Seeing Beyond Sight
MEET RENEE JEWELL
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
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
911
800-545-7763
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
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 www.easterseals.com/
Emergency First Steps
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)
n2co.com
Celebrate. Connect. Impact. © 2026 The N2 Company, Inc..
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in the articles and advertisements in Uniquely You are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect those of The N2 Company or the publisher. Inclusion of paid advertisements does not imply endorsement, and neither N2 nor the publisher is responsible for the business practices of advertisers. We are proud to feature businesses that share our commitment to showcasing local connections. Please note that businesses profiled may have provided free products and / or services for the review. Uniquely You is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to provide medical, therapeutic, educational, or legal advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding the care and support of individuals with disabilities. NOTE: When community events take place, photographers may be present to take photos for the event, and they may be used in this publication.
Meet the Uniquely You! Team
Publication Staff
Staff Writers and Contributors
Photographers
Tanya Sood
Lindsey Watson
Charles Spray MS, LMHC
Susan Graham
Tabitha Zeigler
Kelsey Green
Dorie Zipperle
Rebecca Parten
Isaac Roman Writer and Photographer
Katie Mendez Photography
Debra Bader
Christia Woodford Content Manager, Publishing Assistant and Local Events
Dr. Darolyn “Lyn” Jones Content Coordinator and Writer
Jamie Olson Publisher and Area Director
Zachary Curtis Community Engagement
Christina McGairk Editor-in-Chief
Lisa Jegen Uniquely You Magazine in Northwest Indiana
Jessica Willits
Kelsey Amos
Magdalene A.R. Mastin Photography
Andy Fitzenrider Francisco ‘Jay’ Javier Luna, Jr.
Coleson Henry
Paul Hathcoat
Meet Kelsey Amos
Kelsey Amos is a Creative Writing Major with over 7 years of professional writing experience, but has taken to the pen since her childhood. With a special interest in advocacy and writing with a purpose, she is especially interested in disability awareness, grant writing, and anything that helps get underrepresented stories and voices out in the community. She is currently in the process of revising a full-length fiction novel with the goal of publication, and is a writer of many other creative works in her free time. Although writing takes up most of her time, being her life passion, she also enjoys spending lots of time with her furbaby -- a spoiled pomeranian named Princess, as well
ISSUE PREVIEW
• Page 5 Welcome to the Team! Meet Kelsey Amos
• Pages 10-11 Your Story Matters!: Meet Renee Jewell
• Pages 12-13 Sponsor Spotlight: My Quillo
• Pages 14-16 Making a Difference: Switch! It Up with Isaac
• Page 18 Save the Date: You’re Invited to the Uniquely You & Carter’s Play Place Community Fun & Resource Fair!
• Pages 22-23 Nonprofit Spotlight: Connie’s Clubhouse
• Pages 24-25 Overcoming a Culture of Unacceptance
• Pages 28-29 Financial Wellness: People With Disabilities Could Save More Under Proposed Bill
• Pages 30-31 Adult Achiever Spotlight: Kelsey Green: Living Life to the Fullest, On and Off the Court
• Pages 32-33 Event Recap: Uniquely You Magazine’s 5-Year Anniversary Celebration
• Pages 34-35 Listening, Responding, Building: Sycamore Services’ Commitment to Inclusive Living
• Pages 36-38 Local Events
Adult Achiever Spotlight: Meet kelsey Green
Your Story Matters!: Meet Renee Jewell
Single Mamas Seen: My Heart: One-Year Mark Since My Heart Attack
Making a Difference: Switch! It Up with Isaac
Professional Spotlight: Meet Shiloh Tolbert
Sponsor Spotlight
Nonprofit Spotlight
MEET RENEE JEWELL
SEEING BEYOND SIGHT: LIVING FULLY WITH RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA
BY CHRISTINA MCGAIRK
When Renee was six years old, her family received life-changing news. An ophthalmologist diagnosed her with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a hereditary eye condition that damages the retina and leads to gradual vision loss.
At that age, she didn’t understand what it meant for her future. “I just knew I couldn’t see what everyone else could,” she says. “But I still wanted to do everything other kids did.”
And she did. She joined sports teams, took gymnastics and ballet, and loved performing in school theater. Still, academics were tough. “I couldn’t see the blackboard or the handouts,” she recalls. “I got frustrated and sometimes acted out because I didn’t know how else to express it. I broke my glasses more times than I can count. My poor mom was tired of replacing them!”
Today, technology has opened new doors for people with vision loss. Screen readers, voice assistants, and accessible smartphones help make independence possible. Renee encourages parents of visually impaired children to seek early support through programs like Visually Impaired Preschool Services (VIPS) and the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ISBVI).
For over 40 years, Renee has called Indianapolis home. She and her husband, Kevin, are a blended family with four kids. Together, they are raising her son Zack and caring for their three grandkids. The grandkids come from Kevin’s oldest daughter, Tiffany. “They don’t see my blindness as a barrier,” she says with a laugh. “They just see Grandma as someone who can still climb the fort and fight villains in superhero gear.”
Like many who are blind or visually impaired, transportation has been one of her biggest challenges. Living near a bus route makes it easier, and she uses IndyGo, IndyGo Access, and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft to stay mobile. “It just takes longer to get places,” she says. “And sometimes people stare because they don’t know how to react when they see someone who’s blind. My husband calls me a ‘showstopper,’ and we’ve learned to laugh about it.”
“It just takes longer to get places,” she says. “And sometimes people stare because they don’t know how to react when they see someone who’s blind. My husband calls me a ‘showstopper,’ and we’ve learned to laugh about it.”
One of the brightest chapters in her life was her partnership with her late service dog, Emmett. “He was unshakable,” she says. “One dark, snowy night, I panicked because I thought we were lost. I trusted Emmett, and he led us safely to the bus stop.” Emmett also revealed the goodness in people. “One freezing day, he was shivering, and a man at the bus stop took off his own coat and covered him. I’ll never forget that.”
Renee’s journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been full of resilience. After postponing college for years because of doubts about her vision, she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Indiana University in Indianapolis, finishing them in just four and a half years.
In 2014, just before graduation, she faced another life-altering challenge: a diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer. “I told my doctor, ‘Do what you need to do, but I’m going to graduate and become a social worker,’” she says. She kept that promise and today, she proudly celebrates 11 years cancer-free.
For the past decade, Renee has worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the State of Indiana, helping others with disabilities overcome barriers and build fulfilling careers. She also serves on an advisory board for a scholarship fund that supports students with disabilities and other underrepresented groups.
Her advice to others facing similar challenges is simple but powerful:
“Know that resources are available, and you can live a normal, happy, and productive life with blindness or vision impairment.”
Renee’s story reminds us that true vision isn’t just about what we see with our eyes, it’s about what we see with our hearts. And hers continues to see the world clearly.
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
MyQuillo
Resilience, hope and action:
MyQuillo is here to help
Around the country, people with disabilities are experiencing great things: more people with disabilities are working than at any time in our history! More people are living in the community than ever before with people they choose to live with. And more families are experiencing the hope for a better tomorrow. We love sharing their stories on MyQuillo (www.myQuillo.com), a digital platform for storytelling, connection, and learning.
Despite those hopeful moments, we are nevertheless experiencing a time of great change, uncertainty, and increasingly long waiting lists. Today it may seem more difficult than ever as people are facing a lot of change, sometimes taking a backward slide to the progress that has been made in recent decades. The programs that made these achievements possible are being challenged as funding is reduced and access to services is delayed.
It is the incredible resilience of this movement that has made a difference in the past and will again today. It takes resilience, hope and action. There are better days ahead.
You can make MyQuillo your place to help you and your loved ones thrive during these challenging times. We all need support and encouragement.
My friend Nicole Jorwic of Caring Across Generations (www. caringacross.org) summarized it well in a recent post: “These moments remind us that hardship and hope live side-by-side— that even in moments of scarcity and strain, there is profound creativity, resourcefulness, and love in how we care for one another.” When the stress, uncertainty, and feeling of isolation is too much, MyQuillo can make a difference.
IN THE MIDST OF BOTH HARDSHIP AND HOPE, MYQUILLO IS HERE TO HELP.
How we thrive during difficult times is through learning from others, discovering new ideas, and connecting with those we trust and need to help us move forward. MyQuillo (www.MyQuillo. com) is your place to Learn, Discover, and Connect.
As an app and digital platform for your phone, tablet, or computer, MyQuillo connects people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families with ideas and resources through short videos. Get everyone on the same page as you build the life you want—whether planning ahead, navigating systems, or finding community.
MyQuillo Homepage on the desktop
MyQuillo topics on the tablet
MyQuillo Favorites on the phone
You can make MyQuillo your place to help you and your loved ones thrive during these challenging times. We all need support and encouragement. MyQuillo is built around positive messaging and creating safe spaces with people you trust to encourage, advise and celebrate. There are no fake videos, no disinformation, no ads - just messages you can trust.
YOUR PLACE TO LEARN, DISCOVER, AND CONNECT: Learn with MyQuillo
• Be part of a learning community with access to our content library of 2,000+ short videos on topics that matter to you.
• Explore how our philosophy of micro-learning and positive psychology leads to new ideas and opportunities.
• Find information that inspires, teaches, connects, or just gives you a moment to think.
• Get answers to your key questions, right at your fingertips, learn how to make a difference.
• See videos on topics such as self-advocacy, tips for transition from school, finding the job you love, and more.
Discover with MyQuillo
• Hear new and shared perspectives from people with I/DD, families, community members, advocates, and leaders shaping tomorrow.
• Find out what works: get tips, activities, advice, and ways to build the life you want.
• Browse topics that matter to you
• Create Favorites Playlists to keep key videos easy to access.
• Check out videos on topics such as remote supports, independent living, assistive technology, and more.
Connect with MyQuillo
• Create Circles of Support to connect with your support teams and trusted people in one convenient place.
• Upload and share short videos privately with your Circle of Support.
• Keep people on the same page by inviting family, friends, support staff, job coaches, case managers and more to your Circle.
• You control who is invited to the Circle and what videos are uploaded to share with Circle Members.
• Watch videos about building relationships, living on my own, communication, being safe, and more. MyQuillo is as flexible as you need it to be and as safe and secure as it has to be! Through your Circle of Support, invite up to 20 trusted people to join you, at no additional cost. For example, you can create a Circle of Support to:
• Build and practice skills for independent living, uploading videos that go through the steps for a particular job or task
• Share moments of success, showing loved ones a new skill or exciting update
• Connect with your job coach and supports during your employment journey, sharing ideas and encouraging messages during your job hunt
WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING ABOUT MYQUILLO?
• “One of the best things I love about Quillo is the fact that it’s going to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to connect to their community, to their families, and just the world at large. I love the fact that it’s easy to use.” (Shay, self-advocate)
• “I created a Circle for [my daughter] Emily and in that Circle she has an aunt, we have our case manager, we have her job coach. And so those individuals are able to see the videos that we create. The videos include Emily and so she is always excited to watch them.” (Sue, parent)
Are you ready to start your journey with MyQuillo? Try it free for a month and invite up to 20 people you trust to join you. After your free month trial, continue your subscription for just $7.99 a month. Watch this video to learn more (Click the link or scan the QR code): MyQuillo: Your Place to Learn, Discover, and Connect. We hope you will join us. As Nicole said, “Hardship and hope live side-by-side.” Let MyQuillo help you get through these challenging times together. Visit MyQuillo.com or email John@ myQuillo.com to learn more.
Welcome to MyQuillo Family Social Media
Welcome to MyQuillo YouTube Video
SWITCH! IT UP WITH ISAAC
Making play possible for every child
BY JESSICA WILLITS, NEURODIVERSITY CONNECTION AUTISM MOM | CREATING INCLUSIVE SPACES | FREELANCE WRITER BY DAY, NEURODIVERSITY ADVOCATE ALWAYS
When Cheyenne and Johnna first began adapting toys, it wasn’t to start a business. It was to help their son Isaac play. What began as a small act of love for one child quickly grew into something much larger: a mission to bring independence, joy, and inclusion to children across the country.
Switch! It Up with Isaac, based in Indiana, creates affordable, switchadapted toys for children with disabilities. Their work is deeply personal. The business was born
from the lived experiences of a family that understands both the challenges and the magic of raising children who move through the world differently.
“We started Switch! It Up with Isaac out of a very personal need and a whole lot of love,” Cheyenne explained. “Our son Isaac is one of our triplets, along with his brothers Daniel and Christopher. Isaac and Daniel both have cerebral palsy, and Daniel and Christopher are both autistic. And then there’s our daughter Lilah, who was born with a limb difference. Our children remind us every day that accessibility goes far beyond physical mobility. It’s about dignity, opportunity, and inclusion.”
The family’s journey began when Cheyenne and her partner, Johnna, started adapting toys so Isaac could play more independently. They quickly
realized how transformative something so simple could be. “When we started adapting toys for Isaac, we saw how something as simple as pressing a switch could bring him independence, joy, and interaction,” Johnna shared. “That experience sparked something in us.”
What began as helping one child became a way to help countless others.
From Basement Project to Community Mission
Like many small businesses built from the heart, Switch! It Up with Isaac began in the family’s basement.
“Cheyenne was already deep into 3D printing and designing for creative projects,” she said. “So the technical side of things came together quickly. But going from ‘we made this for our kid’ to ‘we’re a real business’ came with a learning curve. We had to figure out packaging, safety, order management, social media, all of it.”
What surprised them most was how quickly other families reached out. “The demand showed us we weren’t alone,” Cheyenne explained. “Thousands of families were looking for accessible, affordable toys and just didn’t know where to find them.”
Today, most of the operation still runs from that same basement, proof that impact doesn’t require a fancy facility. What matters is the purpose behind it.
How They Choose the Perfect Toys
Every toy at Switch! It Up with Isaac is chosen intentionally. Johnna and her family hand-select each one based on how it can be adapted and how well it engages children with diverse needs.
They look for toys that encourage cause-and-effect learning, include lights or movement, and are durable enough to withstand enthusiastic play. Most of the toys are sourced secondhand, allowing the business to keep prices low and sustainability high.
“We clean, test, and adapt each one in-house,” Johnna said. “Donated toys are placed in a separate bin and always given away. We’re committed to donating at least two adapted toy bundles per month, one to a family in Indiana and one anywhere in the U.S. If we receive more donations, we give more. It’s that simple.”
In addition to providing toys for children, the family is already dreaming ahead. “We’re exploring ways to expand our offerings to include adapted items for teens and adults as well,” Johnna shared. “Because play, autonomy, and joy don’t stop in childhood.”
Making Life Easier for Families
Finding accessible toys can be frustrating for families and often expensive. Switch! It Up with Isaac removes that barrier by providing toys that are ready to go right out of the box.
“We want families to feel less overwhelmed and more supported,” Cheyenne explained. “There are so many toys on the market, but so few that work for children with disabilities. We remove the guesswork. Every toy comes fully switch-adapted and includes a switch.”
Beyond the toys themselves, Switch! It Up with Isaac also provides bundles, resources, and one-on-one support for families who need guidance. Their goal is simple but powerful: to make play accessible, affordable, and empowering.
A Place Where Families Feel Seen
When visitors arrive on the Switch! It Up with Isaac website, Cheyenne hopes they feel a sense of belonging.
“We hope they feel seen,” she said. “Like someone out there understands the daily challenges and the deep joy that come with raising a child who moves through the world differently. We want our site to feel like a place of encouragement, options, and community. A place where caregivers can breathe a little easier, and where kids get to be kids without limitations.”
That sense of inclusion runs through everything they do, from product design to customer service. “We believe inclusion isn’t just about access,” Cheyenne added. “It’s about belonging.”
Inclusion in Action
The mission of Switch! It Up Isaac goes far beyond business. It’s a commitment to reshaping what inclusion looks like in the toy industry.
“Our mission is to make play possible for every child,” Johnna said. “That shows up in everything we do, from affordable adapted toys, to inclusive marketing that features our own kids, to DIY kits that teach families how to adapt toys themselves.”
They also prioritize clear communication and responsive support, understanding that many families reaching out to them may be navigating multiple diagnoses or complex needs.
“Our own home reflects a wide range of needs,” Johnna shared. “We want to serve others navigating similar paths.”
Heartfelt Feedback and Everyday Impact
The feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive and often emotional.
“One mom told us her daughter used a switch independently for the first time and they both cried happy tears,” Cheyenne recalled. “Another parent said their son finally played alongside his sibling without needing constant handover-hand assistance. Therapists have told us they use our toys in sessions because they’re reliable and, in their words, ‘actually fun.’”
Each message reinforces why the work matters. “We’re not just making toys,” Cheyenne said. “We’re helping create moments of connection and independence.”
The Motivation Behind It All
When asked what keeps them going on the hard days, Cheyenne and Johnna didn’t hesitate. “Isaac,” they both said.
“He is the happiest, most joyful soul. His laugh fills the room. His smile, it’s the kind that stops you in your tracks. When we feel overwhelmed or discouraged, we look at him and remember why we do this.”
Both also spoke lovingly of their other children, Lilah, Daniel, and Christopher, each one offering their own perspective on how inclusion can be improved. “They remind us that the world still has a lot of work to do and that’s exactly why we can’t stop.”
What’s Next for Switch! It Up with Isaac
Looking ahead, the family behind Switch! It Up with Isaac has no shortage of dreams.
“We’re exploring the possibility of becoming a nonprofit,” Cheyenne shared. “That would allow us to serve more families through grants and larger-scale donations.”
They’re also imagining a future with a physical storefront, a fully accessible, sensory-friendly space where children can play and families can connect. “That’s a distant dream,” Cheyenne admitted, “but it’s one we hold close.”
Whatever direction they take next, one thing is certain: their purpose won’t change. “Whatever we decide, it will be guided by one thing, helping families in need access joyful, inclusive play.”
Words of Encouragement
For other parents and caregivers with a big idea, Johnna offers heartfelt advice. “Start small. Start messy. But start,” she said. “You don’t need it all figured out. You don’t need a warehouse or a big investor. You just need passion, lived experience, and the willingness to figure things out as you go.
“If your idea comes from love and the desire to help others, especially families like yours, then it’s worth pursuing. You’re already more capable than you realize.”
Switch! It Up with Isaac is proof that change can begin at home, sometimes
in the most ordinary places, like a basement filled with laughter, switches, and big dreams.
Through their creativity, empathy, and drive, Cheyenne and Johnna are doing far more than adapting toys. They’re helping redefine what inclusion looks like, one joyful play moment at a time.
Uniquely You & Carter’s Play Place Community Fun & Resource Fair!
DATE: Jan 16th, 2026
TIME: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
LOCATION: 1021 Kendall Ct, Westfield, IN 46074
Join us for a fantastic evening dedicated to the disability community! Uniquely You and Carter’s Play Place are excited to host a Community Fun & Resource Fair that
This event is a wonderful opportunity to engage with your community and explore resources that can make a difference in your life.
welcomes individuals, families, DSPs, caregivers, and supporters of all ages.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
• Connect with other families and community members
• Enjoy an afternoon of fun with exciting activities
• Discover valuable resources and support from various organizations
• Enjoy Howdy Ice Cream for purchase
• Free admission courtesy of Carter’s Play Place
This event is a wonderful opportunity to engage with your community and explore resources that can make a difference in your life.
Reserve Your Spot: https://buytickets.at/ uniquelyyou/1839174
Don’t miss out on this enjoyable and informative event! We look forward to seeing you there and sharing a memorable evening together.
Let’s connect, have fun, and support each other!
Volunteer Opportunity: DISABILITY WRITING PROGRAM
Led by Lyn Jones & Joni Rice
DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO TELL?
This 6-week writing program is designed for members of the disability community to explore and share their self-advocacy journey.
Through guided prompts and supportive discussions, you will have the chance to:
• Write your own advocacy story— independently or with the help of a volunteer.
• Reflect on important moments in your life.
• Gain confidence in sharing your story with others.
• Present your finished story to the group and/or at a local community event.
Some of the questions we’ll explore together:
• Tell me a story about a time when you stood up for yourself.
• Tell me a story about a time when you wished you had advocated for yourself.
• Who are you, and how do you see yourself?
• Why is advocacy important to you?
PROGRAM DETAILS:
Dates: Jan 15, Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 19, March 5, March 19
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM EST
Options: In-person & Virtual Limited Spots Available
REGISTER TODAY:
Email: Jamie.olson@uniquelyyoumag.
com Call: 248-882-8448
Connie’s Clubhouse
Building a community of inclusion, strength, and faith
BY JESSICA WILLITS, NEURODIVERSITY CONNECTION AUTISM MOM | CREATING INCLUSIVE SPACES | FREELANCE WRITER BY DAY, NEURODIVERSITY ADVOCATE ALWAYS
When you walk into Connie’s Clubhouse, you can feel it immediately, the sense of belonging, the laughter, the energy, and the unshakable belief that everyone deserves a place to thrive.
For founder Taylor Hines, this mission is personal.
“I’ve spent my entire life surrounded by individuals with disabilities,” Taylor shared. “From peer tutoring in school to working as a paraprofessional, and later in behavior therapy, I’ve always known this was where I was meant to be.”
That calling eventually led Taylor to create Connie’s Clubhouse, a communitybased organization designed to fill the gaps too often left by traditional systems of care. Rooted in compassion, inclusion, and unwavering faith, Connie’s Clubhouse is more than a program. It is a promise that no one will be left behind.
A MISSION BORN FROM LOVE AND DETERMINATION
Connie’s Clubhouse was built from frustration with a broken system and a deep love for the people that system often fails.
“Families who need higher behavioral or medical support get denied, lose funding, or are placed on endless waitlists,” Taylor said. “Adults with disabilities face even more barriers, limited programs, transportation challenges, and far too few opportunities to build meaningful, independent lives. Everyone says the system needs to change, but few are actually working to make that happen.”
So, Taylor decided to do something about it.
At Connie’s Clubhouse, the team works with individuals of all abilities and ages to build social, vocational, and life skills in a supportive, inclusive environment. The
focus is not on labels or limitations, it is on potential, progress, and connection.
“We don’t care if someone stays for 15 seconds or for the entire activity,” Taylor explained. “That whole process, showing up, engaging, trying something new, it all builds skills. Every effort counts, and every person matters.”
That perspective defines Connie’s Clubhouse: meeting people where they are and helping them grow from there.
CREATING PROGRAMS THAT WORK FOR REAL PEOPLE
Connie’s Clubhouse offers a variety of weekly and monthly programs aimed at building independence, confidence, and community. Each activity is designed to support real-world skills in ways that are engaging and accessible.
“Our programs are about more than just activities,” Taylor said. “They’re about helping people discover what they can do, not what they can’t. We want every person who walks through our doors to feel valued, capable, and seen.”
Programs include social and recreational activities, skill-building workshops, vocational readiness, and collaborations with other local
organizations that share the same mission of inclusion.
Every event, whether it’s a small group gathering or a large community collaboration, is guided by the same core belief: success looks different for everyone, and that is something to celebrate.
A SYSTEM BUILT BY THE COMMUNITY, FOR THE COMMUNITY
Taylor and her team are working to redefine what meaningful support looks like.
“We’re creating something radical,” she said. “A system built by the community, for the community.”
That vision shows up in everything Connie’s Clubhouse does:
Families are welcomed, not labeled. Staff are respected, supported, and paid fairly.
Programming is lifelong, not limited to school hours.
Individuals have a real voice in shaping their goals.
“We know what it feels like to fight for services, to navigate red tape, and to be told no,” Taylor said. “Our goal is to be the ‘yes’ that families have been waiting for.”
Jessica Willits
FAITH AT THE HEART OF THE MISSION
As a former Marine, Taylor carries the motto Semper Fi, “Always Faithful,” into every part of her work. That mindset is at the heart of Connie’s Clubhouse: a faithful commitment to every person who walks through their doors.
“At Connie’s Clubhouse, we don’t just point out the gaps, we help close them,” Taylor said. “We want to offer affordable, accessible, lifelong support that honors the people we serve. This isn’t just a job. It is my life. It is my joy. It is our mission.”
A MESSAGE TO FAMILIES
For families and individuals seeking support, Taylor’s message is simple: reach out.
“We provide a wide range of services and connections across Indianapolis and surrounding areas,” she said. “Give us a call, tell us what you need, and we’ll figure out how to support you.”
That mission is reflected not just in words, but in action, through advocacy, collaboration, and relentless dedication to helping families feel less alone.
SUPPORTING FAMILIES THROUGH EVERY CHALLENGE
The team at Connie’s Clubhouse understands the complex realities families face because they’ve lived them too.
Whether navigating behavioral health needs, intensive psychiatric hospitalization, or challenges across home, school, and community settings, Taylor and her team bring deep experience and empathy to every situation.
“We help families with whatever they ask for,” Taylor said. “If we don’t have the answer, we’ll find a way. We’ve worked across all levels of care, all diagnoses, and all ages. What matters most is that families know they don’t have to face any of it alone.”
It is that willingness to meet families exactly where they are, without judgment or bureaucracy, that makes Connie’s Clubhouse so uniquely impactful.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Like many grassroots organizations, Connie’s Clubhouse thrives on community
support. There are plenty of ways to get involved, from volunteering to donating materials or funding to help keep programs running.
“People can donate, volunteer, or offer in-kind donations to support our activities,” Taylor explained. “We’re always looking for new partnerships and collaborations to bring more resources to our community.”
That spirit of partnership is central to everything the organization does. By building relationships with other nonprofits, local businesses, and families, Connie’s Clubhouse is helping to weave a stronger safety net across Central Indiana.
STORIES THAT INSPIRE CHANGE
While the organization doesn’t yet have formal testimonials, Connie’s Clubhouse features stories from its board members that highlight exactly what the mission stands for.
“Both of our board members have higher behavioral and medical needs,” Taylor shared. “Their journeys represent what is possible when people are given the right support, respect, and opportunity.”
Those stories, which can be found on the organization’s website, illustrate what happens when the focus shifts from limitations to strengths, and when every voice is valued.
It is that simple, because at Connie’s Clubhouse, community isn’t just a word. It is a commitment.
ALWAYS FAITHFUL, ALWAYS HERE
At the heart of Connie’s Clubhouse is an unwavering belief in what is possible.
Taylor’s background in behavioral and mental health care, her Marine Corps discipline, and her lifelong dedication to the disability community all come together in this powerful space, one that is reshaping how care, inclusion, and community connection can look.
“Semper Fi means ‘Always Faithful,’” Taylor reflected. “And that is what we are, faithful to our mission, faithful to our families, and faithful to the people who trust us to walk this journey with them.”
In a world that often overlooks the most vulnerable, Connie’s Clubhouse stands tall, a beacon of faith, resilience, and hope. Because here, everyone belongs.
Overcoming a Culture of Unacceptance
Through Annie Hopkins’ legacy, I understood how stigma kept me from accepting help — and myself
BY FRANCISCO LUNA
One of the things I love most about Uniquely You is that it has connected me with a community that faces challenges with remarkable grace and resiliency. It was through my work at the magazine that I learned about Annie Hopkins, who in 2004 created the Symbol of Acceptance, an image of a wheelchair in the shape of a heart. It started as a dorm t-shirt and the symbol quickly caught on in a big way. On January 20, we celebrate International Day of Acceptance as a tribute to her memory and her message of accepting people with disabilities as equals and with kindness.
Reading about Annie and International Day of Acceptance caused me to reflect on my own journey of disability and acceptance. How stigmas and a lack of acceptance toward people with serious mental illness led me to reject an accurate diagnosis, refuse treatment, and lose much of what I valued in life for a decade.
I was twenty-six years old when I started to experience delusions. Not long after, my mom convinced me to undergo a medical evaluation. I remember a nurse practitioner asking me questions before telling me matter-of-factly, “You seem to be having a psychotic break.” This is, in fact, what was happening, but I just could not accept a word like ‘psychotic’ as applying to myself.
As I think of that moment now in the context of International Day of Acceptance, I can’t help but wonder how my life would be different if I had gone into that psychological evaluation with a more accurate and accepting attitude toward mental illness and psychosis.
As it happened, the word ‘psychotic’ immediately brought images of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho to mind. It also didn’t help that the word ‘psychotic’ was (and is) thrown around casually to suggest anyone who is violent, dangerous, or out of control. I also conflated “psychotic,” with “psychopathic”, mistakenly believing that the mental health worker’s suggestion that I was in a psychotic state meant that she saw me as antisocial, lacking empathy, and with criminal tendencies. In fact, these latter characteristics belong to psychopathy, a separate disorder that just has a similar sounding name. Scientific literature, like that at the National Institute of Health, clearly distinguishes between these very different disorders but popular culture does not.
What popular culture seems to say is that anyone who has a serious mental illness is socially deviant and very likely dangerous. Yet, research shows that the vast majority of people with serious mental illness do not commit acts of violence. For example, the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health states that 90% of people with psychosis are not violent to others. Of the small group that is violent, almost all the increased risk of violence comes from substance abuse. To cite the authors of the landmark MacArthur study, “Patients (discharged from acute psychiatric inpatient facilities) who were not substance abusers were no more likely to be violent than were their neighbors.”
To me, this suggests we should take more care to help at-risk individuals avoid slipping into alcohol and drug misuse, rather than stereotype the 90% of people who have suffered from psychosis and will never hurt anyone. Doing this to people with mental health disabilities is completely at odds with the kindness and
acceptance that Annie Hopkins promoted for those with physical disabilities.
Even after I accepted psychiatric treatment and began to improve, an internalized lack of acceptance for mental illness and disability hampered my recovery. As the medication took effect, my family was thrilled to “have me back.” I was not nearly as happy. It was clear that the medication was working but the psychiatrist had not told me what I was diagnosed with. So, I looked up my medication and, seeing that it was an anti-psychotic used to treat schizophrenia and related disorders, I felt the despair of someone who’s just been told his life is over.
Even if not everyone will have a serious mental health problem, I do think it’s true that everyone will have some sort of health issue eventually. Something that resonated with me as I re-acquainted myself with my inherited Catholic faith was Pope Francis’ emphasis on the frailty of being human.
On the other hand, at the Uniquely You five-year anniversary celebration in November, I was deeply inspired by a young woman with multiple conditions, any one of which might be considered disabling. She is a regular at karaoke night, travels to Europe, has a great boyfriend and even her own business. In many ways, her lifestyle is not unlike mine was in my mid-twenties, before the onset of my disability.
Hearing about her life made me wish that, like her, I had done what I could to live my best life when I first became stable on medication. Instead, I was so ashamed of myself because of my diagnosis and disability that I didn’t venture to engage with anyone outside of my family. The thought of being rejected or further humiliated made me shun the idea of trying to make new friends or even to work part-time. I knew my family accepted me, but I didn’t see how anyone else could.
It took a long time, but now I am much more socially engaged. Learning to accept myself was a painful process,
perhaps most painful when old friends declined to reply to my attempts to get back in contact. But as I came to accept myself, I found that the kind of people I now hit it off with tend to be kind and accepting whenever I declose my history of mental illness and disability.
Talking about mental health with a fellow entrepreneur whom I met this year, I explained that I usually don’t lead with my mental health history in professional contexts because I remember too well the “only the strong survive” attitude that sometimes accompanies high-pressure business. He responded by sharing his own struggle with mental health while leading his tech business and made an analogy from his industry. He said in tech, there is a joke that there are two kinds of people: those who back up their data and those who haven’t lost everything yet. He suggested that we comfort ourselves with the thought that something similar is true of entrepreneurs: there are those who prioritize mental health and those who haven’t had a mental health problem…yet.
Even if not everyone will have a serious mental health problem, I do think it’s true that everyone will have some sort of health issue eventually. Something that resonated with me as I re-acquainted myself with my inherited Catholic faith was Pope Francis’ emphasis on the frailty of being human. If we live long enough, all of us will find that our bodies fail or hinder us in some way. The most graceful thing we can do is to be kind to ourselves and to others in accepting it.
CREATING A STRONGER, MORE INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY where individuals of all abilities are not only welcomed- but empowered.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
CREATIVE EXPLORATION
SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT
WELLNESS & MOVEMENT
SENSORY & EMOTIONAL REGULATION
Inclusive day habilitation and community-based programming for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and mental health disabilities Capturing life's most precious moments, one frame at a time.
Volunteer Opportunity: DISABILITY
WRITING PROGRAM
Tprogram focused on self-advocacy, and we’re looking for passionate volunteers to join us! We would love to connect with individuals who:
• Have a heart for coming alongside the disability community
• Have lived experience, family connections, or friendships within the disability community
• Have professional experience working with individuals with disabilities
This is in person and virtual so we are looking for in person and virtual volunteers.
KEY DATES:
• Kickoff call for volunteers: Jan. 8 at 6 p.m.
• Writing courses (all from 6–7:30 p.m.): Jan. 15, Jan. 29, Feb. 5, Feb. 19, March 5, and March 19
As a volunteer, you’ll help support individuals with disabilities as they develop their self-advocacy stories, encourage their writing process, and celebrate their voices.
If this sounds like you—or someone you know—we’d love to hear from you!
If Interested in learning more please email Joni Rice jrice@thetangramway.org
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES COULD SAVE MORE UNDER PROPOSED BILL
BY GORDON F HOMES, JR., CFP, CLU, CHFC, CASL
TAKEAWAYS
• The ABLE Employment Flexibility Act is a proposed bill that would allow people with disabilities to save more money in their ABLE accounts without losing access to public benefits like Medicaid and SSI.
• The bill aims to encourage employment and financial independence for individuals with disabilities by allowing them to contribute a portion of their earned income to ABLE accounts above the current annual limit, and by enabling employers to make tax-exempt contributions to these accounts.
The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, enacted in 2014, revolutionized financial planning for people with disabilities by allowing them to save money in tax-advantaged accounts without jeopardizing their eligibility for critical public benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Building on this foundation, the newly reintroduced ABLE Employment Flexibility Act aims to further encourage employment and financial security for working individuals with disabilities.
WHAT ARE ABLE ACCOUNTS?
To qualify for certain federal public benefits such as Medicaid, individuals with disabilities generally must meet strict asset limits. For instance, most states require Medicaid recipients to have no more than $2,000 in resources to their name to maintain their benefits.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. It allows eligible individuals to save up to $19,000 a year (as of 2025) without jeopardizing their access
to certain public benefits, including SSI and Medicaid. In fact, an ABLE account allows the account owner to save a total of up to $100,000 without affecting their SSI.
The account beneficiary or their family, friends, or caregivers can make contributions to an ABLE account, and the earnings grow tax-free. Funds from an ABLE account can pay for qualified disability expenses, including transportation, education, health care, and other basic living expenses.
While more than 187,000 ABLE accounts nationwide held more than $2 billion in assets as of 2024, millions of eligible disabled people remain unaware of this savings option.
THE ABLE EMPLOYMENT FLEXIBILITY ACT
As mentioned above, under the original ABLE Act, contributions to an ABLE account are capped annually. For working individuals with disabilities, this limit can be particularly restrictive.
The ABLE Employment Flexibility Act is a legislative enhancement to the original ABLE Act. Reintroduced to the House of Representatives by U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS) in July, its primary goal is to enable people with disabilities to accumulate and retain greater financial resources while maintaining access to vital public benefits.
The bill seeks to achieve this in part by allowing individuals with disabilities to contribute a portion of their earned income to their ABLE accounts beyond the standard contribution limit. Sponsors of the bill say this would encourage people with disabilities to pursue employment while also increasing their financial independence.
Today, many employers offer 401(k) matching contributions as an employment benefit. As the news release on Davids’
website states, disabled employees often cannot take advantage of this benefit because they must limit their assets to receive needsbased program benefits.
“Contributions to retirement accounts can unintentionally disqualify individuals from these benefits, leaving workers with disabilities at a financial disadvantage compared to their peers,” the new release states.
Under the ABLE Employment Flexibility Act, employers could also make tax-exempt contributions to employees’ ABLE accounts instead of traditional 401(k) accounts.
BENEFITS OF THE ABLE EMPLOYMENT FLEXIBILITY ACT
The ABLE Employment Flexibility Act aims to promote financial independence by allowing workers with disabilities to save more of their earnings and avoid the “benefits cliff” that many face when their income exceeds strict eligibility limits for Medicaid, SSI, and other benefits.
According to the Act’s sponsors, the opportunity to retain more of their earnings would serve as a strong incentive for individuals with disabilities to seek and maintain employment, which in turn supports self-sufficiency and personal fulfillment. By encouraging employer-supported contributions and payroll deductions, the ABLE Employment Flexibility Act also seeks to foster a more inclusive workplace environment.
GORDON F HOMES, JR., CFP, CLU, CHFC, CASL
“I introduced this bill to ensure that workers with disabilities can build financial security without sacrificing the federal benefits that help them succeed,” said Davids. “It’s a commonsense fix that promotes equity, independence, and economic opportunity for millions of Americans.”
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) co-sponsors the bill, and numerous organizations have expressed support for it, including the Commission for Disability Employment and the National Down Syndrome Congress.
EFFECTS ON THE DISABILITY COMMUNITY
For individuals with disabilities, employment can be a doubleedged sword. Though it offers financial independence, it can also place benefits eligibility at risk. The ABLE Employment Flexibility Act seeks to address this dilemma by allowing workers with disabilities to save more of their earnings without the fear of losing access to Medicaid or SSI. According to the bill’s sponsors, this flexibility will empower individuals to accept higher-paying jobs, work more hours, or take on promotions without the fear of earning too much.
At the same time, the ABLE Employment Flexibility Act could encourage employers to create more inclusive workplaces and attract a broader talent pool. By offering payroll deduction options and potentially matching contributions, companies can demonstrate their commitment to supporting employees with disabilities.
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T: (317) 567-2005|C: (317) 506-4734 ‘Calls only’|F: (317) 469-2500 ghomes@financialguide.com, www.gordonfhomes.com
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OSJ: 900 E. 96th Street Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN 46240
Representative of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), Springfield, MA 01111-0001, and its affiliated US Insurance companies. Local firms are sales offices of MassMutual, and are not subsidiaries of MassMutual or its affiliated companies. CRN202012-222355
Meet Kelsey Green
Living life to the fullest, on and off the court
LINDSEY WATSON
At 33 years old, Fishers native Kelsey Green has built a life filled with community, sports, and determination. An active participant in local organizations like Special Olympics, Best Buddies, Thrive Social Club, and various church activities, Kelsey shines in every aspect of her life.
Kelsey recently celebrated nine years of employment at Goodwill, where she’s entrusted with responsibilities ranging from sorting clothing to helping maintain the flow of the store. She jokes that one of her personal goals is to “limit selfies at work”, though her love of taking photos remains strong.
A LIFELONG ATHLETE
Kelsey has been competing in the Special Olympics since she was just eight years old, and today she proudly represents her teams in track and field, volleyball, and basketball.
Special Olympics provides opportunities for year-round training and athletic competition accommodating athletes of varying abilities. Sports like cornhole, golf, and even powerlifting allows athletes the chance to practice skills, build confidence, and find meaningful friendships.
“I enjoy playing those three sports because they are my favorite, and I get to see all of my friends,” Kelsey explains. Her passion for sports is rooted in both competition and connection: “I love running, and I enjoy basketball because I am aggressive and can get rebounds.”
While she admits that certain skills, like hitting the ball in volleyball, are still challenging, Kelsey continues to practice and improve. Training three days a week at the gym keeps her in peak form for her events. Among her favorites is track and field
because she especially loves running. She describes herself as “competitive during Special Olympics events, but more relaxed when I’m just having fun, like racing with my Aunt Lisa.”
MEDALS, MILESTONES, AND MEMORABLE MOMENTS
Over the years, Kelsey has collected numerous medals and accolades. But beyond the awards, it’s the friendships that mean the most. Many of her closest friends share her love of sports, and new faces are always joining the team.
One of her most unforgettable experiences came recently when she and her teammates were invited to spend the day with the Indiana Fever. Thanks to the recommendation from their Special Olympics coach, five athletes enjoyed having their hair and makeup done, signed one-day contracts as players, and even suited up in custom jerseys.
The group posed with Freddy Fever and mingled with the pros, including Caitlin Clark, who signed swag for Kelsey to treasure. Kelsey noted she would probably frame the signed contract so it doesn’t get dirty.
STRENGTH IN COMMUNITY
Kelsey’s positive experiences are a testament to the power of support systems. She credits her parents, her sister, and her boss, Jana, as sources of daily inspiration. Her family regularly attends her sporting events, and she delights in her role as aunt to Nolan and Charlotte, who, she says, will probably cheer her on from the sidelines when they are a little older.
Living independently in her own apartment, Kelsey balances responsibilities with personal growth. She carpools with friends to practices, drives herself when needed, and continues to learn new skills, like cooking and photography. Recently, she successfully prepared smoked sausage and green beans in the crock pot, a recipe she learned from her mom.
WORDS OF WISDOM
It seems that there is nothing stopping Ms. Green from making the most out of every day. Kelsey’s advice for others in the Uniquely You community is simple yet powerful:
“You can accomplish anything you want.”
She acknowledges that living with a disability has its challenges, especially when it can make someone feel different. But her perspective is clear: “I realized that I am not different. I am just like everyone else.”
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS MENTIONED:
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Special Olympics Indiana is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports, health, and leadership programs. Athletes have opportunities to play more than 20 different sports, with volunteer and coaching positions also available. Visit https://soindiana.org/ for more information.
THRIVE SOCIAL CLUB
Thrive Social Club is a vibrant, inclusive gathering space for young adults aged 18–30 (for those with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), located in Hamilton County, Indiana. The group meets twice a month doing fun, accessible activities like swim parties, concerts, and pizza hangouts. Thrive aims to be the social outlet for
those who have graduated high school and are looking to remain engaged with others in the community.
For more information, please visit https:// www.thrivesocialclub.org/.
BEST BUDDIES
Best Buddies is a nonprofit, empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through a variety of opportunities. The organization offers One-to-One Friendship, Integrated Employment, and Leadership Development programs.
There are many ways to get involved, with over 5,400 participants across more than 100 chapters in Indiana - including middle schools, high schools, colleges, and adult programs.
Visit https://www.bestbuddies.org/ indiana/ to find out more.
Uniquely You Magazine’s 5-Year Anniversary Celebration
A day of joy, stories, and community
BY JAMIE OLSON: PUBLISHER AND AREA DIRECTOR
On a beautiful afternoon filled with joy, connection, and heartfelt celebration, Uniquely You Magazine marked its 5-year anniversary by honoring over 60 families and individuals whose stories have shaped and inspired the disability community across Indiana. Hosted at White River Christian Church in Noblesville, this milestone event became a powerful reminder of why Uniquely You exists— to uplift real families, share real stories, and highlight the beauty and strength found throughout the disability community.
As guests gathered inside the gym, the celebration began at 1:00pm with warm welcomes, music, and an atmosphere of excitement. The room quickly filled with families, caregivers, friends, and long-time supporters who have walked alongside Uniquely You over the years. Many came not just to attend, but to be part of something bigger—a movement rooted in inclusion, visibility, and love.
At 1:45pm, the formal program began, setting the tone for an afternoon centered on honor and gratitude. From 2:00pm to 4:00pm, attendees had the opportunity to witness emotional story presentations featuring more than 50 individuals whose journeys have been spotlighted in Uniquely You Magazine. Each story reflected courage, resilience, and the unique light every person brings to their community. Frames of past story features were gifted to families as a tangible reminder that their lives and experiences matter deeply.
Throughout the event, food and fellowship brought everyone together. Thanks to generous sponsors— Sycamore Services, BehaviorWorks ABA, and Outward Bound Community
Services—guests enjoyed appetizers and beautifully prepared desserts by Purely Joy Meal Prep. Every attendee also received a complimentary gluten-free snack courtesy of Bee Free Gluten Free, ensuring that everyone, regardless of dietary needs, felt included and cared for.
Music played an important role in the celebration, and DJ Jesus Sanchez of DJ Jesus Indy kept the energy alive from start to finish. After the story presentations concluded, the last hour of the event was filled with dancing, smiling, conversation, and meaningful connection. Laughter echoed through the gym as families celebrated not only their own journeys but the collective strength of the community.
For those who needed it, a quiet break space—The Point Breakout—was available, offering a calm environment for regulation and rest. This thoughtful detail reflected the heart of the entire day: accessibility, compassion, and true inclusion.
None of this would have been possible without the ongoing support of monthly community partners who help bring Uniquely You Magazine to life. Their generosity ensures that the publication continues to uplift voices, share resources, and highlight the beauty of families across the disability community. For many attendees, this celebration was a moment to reflect on how Uniquely You has impacted their own lives—through shared stories, encouragement, awareness, and connection.
As the event came to a close, the overwhelming feeling in the room was gratitude. Gratitude for five years of stories. Gratitude for the families who bravely share their lives. Gratitude for a community that shows up, supports one another, and celebrates every individual.
To view past issues or share your own story, visit: https://linktr.ee/ uniquelyyouindiana
Here’s to the next five years—and beyond—of empowering, uplifting, and celebrating this beautiful community.
LISTENING, RESPONDING, BUILDING: Sycamore Services’ Commitment to
Inclusive Living
AT SYCAMORE SERVICES, we believe that every person deserves the opportunity to live a life of dignity, independence, and connection. As we look ahead to the new year, we’re proud to share how we’ve been listening to families and responding with action, especially when it comes to residential opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
We hear you
Families across Indiana have told us about the challenges their loved ones face in finding accessible, affordable housing. Even when individuals have community-based jobs and the desire to live independently, the path is often blocked by limited options and high costs. We understand that housing is more than
a roof, it’s a foundation for autonomy, safety, and community.
We’re listening
Through ongoing conversations, surveys, and direct feedback, we’ve learned that many adults with disabilities are seeking not just a place to live, but a place to thrive. They want to choose compatible roommates, share resources, and build lives that reflect their values and goals. We’ve taken this to heart.
We’re responding
Sycamore Services is excited to announce several residential openings across Indiana that are designed with accessibility, affordability, and community in mind. These homes are more than buildings,
they’re opportunities. Opportunities for individuals to live with dignity, to share space with peers, and to receive the support they need while maintaining independence.
And we’re building
Beyond what’s currently available, we’re actively working on new residential projects that will expand options for individuals and families. These initiatives are rooted in our commitment to personcentered planning and community integration. We’re collaborating with local partners, developers, and advocates to ensure that future housing reflects the real needs of the people we serve. If you know of a development in the planning phase and want to partner with a trusted communitybased agency, please contact us.
As Yolanda Kincaid, CEO of Sycamore Services, shares:
“In today’s world, independence shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone. We’re committed to creating housing
solutions that honor the voices of families and empower individuals to live the lives they choose.”
This work is especially urgent in Indiana, where the demand for inclusive
housing continues to grow. According to recent state data, thousands of adults with disabilities are seeking residential options that support both independence and affordability. Sycamore Services is proud to be part of the solution.
We invite you to be part of this journey Whether you’re a family member, advocate, or someone seeking housing yourself, we encourage you to connect with us. Follow Sycamore Services on social media to stay updated on openings, projects, and stories from our community. Or visit our website to learn more and reach out directly. We’re here to listen, and we’re here to help.
Together, we can build a future where every person is uniquely supported, uniquely empowered, and uniquely celebrated.
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Local Events
NOTE:
Don’t forget to apply for the Access Pass! The Access Pass program allows qualifying families to visit The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and participating locations for $5 per family member, per visit, for up to two adults and all dependent youths in the household. Eligible families must receive one of 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 at: https://www.childrensmuseum. org/visit/hours/access-pass
MUSEUMS
THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS
First Thursday Night- First Thursday every month Closed Jan. 1.
Feb. 5, 4-8 p.m.
On the first Thursday of every month, we open our doors from 4–8 p.m. for just $6 admission per person! Why should you visit? Admission is just $6 per person for the entire museum. That’s a savings of more than 75% per ticket!
It’s the ONLY time the museum is open to the public in the evening, so it’s a perfect after-hours night for your family.
• It’s not as crowded as you might think! We have limited capacity on First Thursday Nights.
• Parking is always free!
• Our Food Court is open, so you can grab a quick and easy dinner for the whole family. Low cost. Low crowds. Late night play! https://www.childrensmuseum. org/visit/calendar/event/273
IN 46208, 317-334-4000
https://www.childrensmuseum.org
CONNER PRAIRIE — INDIANA’S LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Sensory-Friendly Hours
Jan. 10, 10 a.m.-12 Noon
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 scheduled through the month
10 a.m.-10 p.m.
13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038. Phone: 317-776-6000 or 800-966-1836 https://www. connerprairie.org/calendar
distractions to create a welcoming environment for children and adults with sensory processing differences. Guests can enjoy interactive learning in a comfortable, accepting setting. Social narratives are available at the ticket counter, and sensorybased activities are spaced throughout the museum. Sensory Bags are also available to enhance your visit. https://9529a. blackbaudhosting.com/9529a/ tickets?tab=3&txobjid=ec16dc0b45af-4c86-987b-2150481851de https://www.indianamuseum. org/calendar/
FAMILY FUN
INDIANAPOLIS ZOO
Christmas at the Zoo
Jan. 2 – Jan. 4, 2026 | 5-9 p.m. SunThu & 5-10 p.m. Fri-Sat | Closed Jan. 1
1200 West Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46222
Experience Our Beloved Holiday Tradition!
A light sprinkling of snow and the glow of twinkling lights will fill the sky, creating a magical nighttime experience that has become one of Central Indiana’s most beloved holiday traditions.
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 presented by Indiana Members Credit Union continues to grow. For our 57th year, we’re adding beautiful new decor and experiences, to enhance your next holiday trip to the Zoo. And the best part is it’s all included with regular admission! Don’t forget to visit Santa’s Village! Various events scheduled daily through the month https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/
SENSORY SENSITIVE SATURDAYS AT SMILEY INDOOR PLAY
Jan. 3 and Jan. 17, 9-11 a.m. 5729 E. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46250
Smiley Indoor Playground in Indianapolis offers Sensory Sensitive Saturdays, a special playtime for children with sensory sensitivities, autism, or other special needs. Held on the first and third Saturday of each month. During Sensory Sensitive Saturdays, several adjustments are made to create a more soothing experience:
Reduced Sensory Stimuli – Music, certain lights, and air compressor guns will be disabled or set to minimal levels.
• Play Areas Open – All play areas inside the facility will be available, except for the arcade.
• https://www.smileyindianapolis.com/.
SENSORY FRIENDLY PLAY AT URBAN AIR NOBLESVILLE
Jan. 4, 9-11 a.m. 14450 Mundy Dr, Noblesville, IN 46060
Urban Air’s Sensory Friendly Play day is typically held on the first Sunday of the month. Check the Noblesville calendar for the latest info. https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/ embed?src=hi8j9brk94jgnc71kmslc13js8@group.calendar.google.com
SKY ZONE SOUTH
SENSORY PLAY
Jan. 5, 5-7 p.m. Every first Monday of the month
Sensory Fun Fridays runs every Friday from 9-10 a.m. 4150 Kildeer Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46237
Jump and socialize in a comfortable, friendly environment. Enjoy the freedom of jumping. Sensory hours provide a quieter, toned-down jumping experience for those with special needs. https://www.skyzone.com/ programs/sensory-hours/
TANGRAM SOCIAL CLUBS
5155 Pennwood Drive,Indianapolis, IN 46205
Tangram offers a variety of social clubs for everyone to enjoy! Whether you’re into games, books, or advocacy, there’s something for everyone and it’s all free!
• Bingo - 1st & 3rd Mondays at 6 PM: Play a classic game of bingo and connect with friends!
• Self Advocates - 3rd Thursday at 6-7 p.m.: Discuss self-advocacy topics and empower yourself with like-minded peers.
• Game Night - 3rd Tuesday at 6 PM: Card games, board games, and more! Feel free to bring your favorites too!
• Book Club - 2nd & 4th Mondays at 6 PM: Read and discuss books with a fresh pick each quarter!
Check out the schedule below and join us for some fun, learning, and great conversations. We can’t wait to see you there! For more information about Tangram’s clubs, please email jrice@ thetangramway.org.
#TangramClubs
#CommunityConnection #InclusiveFun
#JoinUs #TheTangramWay
AMC Theatres
Check the website for location, date and times.
AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month.
Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes, and don’t forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly. https:// www.amctheatres.com/programs/ sensory-friendly-films
THE ARTS
WISHES DANCE STUDIO
12810 Ford Dr, Fishers, IN Abilities Dance Class Free
Every Monday 5:15-5:45 p.m.
This movement class is designed for exceptional learners age 3+. This class is great for students with autism, down syndrome, or other developmental disabilities. Dancers will have fun in class while building gross motor skills, gaining confidence in rhythm, and expressing creativity. No fee for this class but pre-registration is required.
WONDERS ON WHEELS FREE
Every Monday, 5:45-6:15 p.m.
This class is designed for dancers in a wheelchair. We’ll place an emphasis on upper body dance technique. The choreography will also give dancers the opportunity to move around the dance floor working on rhythm and patterns. Wonders on Wheels is a fun environment in which dancers build confidence and express creativity. No fee for this class but pre-registration is required. https:// www.wishesdance.com/adaptive
THE ARC OF HANCOCK COUNTY ADAPTIVE DANCE ( ADAPTIVE BALLET COMING SOON)
Feb. 5, 5-6:00 p.m.
Hancock Wellness Center, 8505 N Clearview Dr, McCordsville, IN 46055
Join us for an adaptive dance class every 1st Thursday of the month at Hancock Wellness Center, McCordsville! This program is designed for individuals with disabilities of ALL ages. Siblings are welcome to join. To Register: https:// thearcofhancockcounty.com/adaptivedance. Parents/Guardians must stay for the duration of the class.
JUBILATE CHOIR
Butler University, Lilly Hall, Room 133 Thursdays, 6:30-7 p.m.
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
ASK THE ARC WEBINARS SERIES
Jan. 8, 6-7:00 p.m.
Our Ask The Arc webinar series will provide information and discussion on timely topics relevant to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and their support systems.
of Indiana Academy and on our YouTube channel.
Registration is for the complete webinar series. You can pick and choose which ones you want to attend without having to register each time. https:// us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_hTnwxka_S--MknIpiQoNrA#/ registration
COMMUNITY FUN & RESOURCE
FAIR WITH CARTER’S PLAY PLACE
Jan. 16, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm Carter’s Play Place, 1021 Kendall Ct, Westfield, IN 46074
Join us for a fantastic evening dedicated to the disability community! Uniquely You and Carter’s Play Place are excited to host a Community Fun & Resource Fair that welcomes individuals, families, DSPs, caregivers, and supporters of all ages. Event Highlights:
• Discover valuable resources and support from various organizations
• Free admission courtesy of Carter’s Play Place
This event is a wonderful opportunity to engage with your community and explore resources that can make a difference in your life. Reserve Your Free Spot: https:// buytickets.at/uniquelyyou/1839174
Don’t miss out on this enjoyable and informative event! We look forward to seeing you there and sharing a memorable evening together.
Let’s connect, have fun, and support each other!
Is there a local event for the special needs community you would like us to promote in an upcoming issue? Email us at Jamie.Olson@n2co.com
Tangram's Community Living Program:
Now Accepting New Clients
We help our clients establish independence with our personal, tailored approach to community living.
OUR CARING AND DEDICATED STAFF ENSURES EVERYONE RECEIVES THE SUPPORT THEY NEED TO BUILD THE LIFE OF THEIR DREAMS.
Don't have a waiver?
With over 30 years of experience, Tangram can help you apply for any of the benefits for which you qualify.
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
BehaviorWorks ABA (317) 731-7777 behaviorworksaba.com
K1ds Count Therapy (317) 520-4748
ABA / RESIDENTIAL & COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Sycamore Services (317) 745-4715 sycamoreservices.com
Tangram www.TheTangramWay.org
ABA/COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES
The Hope Source (317) 578-0410
ADVOCACY & DISABILITY SUPPORT
AccessABILITY (317) 926-1660 www.accessabilityin.org
ATTORNEY-WILLS/TRUSTS/ ESTATE PLANNING
Law Office of Elizabeth A. Homes LLC (317) 660-5004
Stinson Law Firm (317) 622-8181 www.stinsonlawfirm.com
BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT/PAC
New Beginnings BIS (317) 366-3432 www.newbeginningsbis.com
COMMUNITY INCLUSION & ADULT SERVICES
Hollis Adams (463) 206-1032 www.hollisadams.org
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Achieve Community Services (317) 918-0337 acssupports.com/
AID of Indiana (765) 273-3999 aidofindiana.com/
Carters Play Place (317) 836-5510 cartersplayplace.com
Connie’s Clubhouse (435) 621-4153 www.conniesclubhouse.work
LEL Home Services (317) 387-1443 lelhomeservices.com
Noble (317) 375-2700
Phoenix Community Services LLC (765) 622-7808 www.Phoenixcommser.com
DYSLEXIA SUPPORT PROGRAM
Retrain the Dyslexic Brain by Dr. Rebecca Troy (218) 393-2423 www.DrRebeccaTroy.com
EMPLOYMENT/
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Hopewell Center (765) 642-0201 www.hopewellcenter.org
FINANCIAL
WestPoint Financial Group
Gordon Homes (317) 567-2005
HOME CARE & TRANSPORTATION
ABC Community Services LLC (317) 516-1178
www.abccommunityservices.com
HOME HEALTH SERVICES
ComForCare Home Care (317) 575-3983 www.comforcare.com/indiana/ north-metro-indianapolis
HOME MODIFICATIONS / SPECIALTY EQUIPMENT
Specialized Home Care Services (888) 506-4182 www.specialized4u.com/
HOUSING/TRANSPORTATION/ PAC/RESPITE
JD Angels Family Care (317) 654-2609
ICE CREAM
Howdy Homemade Ice Cream (317) 397-0008 www.howdyindy.com
INSURANCE
State Farm
John Cole (317) 430-1958
KID’S SENSORY GYM
Rock the Spectrum (317) 764-6607 werockthespectrumcarmel.com/
MICROSCHOOL / TUTORING
Sunrise Learning Academy (317) 245-7052 www.sunriselearningacademy.org
NEURODIVERSITY SUPPORT TOOLS Pop Sugar Cafe (260) 237-2377 www.popsugarcafe.com
NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY
Indy Neurofeedback (317) 888-8500
ORGANIZATIONAL EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT
Team Sylvester (317) 691-9000 teamsylvester.com
PEDIATRIC HOME CARE Guardian Care www.myguardian.care
PHOTOGRAPHER
Maddie Ann Photography (765) 635-0631 maddieannphotography.mypixieset.com
SCHOOL
Dynamic Minds Academy (317) 578-0410
SENSORY PLAY / THERAPY SUPPORT Prana Play (317) 653-0444 www.pranaplaycarmel.com
SPELLING TO COMMUNICATE
Exceptional Minds LLC (317) 408-3990
SUPPORT SERVICES My Quillo (317) 626-4387 myquillo.com/
VEHICLE TRANSPORTATION & RENTALS
Superior Van & Mobility (877) 892-6382 superiorvan.com/
WAIVER PROVIDER & EMPLOYMENT
Putnam County
Comprehensive Services (765) 653-9763 www.pccsinc.org
WAIVER PROVIDER / HOUSING
Frontida Community Living (463) 309-1006
www.frontidacommunityliving.com
B RIGHT FUTUR
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• Christian-Based Education
• Trauma-Informed Care
• IEP/ISP Support
• Inclusive Support for All Students
Spelling to Communicate is an innovative method of communication that starts with presuming in the cognitive competence of non, minimal and unreliably speaking individuals. It is believed that all individuals can and want to learn and communicate despite their perceived limitations. S2C empowers said individuals to overcome communication barriers through the motor movement of pointing to letters on a letter board and thus promoting synchrony between cognitive and motor systems. It is through the repeated practice (pointing to letters) that new neural pathways become formed and myelinated. The end result being a viable means of communication and the ability to show the world their cognitive prowess.
As the new year approaches, we want to take a moment to reflect on one of our favorite memories of 2025—our out-of-town field trip to the Cincinnati, Ohio Aquarium. Our clients enjoyed an educational and exciting experience exploring aquatic life, including sharks, turtles, tropical fish, and many other fascinating sea creatures. The trip was truly magical, especially when clients had the opportunity to feel and touch starfish and other underwater species.
This field trip also allowed our clients to explore a new city and state, dine out, and enjoy holiday shopping for family and friends. With this adventure, clients were able to boost their self-esteem and confidence while socializing in the community. The experience helped reduce anxiety, challenging behaviors, and symptoms of depression.
Our goal for 2026 is to take at least one field trip each month. These outings are both therapeutic and educational, helping clients focus on their abilities rather than their disabilities. Traveling together as a group encouraged teamwork, communication, patience, and respect for each other’s space and time.
JD Angels proudly dedicated our time and care to helping clients prepare, stay organized, travel safely, and fully engage in the experience. We made every effort to ensure that each client enjoyed their day with comfort, support, and structure. All of our clients shared how amazed they were to discover the wide variety of sea life and to learn how each species plays an important role in the ocean’s ecosystem.
