Special Needs Living Jan 2022 Issue

living

Special Needs

January 2022

Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas

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

INSIDE: • The Hope Source-Celebrates its 15th Anniversary • Indoor Sensory Spaces • Meet the Ugoletti Family • Non-Profit Spotlight: Sycamore Services • Meet the Schapker Family-CAMSE Kit • Sponsor Spotlight: Ripple Mobile Arts • The ABSs of IEPs: The Laws That Protect Students With Disabilities • Meet Rachel Edwards -All Around Indy • Pastor’s Corner: The Rule of 99:1 • Mark 2 Ministries- #1 TIP TO A TERRIBLE MARRIAGE • Local Events and More

ON THE COVER:

The Ugoletti Family –

Tanya, Don, Mattea and Kannon Photos by: Heather Gregg, 21 Vines Photography

CONNECTING - INSPIRING - EDUCATING - FAMILIES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

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2 Special Needs Living • January 2022

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10080 E 121st St Suite 182 Fishers, Indiana 46037 317-572-2999 adrenalinefishers1.com events@adrenalinefishers.com January 2022 • Special Needs Living

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4 Special Needs Living • January 2022

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 © 2022 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.

January 2022 • Special Needs Living

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Sponsor I N D E X 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 • January 2022

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 Amiable Home Care Inc. (317) 802-1746

COUNSELING SERVICE Mark 2 Ministries (317) 777-8070

HOME CARE SERVICES 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

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

LANDSCAPING/LAWN CARE/ LANDSCAPE LIGHTING Franco Landscaping, Inc (317) 858-3858

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

Independence Park - a place to PLAY for ALL

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Follow us on Facebook! @injocoparks @jocoind January 2022 • Special Needs Living

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MEET THE Special Needs Living JAMIE MCCABE Publisher & Area Director

CHRISTINA MCGAIRK Editor and Writer

CHRISTIA WOODFORD Publishing Assistant

MARIA SMIETANA Editor & Writer

HEATHER GREGG Photographer 21 Vines Photography

ANGIE ARLINGTON Community Engagement Coordinator / Writer and Contributor

TEAM JANE GAILEY Event Manager

WRITER & CONTRIBUTORS Estate Planning

ANGELICA N. GRAY, MA, BCBA, LBA

AARON OLSON

SHEILA WOLFE

DEANDRA YATES

PAUL HATHCOAT

MATT KNIGHT

Get Immediate Results – And Long-Term Support

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8 Special Needs Living • January 2022

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10 Special Needs Living • January 2022

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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!

January 2022 • Special Needs Living

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featured family By: Maria Smietana

Ugoletti Family Meet the

Don, Tanya, Mattea and Kannon

When Tanya and Don Ugoletti had their second child eight years ago, no one suspected any problems at first.

Their first child, Mattea, was born with no medical issues, and Tanya had a normal delivery with Kannon.

But as Kannon got close to 6 months, Tanya noticed “that he just didn’t seem to be hitting the normal milestones.”

Tanya also noticed that Kannon had episodes where his arms or head would jerk slightly. She had the presence of mind to quickly take a video when the movements happened to occur on the day of his 6-month check-up. The pediatrician realized immediately that Kannon had infantile spasms, a form of epilepsy that looks innocent enough but is actually quite catastrophic. He was immediately started on daily injections of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), a hormone made by the human pituitary gland. It’s very effective but comes at a cost of $25,000 a vial. He was treated for six weeks, and Tanya recalled that he suffered few side effects and had little weight gain. That was the good news. But Kannon’s challenges were only beginning.

Doctors discovered that Kannon had suffered a stroke in-utero.

Testing revealed that he had inherited Factor V Leiden thrombophilia, a condition that increases the chance of abnormal blood clotting and raises the risk of stroke. About 70% of his right brain hemisphere was destroyed, leaving him with spastic triplegic cerebral palsy, meaning he now had spastic movements in three of his limbs — both legs and his left arm.

The epileptic seizures returned, too, though this time they were myoclonic and partial (focal) seizures, which could be controlled with an array of medications that don’t cost as much as a house.

12 Special Needs Living • January 2022

Between the ages of 2 and 5, Kannon’s seizures remained largely under control.

Living on the northeast side of Marion County, the Ugolettis are fortunate to be in a school system that allowed Kannon to attend full-day developmental pre-school. “I have lived here my whole life and we recently moved into the home I grew up in,” Tanya said. “We love the school district and the diversity it offers.”

Despite dealing with their son’s numerous medical issues, Tanya and Don have both continued to work. Don, who grew up in a small town near Terre Haute, works for a utility company. Tanya was a service coordinator for First Steps, Indiana’s early intervention program for children with developmental delays and disabilities. “As a parent with a disabled child, I could give my [client] families a unique perspective,” Tanya said. “I have been on both sides--receiving services and providing them!” (Tanya now works for SpeakIndy, a developmental preschool and therapy clinic). She especially credits Family Voices Indiana, a non-profit that provides information and support to special needs families, with motivating her to sign up for Indiana’s Medicaid Support Waiver. “I was very reluctant to apply due to some unfounded anxiety,” she said. “Once I actually got started, it was very easy.”

Her favorite memory is from a day when she had Kannon in the car, and out of the blue, he said, “I love you, mommy!” She was so surprised that she had to ask her mother, who was also in the car, if she had heard Kannon correctly. “He was probably close to five,” Tanya recalled, “and he did not repeat [those words] for probably another year, but it was beautiful!”

In 2019, when Kannon was 5 years old, his seizures became more frequent again, even with medication. He needed an additional way to control his seizures. The decision was made to try a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS), a small disc-like object that is implanted in the chest and sends electrical pulses to the brain via the vagus nerve. At first, the VNS was effective. With fewer seizures to contend with, Kannon’s mood improved, along with his cognitive function. “Mentally, you could see him processing faster, answering questions better, and his speech was more typical,” Tanya said.

The benefits were short-lived, however. After a little more than a year, Kannon’s partial seizures were more frequent than ever, and he also began to experience tonic/clonic seizures (commonly known as grand mal seizures) with muscle rigidity. The only bright spot was that the seizures were usually brief, lasting about 45 seconds, and he remained conscious and verbal throughout the episode, always knowing when it was over.

The Ugolettis found themselves at a crossroads. One option that remained for Kannon was a functional hemispherectomy, a rare neurosurgical procedure in which the skull is opened and the corpus callosum, the structure which connects the brain hemispheres, is severed. In Kannon’s case, the amygdala and hippocampus were removed as well, since they had been destroyed by the stroke.

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Tanya, who has always been more aggressive about pursuing treatments for her son, wanted him to have the surgery as soon as possible. Don, who is more cautious by nature, was at first more skeptical of the surgery.

Kannon, who has always loved the water, just wanted a trip to the beach. He started lobbying for the trip in January of 2020, and by July, his parents made it happen. “The four of us went to Michigan on the only true family vacation we’ve ever taken, and it was wonderful,” Tanya said. “The whole trip was full of some really great memories.”

As Kannon’s cognitive decline and developmental setbacks became more obvious, Tanya called the Cleveland Clinic in March of 2021, and the family had a virtual appointment with Dr. Wyllie, an epileptologist, within three weeks.

By May, Kannon was scheduled for a video electroencephalography (EEG), which is done to evaluate whether the patient is a good candidate for neurosurgery. Video EEG not only shows where the seizures begin, but measures their frequency, severity, and duration. Of course, the patient’s seizure medications must be removed for the duration of the EEG. Fast-acting rescue medications such as Ativan are kept on hand if the seizures become life-threatening. In Kannon’s case, the seizures were constant for the entire day once his medications were paused. “It was very scary to watch, especially for my husband and daughter,” Tanya recalled. “I think it helped them realize how much was really going on inside Kannon’s brain that couldn’t be seen.”

On June 25, Kannon’s damaged right brain was disconnected from his healthy left brain in a four-hour surgery conducted by Dr. William Bingaman at Cleveland Clinic. “He did amazingly well,” Tanya said of her son. “There was no swelling, no facial droop, and no changes to his personality. He was able to talk right after waking up.” After three weeks of inpatient rehab, he was able to return home.

When school started again in late summer, it was immediately obvious that the surgery had made a difference in Kannon’s

14 Special Needs Living • January 2022

memory and cognitive ability. “His recognition of letters and numbers had improved, and he could understand and relay information better,” Tanya said. “He has had no seizures so far, and doctors will start weaning him off his remaining medications. We are so very proud of what a resilient kiddo he is!”

Before his surgery, Kannon tried playing baseball in the Challenger League. Recently, he tried ice hockey. He and his big sister both love music and movies. He gravitates toward nursery rhyme songs and cartoons, while Mattea, 14, is big into Lizzo and anime. Because of Kannon’s huge love of water, the whole family swims together as often as possible. Kannon and Don have father-son bonding time while fixing things around the house.

The most recent family project has been to design a mobility device that Kannon can use with only one arm. Kannon frequently uses a wheelchair, especially outside of the house, but he has also tried using a walker. “Since he has hemiplegia (no use of his left hand), walking with a walker is difficult,” Tanya explained. “He prefers to have his arm extended, but with typical walkers, his hand would have to be strapped in, which restricted his independence. My husband always says, ‘necessity is the father of invention, especially to a special needs parent.’ Nothing was working so we had to make our own hemi walker. After multiple iterations, we have now started the process to get it patented!”

Tanya and Don encourage other families to always advocate for their special needs child. “We have had to fire a doctor due to her staunch views on a surgery we had decided to pursue for Kannon,” Tanya said. “I know my son best, I am the leader of his team, and my opinion is valuable, even without a medical degree.”

The Ugolettis agree that balancing life between their two kids is always a top priority. “We want to give them as much opportunity for experiences as possible, but be mindful of Kannon’s sensory, medical and physical limitations. We also try our best to keep life as normal as possible when things get busy, but we have a very wonderful support system and village that are always near to help as needed.”

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January 2022 • Special Needs Living

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sponsor of the month By: Maria Smietana

RIPPLE

Jeremy Smith

MOBILE

ARTS MEET JEREMY SOUTH

16 Special Needs Living • January 2022

Jeremy South has taught art for over 20 years.

The Iowa native came to Indiana to attend Indiana Wesleyan University, where he received a degree in art studio with an emphasis in clay. After college he opened his first studio in Evansville, but within a year, decided to move it to Indianapolis.

That’s when Ripple Mobile Arts was born.

“My mission has been to encourage creativity in all I come into contact with,” he said. “I have always wanted to run my own business and work in art.”

South teaches classes at his base studio located inside Northwood Christian Church at 4550 Central Avenue, but you’re just as likely to see him take art education on the road. “I’m a traveling art business providing detailed instruction in the pottery wheel, clay, fused glass, and recycled art,” he said. “We also teach about STEM and literacy and how they relate to art. We custom-fit a program to your needs and bring it to you, all at an affordable price.”

That’s an attractive option for families with small children, home school groups, scout troops, and others, but it’s especially great for families with special needs children. Rather than having to take a child with physical, behavioral,

Class playing with clay

Preschool pottery class

Cincy homeschool

or cognitive challenges to an unfamiliar setting to take part in an art class, you can do it in the comfort of your own home.

South is dedicated to providing unique classes and services for families of special needs children, in addition to supporting Special Needs Living. “My services are very unique and customized to fit any family needs and situations,” he said. He also supports other causes in the community by donating time, money, artwork, and more to fundraising events.

A married dad with one child and four fur babies, South has lived in Rocky Ripple for many years. The northside Indianapolis neighborhood, tucked between Butler University, Broad Ripple, and the White River, is home to lots of creative folks and those who just like to live off the beaten path, both literally and figuratively.

South encourages special needs individuals and families to “look for creative solutions to struggles. There is always more than one approach to [a problem]. It is good to seek balance in your creativity as it helps all other aspects of your life.”

“MY MISSION HAS BEEN TO ENCOURAGE CREATIVITY IN ALL I COME INTO CONTACT WITH,” HE SAID. “I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO RUN MY OWN BUSINESS AND WORK IN ART.”

Using the pottery wheel

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In-Home or In-Studio Classes January 2022 • Special Needs Living

17

making a difference

By Maria Smietana

Meet the

Schapker Family

CAMSE Kit

When college sweethearts Chris and Kelsey Schapker decided to start their family, they could not have predicted the hurdles they would encounter.

After the Evansville natives graduated from the University of Southern Indiana and got married, they first struggled with infertility. Kelsey decided to stay home rather than start a career. “Due to my severe endometriosis, we tried to get pregnant for over three years,” Kelsey said. “We lost five babies before we became pregnant with our son, Camden.

He is a miracle!”

But when Camden remained non-verbal for the first three years of his life and never made eye contact, the Schapkers knew that more challenges lay ahead. “He never said ‘mama’ or ‘dada’ as an infant or toddler, and never interacted with us appropriately,” Kelsey said. “His inability to communicate with us was extremely heartbreaking. He was in speech therapy for over two years before he said the word ‘mommy’ and could associate that word with me. How do you speak to your child when it seems that he can’t comprehend what you’re saying?”

Receiving a diagnosis for Camden helped tremendously. For some parents, hearing their child’s diagnosis for the first time is devastating. But for Kelsey, it gave her the direction and clarity that she desperately needed.

“Camden’s diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and language delay was a relief because I felt a sense of ‘Okay, now I know how to help my child,’” she said. “Before there was any kind of diagnosis, I felt so lost. ‘What does he need? How can I help him?’ These were questions that I often didn’t know how to answer. With the diagnosis, I felt a sense of calm. My thoughts were: ‘Okay. There’s nothing wrong with my child. He’s just going to learn differently and travel through life differently than his peers. And here are the tools I need to set him up for success.’”

Believing in their son, working with him every day, believing in his speech therapist, and enrolling him in developmental preschool were all key to Camden’s developmental progress. “A big milestone was when he graduated from developmental preschool,” Kelsey said. “He now knows his full name and how to spell it, he knows his age, and he can recognize and say the names of the important people in his life - Daddy, Kendi, Nana, and Papa - as well as his teachers and therapists. The day he said ‘mommy’ and pointed to me, I sobbed. It’s a happy memory that I’ll never forget because I waited over four years to hear him say it.”

Now 5, Camden attends a developmental kindergarten class Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It teaches the same curriculum as a regular kindergarten class, just at a slower pace. He also receives speech therapy and occupational therapy at Easterseals Rehab Center.

18 Special Needs Living • January 2022

“I never could’ve imagined when we finally became pregnant that we’d be a special needs family, but the choice I had made to stay home ended up being a blessing in disguise,” Kelsey said. “It’s allowed me to take Camden to every therapy appointment, be his voice and advocate for him, work with him one on one, and have a front-row seat to his success!”

When Camden was about 2 1/2, the Schapkers added a daughter, Kendi, to their family. Kendi is a neurotypical child, and Kelsey says she often feels like two different parents — “For Camden, I provide social stories, picture schedules, and first/then boards, but Kendi doesn’t need me to provide any of those tools since she is an average 2 1/2-year-old.”

Still, Kelsey and Chris, who is an IT manager for Ascension Health, focus on having as normal of a family life as possible, which means having routines, keeping traditions, doing activities that both kids can enjoy, and working hard to be fair to both of them.

The family eats dinner together every night. “It’s pretty hectic with a 2 1/2-year-old and an autistic child, but there are always lots of laughs,” Kelsey said. “Camden has severe food anxiety and eosinophilic esophagitis, so he can’t or won’t eat many items. I’m always accommodating him by making two suppers - one for him and one for the rest of us. If we all go out, it’s almost always to Los Bravos.

He loves their cheesy rice and cheese dip and is comfortable in their environment.” Chris and Kelsey will take Kendi to visit other restaurants while Camden is in school. They want her to have the experience of a [variety] of foods and different types of places to eat.

baggage claim, etc. “When Camden became upset at baggage claim, I was able to pull the book out, remind him what step we were on, and he instantly grasped what was happening,” Kelsey said. “He had an amazing trip and still talks about the beach house to this day!”

For other families in similar situations, Kelsey advises patience.

“Lots of patience. And advocate for your child! Surround yourself and your child with people who believe in him (or her) and who believe in your child’s capabilities. I call the people in Camden’s life ‘Team Cam’ - These are professionals who have become like family to us because they have been in our son’s life for years.

They cry with me, laugh with me, encourage my son, celebrate both the big and little wins and generally want to see him succeed. If you run into a roadblock with someone who doesn’t believe in your child or isn’t treating your child with respect, don’t be afraid to speak up. You are your child’s voice.”

To make sure that she can be there for her family, Kelsey is very intentional about taking care of herself. “To relax, I love writing my book, journaling, taking Zumba, and working out,” she said. “I have a gym in my garage that is my safe haven. When I’m working out, that’s my time to focus on my mental health and focus on me - Kelsey, the person, which benefits me as a mom.”

The Schapkers have a special place in their hearts for the staff at the Easterseals Rehab Center in Evansville. “They have been phenomenal in providing resources for our family,” Kelsey said.

Both kids enjoy decorating cookies for every holiday - Halloween, Christmas, and Easter – so it has become a tradition the whole family looks forward to. “We love to go for walks and take bike rides or Jeep rides to a local park right up the road,” Kelsey added. “Camden and Kendi love playing there and it’s something that they can do together. It’s fun watching him go down the slide with a handful of rocks. We also love swimming at Nana and Papa’s pool from May to September. In the summertime, the kids love playing at our gym’s splash pad.”

Being in or around water is such a source of happiness for Camden that his parents took him on a carefully planned trip to Destin, FL, this past summer. “We chose to have Kendi stay with her grandparents because her crying really upsets Camden, and we knew we needed him as regulated as possible for him to have an enjoyable experience,” Kelsey said. “Splitting up the family for this trip was a really difficult decision to make because Kendi is so much fun, and we love our children equally. But my family is different, and this means sometimes we have to do things with the kids separately. I’ve learned that I have to do what works for my family, even if it’s frowned upon by others.”

Photo credit: Liz Kaye Photography

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For the trip, Camden’s occupational therapist had the wonderful idea to make him a book titled “Camden goes to Florida.” It contained pictures of every step, so Camden knew what to expect — parking the car, checking bags, getting through TSA, airplane boarding,

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19

“Camden’s speech therapist, Christi Watkins, has taught me everything I need to know about autism spectrum disorder and advocating for Camden. What I’ve learned is that you have to do what’s best for your child and your family, regardless of what anyone else thinks.

Raising an autistic child is exhausting and rewarding at the same time.”

The experience of raising Camden led Kelsey to start a nonprofit initiative that will benefit many other children like him. “When Camden was diagnosed with autism, I got to thinking what law enforcement and first responders would need when they responded to an incident that involved a child on the spectrum,” she said. “So, I developed a sensory inclusive kit that stays in the vehicles of law enforcement and first responders. It includes a weighted stuffed animal, a Pop It, stacking blocks, and a sensory Rubik’s cube, among other items.” She named it the CAMSE Kit, which stands for Cam’s Sensory Equipment.

The beauty of the kits is that they are portable, don’t take up a lot of space, and are relatively inexpensive and simple. But the items in the kits have been proven to comfort and calm children, especially those on the spectrum, in high-anxiety or traumatic situations.

The nonprofit has only been operating for 15 months, but CAMSE Kits have already had an impressive reach. So far, they are being used by the Posey County Sheriff’s Office, the Poseyville Town Marshal, Indiana State Police troopers who serve Posey and Vanderburgh Counties, the Evansville Fire Department, and the Evansville Police Department’s Juvenile Unit, which serves over 30 schools in the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation.

All donations to CAMSE Kit go right back into purchasing and distributing more kits. More information can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CAMSEKit “I never could’ve imagined that this would be my story – first infertility; then a mom to a special needs child,” Kelsey said. “But I am so proud of my son and all of his accomplishments so far.

I will advocate for Camden until my last breath.

I want parents of newly diagnosed kids to know that you are not alone! There are fantastic resources available to help you and your child live a happy and successful life.”

20 Special Needs Living • January 2022

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21

22 Special Needs Living • January 2022

mark 2 ministries #1 TIP TO A TERRIBLE MARRIAGE By: Aaron Scheffler

As a former pastor and long-time Biblical counselor and relationship coach, people are always asking me, “Aaron, what’s the key to a terrible marriage?” My response is always the same – “You’ve got to be selfish and rude. Oh, and you’ve got to be lazy, too!”

Did I get your attention? Did you laugh when you read that and think how absurd that was? I hope so.

And you’re right – no one wants to have a terrible marriage. So why are so many relationships hurting? Why are so many couples teetering on the brink of divorce? This isn’t unique to couples with special needs children, but I’m very aware that raising a child with medical or developmental challenges places special stress on a marriage.

I have a thought I’d like to run past you: maybe the problem is that couples no longer make time to be intentional about their relationship.

Is this how your day looks? Wake up. Go to work. Go to the doctor. Go to therapy. Go to an IEP case conference. Come home. Eat food and/or watch TV. Yell at some people. Go to bed. Wake up the next day. Repeat.

If so, I can promise you that your marriage is on the verge of imploding, your kids think you’re a jerk, and you don’t have any meaningful friendships.

I bet you’re wondering how I can be so confident in this claim. It’s because I’ve seen it – all day long – for years.

A healthy, nurturing, relationship – whether it be with a spouse, a child, or any other human being –requires intentional effort.

You can’t be continuously overwhelmed and be fulfilled in your marriage. It simply isn’t possible.

The solution: Just like before you got married, you must date your spouse! Let grandparents take the kids for a night – or at least a few hours. If you don’t have family support, contact a local agency or church for short-term respite care for the evening.

Go for a walk in a park. Head to her favorite dinner spot. Grab a tub of ice cream and a couple of spoons and pig out while sitting in your car rocking out to your favorite playlist (one of my personal faves).

Most importantly: Laugh. Be playful. Relax. Breathe. Remember why you fell in love in the first place. Don’t talk about the kids.

Don’t text grandma 1,000 times for updates. Don’t talk about the bills that are piling up. For a few hours, just be. Just be a couple.

Just be silly. Just be in love. Just be.

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

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

January 2022 • Special Needs Living

23

SYCAMORE SERVICES

non-profit spotlight

By Angela Arlington

About:

Core Values:

Sycamore Services Inc. is a non-profit organization based in Danville, IN, that serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across 27 counties, primarily in central Indiana. They provide a variety of programming and services to meet the needs of the participants that they serve, from children to adults.

· Diversity – We embrace the unique contributions of each individual · Integrity – Ethics without compromise is our standard of conduct · Excellence – We continually pursue the highest quality in all areas.

Honesty and hard work make things happen.

Highlights of services offered include: · Community activity and integration · Respite care, behavior management, and recreational therapy · Services for the deaf and hard of hearing · Transportation services · Pre-employment transition, supported work, and employment services · Residential and day services Mission Statement:

Sycamore Services, Inc. makes a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and others experiencing daily challenges by providing individualized training and services to increase independence and enhance their quality of life.

Vision:

Sycamore Services, Inc. is the recognized industry leader in making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities by providing quality services when and where they are needed in the state of Indiana.

Our highly trained staff and collaborative efforts overcome barriers by responding to the evolving needs of individuals, businesses, and communities. We are the agency of choice because of our integrity, positive outcomes, and commitment to those we serve.

24 Special Needs Living • January 2022

Sycamore’s zero exclusion policy gives everyone a chance to work/live in the least restrictive environment possible. People with disabilities become people with jobs, people with homes and roommates, people with responsibilities, people who lead productive, contributing lives in their communities.

Sycamore’s continued efforts are based upon the principle that persons with developmental and other disabilities have the same basic rights to human dignity and freedom as all other citizens. We strive to assist the individuals we

serve in the development of their talents and abilities, to enable them to exercise their rights as citizens and engage in meaningful pursuits in the communities we serve.

Spotlight:

Sycamore Services Participant Dishing Up Good Eats in Hendricks County

By Matthew Kent A Sycamore Services participant working toward his dream of becoming a chef is sharing his passion in Hendricks County.

Danville resident John Luecht started his career in the food industry in 2014 at McDonald’s in Plainfield, where he cleaned tables and dishes for nearly six years. He decided to attend Erskine Green Training Institute based in Muncie, which provides post-secondary training for adults with disabilities and offers training programs in food service/restaurant, healthcare support, and hospitality.

Luecht received industry-recognized certification as a kitchen cook through the institute a year ago. And if you’ve visited Charbonos in Avon for an evening meal, it’s likely that Luecht helped prepare your appetizer, pizza, or dessert in the six months he was employed there, until this past May. This past summer, he was a cook at Camp Tannadoonah in Vandalia, Michigan, where he put his culinary skills to good use, in addition to cleaning and sanitizing as needed.

Currently, he is playing a role in feeding more than 1,000 children enrolled at Plainfield Middle School, where he works as a cook making pizzas and cookies during the week.

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.

Luecht has worked closely with his employment consultant, Clay Cramer, who provided support for four job interviews Luecht had in Danville, Avon, Brownsburg, and Plainfield for food service positions.

“John was offered jobs from all four locations.

He had the luxury of choosing where he wanted to work,” Cramer said. Luecht and his family ultimately determined that Plainfield was the best choice for him and he began working for the Plainfield Community School Corp. on Sept. 9th.

“John has made an outstanding impression on his managers and coworkers,” Cramer said. “He has already established himself as an important member of the foodservice team at Plainfield Middle School.”

Matthew Kent mskent@sycamoreservices.com

Contact Kristin Richards Today!

317-698-5264 | teamrichards25@yahoo.com January 2022 • Special Needs Living

25

independent living. IDEA is a federal law. Each state has then taken the federal law and written a “state version” that complies with all the requirements of IDEA. A state cannot write a law that is more restrictive than the federal version, but states can provide additional benefits or more liberal terms within the state codification of IDEA.

By Sheila Wolfe IEP Services

THE ABCs OF IEPs The Laws That Protect Students With Disabilities What laws protect the rights of students with disabilities? There are basically three laws that protect the educational rights of students with special needs, and an additional law that protects the privacy of students’ educational records.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures that all children with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and

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In Indiana, 511 IAC 7-32 through 49, commonly called “Article 7” spells out how IDEA will be implemented and enforced in Indiana public schools. https://www.in.gov/doe/files/art-7-english-may2019-update-index.pdf. To help parents understand and interpret Article 7, the Indiana Department of Education has published a document called “Navigating the Course: Finding Your Way Through Indiana’s Special Education Rules.” https://www.in.gov/ doe/files/navigating-course-art-7-revisions-2019.pdf.

My advice is to read Article 7 completely and note any sections, which may seem confusing or difficult to understand. You can then use “Navigating the Course” as a tool to help answer some of the questions you may have after reading Article 7.

The U.S. Department of Education also has very helpful information regarding any topic included in IDEA/Article 7. https://www.ed.gov.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits disability-based discrimination by any entity receiving federal funding.

Section 504 is enforced by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) based in Chicago for Indiana complaints. Think of Section 504 as a set of rules designed to level the playing field for individuals with disabilities. This includes the provision of a free appropriate public education, which can include special or regular education, and related services and/or accommodations designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities to the same extent the needs of non-disabled students are met. It also provides for equal treatment and nondiscrimination in extracurricular activities and nonacademic opportunities. Lastly, it provides for equal accessibility for people who have physical limitations or handicaps (such as ramps for students in wheelchairs).

FAQs about Section 504 can be reviewed here: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html.

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits disability-based discrimination by all public entities, regardless of whether they receive federal funding or not.

Title II of the ADA is also enforced by the OCR. In 2008, the Amendments Act provided for a broader interpretation of the definition of “disability” in the ADA but retained the definition under Section 504. For more information on Title II of the ADA, visit https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-28/part-35.

In addition to the laws protecting the right to a free appropriate public education, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student educational records.

Educational records include anything that relates to the student that is a written document (like email), computer media, picture, film, video, audiotape, microfilm, microfiche, etc. FERPA gives

parents certain rights over their student’s educational records.

When a student turns 18, these rights transfer to the student (unless the parent has guardianship). These rights include: 1. The right to inspect/review the educational records of the student.

2. The right to request corrections to the student record if the parent believes the information to be incorrect or incomplete.

If the school refuses this request, the parent has the right to a formal hearing to compel the school to make the changes, and/ or the right to place a written statement in the record stating their view of the information in question.

3. Except for specific circumstances, a school must get written permission (a release) to disclose any information from the student’s educational record. https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/?src=fpco

Parents also have the right to file a complaint against the school for disclosing educational records in violation of FERPA. This is a link to the complaint form and instructions for filing: https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/sites/default/files/ resource_document/file/EComplaint%20form%20 FERPAv2018_10-4-19_508_1.pdf.

It is extremely important to know as much as possible about your child’s right to receive a free appropriate public education. There are many free resources on the internet that provide access to the laws, documents of guidance/clarification, frequently asked questions, and links to additional sources of valuable information. Parents may initially be intimidated by the length of some of the documents, but I assure you if you take the time to read and understand Article 7 (as a beginning point), the benefit to your student with a disability will be immeasurable. If you get stumped…shoot me an email. I’d be glad to help.

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29

HOPE Source The

Celebrates its 15th Anniversary

Hope Tube talent show

By: Julie Gordon, LCSW - President/Owner

As The Hope Source celebrates its 15th anniversary, I am honored to be featured in this issue to highlight our success, spotlight our services, and tell our story. As I reflect on all these years, deciding what I want to say, I find myself overwhelmed not knowing where to begin. However, there is one glaring feeling in every memory – gratitude.

The Hope Source has enriched the lives of so many people, but most significantly, my own.

With that, I write this open letter to all of those who have been a part of the last 15 years: While in college, 20 years ago, my roommate was graduating and asked me to take over her job helping a little boy with autism. I had never met anyone with autism, so I accepted reluctantly. I did not know it then, but that little boy would change the trajectory of my life. I am grateful for this angel who patiently introduced me to what it meant to have special needs.

A few years later, a little girl who was struggling with progress in her ABA programs was placed in my path. This family sought alternative interventions that opened my eyes to a more holistic approach that not only better fit my values and temperament but gave me the opportunity to witness this little girl take leaps and begin smiling. I am grateful for this family who trusted me to go on a new journey with them and ignited a passion I did not know I had.

30 Special Needs Living • January 2022

After graduate school, I tried to follow my original career path as a school social worker. However, I was not allowed to counsel students with autism because they were in the hands of special education. I am grateful for the opportunity to work in schools, but also for them telling me “no.” Without that “no,” The Hope Source may never have come to be.

The Hope Source opened in January 2007 as a private consulting practice focused on a more developmental, parent-based intervention. If I had learned anything over the last six years, working with families of children with autism and getting involved in the autism community, it was that the whole family needed support. Marriages were strained, siblings struggled to find their place, grandparents were heartbroken not knowing how to interact with their grandchildren. I am grateful for the first two families who put their trust in me to lead them on a very difficult and rewarding journey of parent-based intervention. I was not yet a parent and looked like I was twelve, but they trusted me when I assured them that I was not going to teach them how to parent - they already were experts at that. My job was to help them empower themselves to be parents again. They needed someone to listen, encourage and bring out the strengths in their parent-child relationship and family unit.

Julie Gordon speaking at High School Graduation

second-hand furniture. It may not have been a state-of-the-art clinic, but our therapy model was the best and our clients were thriving.

I am grateful for all the memories of spirit weeks, field trips, talent and Christmas shows, staff development days, Best Buddies, parent workshops, benefits, and high school graduations.

I am grateful for each and every family across three states that videotaped themselves in their pajamas to implement the homework I asked them to do. They let me have a window to their world, vulnerable and open to change and challenge. I remember each and every client and family that walked through our doors. I am grateful for everything that I learned from them and that I now can teach to others.

In 2013, after years of amazing outcomes, The Hope Source developed its hybrid model of therapy and education. Partnering with a charter school, our clients could have IEPs and the education that they are entitled to. I am grateful for the charter schools who believed in our clients and that a hybrid model could work. I am grateful for those who helped me navigate the charter school world for the founding of Dynamic Minds Academy, which aims to capture the successful model that The Hope Source created over six years.

In 2009, because of grassroots demand from families, I started our in-clinic services program and hired my first five employees. I didn’t intend to have a center and I was learning to run a business as I went. I am grateful for those humble beginnings of

we moved to our current location on Craig Street, I could finally do everything that I had envisioned for years.

One dream was the Hope Source Café.

It is not only a place, but a vocational

program to provide our clients with real-world, authentic opportunities to apply the executive functioning skills they were acquiring in therapy. I am grateful to everyone who had a hand making this massive facility our home.

I am grateful for the behavior analysts who took a chance and pushed outside their comfort zone to learn a new and different way of implementing ABA. Without them, we would not be able to provide this ground-breaking intervention, which I know is the future of ABA. I am grateful to our clinical team for working so collaboratively for continuity of care and better outcomes. I am grateful to our specialty therapists for bringing music, art, and physical recreation group therapy to our clients. I am grateful for our team supervisors who run around all day making sure their team is supported in every way. I am grateful for all the staff that shows up every day for their team, for their clients, and for the mission.

In 2020, my vision for a therapy curriculum was finally accomplished. Purpose Project captured over a decade of program development. It provides a meaningful backdrop for natural, project-based, collaborative opportunities to work on social, emotional, cognitive, and executive functioning treatment goals. It provides families an opportunity to see their children present a culmination of eight weeks of hard work--whether performing, speaking publicly, or through a creative medium like THS500, HopeTube and HopeTank. I am grateful for those team members who took the vision from my brain and brought it to life. Your work has enriched the lives of our clients and increased their self-confidence.

Hope Tank purpose project

I am grateful for my directors. It is not easy to work under a passionate, type B, creative, opinionated, business owner and social worker. I am grateful for your loyalty, your faith, and the heart you put into every aspect of The Hope Source as if it were your own.

This year, we have expanded our services to reach those seeking outpatient mental health services, family consultation (ABA), and speech and occupational therapy in Indianapolis and Terre Haute.

I am grateful for the Heart of the Spectrum Outpatient Services (Heart SOS) team for launching so successfully and bringing The Hope Source back to its roots of parent-based intervention.

I am grateful for the good days. The thankful emails from parents, the letters in my mailbox from clients – some complaining about no soda or Wi-Fi; others telling me that I saved their life.

I am grateful for all the really trying times, but even more for those who believed in me and stayed with me through them. I am stronger than I ever thought I could be, but only because of them.

I am grateful for my family. For those who lent me the funds to pursue this mission and those who hold down the fort and keep me grounded.

I am grateful that God showed me my purpose in life at such an early age. He put so many people in my path that kept me on the mission to bring hope to those who need it.

First Talent Show-2012

Café food preparation

Happy Birthday to The Hope Source! Three logos, four buildings, 400 clients and 900 employees later - I am grateful to have found my people and my purpose.

Hope Always, Julie To learn more about all the services provided by The Hope Source, visit us at asdhopesource.com or follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/asdhopesource Or check our our website at www.asdhopesource.com and Heart SOS at www.asdheartsos.com.

The Hope Source, Inc. 8350 Craig Street Indianapolis, IN 46250

January 2022 • Special Needs Living

31

YOUR CHILD DESERVES TO REACH HIS FULLEST POTENTIAL AND BECOME A VALUABLE PART OF HIS COMMUNITY

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Her practice at the Law Office of Elizabeth A. Homes LLC is focused on Special Needs Planning, Guardianships, Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate Work. This includes Wills, Powers of Attorney, Advanced Directives, Trusts, Trust Administration, Medicaid Planning, Special Needs Planning, Guardianship, and Probate. She is admitted to practice law in the State of Indiana.

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A.C.E. Is Growing Exceptional Learners From The Ground Up! We recognize that every individual with Autism is unique in terms of his or her challenges and strengths. Whether you are a family who has just received an Autism diagnosis, you have an older child in the later stages of treatment, or anything in between, ACE will create an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy program that will work for your child and your family.

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PEAS for Kids Connections Case Management, LLC puts the individual first in everything we do. We work together to create a culture of inclusion built on trust, respect and dignity.

Empowering people with disabilities to create purposeful and meaningful lives by connecting clients to services and supports based on each individual’s interests, strengths, and needs.

We provide Medicaid Waiver Case Management and serve all Indiana counties.

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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317.547.3041 | altruistgroup.net 34 Special Needs Living • January 2022

pastor’s corner

By Paul Hathcoat

The Rule of

99:1

In all aspects of life, there are little lessons that we learn that shape our worldview and, in turn, our future. These lessons and personal revelations can come from a plethora of different sources, but they all have one thing in common: They open our eyes to see things from a different and more informed perspective. My hope today is to share with you readers a lesson that God brought to me this week. This lesson spills out into the special needs ministry that I shepherd and informs my team as individuals, evangelists, and everyday advocates. Let’s talk about that, from a pastor’s perspective.

The journey to uncovering this truth and lesson began in the Book of Acts. The work and the message of Jesus had spread out from Jerusalem and came to the region of Samaria at this time. A young and faithful leader named Philip was the major catalyst for the wonderful period of spiritual awakening in Samaria.

In chapter 8 we read that “spirits were cast out,” “the lame were healed” (Acts: 8:7), and “there was great joy in the city” (v.8), as “many men and women were baptized” (v.12). In essence, the city and its people were hearing the good news, turning away from their evil and selfish ways, and accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior through Philip’s influence. I am imagining what it must have felt like for Philip to lead so many people to faith. That seems like a genuine Billy Graham moment!

As we get to the end of chapter 8 though, we see that the glory, excitement, and grandeur of this huge faith movement and outreach quickly faded as God called Philip to “go south, down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza” (v.26). Philip was literally called out of the busy and bustling city, to go to where the desert meets the end of that region. Let me tell you that almost nothing was there for Philip to encounter. What must he have been thinking and feeling? One moment he was leading masses of people to faith and seeing a huge spiritual awakening, and the next, he found himself at the end of a 50-mile road out of the city that led only to an enormous wasteland of a desert.

Why does God do this? Why are we often pulled out of the joyful and comfortable places and times in our lives to taste the dust of loneliness and uncertainty once again? I asked myself, as a special needs pastor, how many families that I support feel like they are walking toward a desert right now, away from where they thought they were headed, feeling alone and not understanding? Are you?

Well, as He does time and time again, God had a plan for Philip.

We read in verse 27 that “he (Philip) met the treasurer of Ethiopia” (v.27) on that desert road, and that “Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the book of Isaiah” (v.30). We continue to read that the Ethiopian man asked Philip to come and explain to him what he was reading from the book of Isaiah because he did not understand. Next Philip “beginning with this same scripture, told him the Good News about Jesus” (v.35).

Do you see yet what this story is telling us? It took me a while to piece it together but when I did, it changed my worldview, my pastoral view, and my personal view of God and how my life works. Philip went to Samaria early in chapter 8 and did massively influential works to bring thousands of people to know Jesus. Then, immediately after, God called Philip to the desert road where only one person was waiting to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. What a contrast!

God cares about us all. God has a plan for each of our lives. God’s plan for us is DIFFERENT but equally important in the Kingdom.

Whether we have a whole city around us of supporters and fellow think-alikers, or we are isolated and struggling to understand what we are supposed to be getting out of life like the Ethiopian man, God will send us helpers. God will reach out to us one way or another because he knows and cares about every single person he ever created. He even asks His Kingdom workers to leave the 99 and go find the one. May you be blessed by His word.

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.

January 2022 • Special Needs Living

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Meet Rachel Edwards A L L

A R O U N D

Hello! My name is Rachel Edwards. I am the owner of All Around Indy, a small disability services company in Indianapolis. I was born in 1989 in Huntington, WV, and diagnosed with ADHD at age 4. When I was a child I had issues with safety and senBy Rachel Edwards sory needs, yet struggled to get appropriate accommodations.

I initially delved into the disabled community as a peer tutor in high school. I helped other disabled students my age by working one-onone with them to complete homework and enjoy social time. For the first time, I felt comfortable socially and truly motivated to support others. I graduated high school in 2008 in Indiana and set out towards Marshall University in West Virginia to begin my journey learning to help the disabled community. I began with an associate’s degree in American Sign Language and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. While at MU, I worked as a direct care provider for elderly autistic clients and as an American Sign Language interpreter for deaf public school and college students for seven years. I worked hard to support my clients and advocate for their needs. I pushed for classroom accommodations and community supports. After I graduated with my ASL and education degrees, I moved back to Indiana to bring the skills and information I had learned to the Indianapolis disabled community. Once in Indiana, I applied to become an Indiana teacher. I spent two years teaching autistic students with behavioral needs and learning to incorporate academics into behavioral planning. I loved working with my students, however, I found that one-on-one support was absolutely necessary for my students to learn the skills they needed to thrive. I decided to leave teaching to learn more about applied behavior analysis and how ABA providers are able to work with autistic children oneon-one. While working as a registered behavior technician, I began my master’s degree in applied behavior analysis with autism certification. After learning more about autism, I became more aware of my own characteristics and how they compared to my clients’. After my psychiatrist referred me for an official autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, I was assessed and diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and ADHD at age 27. I began to analyze my studies and therapeutic practices through the autistic lens. I read through hundreds of posts from the online autism community. I noticed

36 Special Needs Living • January 2022

I N D Y

some common problematic practices within the ABA field: targeting eye contact, unnecessary or harmful punishment procedures, boring table trials, long days, and requiring complete compliance.

I, myself, have experienced ableism and discrimination within the ABA industry. Once I became a board-certified behavior analyst, I decided to create my own company for disability services that would provide that crucial one-on-one support while incorporating trauma-informed practices and compassionate human-centered services. I am able to provide therapy and consultation services through the autistic and disabled perspective by modeling coping skills for my clients that work for me and bonding with my clients over shared experiences. We are currently

offering in-home, in-community, and in-school ABA therapy and plan to add other services in the future. I want to support my clients in all aspects of life and collaborate with all family members and staff. I will continue to support and advocate for my disabled peers and clients by providing compassionate and effective services, training other providers, and listening to autistic voices.

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CABBAGE & TURKEY SAUSAGE

W I T H B A B Y P O TAT O E S

By Christina McGairk

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! Welcome to 2022! It’s that time of year where new year’s resolutions are made and traditions are celebrated.

In our family, on New Year’s Day, my parents always cooked cabbage, black-eyed peas, and cornbread to stuff our tummies. I never really questioned it because it was just something we always did on January 1st. Yet now that I’m older, I wondered how this New Year’s ritual came about. I did some digging around and found different stories about why many families carry on this tradition.

Some sources say eating black-eyed peas was the way the Jewish people celebrate Rosh Hashanah, while other sources date the tradition back to the Civil war era.

Although it’s hard to pinpoint when exactly this tradition started, the symbolism is the same. Black-eyed peas signify coins, cabbage symbolizes money, and cornbread represents gold.

I have carried on this New Year’s custom with my daughter TiTi. Her favorite dish is cabbage with turkey sausage. Thankfully, cabbage and the ingredients I put in it are naturally gluten-free. TiTi

is a lover of green vegetables and turkey sausage, but she mainly likes the red potatoes in it.

So here it is. I present to you a New Year’s gluten-free dish from my family to yours.

CABBAGE AND TURKEY SAUSAGE WITH BABY POTATOES INGREDIENTS · 2 Tbsp of avocado oil · 1 lb of turkey sausage · 1 head of cabbage · 1 onion chopped

· Butter · ½ lb of baby red potatoes with skins off · 1 ½ cups of low sodium chicken broth · Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat 1 Tbsp of avocado oil in a large pot and fry the turkey sausage according to package directions.

2. Keep the sausage in the pot and add the chicken broth.

3. After cutting the cabbage, red potatoes, and onions, throw them in the pot in layers. For instance, a layer of cabbage, butter, a layer of red potatoes, butter, a layer of onions, butter.

4. Let the mixture boil uncovered for 20 minutes or until the cabbage and potatoes If you would like to share gluten-free are soft. tips, tricks, info, etc. in an upcoming 5. Serve warm. issue of Special Needs Living, email us at SpecialNeedsLivingIndy@n2pub.com.

38 Special Needs Living • January 2022

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40 Special Needs Living • January 2022

g n i v i L s d e e Special N H S A B S ’ R A NEW YE save the date

Come Celebrate the New Year with many Special Needs families at the New Years Bash!

January 15th, 2-5pm DDSi and Adaggios Banquet Hall 5999 W. Memory Ln., Greenfield, IN 46140 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 your caregiver to the event to help. Parents will be able to enjoy an evening of fun and entertainment.

We will have live bands thanks to Rock Garage & Voyager, a performance with The Mind Tripping Show, Socializing, Dancing, Appetizers, Beverages, Games, and more! Best Buddies will be in attendance to help with some games & volunteering to help with the kids. BlendingIn will be in attendance and helping to provide games and activities. Ausome Indy will be providing Sensory Bens for the community.

To Register Scan the QR code or click this link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/special-needs-living-new-years-bash-tickets-195367017007

Scan to RSVP

January 2022 • Special Needs Living

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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 and any person with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability, which prevents 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 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) Apply Here: https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/hours/access-pass MUSEUMS Various Events Jan. 8 and 9, 2022 Starting at 10:30 am Children’s Museum of Indianapolis 3000 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46208 317-334-4000 https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar?date=01/08/2022 SPORTS Indiana Pacers Jan. 5, 8, 12, 14, 26, 31, 2022 Various start times Bankers Life Fieldhouse 125 South Pennsylvania St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-917-2727 https://www.nba.com/pacers/schedule

42 Special Needs Living • January 2022

Events provided by : Brittany Lowe Event Executive

THE ARTS

A Beef & Boards Christmas Dec. 28, 2021-Feb. 5, 2022 Beef and Boards 9301 Michigan Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46268 317-872-9664 https://www.beefandboards.com/Online/default.asp 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/ FAMILY SUPPORT WEBINARS

Indiana University Family Autism Support Webinars Webinar Jan. 10, 2022 12 pm https://iu.zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_YxcAVHuoT4yKsAxeHtncWw

Super Tubies Family Fun Day: Celebrating Feeding Tube Awareness Week!

Date: Time: Location: This event will be an opportunity for tube families in Indiana to have fun together, form new relationships, learn about resources in their communities, and exchange tips, tricks, and supplies. Above all, this is an opportunity to celebrate our Super Tubies and their Super Families!

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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SPECIAL NEEDS LIVING

Fall Festival at Gigi’s Playhouse!

THANKS FOR COMING OUT AND HAVING A GOOD TIME WITH US! Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the Fall Festival. We loved seeing everyone have a good time. Thank you to GiGi’s Playhouse for hosting the event and thanks to all the supporters who came out to be involved in making this event great!

GiGi’s Playhouse - Thank you for hosting, providing fun activities and pumpkins!

Lindsay Zehren with Resounding Joy providing musical experiences with many during the event!

44 Special Needs Living • January 2022

Papa Curl Ice Cream - Thank you for providing Ice Cream during the event!

Christina McGarick with daughter TiTi

Connections Case Management! Thanks for all your involvement and support!

Paula LeMaster with SafeInHome

Dan Claxton Investment Advisory & Broker

Jeremy South with Ripple Mobile Arts - Providing art activities for everyone to enjoy!

Angie Arlington - SNL Community Engagement Coordinator

BehaviorWorks ABA - Sponsoring the Paw Patrol and Cocomellon characters.

January 2022 • Special Needs Living

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Maria and Crystal with Pristine Cleaning Service

IPMG - Providing balloons and tattoos these were such a hit during the event!

46 Special Needs Living • January 2022

Aubrey Hunt - GiGi’s Playhouse and Angie Arlington - SNL Community Engagement Coordinator

Tasha Cleaver and Angie Arlington - Carter’s Crew & Carter’s Play Place providing many activities and giving away book bundles to families during the event!

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5999 W Memory Lane Greenfield, IN 46140 January 2022 • Special Needs Living

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Piece by Piece was founded in February 2019 to bring ABA therapy services to underserved communities.

Since then, we've grown to four locations: Lebanon, Frankfort, Monticello, and Lafayette. We have also recently welcomed Indiana Autism Services to our network of clinics, allowing us to serve clients in Crawfordsville and Greencastle as well. Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts work closely with families and other stakeholders to ensure generalization of skills across all settings, including home, school, and the community. We are passionate about providing high quality services to our families and being a resource for the communities we are a part of. Contact us today to learn more about the Piece by Piece difference!

Waiver Services Behavior consulting through the BDDS waiver Piece by Piece ABA Therapy Monticello: 574-240-2192 Lafayette: 765-448-1758 Piece by Piece Autism Center Lebanon: 765-481-2260 Frankfort: 765-670-6300 Indiana Autism Services Crawfordsville: 765-307-2104 Greencastle: 765-359-7700 piecebypiececenter.com

Accepting new clients!

Now hiring therapists, behavior consultants, and BCBAs! 48 Special Needs Living • January 2022

David G. Yearwood, CFP® Vice-President

Helping People Make Smart Choices About Their Money for the Reasons That Are Important to Them • Creating your financial road map and providing guidance through life’s transitions • Celebrating 35 years of serving clients at Charter Advisory Corporation • One of only 29 recipients to have been named an Indianapolis-area Five Star Wealth Manager award winner each year since 2012 Working towards the realization of your dreams is paramount in our relationship with you. The process of understanding your current financial situation is vital in making prudent decisions towards your future goals. We will walk with you, with experienced guidance, toward your financial destination.

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January 2022 • Special Needs Living

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