabilities,” said Easterseals Crossroads Director of Assistive Technology Brian Norton. “INDATA provides assistive technology through four main programs — an equipment loan library, device demonstrations, equipment re-utilization through the INDATA Depot and financial loans for devices and services.”

INDATA’s equipment loan library is the state’s largest library of assistive technology devices for loan. It’s available for anyone who lives in the state of Indiana, and it’s free of cost

for 30 days at a time. The library has more than 2,500 items — including screen magnifiers, computers and communication devices.

“You can try something for free before purchasing it to help make the decision of what device works best for you,” Norton said. Interested Hoosiers can go to the INDATA website at eastersealstech.com and sign up for an account, as well as browse through all of the items.

In addition to the equipment loan library, INDATA offers to-your-door device demonstrations throughout Indiana. Device demonstrations are important because they give consumers the hands-on opportunity to learn about unique features, functions and options of various pieces of assistive technology.

Individuals can try out the device to determine whether or not it will work for them in accomplishing tasks at

school, work, in their homes and in the community.

“That way, they don’t purchase a piece of equipment that’s just not going to be practical for them,” Norton said. “Plus, when we can show them the technology up close, they learn more about how to use the device and maybe even some new skills they hadn’t known before.”

Reuse and Revitalize with the Depot: Another INDATA program is the INDATA Depot, an equipment reuse program that provides donated devices — mainly computers — to Hoosiers with disabilities free of charge. The INDATA Depot provides roughly 200 computers per year to Indiana residents with disabilities.

“The Depot is this amazing place where we receive donated equipment, such as video magnifiers, computers, laptops and tablets. With the help of volunteers and interns, we clean, prep and license these items,” said INDATA

Program Manager Tracy Castillo.

Easterseals Crossroads is a Microsoft registered refurbisher, allowing the organization to preinstall genuine Microsoft software, provide datawiping security services and refurbish computers through environmentallysustainable means.

“We give computers to individuals who most likely would not be able to receive them,” Castillo said. “We take donations from, and make deliveries to, anywhere in the state of Indiana. The Depot gives great work experience to individuals with disabilities who might not get this type of training [elsewhere].”

The Depot also benefits people with disabilities on the other side of the reuse program, providing internships and volunteer opportunities for them to help refurbish and prepare the donated equipment for distribution back to the community.

“It’s cool to see them refine their job skills and become more comfortable with technology that will help them as well,” Castillo said. The volunteers are responsible for removing old hard drives and installing new ones along with new operating systems and software tailored to people with disabilities. “Many of the people who enter our program have never had a job before, so it’s great to know the skills they learn here help them get a good one,” Castillo said. “Whether they’re an intern, a volunteer or someone coming to pick up a computer, I have yet to see one person not smile when they leave the Depot.”

Funding for Independence: For Hoosiers with disabilities, INDATA’s Alternative Financing Program (AFP) doesn’t just provide financial assistance — it allows them to live independently. AFP is a low-interest extended-term bank loan program. Made possible through a partnership with STAR Financial Bank, AFP loans provide funding for assistive technology devices including, but not limited to, hearing aids, adapted vehicles, augmentative communication devices, Braille equipment, computers, home modifications and environmental control units. This program is for Indiana residents who have a documented disability and need assistive technology. The minimum amount a candidate may borrow is $500, and the maximum is $35,000. First, those interested must fill out an application from INDATA, which asks for:

• Documentation of disability (letter from a nurse, physician, case worker or certifying official)

• Intended use of the assistive technology the loan would provide, including vendor information and anticipated cost

• Questions regarding the individual’s acknowledgment of the loan relationship with STAR Financial Bank

If qualified, the individual must fill out a loan application from STAR Financial Bank. Once that is approved, they will complete a loan agreement and arrange for monthly installments to be paid directly to STAR Financial. “A little bit of money can go a long way,” said Nikol Prieto, community outreach coordinator at

Easterseals Crossroads. “These loans can be true life-changers, and we’ve seen several great success stories come out of this program.”

Training and Outreach: In addition to its four core programs, the INDATA Project organizes and sponsors instructional events, presentations and trainings designed to increase each participant’s knowledge and skills in the area of assistive technology. INDATA offers full-day trainings for the public and specialized trainings to groups and organizations each year. Guest lectures are also presented at Indiana colleges and universities for students in education, special education, library science, engineering, occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy classes.

Anyone in Indiana and beyond can connect with INDATA through a

variety of podcasts — ATUpdate, a 30-minute weekly podcast to keep you up to date with the latest developments in assistive technology; AT FrequentlyAsked Questions, a one-hour bi-weekly question-and-answer podcast to address a wide variety of AT questions; and Accessibility Minute, a one-minute weekly fast-paced podcast to look at assistive technology. Plus, the INDATA YouTube Channel showcases weekly YouTube videos called “Tech Tips,” highlighting an AT device and providing viewers and listeners a product description, a list of basic features and an explanation of who might benefit from the device.

“We’re all about independence and being able to provide folks the tools and the things they need to be as independent as possible,” Norton said. To connect with the INDATA Project, please visit eastersealstech.com.

VIP CARNIVAL

Put on by the Hawk foundation and zionsville lions club

BY PAUL DREIER PHOTOS BY: MELANIE REINHART

The VIP Carnival is one of our favorite events of the year. It is so heartwarming to watch the community come together to support each other. We are thankful that the Hawk Foundation and the Zionsville Lions Club put on this event each year. Our family always looks forward to it.

How did this get started, you ask?

It all started when Leigh Ann Akard, a fellow Zionsville Lions Club member, came to me and asked, “Hey Paul, you are into volunteering for Special Olympics and other events for children with special needs, aren’t you?” She said she had an idea and asked me and a few others to help. The idea was generated around the fact that the first night of the Lions Club Fall Festival in Zionsville was a bit slow, so could we use that time to help others? The plan was to invite some of the Lions members who had children with special needs to bring

their families to the park and enjoy the rides, games and dinner for free.

That first event brought in seven families (38 people). We fed them, got the carnival ride owners to allow them to ride the rides for free, and some of us put up money so the children could play the carnival games for free. The next year, we decided to try it again. This time we asked the previous year’s attendees to invite two more families each — none of whom were Lions Club members. That turned out to be a 98-person event. Each year we did the same, and it grew! First more than 300 people, then more than 600, then more than 1,000 ... until this year, when we had a minimum of 1,900 attendees. And still, all those people eat for free (thanks to Chik-filet at the Pyramids and the Zionsville Lions Club), ride for free (thanks to Poor Jack’s Carnivals) and each child receives $5 to play games (thanks

to continued donations from private individuals). All the families have to do is get to the event!

Out of this event came the VIP Christmas. Same idea, different date and more volunteers, but not all Lions — just neighbors from the Village of Zionsville who wanted to do good. That group created the VIP Christmas, VIP Luau and VIP Kite Day. They also created The HAWK Foundation (HAWK equals “helping all with kindness”), an NFP whose goal is to keep the spirit of giving alive all year

long for families who have members with special needs. Now the group works with the Lions and helps fund the VIP Carnival too.

By our count, this idea from the Zionsville Lions Club has served over 22,000 family members in the 15 years since the first VIP Carnival. That number grows to over 30,000 when you add in the HAWK Foundation efforts.

To learn more about upcoming events, you can check out the Hawk Foundation here: https://www. thehawkfoundation.org/.

FUNDRAISER AT DISTILLERY 1205

What fun we had in September at the fundraiser to support local nonprofits that support the special needs community! Thank you to 1205 Distillery North (https:// www.1205distillery.com/) for hosting the event each Tuesday. Thank you to Brooke Russell, our Special Needs Living event manager, for your help in putting this fundraiser together! Thank you to each and every person for coming out to enjoy your time with us and donating to raise money for the Impact Campaign. Together we can make a bigger impact and support local special needs nonprofits to help them make a bigger impact. Huge shout out to Rock Garage

for jamming out each week with us. All of your musicians were so talented. https://rockgaragemusic.com

Thank you also to each of the following businesses for attending the events and giving your support:

• Lu Dogs Grilled Dogs — Mike — https://www.facebook.com/ ludogsgrilleddogs/

• Odin’s Treasures — Alicia Dunn — https://www.facebook.com/ Odins-Treasures-100718728710436

• Sweet Minis — Casey Ward — https://www.sweetminisindy.com/

• Becky the Bakester — Becky Lane —https://www.facebook.com/ beckythebakester/

And a huge shout out to all who donated items for the raffle:

• ZYIA — Sara Dennison

• Live, Love, Paint Studio — Tammy Castrellon

Treasures

• Angie Arlington — Amazon Fire

Kids Kindle

• Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon — Christine Modory

Bourbon — Wendy Vivirito

• Beauty & Bubbly, Mary Kay — Jennifer Kelly

• OneHope Wine — Dave and Laura McConha

• Charleston’s Restaurant

If you would like to host, donate or help at a future event, let us know. specialneedslivingindy@ n2pub.com Keep a lookout for future Impact Campaign fundraising opportunities!

Thank you, Rock Garage! https:// rockgaragemusic.com/

DO YOU WANT TO CONNECT WITH OTHER PARENTS?

Special Needs Living Parent and Caregiver Empowerment Day and Food Truck Social

PHOTOS BY ELI WALKER, DELIVER VIDEO

one-word takeaway from the day together!

Jason McManus, Wabash Center; Paula LeMaster, SafeInHome; Michele Trivedi, The ARC; Susan Smith, Noble; Terri Gee, New Hope; Karly Sciortino-Poulter, The ARC; Angela Touseull

What a wonderful experience it was to put on the first Special Needs Living Parent and Caregiver Empowerment Day.

Huge thanks to Pastor Paul Hathcoat and White River Christian Church for hosting this event and providing all the wonderful technology that allowed us to stream this event live on our Facebook page and through Zoom. We have been planning this event for many months, and we enjoyed seeing it all come together. The most enjoyable part was watching so many in the community lean into deep conversations and share with each other in an open and vulnerable setting. We are so thankful for each of the speakers and panel members who showed up to pour into the community. Your

preparation and openness were appreciated by all who were there. Our theme was “From Surviving to Thriving.” Erin Boaz kicked us off on the right note, sharing some great insight on how our thoughts affect so much in our life, and sharing practical ways we can incorporate better thought patterns into our daily routine. The mindfulness moments provided by Lindsay Zehren with Resounding Joy were exactly what we needed to remember to pause, breath, reflect and be present in the midst of our busy and stressful days. I wish we had had more time together. At the end of the event, everyone wrote down the one word that they took away from the day, and we then joined together for a group photo. No

Aaron Scheffler, Mark2Ministries, https:// www.mark2ministries.org/, speaking during the marriage breakout

John and Shannan Penaflor

Scott Garner sharing his story as a single dad with two special needs sons

DeAndra Dycus

Erin Boaz, Heart Centered Reality, https:// www.erinboaz.com/

Angie Arlington and Scott Garner, leading the single parent and caregiver breakout

Caitlyn Dragon and Allison Charette, PEAS For Kids; Esther Whittlesey, INSOURCE; Marty Stone, IN Family to Family, law office of Elizabeth A. Homes LLC; Jessica Garber, Connections Case Management; Julie Gordon, The Hope Source/The Heart of the Spectrum

Lindsay Zehren, Resounding Joy

GALS FRESH FISH LLC https://www. facebook.com/ galsfreshfishindy

Rude Radish https://www.facebook. com/ruderadish https://www. ruderadish.com/

The Hope Source/The Heart of the Spectrum/The Dynamic Minds Academy

Here are a few testimonials from the day:

“It was AMAZING! I loved it so much. I met so many wonderful people and enjoyed the content. This was a blessing to many!” Christina W.

“I really enjoy the events you offer, and the Thrive event today was very enjoyable and so organized!” Jennifer S.

“Great resources and positive community contacts thanks for the wonderful day!” Deanna P.

matter where you are in the journey, it felt so good to come together, connect, build relationships, share stories and learn about great resources. Thank you to each and every person who attended the event. We look forward to

doing this again next year. The Food Truck Social ended the event on a high note. We are so thankful to each of the supporters and to Rude Radish & Gals Fresh Fish LLC for joining us for the social.

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