INDIANAPOLIS — April is known to many as Autism Awareness Month, but the community of Easterseals Crossroads in Indianapolis titles the month as "Autism Acceptance Month."
For Easterseals, this April has an additional cause for celebration, as it brings in 100 years of service and resources for individuals with disabilities, or other special needs and their families, nationwide. The organizations reach touches communities across the country, with more than 70 affiliates offering a variety of services, including early intervention, autism services, veteran transition, and community day support.
"Even though April is our 100th anniversary, we are really here every day to help those impacted by autism," Dr. Tracy Gale, Psychology Director of Autism and Behavior Services, said.
Dr. Gale has been with Easterseals for five years and has seen the significant impact the company's services provides for Indianapolis families.
"We are family forward. Being able to reach families and address the entire families needs is important to us," Dr. Gale said.
In a video posted to Facebook on World Autism Day (April 2), an Indianapolis mother, Tamara Michelle, shared a moving testimony to the work that Easterseals Crossroads provides for not only her family but the community.
The organization has many ways that the central Indiana community can partake in the celebration and be part of the direct services not only this month but through the entire year.
How To Get Involved
There are many ways that residents of Indianapolis, and those beyond the Circle City, can contribute to the Easterseals Crossroads community.
Easterseals Crossroads occasionally hosts educational seminars, in both English and Spanish, to parents, caregivers and families at its northeast side location (4740 Kingsway Drive).
On Wednesday, April 24, the organization is set to host a seminar at 5 p.m. titled "How to Support Your Child on the Spectrum Through Puberty." To register, call 317.466.1000 x2488.
Easterseals Crossroads has hosted seminars in the past that touch on topics such as: "What is ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) and Why is it Effective?" and "Siblings of Individuals on the Autism Spectrum Support Night."
To learn more about Easterseals Crossroads seminars, click here.
2. Participate in the "Walking for Dreams" 5K walk - Sunday, May 19
A 5K Family and Pet Walk that was created to help nonprofit organizations raise funds to serve individuals in the Indianapolis community. The event takes place downtown on the canal at Buggs Temple, 11th Street and Senate Avenue.
To register and learn more, click here.
Yeah, you read that right. By purchasing your items via this amazon link, a portion of the money you spend goes directly to Easterseals Crossroads.
Easterseals Crossroads has a number of way you can volunteer. Either for an event, summer day camps or other programs their are ways for anyone to get involved on their free time.
Click here for volunteer opportunities.
Donations help Easterseals provide many programs and services to children and adults with special needs and their families.
Easterseals Crossroads served 634 individuals with autism and provided over 8,753 hours of direct service in 2018.
