December 2021 issue Special Needs Living Magazine

living

Special Needs

December 2021

Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas

TO GET THE DIGITAL COPY OF SNL THROUGH TEXT MESSAGE TEXT THE LETTERS SNL TO THE NUMBER 55433.

INSIDE: • Special Needs Support Groups in Indiana • Meet the Joseph Family • Non-Profit Spotlight: Silent Blessings Deaf Ministries • Meet the Ponto Family: Grace’s Oasis • Sponsor Spotlight: ICAN • Young Achievers: Matthew Brooks of Hands Down Pottery • The ABSs of IEPs: Progress • Pastor’s Corner: Built to Last • A Moment of Inspiration: This Isn’t the Grief Olympics • Special Education Day! • Pioneer Parents of Indiana: Angela Touseull • Local Events and More

ON THE COVER: The Joseph Family –

Tony, Kellie, Brody, Kennedy, Roman, Taylor, Colyn, Addison and Kailee Photos by: Heather Gregg, 21 Vines Photography

CONNECTING - INSPIRING - EDUCATING - FAMILIES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

­ ­

2 Special Needs Living • December 2021

More than a Trampoline Park Adrenaline is the perfect place for an adventure!

Have a blast jumping on trampolines (of course), channeling your inner ninja warrior, making it to the top of the climbing wall, or challenging your friends in jousting.

We are the largest indoor adventure park in Indiana, with 50,000 square feet of attractions, including our ALL NEW ropes course, warped wall, stunt fall, all sports course, harnessed climbing wall

and MORE!!

Sensory Friendly Play every Monday from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Call or email to reserve your spot!

10080 E 121st St Suite 182 Fishers, Indiana 46037 317-572-2999 adrenalinefishers1.com events@adrenalinefishers.com December 2021 • Special Needs Living

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Offering free or for-donation Biblical Counseling and Relationship Coaching for families within the Special Needs Community.

Coaching - Consulting - Collaborating Follow us on Facebook for exciting updates @mark215

It’s truly clean with Pristine!

FULL INSURED

•

FREE ESTIMATES

Commercial • Post-Construction Office • Pre & Post Sales Homes 317-617-5572

4 Special Needs Living • December 2021

@PristineCleaningServicesIndy

I M P O RTA N T

N UMBE R S 317-977-2375

Arc of Indiana www.arcind.org

317-257-8683

ASK: About Special Kids, Inc. www.aboutspecialkids.org

317-676-4222

Autism Community Connection www.autismcc-in.org

800-609-8448

Autism Society of Indiana www.autismsocietyofindiana.org

877-241-8144

Blind and Visually Impaired Services (BVIS)

800-545-7763

Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS)

800-545-7763

Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) DHHSHelp@fssa/in.gov

www.n2pub.com Turning Neighborhoods Into Communities © 2021 Neighborhood Networks Publishing, Inc.

AREA DIRECTOR PUBLISHER

Jamie McCabe jamie.mccabe@n2pub.com

317-233-4454

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

317-232-7770

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

812-855-6508

Indiana Resource Center for Autism https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca

317-233-1325

Indiana State Department of Health

844-446-7452

Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council (INSILC)

855-641-8382

Indiana Works

800-332-4433

INSOURCE http://insource.org/

800-622-4968

Disability Determination Bureau

888-673-0002

Division of Aging (IDA)

800-457-4584

Medicaid Disability

800-403-0864

Division of Family Resources (DFR)

317-232-7770

Medicaid Waivers

317-232-7800

Division of Mental Health and Addiction

800-772-1213

Social Security Administration (SSA)

317-925-7617

Down Syndrome Indiana

877-511-1144

Early Childhood and Out of School Learning (OECOSL)

317-466-1000

Easterseals Crossroads https://eastersealscrossroads.org

911

Family Voices Indiana www.fvindiana.org

800-545-7763

First Steps

317-232-0570

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

877-851-4106

Special Education Questions

317-871-4032

United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Indiana

800-545-7763

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR)

Emergency

844-323-4636

574-234-7101

1-800-772-1213

INSOURCE www.insource.org Indiana Department of Education: Office of Special Education www.doe.in.gov/specialed

SCAN TO VIEW THE PAST ISSUES OF SPECIAL NEEDS LIVING

SCAN TO GET THE DIGITAL COPY OF SNL THROUGH TEXT MESSAGE

DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a N2 Publishing but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Special Needs Living magazine are not endorsed or recommended by The N2 Company or the publisher. Therefore, neither The N2 Company nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies. NOTE: When community events take place, photographers may be present to take photos for that event and they may be used in this publication.

December 2021 • Special Needs Living

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Sponsor I N D E X Neighborhood

Thank you to all the below businesses who have chosen to support Special Needs Living magazine each month!!

They would be delighted to help you with your next project or need. If you know of a business that helps those with special needs and would be a good resource for families please let us know. Jamie.McCabe@n2pub.com.

If you run a business and would like to be involved or support this magazine you can set up a time to talk here https://calendly.com/jamie-mccabe/special-needs-living ABA & COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES K1ds Count Therapy (317) 520-4748 ABA SERVICES Adapt for Life ABA (317) 383-0188 Applied Behavior Center for Autism (317) 849-5437 Autism Center for Enrichment (317) 436-7080 BehaviorWorks ABA (317) 731-7777 Mindful and Modern ABA Therapies (317) 827-7777 Piece by Piece Autism Center (765) 481-2261 ABA/COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES The Hope Source (317) 578-0410 ACCESSIBILITY PRODUCTS AMRamp (260) 519-1935 ACCOUNTING/PAYROLL/TAXES Borshoff Consulting LLC. Sherry Borshoff (317) 902-6539 ADULT DAY CENTER Adult Day Centers Jay Lugosch (317) 296-8815 ADVOCACY/EVALUATIONS PEAS for Kids (920) 980-1172

6 Special Needs Living • December 2021

ASSISTANCE DOG Indiana Canine Assistant Network, INC. (ICAN) (317) 250-6450 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

DENTAL CARE Children’s Dental Center (317) 842-8453 ELECTRICAL SERVICES 21 Electric (317) 449-0021 FINANCIAL Charter Advisory Corporation David Yearwood (317) 844-7416 Munder Financial James Munder (317) 238-6621 WestPoint Financial Group Gordon Homes (317) 567-2005 FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE Wholestic Nutrition (317) 429-0111 GYMNASTICS Body by GymRoots Studio (317) 579-9300

CLEANING SERVICE Pristine Cleaning Service (317) 617-5572

HEALTH & WELLNESS LifeVantage - Team Richards Kristin Richards (317) 698-5264

COFFEE ROASTER Tinker Coffee Co. (317) 438-5728

HOME CARE SERVICES Amiable Home Care Inc. (317) 802-1746

COUNSELING SERVICE Mark 2 Ministries (317) 777-8070

SafeInHome (855) 476-6665

DAY / BEHAVIORAL SERVICES Developmental Disabilities Systems INC. - DDSI (317) 477-8240

INDOOR TRAMPOLINE PARK Adrenaline Family Adventure Park (317) 572-2999 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

ORTHODONTICS Hallmark Orthodontics (317) 773-5515

SCHOOL Dynamic Minds Academy (317) 578-0410

Rigsbee Hall Orthodontics (317) 574-0612

SCHOOL - SPECIAL NEEDS The Fortune Academy (317) 377-0544

PARKS & RECREATION Johnson County Parks & Recreation (812) 526-6809 PEDIATRIC THERAPY Wee Speak (765) 446-8300

SCULPTURE, POTTERY & ART Ripple Mobile Arts (317) 514-8469 SPECIAL EDUCATION CONSULTING IEP Services, LLC. Sheila Wolfe (317) 573-9610

MOBILITY / ACCESSIBILITY CYA Mobility (317) 530-2541

REAL ESTATE Encore Sotheby’s Patti & Jeff Carroll (317) 809-5839

MORTGAGE CrossCountry Mortgage (317) 666-4679

REALTOR Carpenter Realtors-Jeremy Page (317) 413-5311

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

MUSIC THERAPY Resounding Joy (858) 888-0899

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

THERAPY & TESTING SERVICES The Brain Center (317) 748-0034

NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY Indy Neurofeedback (317) 888-8500

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

SUPPORT SERVICES Easterseals Crossroads (317) 466-1000

December 2021 • Special Needs Living

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MEET THE Special Needs Living

TEAM

JAMIE MCCABE Publisher & Area Director

BRITTANY LOWE Event Executive

CHRISTINA MCGAIRK Editor and Writer

CHRISTIA WOODFORD Publishing Assistant

ANGIE ARLINGTON Community Engagement Coordinator / Writer and Contributor

MARIA SMIETANA Editor & Writer

HEATHER GREGG Photographer 21 Vines Photography

LEAH PARKS Knightingale + Willow Photography

Wonder if music therapy might be the right fit for your child?

JANE GAILEY Event Manager

WRITER & CONTRIBUTORS

ANGELICA N. GRAY, MA, BCBA, LBA

CARLA MILLER

LISA MONGE

AARON OLSON

SHANNAN PENAFLOR

LAURA SPIEGEL

SHEILA WOLFE

DEANDRA YATES

MAUREEN MARSH

PAUL HATHCOAT

ZACH ELLIOTT

MATT KNIGHT

Resounding Joy's Healing Notes program uplifts children with challenging conditions, helps them achieve their goals, and supports health and wellness for their families. not-for-profit • evidence-based services Board-Certified music therapists • support services for the whole family waiver and non-waiver services • group and individual options in-person and virtual options

Contact me to check out new classes available at The Main Squeeze, a new arts and movement co-op in Carmel.

lzehren@resoundingjoyinc.org | 858-888-0899

RESOUNDINGJOYINC.ORG 8 Special Needs Living • December 2021

Adapt for Life provides a positive learning environment

to help your child learn & grow!

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PEAS for Kids

Individual Treatment Plans shaped by your child’s needs and designed to help your child thrive.

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PEAS for Kids specializes in educational consultation, advocacy, and customized assessment plans for children (grades PK-12+).

Assessment plans address emotional concerns and learning disabilities such as Dyslexia, as well as characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

PEAS for Kids strives to utilize the results of our evaluations to provide recommendations for, and work with parents in advocating for their child's educational needs within the school setting.

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Allison M Charette, Ed.S. Nationally Certified School Psychologist Founder, PEAS for Kids (920) 980-1172 • www.peas4kids.com allison@peas4kids.com

December 2021 • Special Needs Living

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10 Special Needs Living • December 2021

promotions

This Magazine is

– F O R YOU – BY YOU –

To Support & Connect You HER E IS H O W YOU C AN BE INV OLVED Have a Story to Share?

Would you like to share a story in an upcoming issue of Special Needs Living? We want to hear from you – To share a story or to nominate someone else to be in an upcoming issue of Special Needs Living, Email us your story ideas or nominations to SpecialNeedsLivingIndy@n2pub.com.

To view several story options with quick links to answer questions and upload photos go to Linktr.ee/Community.Stories.

Calling all 501c3 Organizations that Support the Special Needs Community

Each month we will highlight a nonprofit for free to let the community know more about how they support and impact families and individuals with special needs.

Do you run a non-profit or know of one that supports the special needs community? Email us at SpecialNeedsLivingIndy@n2pub.com.

FOR ADVERTISING:

Do you run a business that supports the special needs community and are looking to advertise and support Special Needs Living?

Email: Jamie.McCabe@n2pub.com.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE A STORY? SCAN HERE TO SUBMIT A STORY TO BE IN A FUTURE ISSUE OF SPECIAL NEEDS LIVING!

Accomplishments/Achievements/Milestones Looking to Celebrate all Special Needs Individuals

Some accomplishments and milestones take years...

We want to recognize you/them! Are you or your child celebrating a birthday, milestone, achievement or accomplishment? We want to recognize you – email us at SpecialNeedsLivingIndy@n2pub.com.

Let’s Get Social

To keep up to date with all things happening with Special Needs Living – Upcoming Events/Socials/Gatherings – Stories & Highlights – Ways to be Involved – Follow us on Facebook@specialneedslivingmagazine.

Highlighting all Special Needs Businesses

Do you have special needs and run a business?

We will highlight all those with special needs who run a business for free – email us or go to Linktr.ee/ Community.Stories and click on (Special Needs Living – Business Profile Q&A).

SCAN HERE TO VIEW THE PAST ISSUES OF SPECIAL NEEDS LIVING!!

SCAN TO GET SPECIAL NEEDS LIVING DIGITALLY THOUGH TEXT MESSAGE AND TO KEEP UP TO DATE ON ALL THE LATEST IN THE COMMUNITY!

December 2021 • Special Needs Living

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HEART SOS Services for Individuals & Families

Hope, Love, & ASD: Building Skills for Life Want more confidence?

Mental Health Counseling can help you get unstuck.

What to go on a dinner date?

Occupational Therapy can help you dress to impress.

Want to advocate for yourself?

Speech Therapy can help you communicate your needs.

Want to try new things?

Behavior Consultation can help you become more flexible.

Heart of the Spectrum Outpatient Services

A New Service Model by The Hope Source

We hear your SOS!

Reach out today at asdheartsos.com 7739 E 88th Street Indianapolis 46256 1318 Ohio Street Terre Haute 47807 12 Special Needs Living • December 2021

Therapeutic Education for ASD Our mascot, the dragonfly, represents the mission of our model perfectly. The dragonfly symbolizes change, adaptability, self-realization, emotional depth, and lightness. Not only can it quickly adapt to it's environment and change it's course, it does so with confidence. We aspire to be like the dragonfly in our journeys of personal growth, even when it seems impossible. The dragonfly has so much strength; it can fly through a storm. Our mission is to help our clients and students with ASD gain knowledge that will build competence in social, academic, and vocational areas of their lives. With dynamic skills they can navigate any challenges they encounter with confidence, just like the dragonfly. -Julie Gordon

BE A DRAGONFLY. ENROLL TODAY. 8350 Craig Street Indianapolis, IN 46250 317.578.0410 asdhopesource.com dynamicmindsacademy.org

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Schedule a tour at

asdhopesource.com • Behavioral Therapy (ABA) • Mental Health Counseling • Speech Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Diagnostic Testing • Special Education Support • Family Guidance Counseling & Workshops • Group Therapy & Specials • Music Therapy • Art Therapy • Recreational Therapy with Fitness Focus • Vocational Development at Hope Source Cafe • Monthly STEM Projects & Expos

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Enroll today at dynamicmindsacademy.org December 2021 • Special Needs Living

13

MEET THE

JOSEPH FAMILY

K

ellie and Tony Joseph have a blended family with six children, ranging in age from 25 to 13. Both from Indiana, they previously lived in the Bargersville/ Greenwood area and have since moved to Plainfield. The entire family tries to get together about once a month. Their oldest, Kennedy, works for 21 Electric while her husband, Zach, is a REALTOR®. Taylor, 24, works for Lids Corporation after having graduated from Ball State. Colyn, 22, also works for 21 Electric while going to Indiana University. Addison, 21, currently attends University of Indianapolis while Kailee, 20, is attending Franklin College. The youngest, Brody, is 13 and attends Plainfield Middle School.

Brody was born prematurely and weighed in at 4 pounds, 2 ounces. He was diagnosed with Down syndrome after some genetic testing and later was diagnosed with ADHD when Tony suggested some of his behaviors were similar to Colyn’s.

14 Special Needs Living • December 2021

Kellie says, “It was put to me very simply when Brody was born. My doctor told me that he wanted his ‘traditional’ son to be a star football player, a prom king, a genius ... but you don’t get to choose that for any child. He ended up with a great son who is not an athlete or prom king, gets A’s and B’s, but most of all is just a great kid! So just keep an open mind as to what YOUR child is good at and support them 100%! They will only accomplish what YOU think they can accomplish, so set the sky as your limit!”

Kellie says Brody is incredibly charismatic and makes friends easily at school. He loves the

featured family By: Rae Swift Photos by 21 VINES Photography

Family owned & operated

21 Electric was created in honor of our son, Brody, who has Down Syndrome.

outdoors from running an RC car on the track at Washington Township Park in Avon and on the beach down in Florida.

On top of raising their big blended family, Kellie and Tony pride themselves on their work. Tony owns 21 Electric, which serves Indianapolis and the surrounding counties. He has been in the electrical business for 35 years. Kellie owns 21 Payment Solutions, a female-owned and family-operated business that provides credit card processing solutions for all types of businesses and “prides itself on representing the Down syndrome community and supporting programs through donations that help with research and development for Brody’s growth and future opportunities.”

BUILDING FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE! • Full-service electrical contractor • Licensed, bonded, & insured • 100+ years of combined experience • Residential & Commercial services • Stocked service vehicles ready to go

www.21electric.net Contact us today at 317-449-0021 @21Electric.net December 2021 • Special Needs Living

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16 Special Needs Living • December 2021

a moment of inspiration

My penchant for judgment kicked into high gear after my daughter was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. One day, I was freaking out about work, along with everyone else. The next, a physician was citing statistics that would change the entire way our family thought, felt, and operated.

By Laura Spiegel, Paint Her in Color

If my inner comparisons have taught me anything, it’s that it could always be worse. I hate that COVID has impacted another school year, but my kids have good teachers who are trying their best. What about those girls in Afghanistan whose dreams of education have crumbled?

Grief Olympics THIS ISN’T THE

It’s Saturday morning, and I’m devouring a giant sandwich and eavesdropping on a conversation at a nearby table. Egg and cheese drip down my hands. As I contemplate a truckful of napkins or maybe just a fork, I overhear the bad news.

Someone walked into a fellow diner’s open garage and stole a high-end power washer. Her tablemates tut with sympathy and promise prayers.

I roll my eyes toward my plate. Don’t these people have real problems?

I wish my judgment was limited to strangers, but alas. There are times when a family member or a friend will describe a piece of personal news while I silently cast stones. A tournament lost, a D+ earned, the foundation of a house detached by a deranged mole. A promotion foregone, a huskie passed, a root canal performed with questionable accuracy. These are setbacks for sure, and some of them are real doozies. But if devastation is on display when casual disappointment would suffice, I reach for my robe and gavel.

My daughter lives with cystic fibrosis, but she reads like a boss and flies down the track with glee. What about the friend who lost her child? Or the friend who would give anything to have one?

Thinking in this way can cultivate perspective. But here’s the thing. When taken too far, it can also rob us of the opportunity to sit with our own emotions. Frustration. Rage.

Devastation. Grief. All are valid, and all have a place in our lives. If we can’t acknowledge and accept these emotions when they arise, how can we begin to process them?

It can also distance us emotionally from others. When I silently weigh a loved one’s troubles against my own, I’m dismissing the common humanity associated with suffering and failing to listen with compassion and empathy. I’m robbing myself – and my loved one – of the opportunity to connect authentically with another human being.

There is no established standard for sadness. What knocks me down may be a bump in the road for you. My hiccups may burn you alive.

But who cares? This isn’t the Grief Olympics. Sometimes, we all just need to hear, “That sounds hard, and I’m here for you.”

Over the coming months, I’m going to work on retiring my scale. When someone shares a hardship with me, I’m going to take a moment to acknowledge the thoughts that immediately flit into my brain. Some will be reasonable; some won’t. There’s bound to be an “It could be worse” in there somewhere.

But that’s okay. The more I recognize my rush to compare, the more I can begin to loosen its hold over me. And the faster I can get back to doing what matters most: loving myself, loving others, and accepting love in return.

Calling all individuals with special needs, parents, grandparents – if you would like to share some inspiration with the community or nominate someone else to be in an upcoming issue of Special Needs Living, email us at SpecialNeedsLivingIndy@n2pub.com.

December 2021 • Special Needs Living

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By Sheila Wolfe IEP Services

THE ABCs OF IEPs Progress It is the end of the first semester. What should parents be thinking about at this stage of the school year? PROGRESS. If you have not already done so, it is critical that you review all available data to determine if “meaningful progress” (as we discussed in last month’s issue) is being made on each IEP goal.

Depending on the type of goal (academic, social, behavioral, etc.), the data should look different but should still be objective and appropriate for that specific goal. If the school has not provided

Do you need help getting your child with special needs the services they NEED and DESERVE at school?

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18 Special Needs Living • December 2021

the raw data that was used to generate each progress monitoring report from the first semester, ask your teacher of record to send it to you now. Progress reports that provide only one data point are not appropriate or meaningful. Obviously, if a student’s progress is being measured across a nine-week period (which is typical), and the school only collected data once, we are only seeing a snapshot of the student’s performance on one day at one point in time. To appropriately report on progress, data needs to be collected on numerous occasions during each nine-week period. By graphing that data across time, we get a more accurate picture of the student’s performance.

Graphing data is important for many reasons. First, it can provide a “trendline” indicating the rate of student progress across time. The steeper the slope of the trendline, the more dramatic or quicker the student’s progress. The flatter the trendline, the slower the progress. Worst of all, a downward sloping trendline indicates regression, or a loss of skills over time. For information on how to graph data and insert a trendline using Excel, please visit: https://youtu.be/L9wW3vdRkg4 Secondly, graphing all data collected allows us to eliminate any outliers in the data. For example, perhaps the school collected data on reading fluency on a day the student did not feel well or was extremely tired. If we have 15 data points that range from 80-100 and one data point that is 25, we can safely assume that the 25 was a result of a “bad” testing day and not a valid measure of the student’s ability overall. Be sure to eliminate any outlier data points from the graph before adding a trendline.

Be careful when evaluating what data is “good” and what data is “bad” or an outlier. Data that is scattered over the collection period and shows no grouping or growth pattern may be a sign that the data collection method is flawed. Perhaps different people are testing the student using different instructions or prompts which may influence student performance. There are many reasons why data may look scattered and meaningless … including a student who performs very differently from day to day depending on attention, mood, relationship with the tester, etc. It is critical to evaluate and identify why data is not showing a pattern over time to correct any testing error that may be occurring. This is usually done through direct observation of the testing by an independent person to try and determine why there is so much variation in test results.

By accurately graphing valid data and evaluating the resulting trendline, a parent should be able to tell if it is likely for the student to achieve the goal by the end of the IEP period. If it is not likely, the parent should schedule a case conference for the beginning of the second semester to make necessary changes to the IEP so that progress can be improved, and the goal met.

This may include increasing the time spent on the skill, changing the methodology being used to teach the skill, increasing the intensity of the instruction (1:1 instead of small group), or some other means as determined by the case conference. However,

continuing the same intervention, in the same manner, cannot be considered appropriate if the data does not provide any evidence that the student will achieve the goal (as shown by the trendline).

If the data was determined to be invalid for some reason, it is important that the school collect a series of data points using valid methods as quickly as possible to determine an accurate baseline to begin the second semester. Once the parent has an accurate measure of the student’s progress since the beginning of the school year, they can determine if a case conference is needed to revise the IEP. Hopefully, there are only one or two goals that create concern, and the student’s program can get back on track quickly. If, however, the student is not making meaningful progress on any of the goals in the IEP, a major change in the approach to the student’s education is probably needed. This might be the time for a parent to get help from a parent advocate, doctor, psychologist, or some other outside professional to assist with developing an appropriate IEP. I wish all our Special Needs Living families the happiest of holidays and a New Year full of incredible possibilities!

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In-Home or In-Studio Classes December 2021 • Special Needs Living

19

local events Important Note: Prior to attending any events, please be mindful of any COVID-19 restrictions. Please review the state mask-covering executive order. There are exemptions within the order that include children under 2 years of age should not wear a face Events provided by : coring due to risk of suffocation; and any person with a medical Brittany Lowe condition, mental health condition or disability which prevents Event Executive wearing a face covering. 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 below listed details before going from contact info provided below in case-specific event details have changed since posting.

Note: Don’t forget to apply for the Access Pass! The Access Pass Program allows for families that meet the specific requirements listed below to visit the Children’s Museum and all participating locations for $2 per family member per visit, for up to two adults and all dependent youths living in the household. Qualifications include the following: • Hoosier Healthwise Insurance (Indiana’s health care program for low-income families, pregnant women, and children) • SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program • TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

20 Special Needs Living • December 2021

Apply Here: https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/ hours/access-pass MUSEUMS The Christmas Quest Dec. 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-24, 26-31; Jan. 1&2 Start time 1pm except for Dec. 24 @ 11:30am Children’s Museum of Indianapolis 3000 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46208 317-334-4000 https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar/ event/122 Jingle Rails Nov. 20-Jan.17 Eiteljorg Museum 500 West Washington Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-636-9378 https://eiteljorg.org/exhibitions/jingle-rails/

SPORTS Indiana Pacers Dec. 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 16, 23, 29, 31 Various start times Bankers Life Fieldhouse 125 South Pennsylvania St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-917-2727 https://www.nba.com/pacers/schedule THE ARTS A Beef & Boards Christmas Nov. 26 – Dec. 23 Beef and Boards 9301 Michigan Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46268 317-872-9664 https://www.beefandboards.com/Online/default.asp A Merry Prairie Holiday Conner Prairie Fridays through Sundays, Nov. 26th-Dec.19th; Tue. & Wed., Dec. 21 & 22 5:30-9:30pm Conner Prairie 13400 Allisonville Road Fishers, IN 46038 317-776-6000 https://www.connerprairie.org/explore/things-to-do/ merry-prairie-holiday/ Christmas Nights of Lights Nov.12-Jan. 2nd Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center 1201 E. 38th St. Indianapolis, IN 46205 317-927-7500 https://www.indianastatefair.com/events/2021/ christmas-nights-of-lights Indianapolis Children’s Choir Jubilate Butler University, Lilly Hall Room 133 4600 Sunset Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46208 317-940-8065 https://icchoir.org/special-needs/ 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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@AmiableHomeCareinc December 2021 • Special Needs Living

21

SUPPORT GROUPS IN

I N D I A N A

BLENDING IN

Teen Fun and Games Club Monthly activities on the second Saturday of every month from 3-4:30pm Addmission: Free Beech Grove, Indiana https://www.facebook.com/groups/1831396403767985 Ages 13-19 For more information or to join, visit Blendingin.org or email dane@blendingin.org CARTER’S PLAY PLACE

Westfield Public Library 333 W. Hoover St., Westfield, IN 46074 Second Tuesday of every month Diversity Group – Please join our connections group for parents and caregivers of neurodiverse people. We will be meeting to reflect on ways to bring joy and wellness into our lives as we navigate the challenges of caring for individuals with diverse abilities.

WESTFIELD P.O.M.S. – PARENTS OF MIRACULOUS STUDENTS

Creating pathways to equitable services and empowering families of the special needs community https://www.facebook.com/groups/2903073516677059 Contact: Tendra Duff, Joanne Tedesco or Chelsea Beaman westfieldpoms@gmail.com INDIANA FAMILIES OF ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (INFADD)

Family members of people with developmental disabilities who live in Indiana.

Jeanne Fitzgerald: (317) 965-9116 besmommy2000@yahoo.com https://www.facebook.com/INFADD2

· · · ·

Self-Advocate Program More Than Down Syndrome Retreats Conferences and Seminars Public Speakers for Schools, Medical Professionals, and Community Organizations

INDIANA CANINE ASSISTANCE NETWORK (ICAN)

5100 Charles Ct., Suite 100, Zionsville, IN 46077 Phone: (317) 672-3860 Fax: (317) 731-7361 ican@icandog.org ICAN trains and places assistance dogs with individuals with disabilities and provides foundational life skills to inmates through their experience as trainers. ICAN is the only ACCREDITED service dog training program based in Indiana.

BRIGHTSTARS

brightstars-owner@yahoogroups.com BrightStars is a Hendricks County-based home school group with the purpose of providing social interactions for home-schooled children. We are a casual, informal, secular group that has weekly meetings at various parks and places in Hendricks County.

CINCINNATI SPECIAL NEEDS HOMESCHOOLING

Cincinnati, Ohio (865) 591-1802 Amy Chamberlain amy.chamberlain@lcc.culturalcare.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/1835887663297900/ A group for special-needs homeschooled students and their parents to participate in group events and find support.

TURNSTONE PARENT SUPPORT GROUP

EPILEPSY FOUNDATION OF AMERICA

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR DOWN SYNDROME (NADS)

3320 North Clinton St., Ft. Wayne, IN 46805 (260) 483-2100 angela@turnstone.org http://www.turnstone.org/ Founded in 1943, Turnstone’s mission is to provide therapeutic, educational, wellness, and recreational programs to empower people with disabilities.

1460 Renaissance Dr., Suite #102, Park Ridge, IL 60068 Phone: (630) 325-9112 Fax: (847) 376-8908 info@nads.org · Parent Support · Resource Referrals · Public Awareness

belovedjoy79@yahoo.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/277198992464549 A safe place for encouragement, help, and advice on anything related to autism from parents who have children on the spectrum. No judgment or condemnation.

Alyssa Edwards: (317) 308-4823 indyepilepsy@gmail.com aedwards@efa.org https://www.epilepsy.com/local/indiana/support-groups

22 Special Needs Living • December 2021

KOKOMO PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

AUTISM SOCIETY OF NORTH CENTRAL INDIANA

SOS KIDS

P.O. Box 1537, La Porte, IN 46352 asnci@yahoo.com http://www.asnci.org/ The mission of the ASNCI is to support, educate, and empower those struggling with autism and their families. We will support those with autism through support groups and any or all resources available in our community. We will raise public and professional awareness of autism spectrum disorders. We will empower those in the autism community to never give up in their search to help their loved ones reach their full potential. We will solicit and receive funds to accomplish this mission.

(812) 631-3654 oneilgang@hotmail.com SOS Kids Parent Network connects parents of children or adults with special needs who live in SW Indiana so that we can share information and experiences ... and learn from each other!

SOMEWHERE ON THE SPECTRUM AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP

gilkison519@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/somewhereonthespectrum Support for individuals, parents, caregivers, and professionals affected by autism.

AUTISM RESOURCE CENTER OF KOKOMO

612 E. Blvd, Kokomo, IN 46902 (765) 455-4213 contact.us@arc-kokomo.org http://arc-kokomo.org/ ARCK is a local, volunteer-run, 100% nonprofit organization founded by parents of children with autism. Our goal is to bring the autism community together for support and education.

ASPERGER/AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP OF GOSHEN

Goshen, IN (574) 742-6394 zdenek527@yahoo.com Asperger Autism Group of Goshen is a support group for parents of children, teens, and young adults on the autism spectrum. It was started in August 2006. “We aim to support families by sharing practical information and resources, along with our insights, struggles, laughter, and tears.”

THE AUTISM COMMUNITY IN ACTION (TACA)

2222 Martin St., Suite 140, Irvine, CA 92612 (855) 726-7810 teamtaca@tacanow.org http://www.tacanow.org/ Mission: TACA provides education, support, and hope to families living with autism.

Vision: For every individual diagnosed with autism to lead an independent life.

AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP HUNTINGTON

123 West Hill St., Wabash, IN 46992 (800) 609-8449 Ext 909 khopper@inautism.org http://www.inautism.org/ This site is set up to provide a place for sharing about autism events. It’s also for parents to communicate with other parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. who are in need of support.

BLOOMINGTON AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP

Esther Asplund esther.asplund@att.net (812) 333-8972 EASTER SEALS CROSSROADS

4740 Kingsway Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46205 Bonnie Fisher (317) 466-1000 x2488 bfisher@eastersealscrossroads.org https://www.eastersealscrossroads.org/our-programs/learn/ autism-family-resource-center/ Group for parents or caregivers of a child with autism to meet other parents and caregivers at Parent Support Group meetings held every third Wednesday of the month in the Autism Family Resource Center.

NORTHSIDE INDIANAPOLIS AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP

Jane Grimes jane@appliedbehaviorcenter.org AUTISM COMMUNITY CONNECTION

COLUMBUS AUTISM NETWORK SUPPORT GROUP

columbusautismnetwork@gmail.com http://columbusautismnetwork.com/ We are a support group of parents and caregivers in Columbus, IN, and the surrounding area. Contact us for more information.

2455 Fairview Pl., Box 2, Greenwood, IN 46142 (317) 676-4222 k.higgins@autismcc-in.org http://www.autismcc-in.org/ The Autism Community Connection serves individuals with autism and their families in and around the Johnson County area by connecting them with community resources, social events, and enriching programs to help navigate their autism journey.

December 2021 • Special Needs Living

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AUTISM EVANSVILLE

FAMILIES OF AUTISM COMING TOGETHER (F.A.C.T.S)

U.S. Post Office at 1310 N. Green River Rd., Evansville, IN (812) 202-9405 director@autismevansville.org http://www.autismevansville.org/ We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in southwest Indiana serving local individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder.

Laura Tucker ljtucker12@hotmail.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/FACTS17/ F.A.C.T.S is a peer-to-peer parent support group set up in 2017 by parents of children and young adults with a diagnosis of autism living in the Mid-Ulster, Northern Ireland, area. Our goal is to improve facilities for autistic people so that they can live in a safe and positive environment with independent living skills and the opportunities to lead the life that they choose.

APAC

6876 Maywood Cir., Avon, IN 46123 (317) 837-0205 cmmhappycamper@aol.com https://www.autismconnect.com/ Our goal is to help the millions of parents whose children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to build a better life for their children. We want to empower them by providing them easy access to a community of parents, professionals, resources, and treatment options.

Armed with this knowledge, parents can make effective choices that propel their children in the right direction.

MORGAN COUNTY AUTISM FOUNDATION

56 N. Main St., Martinsville, IN 46151 (765) 813-0003 kaharmon22@gmail.com https:// cfmconline.org/donors/funds-2/ morgan-county-autism-foundation-fund-1281/ Not-for-profit organization in Morgan County, IN, for the purpose of raising autism awareness in our community and providing training to individuals, teachers, and other professionals; and to purchase needed educational technology so that individuals with autism can succeed to the best of their abilities.

THE HAZEL CENTER

(317) 813-9524 info@thehazelcenter.com http://www.thehazelcenter.com/ A nonprofit organization providing support for children with high-functioning autism and their families.

THROUGH THE EYES OF SPECIAL KIDS

219 South Scatterfield Rd., Muncie, IN 46016 (765) 610-4674 throughtheeyesofspecialkids@gmail.com http://throughtheeyesofspecialkids.yolasite.com/ Through The Eyes of Special Kids was born to connect families with resources and support.

JOURNEY TO ADULTHOOD

Patty Reed phreed1@aol.com WABASH VALLEY AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP

Stacy Holley, Pat Hoxworth 2001 Hulman St., Terre Haute, IN 47803 (812) 299-5950 (fax) stholl04@aol.com PLHoxworth@juno.com

AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP GREENE/SULLIVAN

Krisi Crabb krisicrabb@gmail.com An opportunity to meet and share stories, successes, and resources with others on this journey in our area. Sign up for email alerts, newsletters, and updates at the following link: http://eepurl.com/bNIDiD INDIANA ABA PARENTS

Kristine Lewis kristinend@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/ IndianaABAParents/about The Indiana ABA Parents Facebook group is for parents and guardians of children who need intensive behavioral (ABA – Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy for autism or other developmental disorders.

24 Special Needs Living • December 2021

FUSE

1133 W. Main St., Ste. E, Greenfield, IN (317) 462-9064 info@fuseinc.org http://www.fuseinc.org/ FUSE empowers families and individuals with disabilities and mental health needs by providing information, training, support, and encouragement. Please visit our website to learn more about our services.

RISE AND SHINE

Susan Crowell scrowell@inautism.org Our Mission: To improve the lives of all people affected by autism in Indiana.

AUTISM SPECTRUM COALITION

THE VOICE

P.O. Box 524, Crown Point, IN 46308 (219) 789-9874 maapatoasis@gmail.com http://www.aspergersyndrome.org/ Provides a single resource for families and the many professionals who deal with the challenges of Asperger syndrome, autism, and PDD/NOS.

319 Main St., Elkhart, IN 46516 Viv Blakeslee (574) 294-6197, ext.5 blakesleev@adecinc.com http://www.adecinc.com This group is support-education focused for parents of children with ANY/ALL disabilities who receive special education services.

SPECIAL PARENTS-SPECIAL KIDS

Lafayette, IN (765) 543-7252 tiffanyjkendall@yahoo.com https://www.facebook.com/specialparentsspecialkidsinc To provide events and services to kids with special needs and their families.

AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS

Tracy Briggs tracy.biggs@franciscanalliance.org REACH-IN SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY

1858 E. Eighth St., Jeffersonville, IN 47130 (812) 786-8402 ourreachin@yahoo.com https://myreachin.com/ This group welcomes parents of children with ANY/ALL disabilities. Currently, online group meetings are held every Thursday evening 6:30-8 pm by invite to Zoom. If you wish to join, contact Tracy Brown at (812) 736-9276 to join the Facebook group. In the future, face-to-face meetings are planned. Contact Tracy Brown with questions and/or check the website often for updates.

VIRTUAL MEETING EACH WEDNESDAY, 7-8 PM

Group started on July 28.

Participants can contact me through my email behaviorfocused@yahoo.com, connect on IG at Focused_ABA. My group focuses on providing parents and/or caregivers within a marginalized group additional resources for support and knowledge to help best improve their caregiving experience and improve their individual quality of life as well. I help disseminate knowledge on topics that could impact parent and/or caregiver experiences.

AUTISM SOCIETY OF KENTUCKIANA

P.O. Box 21895, Louisville, KY 40221-0895 Rebecca Thompson (502) 263-5708 info@ask-lou.org ask-lou.org Monthly support meetings, second Saturday of each month, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon. Contact Rebecca Thompson to be added to listserv for meeting announcements.

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26 Special Needs Living • December 2021

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By: Christina Mcgarick

Special Education Day! Every year on December 2nd, National Special Education Day is celebrated. According to the Parent Teacher Association, this day celebrates the anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act which was signed into law by President Ford on December 2, 1975. It was the first federal special education law in the United States.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act allowed children with disabilities to access public education and receive the special education services that they need.

To commemorate this momentous day, I spoke with a few special education teachers about what special education means to them and why they enjoy doing what they do.

Stacy Cook Hamilton Southeastern Schools, Geist Elementary What do you love about working with children with special needs?

I prefer to use the term Exceptional Learners because our students are each exceptional in their own way. They may have deficits in academic, self-help, communication, and social-emotional areas, but they have the same desire to be accepted and respected by their peers and everyone they meet. They have strengths and weaknesses just like everyone else. They may need more intentional repetition and teaching of topics and skills as well as time to practice their generalization skills across settings. But just like everyone else, they are human!

One of my favorite things about working with Exceptional Learners is the opportunity to build rapport with each student to better meet their individual needs. I must first love them as a person and respect them before I can teach them. I need to celebrate the things that make them unique and help them to find their strengths instead of focusing on their weaknesses. I enjoy celebrating the small things. Doing a major task can be broken down in so many ways, but what steps can you do and what can I do to help you reach the desired outcome. Is it a video model, a visual, extra time, repetition?

Teaching Exceptional Learners is no different than teaching typical students. We must look at each student as an individual and meet them where they are and look at where we need them to go.

28 Special Needs Living • December 2021

Frances Rodgers Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corp., Washington Middle School What does special education mean to you?

Most people think of people with disabilities when they hear the term “special education.”

Special education encompasses all learners from gifted to students who have severe disabilities. To me, special education means providing the support for students to be successful in all settings of their lives, not just the classroom. Special education is only as successful as the teachers who teach this area. They are the ones that help students to find their abilities they didn’t realize that they have. They are the ones that help build the self-confidence of their students.

Kelsey Sachleben Hanover Community School Corp, Southwestern Elementary What does special education mean to you?

I would say that special education allows students with disabilities to overcome their obstacles in school and allows others to be able to see their abilities because I think sometimes they can be overlooked with what they “can’t” do. They also get the chance to be a part of gen ed when they can and get that extra support to be able to be included with typical students. I celebrate the little things, and I am able to watch students go from nonverbal to verbal. It’s the moments of “aha” when they finally get something, and it’s about building a relationship with them. They need someone who won’t give up, and every student is different. You may be able to do one thing for one student then have to try something else for another student. I would say that special education has changed my life!

Lauryn Scheske Hamilton Southeastern High School Why do you love being a Special Education teacher?

Every child deserves to feel safe and grow in a positive learning environment. This is only truly possible through deeply understanding the desires and needs of students. This is why I love special education! I love problem-solving environments so that every student can belong and participate in instruction. I love engaging students by tying in things they love from dinosaurs to Spongebob to food, showing them that the skills we are practicing at school directly relate to the things they care about. I love leading students to the belief that they can do more than they ever thought possible.

There will be challenges, but helping students overcome those challenges through communication and self-advocacy is the most fulfilling job I could ever accept. Please don’t tell me I’m a saint; please don’t tell me I have incredible patience – ask me about my students, and you will love them as much as I do!

Katherine Linton-Waltman MSD Wayne Township, Wayne Township Preschool How do you support your special needs students?

The goal of school-based special education services is to support differently-abled students in such a manner that they will thrive in life after their school years are finished.

Forming relationships with my students is the first step in understanding how to best support them in meeting their needs. When I’m building connections with my students, I learn about their interests, their learning styles and patterns, and their strengths.

Once I have established a solid relationship with my students, and then begin collecting and synthesizing data about their current skills, I enjoy using creativity and intuition to design and implement individualized strategies, supports and learning plans to help them meet their needs.

Amy Gatman, Resource Teacher Deer Run Elementary Why do you love being a Special Education teacher?

I enjoy being a special education teacher for so many reasons, the most important one being how I love to foster a space where my students

can feel good about themselves. I am a resource teacher, which means my students spend 80% or more of their day in the general education setting, learning grade-level material. My students are 5th-graders and are all working independently below their peers, some markedly below, which can make for not always feeling successful. I get the chance to teach my students the same grade-level content/concepts, but at their “feel good” level, which makes for all kinds of confidence building! I love when they gain skills in my room that they put to use in their classrooms and I see their self-esteem grow. I also get to connect with each of my students on a more personal level since it’s always small group instruction. It is so much easier for them to share themselves in a smaller setting, with no fear of feeling like they are so much more different than their peers. In my room, we celebrate all kinds of seemingly small victories, which makes for a nice place to breathe a few times a day. I wouldn’t want to teach any other student population!

Chad Inman, Science Teacher / Safety and Special Events Midwest Academy What do you love about working with children with special needs?

It takes a lot of time and patience to see it, but when a student starts to develop confidence in their work, that is what I enjoy about teaching.

Sometimes, you catch a small smile when they finish their work or maybe hear a little less groaning about starting an assignment.

They realize they can do something on their own. That will stick with them longer than memorizing a vocabulary word, and it starts to counteract some of the negative thoughts they may have had about themselves.

Marilyn Schulte, Special Education Teacher Lincoln Middle School Why do you love being a Special Education teacher?

There are many reasons I enjoy being a special needs teacher. I love working with students to encourage their unique personalities and abilities to shine.

I enjoy working with families, students and coworkers to problem-solve challenges and celebrate triumphs. I feel like it’s an honor to be an advocate for and teach so many amazing students.

December 2021 • Special Needs Living

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Karen A. Sheehy, MA, C/OGA Fortune Academy Why do you love being a Special Education teacher?

I have been serving as a special needs remedial reading instructor for over 20 years. What I love best about my students is that they are all so unique. Each one learns differently, so I must teach to their specific needs. It is most gratifying to see them grow both in skill and confidence.

Doug Gulley, BS. MEd Fortune Academy High School Educator What do I enjoy about being a Special Education teacher?

I enjoy now the same thing I enjoyed when deciding on what to pursue in education. That is, seeing the smiles on the faces of the students and feeling the gratitude in their hearts as we work together.

Megan O’Boyle Fortune Academy | High School Teacher

Julie Pappas Fortune Academy, Performing Arts Educator What do I enjoy about being a Special Education teacher?

What is NOT to enjoy! The delight in their eyes when they have obtained a skill they thought impossible, the honesty they demonstrate when saying, “I don’t know how, can you help?”, the smile they share on the stage, as an actor at the end of a show they never imagined performing, this is why I enjoy being a Performing Arts teacher.

They are superheroes!

Chelsea Koehring, M.Ed. Fortune Academy | High School Language Arts Why do you love being a Special Education teacher?

I love to help my students realize that their learning differences only mean that they have to teach society to think differently. They grow to understand that advocating for themselves allows others to experience and benefit from their talents, which leads towards a more open-minded environment for all.

Why do you love being a Special Education teacher?

I love that beautiful “aha!” moment when the student’s eyes light up and they GET it. When you know that you have reached that student and through a combination of their courage and your determination, you have guided them to learning.

Merideth C. Kemper M.S. The Fortune Academy | Educator/Coach Why do you love being a Special Education teacher?

Teaching at the Fortune Academy is richly rewarding work. Not only do we transform lives here, we’ve saved a few also. Because of our small classroom sizes, we are able to share our genuine concern for each student’s cognitive, emotional and social welfare. We value our students and understand the uniqueness of our role in our school families’ lives. I personally value our highly supportive administration and staff who strive to lift each other up and help whenever/wherever needed.

By: Christina Mcgarick

30 Special Needs Living • December 2021

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Inmate handler and black lab in training

Inmate handler and yellow lab in training

Client with black lab companion

Black lab puppy

Yellow lab puppy

32 Special Needs Living • December 2021

Jillian Ashton

sponsor of the month By: Maria Smietana Photos by Liz Kaye

ICAN MEET JILLIAN ASHTON

Pittsburgh native Jillian Ashton had no problem finding her calling in life.

Fresh out of college 25 years ago, Ashton found herself falling in love with mission-based work. She moved to Indiana and went to work for international fraternity Alpha Gamma Delta. “From there, my career navigated me through a variety of not-forprofits where I managed fundraising events, volunteers, capital campaigns and corporate partnerships,” she said. “I became a volunteer for ICAN around 2002 and fell in love with the mission immediately.”

Ashton served on the board of directors for five or six years before becoming the organization’s chief executive in 2013. “As the only accredited service dog program in Indiana, we unleash possibilities for children, adults and veterans with disabilities, as well as provide facility dogs to trained professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings,” she said.

A factor that sets ICAN apart is the group’s large emphasis on volunteer engagement. Over 240 volunteers help stretch ICAN’s limited budget and extend the work of the seven paid staff members. ICAN also set a precedent in the early 2000s by partnering with carefully screened inmates in Indiana prisons to train the dogs. According to ICAN’s website, these handlers have the full-time responsibility, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to care for and teach their dogs the skills needed to become successful service dogs. For many, the results are profoundly life-changing, easing their re-entry into society, and altering the trajectory of their lives post-prison. Currently, there are about 60 trainers across three Indiana correctional facilities.

Client with yellow lab companion

Ashton’s message for special needs families is this: “Give yourself the grace and patience to experience life right where you are. There is no one, and no bullet-proof way, to navigate your own experience. Only you can know what it is you need, so take the time to discover that!”

She also emphasizes that the family unit is critical to the success of a service dog placement. Since partnership with a working dog can be a 10- to 12-year commitment, she’s grateful to Special Needs Living for helping ICAN connect to the entire team that supports one of their clients.

Ashton lives with her husband in Zionsville, where they raised their triplets. She loves working with Grace, her young Tennessee walking horse, and bicycles for recreation. She and her husband enjoy live music and are involved with Concerts for a Cause.

Jillian Ashton

Business Contact Information: (317) 672-3861 5100 Charles Court, Suite 100 Zionsville, IN 46077 www.icandog.org jillian@icandog.org December 2021 • Special Needs Living

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34 Special Needs Living • December 2021

save the date

Special Needs Living New Year’s Bash Come celebrate the New Year with many special needs families at the New Years Bash!

your caregiver to the event to help. Parents will be able to enjoy an evening of fun and entertainment.

January 15th, 2-5pm DDSi and Adaggios Banquet Hall 5999 W. Memory Ln., Greenfield, IN 46140

We will have live bands, a performance with The Mind Tripping Show, Socializing, Dancing, Appetizers, Beverages, Games and more!

This will be for adults and kids with special needs along with the supporters of Special Needs Living. There will be childcare/activities/games for kids and you are welcome to bring

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35

MEET THE

Ponto Family

G r a c e ’ s

O a s i s

Necessity often forces us to find new solutions to a problem. No one knows that better than the parents of special needs children, who dread the day when their child ages out of school, and all the supports provided as part of their education abruptly end. College programs tailored to young adults with special needs are a possibility for some, while others find a niche in the workforce. But for many, those aren’t viable options.

Carmel residents David and Maureen Ponto knew they would be facing that situation all too soon. Their younger daughter, Grace, 16, is autistic and has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). (Their oldest daughter, Isabel, 23, is neurotypical and attends IUPUI.) The family moved back to Indiana from Illinois five years ago so that Grace could attend Westfield schools. But in two short years, she will turn 18 and graduate from high school.

That compelled the Pontos to start Grace’s Oasis Adult Day Center, which Maureen describes as “a place of enrichment, nurturing, and security for individuals with developmental disabilities like my daughter.” It’s also a huge benefit for parents, who can stay in the workforce knowing that their young adult is spending his or her day in a safe space where they can continue to grow and make connections with others. In fact, starting the center created a career opportunity for Maureen herself – as an educator who also holds a degree in social science, she was the perfect person to become Grace’s Oasis’s first executive director.

Plenty of challenges remain for the Pontos, though. Since David also works full time (he is a registered nurse), getting Grace to her therapy appointments is tough. She does get music therapy at home, but finding in-home providers of occupational, speech, and physical therapy has proven much more difficult. Then there is the social isolation that almost all special-needs families experience. “[It is difficult] for us to find acceptance among typical families, unfortunately,” Maureen said. “Our advice is to go out in public and do the things that will make your family happy, regardless of what others may think.

We try not to let the opinions of others affect us.”

Right now, Grace is about as active in athletics as any teen can be. She participates in Special Olympics tennis, goes bowling, is part of JM Fitness adaptive yoga and basketball, and plays Premier Indy adaptive soccer. The backyard pool takes care of her love of water.

Her academic progress continues to bring Maureen and David a lot of joy. “When Grace started kindergarten, I never thought in a million years that she would be able to read and write or do math,” Maureen said. “I [credit her] teacher Kathy Oloffson back in Illinois, who is the most amazing special needs teacher ever. She helped Grace succeed so much!”

Going anywhere with Grace, whether it’s a weekend trip or just out to dinner, takes some coordination on Maureen and David’s part. “Grace has OCD issues that make going out in public a very difficult thing, so we can only do it when both of us are there to assist,”

36 Special Needs Living • December 2021

Maureen said. “We generally only go to restaurants with outdoor seating so we can sit outside and as far away from everyone else as possible. We try to avoid calling attention to ourselves because Grace is loud and sings a lot. She makes happy noises, but it causes people to look at us. If we travel, we stay within a two-hour radius in case we need to come home. We rent houses on lakes so that we can get in lots of swimming and still have privacy.”

We Love Kids!

The Pontos are grateful to Amtryke, who gave Grace an adaptive bike so she can ride independently. “We also received a Noah’s Bed through our insurance company and an amazing adaptive adult wheelchair for public outings that is tremendously helpful when navigating busy public places,” Maureen said. She encourages parents of special needs children to apply for the Indiana Family Supports Waiver as early as possible. The waiver is the entry point to start receiving services for a child or adult with a developmental disability.

Business Contact Information: Grace’s Oasis Adult Day Care Center 9675 E. 148th St., #200 Noblesville, IN 46060 (317) 219-6415 maureenp@gracesoasis.com

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37

B U I L T

TO L A S T

Marriage is hard. Marriage is AMAZING! Marriage can be confusing. Marriage can be ENLIGHTENING! Marriage can knock you down. Marriage can build you up. A marriage can be many things in its lifetime, but it depends on you to shape it and mold it into what it will ultimately be.

For me, marriage has been an exercise in faith. Do I trust my wife to grow and mature and evolve into the woman that complements me and my chosen way of life? Will she prosper and bloom inside of this holy union? Does my wife trust me to get better and be more over time, all while figuring out the best ways to lead her and our family? Will I flourish and thrive inside of this two-person lifelong huddle? Are you asking yourself some of these same questions? Let’s talk about that, from a pastor’s perspective.

I have faced and persevered through all these questions and uncertainties. My wife, Jen, and I have made it nearly 18 years together now, and God was the guiding light through all the good times and the bad ones. When my youngest son was around 6, he would call his mom “Daddy’s life.” Nope, that is no typo. He would say that she was my “life.” He thought he was saying wife, but nonetheless, he made an impact on me with that innocent tongue twister. Jen is my life, and she is also my wife. That is how God designed our marriages.

The book of Ephesians tells us that “wives, submit to your husbands, as you do to the Lord” (Eph. 5:22, NIV). It also tells us husbands to “love your wives, as Christ loved the church” (Eph. 5:25). These suggestions from scripture can turn into personal pledges that eventually help our marriages fortify themselves against the world and all the trouble that surrounds it. Let me pass on some of the best advice that I have been given from trusted mentors, through personal experiences, and learned from my Bible. I pray that even just one of them will help you in your marriage (or future marriage) today.

1. Be Present. We only have this one life. We have no idea how much time we have.

Put down the phone, turn off the TV, or come home from work early and connect with your spouse. Jesus even tells us to not worry about tomorrow, because it will have enough troubles of its own without us adding in our own drama.

2. Work Together. Marriage is a partnership. Take some time to really study what you are good at and what your partner is good at. Divide up those life tasks according to your giftedness, and then talk and recount the ways in which together, as a team, you won the day. And don’t forget, cheer each other on in this process. This is my marriage’s superpower.

3. Communicate. About what? About everything. I am not a talker. Jen is a verbal processor. We don’t share the same scale for what is important enough that it needs a formal discussion. However, our honesty and transparency when we do take the time to communicate, dictates the level of intimacy that we share. And that is deep, deep intimacy that connects us to each other like Christ was connected to His church.

38 Special Needs Living • December 2021

pastor’s corner

By Paul Hathcoat

4. Allow Each Other Downtime. Taking care of myself means that I will be the best partner for my wife that I can be. This is never a self-serving only mindset. That can get unhealthy quickly if it is all about me. No, I understand that when I or my wife can get some space from life and do some healthy self-care, then we can re-enter each other’s proximity ready to connect. Jesus himself went out early or late in the day, by himself, to pray and recover. (Mark 1:35) 5. Have Faith. We must remember that God is with us. He roots for us and supports us daily.

He has created marriages and families so that His kingdom on earth could stand up against the onslaught of the world. If we pray and read and talk about the Bible and its infinite guiding wisdom, our marriages grow and prosper.

We must believe wholeheartedly that when we come to a roadblock in our marriage, that turning to God can be the fix that we need.

Have faith in your spouse and have faith in your God. Together, that is a three-person team that cannot be defeated.

These few tips that I have learned in my life have helped. I strive to be a good man because I want my wife to have a good husband, and I want to love her like Christ loved the church. Anything less and I will not be able to face the Lord when my time is up. This quote by Dave Willis sums up this article. “Great marriages don’t happen by luck or by accident. They are the result of a consistent investment of time, thoughtfulness, forgiveness, affection, prayer, mutual respect, and a rock-solid commitment between a husband and a wife.”

May God bless you, and may God bless your marriages out there. Have faith!

Do you have a thought, idea or information that you would like to see in this section in an upcoming issue?

Email Paul Hathcoat – phathcoat@wrcc.org.

David G. Yearwood, CFP® Vice-President

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39

Meet

pioneer parents in indiana

ANGELA TOUSEULL Alex and family on the Buddy Walk

By Angela Arlington

Christmas

Family bowling night

Angela Touseull’s oldest child, Alex, was born at 12:50 am, just a few days before her due date. She remembers how it was a picture-perfect pregnancy with no signs of anything unusual. Alex entered the world with a head full of beautiful black hair and weighed 7 lbs, 6 oz. She and her husband, Darren, were beyond excited to be first-time parents.

Within a week of coming home, Angela received a call from Candy Zickler, the nurse practitioner at the Riley Hospital Down Syndrome Clinic. “She set up appointments for Alex with several specialists, suggested books we should read, hooked us up with the local Down syndrome parent group, and contacted First Steps so we could get early intervention services started. We were lost and had no direction until that phone call. She gave us so much hope.”

“No one in our family had ever had a baby with special needs, so it didn’t even enter our minds that we would have anything other than the ‘Gerber’ baby,” Angela said.

“I loved being pregnant and seriously relished every bit of those nine months. When Alex was born, and I first saw her, I was worried, but the nurses assured me she was fine. It wasn’t until the next morning when our pediatrician broke the news that we began to learn she might have Down syndrome. Over the next few days, my husband and I were in and out of denial. We pulled out our old baby pictures and assured each other she looked just like us when we were babies.”

When Alex was participating in a program called “Lekotek” at Easterseals Crossroads, Angela met Mariea Best and her daughter Maddie. Maddie had Down syndrome and was a few months younger than Alex. Mariea started the Indiana Down Syndrome Foundation and invited Alex to be a model in the “Down Right Beautiful” calendar, which was a fundraiser to raise awareness of individuals with Down syndrome.

“As I look back at her newborn pictures today, it was obvious she had Down syndrome,” Angela added. “A genetic counselor eventually visited us at the hospital and confirmed the diagnosis. He also told us she was healthy and her heart looked good. At that time, we had no idea there could be additional medical concerns to consider. We were already so overwhelmed and learning she could have more complications besides just cognitive issues was a lot to take in. It felt like he dropped this bomb on us and then walked away. Our minds were filled with so many questions.

How were we going to do this? We didn’t know how to be parents, let alone the parents of a child with special needs.

We grieved for the future we thought was lost for Alex.

Thoughts like whether she would go to college or even the prom consumed me. How would I go back to work? We were scared. We were crushed. We were lost. We were sad.

We wallowed in self-pity for a few days.”

40 Special Needs Living • December 2021

“It was therapeutic for me to put my energy into something positive,” Angela recalled. “Mariea and I quickly became friends.”

Shortly after the calendar was published, Alex was diagnosed with a germ cell tumor. Cancer. The family’s priorities changed immediately as Alex was admitted to Riley for surgery to get a central line. Chemotherapy started soon after. It was a dark and difficult time, but Alex came through it all with great resilience.

As Alex healed and went into remission, Angela learned of a fundraising effort that the National Down Syndrome Society was organizing called The Buddy Walk. “I talked to Mary Delaney and a few other moms of children with Down syndrome that I had become close to and we decided to bring the walk to Indianapolis,” Angela said. “I remember sitting around my kitchen table with these amazing mothers as we began the planning. None of us really had any fundraising experience, and we certainly didn’t have a bank account to fund our efforts, but we had passion.

Our first Buddy Walk was an overwhelming success, not only financially but more so in the connections that we saw parents making that day. I remember we had the Noblesville High School choir who came out to sing the National Anthem, and we served food to all participants. It was a huge undertaking, but at the conclusion of that day, we immediately decided this would be an annual event.”

all the feelings we were experiencing.

Now, our children are adults and have become lifelong friends, too.”

Angela became a stay-at-home mom a few months after Alex’s birth. She and her husband welcomed two more children into their family, Cailin and Kip. As her kids got a little older, she decided to get back into the workforce.

“I started working as a council coordinator for First Steps, which allowed me to continue my passion for the nonprofit sector and families who had children with special needs,” she said.

In subsequent years, it became a tradition to have Chris Burke, the star from the hit television series “Life Goes On,” come to Indiana to perform with his band featuring John and Joe Demasi. They arranged for the musicians to come into town a few days early and set up assemblies with local elementary schools to spread awareness. The Indiana Buddy Walk quickly became one of the largest walks across the country.

Eventually, the Indiana Down Syndrome Foundation became Down Syndrome Indiana (DSI) with the Buddy Walk being the premier event for the organization. DSI also provided the funds and manpower to bring the first Best Buddies office to the Indianapolis area. The 2021 Buddy Walk took place in October, celebrating the 24th year of the event. DSI’s main goal is to promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

“Connecting with other parents who have children with special needs has been the most therapeutic thing I could have done on this journey,” Angela said. “In a previous job with Be The Match, I was a bone-marrow recruiter and saw many patients thrive as they volunteered with our organization because they were putting their energy toward something positive. I think something similar happens when parents get connected in the special needs community. Many of my closest friends today are those that I made years ago as a result of Alex. We learned from each other, hung out whenever possible, and unknowingly built a support system where it felt safe to truly let our guard down and talk openly about

During that time, she helped organize the first DSI board of directors and continued to serve in many capacities as a volunteer. DSI grew to the point that their office moved out of Angela’s house to a dedicated space and staff was hired. It was a dream come true for those moms that had once sat around her kitchen table.

In 2011, Angela’s brother David was diagnosed with leukemia. Siblings are the first place doctors search for a stem cell match for a patient in need and although Angela was one of five siblings, no one in her family was a match for him. Thankfully, an anonymous donor was a match and gave him the cells that prolonged his life.

“I knew I had to do more,” she said.

“I felt a calling to change direction and become a bone-marrow recruiter for Be The Match. This position was beyond fulfilling and allowed me to not only recruit individuals for the bone-marrow registry but also see matches made as a result of my efforts.

Another rewarding aspect of the job was to be able to deliver stem cells from donors all around the world. That was such a privilege.

Now, Angela is back at First Steps working with an amazing team. “It’s been full circle, and I’ve been fortunate to have these opportunities to do such fulfilling work,” she said.

She now also volunteers with Gigi’s Playhouse, serving as vice president of the board of directors.

Alex has watched her siblings and typical friends go off to college, graduate, and get married. “It can be difficult for a person with special needs to witness when they feel their own life is standing still,” Angela said. “That’s why we’re continually striving to work toward having her live her best life while also giving ourselves the grace to know we’re doing the best job possible as parents. We wish there were additional independent living resources for adults but we recognize how far things have already come and we’re thankful for the parents who have gone before us and paved the way.”

Alex is now 27 and working toward increasing her independence so she can someday live on her own with some supports. “We recently purchased an older home in Noblesville with an apartment in the back,” Angela said.

“Hopefully, this will be a transition piece in her journey to allow her to live her dreams. This is something I never imagined possible when she was born.

It’s unbelievable how far she has come!”

Alex is active at Gigi’s Playhouse, where she’ll be the keynote speaker at next year’s “I Have a Voice” gala. She works at Walgreens, attends Same As U, and also loves going to events organized by the THRIVE Social Group in Hamilton County.

Angela advises families, “To this day I always tell parents to find someone with a child that has special needs who is a few years ahead of you and learn as much as you can from them. As I reflect on Alex’s life and how far she has come, I’m embarrassed at how ignorant I was when she was born. Alex opened our lives to a whole world we rarely had taken time to notice before. She has been a blessing and although we have challenging days as all parents do, we are forever thankful that Alex brought us to this place.”

If you would like to be a part of this Pioneer Parent section or to nominate someone else to be in an upcoming issue of Special Needs Living, email us at SpecialNeedsLivingIndy@n2pub.com.

December 2021 • Special Needs Living

41

young achievers By: Zach Elliott

MEET

Matthew Brooks Hands Down Pottery

Growing up in English, Indiana, 19-year-old Matthew Brooks doesn’t let his Down syndrome prevent him from doing most of what he wants to do.

Matthew graduated from Crawford County High School in May 2021. Playing football his junior and senior years, he had the honor of scoring the final touchdown of the year and being crowned 2020 football homecoming king – before crowning his successor this past fall.

Matthew has three brothers – two older, one younger – that he’s very close with. The three of them live at home with his mom and dad, the latter of whom just retired from many years of working at a state park. The family has three dogs – none of which “belong” to Matthew -- but all love him the most.

42 Special Needs Living • December 2021

Although it’s been harder to see his friends since high school, Matthew still tries to get together with them often – whether they’re grabbing something to eat or going to the movies. He’s always been a loyal friend and exceedingly loving towards his family.

With high school in the rearview, Matthew is currently contemplating whether college is a next step. In the meantime, after his father showed him some videos of pottery being made, Matthew started learning to make pottery. In tandem with his parents, Matthew is involved in every step of the pottery process, from working the clay to glazing and painting, firing in the kiln, and delivering the finished items to customers.

Along with his pottery, Matthew finds time for the other things he enjoys, be it playing video games, watching YouTube, or eating pizza and chicken.

Matthew’s pottery includes smaller bowls, cups, mugs, tumblers, spoon rests, and even some saucers. Their colors vary; he likes to choose them based on his mood that day. With help from mom, Matthew also makes some more advanced wheel-thrown, poured, and slab/pinch pottery.

In his own words, “None are perfect, some have flaws, but that is what makes them special, like me.”

After graduation, Matthew and his parents looked for something he could do moving forward. He took to pottery right away and liked it, learning the trade concurrently with his parents. Matthew’s favorite part of pottery is glazing and painting his work, and his talent for it has led to this new business opportunity.

Along with his mom, Matthew sells his pottery through Matthew’s Hands Down Pottery, a self-made small business that Matthew is an integral part of, obviously making the pottery but also taking the time to go out and sell the wares.

Posting on Facebook groups and Marketplace, Instagram, and soon through a webpage, his pots are being shared with others.

Matthew’s work is sold at a local convenience store, short-order grill, and gift boutique, with hopes of selling more. The family also takes the pottery to the local farmer’s market.

Matthew’s Hands Down Pottery lavada.brooks@gmail.com https://matthewbpots.company.site https://www.facebook.com/groups/204024358183944/

Other than doing something he really enjoys, Matthew hopes that anyone who’s interested in pottery will support his small business so he can one day fulfill his dream of owning a mansion in California – full of the nicest cars, shoes, and all the hats that money can buy.

If you would like to share your personal or family story or to nominate someone else to be in an upcoming issue of Special Needs Living, email us at SpecialNeedsLivingIndy@n2pub.com.

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44 Special Needs Living • December 2021

By Christina McGairk

S A N S G L U T E N December

YAY! Christmas time is here. The season of celebration of cheer, hope, and perpetual joy. It also means holiday desserts are in full swing. Around this time of year, cakes, cookies, cupcakes, pies, and more can be found at a family holiday gathering, a Christmas party, or a company pitch-in.

Those who are gluten-free can also partake of all the sweetness of Christmas.

I’ll share one dessert that we traditionally prepare around the holidays that is naturally gluten-free. Also, since I’m a busy Mommy to TiTi, work full time, and NOW going back to school, I’ll show you how I cut some corners here and there, while still keeping it gluten-free.

TEMBLEQUE DE COCO (Puerto Rican Coconut Custard)

This dessert, in my opinion, is lots of fun to make. Tembleque, which means “wiggly,” is a coconutty dessert originating from Puerto Rico, but can be found in other Latin American countries. I actually learned how to make this delicious dessert from my dear friend Debbie (AKA Debs) while I lived in Chicago. She prepared it for a Christmas party she threw, and I have loved it ever since.

Also, since my daughter TiTi is half Puerto Rican, but doesn’t get to see that side of the family very often due to distance, I try to incorporate Puerto Rican foods and traditions where I can.

Without further adieu, here are the ingredients and how to make it.

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· · · · · · · ·

4 cups coconut milk (I find canned full-fat coconut milk is the best to use) 1 ½ cups coconut cream 1 ½ cups evaporated coconut milk (can also use regular evaporated milk) 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon ground ginger 1 cup milk 1 cup cornstarch 2/3 cup white sugar 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract ½ teaspoon salt

As a side note, some people like to also incorporate orange blossom water and lime zest, but that’s not my bag. So I just left it out. Also, if you have a nut or coconut allergy, this would not be the right dessert for you.

Directions: 1. Combine cornstarch with milk in a saucepan until well dissolved.

Picture 4

2. Once dissolved, mix in the coconut milk, coconut cream, evaporated coconut milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, sugar, and salt.

3. Cook on high-medium heat while constantly stirring.

Usually takes about 5 minutes to thicken up a little.

4. Once it thickens, turn the heat to low and let it simmer for around 10-15 minutes or until it thickens more.

5. Immediately pour into a pan, mold, ramekin, or in our case, individual mini round storage containers.

I like to use those so if a guest can’t finish it all in one sitting, they can just put the lid on and take it with them. The less fuss the better.

6. Let it cool for about 30 minutes and then place in the refrigerator for about 4 hours to set.

7. Once set you can garnish it with ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks.

Personally, I like to top mine off with toasted coconut as seen in the photo of our finished product.

8. Last, but not least, eat and enjoy. *Disclaimer: I’m not a nutritionist or a doctor. I’m just a loving mama supporting her daughter and others through their gluten-free journey. If you have questions about the gluten-free diet or celiac disease, please contact your medical professional. Thank you.*

If you would like to share gluten-free tips, tricks, info, etc. in an upcoming issue of Special Needs Living, email us at SpecialNeedsLiving Indy@n2pub.com.

Picture 7

December 2021 • Special Needs Living

45

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46 Special Needs Living • December 2021

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47

non-profit spotlight By: Angela Arlington

SILENT BLESSINGS DEAF MINISTRIES M e e t Ta n y a P o l s t r a The Beginning “The deaf community wants to know and support/encourage the children and embrace the families. The families want their children to thrive.

We want to support those introductions and relationships,” Tanya Polstra shared.

The organization was founded by the parents of a deaf girl in 1996 to provide child-appropriate resources in American Sign Language (ASL), the heart language of the deaf, to families seeking to teach the Christian faith and values to their deaf and hard-ofhearing children.

“We partnered with two other ministries to develop and produce Finger Food Cafe movies (two) and the Dr. Wonder’s Workshop TV show (65 episodes),” Tanya said. “All videos, several games, and parent information are available on our God Loves Deaf Kids app as well as Apple TV, Roku, and more.”

While Lead-K, the Nyle DiMarco Foundation, Gallaudet, and more are working to bring ASL to these children, our focus is to bring them relationships – in their families,

48 Special Needs Living • December 2021

communities, and, our highest goal: with Jesus.

Learning, whether it’s faith, science, or math, requires language. So in encouraging and supporting ASL, we’re encouraging and supporting a lifetime of healthy identity and confidence,” Tanya explained.

About the Non-Profit As a community, deaf people reject the phrase “handicapped” (and “hearing-impaired” for that matter) because they are capable people with a visual (not audio) orientation. But they’re the only ones who mostly learn their language and culture from outside their families. By the time they find their “tribe,” where they fit at a heart level, they’ve dealt with isolation and oppression, with many turning away from their families of origin. One of our goals is to enlighten these families while their children are still young enough to learn and embrace their values, their family stories, so that when the young deaf people find their “tribe,” family isn’t excluded.

“Now we’re working on a parents’ outreach ministry called Manifest and a VBS/Camp experience incorporating the Dr. Wonder’s Workshop (DWW) material and coordinating activities,” Tanya said. “We are not the only ministry for deaf children, but we are still the unique ministry dedicated to developing shareable/reusable resources in ASL specifically for teaching biblical faith to deaf and hard of hearing children while including their hearing family members by adding voice-overs, music, sound effects, and captions.”

Silent Blessings is also working to produce resources that bring scripture and character/value lessons (based on scripture) in child-appropriate, visually engaging ways. They are working to bring awareness and deaf-friendliness to churches, so families can confidently continue to worship without their deaf and hard-ofhearing children being left out of treasured activities like Sunday School, VBS, and more. They are also building a network of families who can mentor and be mentored by sharing experiences and strategies for home, life, and the adventure that is IEP.

“More things that we’d like to build, given the resources, are maps/lists of churches with ministries for deaf kids and maps/ lists of schools and which method(s) they espouse (ASL, SEE, oral, bi-lingual/bi-cultural), and maps/lists of opportunities for families to learn ASL and mingle with the deaf community, so their children can have language models to interact with,” Tanya said. “We’re in an entrepreneurial phase of building new initiatives while renovating our infrastructure, picking through existing materials to see what we need to reuse, revamp, recycle, or release. We need volunteers who know fundraising, grant writing, marketing, audio/visual recording, and editing.”

The Deaf Community Helen Keller said, “Blindness cuts us off from things, but deafness cuts us off from people.” While more familiar special needs like Down syndrome and cerebral palsy may limit interaction with others, deafness almost prevents it. Deaf children are practically invisible because there is no wheelchair, brace, service animal, or cane to give outsiders a hint – there’s “only” a lack of communication.

Deaf kids are sprinkled among American communities at a rate of roughly one to five per thousand (https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/ hearingloss/data.html), with 90% born to hearing households.

“Special needs” as a label doesn’t automatically include deaf children – as a matter of fact, almost nothing includes deaf children, and that’s the problem,” Tanya stated. “Most are born to hearing households without deaf role models, and the professionals are telling the parents to avoid the use of sign language because it will hinder their use of voice and non-existent hearing.

We’re working to inform these families that they do have other options, and their children will be healthier on the whole if visual language, ASL, is included in their family life. It’s communication, relationship, education, and the ability to think in and freely express their own thoughts without the child having to navigate a language they physically cannot reproduce.”

Tanya Polstra adminteam@silentblessings.org (877) 367-3323

Testimonial: One of our favorite stories is of a girl we call Sarah. She’s deaf, and her mom was faithful to interpret for her in sign language. Her mom reports that when the family offered prayers before dinner, Sarah always gave up her turn to pray. That is, until the day she watched a Dr. Wonder’s Workshop video and saw a boy kneel by his bed and pray in sign language.

She, like many deaf children, didn’t realize that Jesus could understand her expressions. Ever since then, reported her mom, Sarah takes not only her turns to pray, but she also takes all those turns she gave up.

“Many deaf people believe Jesus is the god of the hearing, because too few families and churches have realized the need or invested the effort to tell them otherwise. That’s why we do what we do.”

Deaf Missions just completed the only existing verse-by-verse signed translation of the Bible. Many of the people who pushed this project over the finish line were children who were involved in or reached through the Finger Food Cafe and Dr. Wonder’s Workshop projects.

These are deaf adults who, without this influence in their childhood, would not have the embedded resources to have done this work. We want to continue influencing deaf children and rejoice in what the next generation will accomplish.

Do you run a non-profit? Would you like to be a part of the non-profit spotlight or nominate someone else to be in an upcoming issue of Special Needs Living? Email us at SpecialNeedsLivingIndy@n2pub.com.

ICAN’s 20th Anniversary 2022 Calendar Now on Sale!

• A Special Anniversary Commemorative composed of 28 14” x 11” pages with more than 700 beautiful images!

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• PAWfect for holiday gifts and stocking stuffers!

• Your purchase will help ICAN train service dogs for people with disabilities.

To learn more, visit icandog.org

Special Discount for Special Needs Magazine Patrons!

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Discount Code: SPECIALNEEDSMAGAZINE

Photo credit: Liz Kaye

20 Years of Unleashing Abilities Dogs are amazing creatures. Their gifts to humanity are loyalty, love and service. For over a decade, ICAN has been successfully placing dogs into meaningful relationships with children and adults who have physical and developmental disabilities and may need assistance with daily activities.

We also place dogs into special needs facilities throughout Indiana.

To learn more about the type of service dogs we place, please visit icandog.org or call 317-250-6450

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www.icandog.org December 2021 • Special Needs Living

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