Special Needs Living July 2021 Digital Issue

living

Special Needs

July 2021

Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas

ON THE COVER: Meet the Witherspoon Family

Andru, Jessica, Jayla, AJ, & Jasmine

TO RECEIVE THE DIGITAL COPY TEXT: SNL TO 55433 INSIDE: • My Autism Story – Kylie Kuhn • Meet the Witherspoon Family • Blending In Inc. Club for Teens and Young Adults • Non-Profit Spotlight – Special Olympics Indiana • Meet the Kraftson Family • The Fight for Equality • Sponsor Spotlight: Cross Country Mortgage • Agape Therapeutic riding • Rhyming Sensory Stories • Dr. Melillo – The Melillo Method • Alert to Caregivers of Dependents with Special Needs • Pioneer Parents: Independence Academy • The ABC’s of IEPs • Inspirational Moments • Local Events and More

CONNECTING - INSPIRING - EDUCATING - FAMILIES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

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2 Special Needs Living • July 2021

I M P O RTA N T

N UMBE R S 317-977-2375 574-235-8899

Arc of Indiana www.arcind.org A Rosie Place for Children – Medically fragile children – https://arosieplace.org/

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

AREA DIRECTOR PUBLISHER

Jamie McCabe jamie.mccabe@n2pub.com

317-257-8683

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

317-233-4454

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

800-609-8448

Autism Society of Indiana www.autismsocietyofindiana.org

317-232-7770

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

877-241-8144

Blind and Visually Impaired Services (BVIS)

812-855-6508

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

800-545-7763

Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS)

317-233-1325

Indiana State Department of Health

Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS)

844-446-7452

Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council (INSILC)

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

855-641-8382

Indiana Works

800-622-4968

Disability Determination Bureau

800-332-4433

INSOURCE http://insource.org/

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 https://dsindiana.org

800-545-7763

877-511-1144

Early Childhood and Out of School Learning (OECOSL)

317-466-1000

Easterseals Crossroads https://eastersealscrossroads.org

911 844-323-4636

Emergency Family Voices Indiana www.fvindiana.org

800-545-7763

First Steps www.cibaby.org

574-234-7101

INSOURCE www.insource.org

317-232-0570

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

1-800-772-1213

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

877-851-4106

Special Education Questions

317-871-4032

United Cerebral Palsy Association of Grater Indiana https://www.ucpaindy.org

800-545-7763

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR)

TO VIEW PAST DIGITAL COPIES - SCAN THIS CODE 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.

July 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 who helps those with Special Needs and would be a good resource to families please email us to let us know. Jamie.McCabe@n2pub.com

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

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

ABA SERVICES Autism Center for Enrichment (317) 436-7080

CBD SUPPLIER Indy CBD Plus (317) 961-0191

Mindful and Modern ABA Therapies (317) 827-7777

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

The Indiana Institute for Behavior Analysis, LLC (317) 388-8131 ABA/COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES The Hope Source (317) 578-0410 ACCESSIBILITY PRODUCTS AMRamp (260) 519-1935 ADULT DAY CENTER Adult Day Centers Jay Lugosch (317) 296-8815 ASSISTANCE DOG Indiana Canine Assistant Network, INC. (ICAN) (317) 250-6450 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

4 Special Needs Living • July 2021

DAY / BEHAVIORAL SERVICES Developmental Disabilities Systems INC. - DDSI (317) 477-8240 DENTAL CARE Children’s Dental Center (317) 842-8453 FINANCIAL Munder Financial James Munder (317) 238-6621

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Dan Claxton Investment Advisory & Broker Dan Claxton (317) 250-8080 LANDSCAPING/LAWN CARE/ LANDSCAPE LIGHTING Franco Landscaping, Inc (317) 858-3858 MOBILITY / ACCESSIBILITY CYA Mobility (317) 530-2541 MORTGAGE CrossCountry Mortgage (317) 666-4679 NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY Indy Neurofeedback (317) 888-8500 ORTHODONTICS Hallmark Orthodontics (317) 773-5515

WestPoint Financial Group Gordon Homes (317) 567-2005

Rigsbee Hall Orthodontics (317) 574-0612

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE Wholestic Nutrition (317) 429-0111

PEDIATRIC THERAPY Wee Speak (765) 446-8300

GYMNASTICS Body by GymRoots Studio (317) 579-9300

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS LifeVantage - Team Richards Kristin Richards (317) 698-5264 INSURANCE State Farm John Cole (317) 430-1958

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

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE/STEM CELL THERAPY Destination ReGen (317) 522-1980 REMODELING/CONSTRUCTION Ray’s Construction LLC Ray Valverde (317) 515-5308

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

SUPPORT SERVICES Easterseals Crossroads (317) 466-1000

SCULPTURE, POTTERY & ART Ripple Mobile Arts (317) 514-8469

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

SPECIAL EDUCATION CONSULTING IEP Services, LLC. Sheila Wolfe (317) 573-9610

SCHOOL Dynamic Minds Academy (317) 578-0410

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

CBD OIL & TINCTURES • EDIBLES • SKINCARE • PETS

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We are committed TO BUILDING BEAUTIFUL SMILES BY FOCUSING ON BEING PERSONABLE, POSITIVE, AND PROFESSIONAL! With special training in craniofacial, surgical, and special care orthodontics, the staff and team at Hallmark and Rigsbee Hall Orthodontics is committed to you!

We are excited to see your beautiful smile and have a lot of fun along the way. Call us for a free consultation.

Carmel & Shelbyville IN rigsbeeorthodontics.com 317-574-0612

Noblesville & Elwood IN hallmarkorthodontics.com 317-773-5515

July 2021 • Special Needs Living

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MEET THE Special Needs Living JAMIE MCCABE Publisher & Area Director

BRITTANY LOWE Event Executive

HEATHER GREGG Photographer 21 Vines Photography

MARIA SMIETANA Editor & Writer

TEAM WRITER & CONTRIBUTORS

CARLA MILLER

ERIN BOAZ

MATT KNIGHT

AARON OLSON

PAUL HATHCOAT

ANGELA ARLINGTON

SHEILA WOLFE

LAURA SPIEGEL

SHANNAN PENAFLOR

REBECCA WOOD

LISA MONGE

MAUREEN MARSH

ZACH ELLIOTT

CHRISTINA MCGAIRK Editor and Writer

Behavior Management | Day Habilitation

DDSi was founded to serve the unique needs of the people who have developmental and/or intellectual disabilities to assist their attainment of life goals in a variety of residential, educational, vocational, and legal settings.

ddsi-in.com • info@ddsi-in.com • 317-477-8240

5999 W Memory Lane Greenfield, IN 46140 6 Special Needs Living • July 2021

INDEPENDENCE IS YOUR RIGHT

HOME ACCESSIBILITY AND MOBILITY EXPERTS FOR SALES, SERVICE AND INSTALLATION OF ACCESSIBILITY & MOBILITY EQUIPMENT, GIVE US A CALL TODAY!

We service most major brands!

CYA Mobility | 570 E Tracy Rd. STE 660 | Whiteland, Indiana 46184 317-530-2541 | anthony@cyamobility.com | www.cyamobility.com Local, Woman-Owned Business

July 2021 • Special Needs Living

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TELEMEDICINE PRACTICE Join our Addressing Autism From Functional Medicine Perspective Program and understand the mind and body and spirit connection!

Gain the knowledge and expertise to help yourself and others achieve their optimum health!

Functional medicine is ideal for helping individuals with ASD as the body is viewed as one integrated system rather than a collection of independent organs. By understanding and treating the body as a whole, functional medicine can help various ranges of abnormalities such as gut imbalances and detoxification issues common in individuals with autism. Such abnormalities often cause the behavioral and mood symptoms of autism.

There is no reason you or your family should endure any additional stress. We understand autism comes with enough complications and trying times, and now settling for mediocrity does not have to be your future.

Dr. Anass Sentisi, HCHC, CFMP Founder and Medical Director *working with Dr. Melillo using his Autism Therapy Program in parallel with our Functional Medicine Nutrition Programs

LORI VARAS, CFMC Executive Coaching Director

Wondering If Wholestic Nutrition Is Right For You? Schedule a FREE Discovery Consultationwith a highly trained TELEHEALTH coach!

317-429-0111 | WholesticNutrition.com | 621 Fort Wayne Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204

8 Special Needs Living • July 2021

Supporters of Special Needs Living Magazine (Team Richards with Life Vantage – Connections Case Management & Ripple Mobile Arts) – Also supporting A Kid Again – Capes & Crowns event.

note

publisher’s

Hope you are having a wonderful summer.

We really enjoyed being a part of the Capes & Crowns event that A Kid Again put on. It was nice to see so many out and enjoying themselves. We are looking forward to being able to start doing events to help bring the community together.

I am so thankful for all the heartfelt stories that are being shared each and every month. There are many times as a parent who has a special needs child where I feel a bit overwhelmed and perplexed as to some of the behaviors our son has. The stories shared have helped to shift my perspective and give me hope and inspiration.

Special Needs Living is designed for individuals with special needs and families who have a child with any type of special need, whether psychological, behavioral, emotional, or physical.

Stories will largely be written by our readers. It is for you, by you, and meant to connect you. Oftentimes we can feel alone and isolated in the world we live in today. The stories shared here will give hope, inspiration, and encouragement, perhaps even shift your perspective. If you have a story you would like to share, you are welcome to email us at SpecialNeedsLivingIndy@ n2pub.com or check out our Linktr.ee/Community.Stories to view some of the story template options.

Huge thank you to all the supporters helping to make Special Needs Living possible monthly. If you would like to be involved in any way, or for more information on how you can support or sponsor, please email me Jamie.McCabe@n2pub.com.

You can follow us on our Facebook page: Special Needs Living magazine to view our monthly digital versions and to keep up with events, stories, and things we are looking to add to the magazine.

If you would like to receive the Digital version monthly just text the letters SNL to 55433.

We hope you enjoy the July issue of Special Needs Living. We welcome feedback and are excited to bring this magazine and resource to you each and every month!

Your Publisher,

Jamie McCabe 248-882-8448 | Jamie.McCabe@n2pub.com

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.

IN HOME & CLINIC-BASED SERVICES In-Network With Most Insurances

www.autismenrichment.com (317) 436-7080 | info@autismenrichment.com July 2021 • Special Needs Living

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This Magazine is

– FO R YOU – BY YOU –

To Support & Connect You H E R E IS HO W YOU CA N BE I N V OLV ED New option to receive Special Needs Living digitally through Text Message: Would you like to receive the digital version of Special Needs Living magazine through Text Message monthly?

Just Text the letters SNL to 55433

LET’S GET SOCIAL

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

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.

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.

10 Special Needs Living • July 2021

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.

FOR ADVERTISING: Do you run a business that supports the Special Needs Community and are looking to advertise and support the Special Needs Living magazine? Email: Jamie.

McCabe@n2pub.com.

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).

Do you have a story to share? Open your camera and hold it over this code, click the link that appears and you will be taken to the page to view some of the story options.

July 2021 • Special Needs Living

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Empowering Lives

ABA � SPEECH � OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Evansville 101 NW 1st Street Suite 118 Evansville, Indiana 47708 (812) 636-1533

Indianapolis 8650 Commerce Park Place Suite A1 Indianapolis, IN 46268 (317) 388-8131

www.tiiba.org Follow Us on Facebook & Instagram @TIIBARocks 12 Special Needs Living • July 2021

a moment of inspiration By: Laura Spiegel – Paint Her in Color

To the Mom Who Doesn’t Always Believe in Herself We mamas don’t always believe in ourselves. We don’t trust our intuition. We second guess whether we are good enough, strong enough, or just plain “enough.” We question ourselves far more than we question others. We are sometimes our own worst enemy.

For years, I worked with doctors and nurses who were trying to help people fit the day-to-day management of chronic illness into their busy and hectic lives. Their biggest stumbling block? When people didn’t believe that what they did really mattered.

They could have all the skills in the world, but if they didn’t believe that they could “do it” – or if they didn’t believe that their actions would make any sort of meaningful difference in their lives – they often failed. It’s like that old Henry Ford quote.

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t…you’re right.”

How many other mamas can relate?

Some days I feel like an imposter in my own life. Can I really raise my daughter to be both diligent in her self-care and unrestrained by her health? Will my son grow to resent me for the allowances I grant his sister? Should I even be writing this article, or should I be spending this time with my family?

Why do we do this, mamas?

Why do we reserve some of our harshest words – our deepest criticisms – for ourselves? Why do we resist reaching out for help when we need someone to lend a hand or lift us up? Why don’t we just accept that life is messy and that we are doing the best we can?

Weeping, laughing, shouting, soothing, smiling, fearing, hoping, planning, and all the while, loving. Building memories, building bridges. Shaping futures, shaping lives.

We are doing a good job. We are loved. And above all, we are not alone.

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.

Special Needs Planning & Elder Law Attorney

Here to help you put plans in place to give you peace of mind.

Elizabeth A. Homes is a special needs planning and elder law attorney. She has been licensed and practicing law since May of 2014.

Her practice at the Law 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.

We ask "What If?" so you don't have to ask "What Now?"

What we do matters, mamas, and we are making a difference every day.

Changing feeding tubes. Changing diapers. Challenging doctors.

Challenging preconceived notions. Counting pills. Counting bills.

Calculating insulin doses. Calculating insurance payments. Dressing kids. Dressing PICC lines. Doing therapy. Doing homework.

Elizabeth A. Homes, Esq., MBA ehomeslaw.com | 317-660-5004 elizabeth@ehomeslaw.com 10412 Allisonville Road, Suite 200A Fishers, Indiana 46038

July 2021 • Special Needs Living

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MEET THE

WITHERSPOON FAMILY

By Christina McGairk

Many parents look forward to expanding their families. Valparaiso natives Jessica and Andru Witherspoon are no exception. First, they had their daughter Jayla, who is 10, then came AJ, 7, and lastly Jasmine, who is 5.

According to Jessica, her pregnancy with her second child, AJ, went without a hitch. She had her usual ultrasounds and was screened for chromosomal abnormalities. The results always came back fine. Yet, things took a turn after AJ’s birth. “At delivery, we found out AJ was born with Down syndrome along with some other medically complex conditions,” she said.

One of those conditions is Anorectal Malformation, also known as imperforate anus. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, anorectal malfunction is a birth defect that doesn’t allow the anus or rectum to repel waste or stool properly.

“At just 3 weeks old, he went through reconstructive surgery and he’s now had over a dozen surgeries since,” said Jessica. On top of the conditions already mentioned, AJ also has a Neurogenic Bladder. John Hopkins Medical Center describes this as a malfunction in the brain signals that alert the anus and rectum to release. He also was born with two holes in his heart, which have recently healed, and hydronephrosis.

In AJ’s case, it means around-the-clock catheterization care for him.

All of AJ’s diagnoses place him under the VACTERL umbrella. The acronym stands for vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheo-esophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and limb abnormalities.

According to AJ’s mom, a patient who has at least three of these characteristics falls into the VACTERL category.

Despite all of AJ’s life-long conditions, the Witherspoons have taken it all in stride. “We have found the best way to overcome the challenges is through education and advocacy” Jessica said.

Jessica, who works as a parent support advocate at IN*SOURCE and sits on the board of directors as a parent representative for the Indiana Division For Early Childhood, believes her years of experience working in the disability community have strengthened her need to stress the importance of advocacy to special needs parents. “My advice to others who have had similar challenges would be to further educate yourself on the conditions and the options available, and DON’T GIVE UP!”

14 Special Needs Living • July 2021

The Witherspoons have received help along their journey from various organizations like Hannah’s Hope and Chasing Dreams, which provides tools, resources, and support for special needs families.

AJ’s conditions have caused some physical delays. He started crawling and walking later than his peers and experienced “jello legs” when he started walking. He also encountered communication delays. According to Jessica, AJ really wasn’t into talking for a long time and would use American Sign Language instead.

Recently, he’s started to use his verbal communication skills.

Even through all their struggles, the Witherspoons couldn’t be prouder of their son. “This is a big accomplishment for him as we have witnessed how incredibly hard he has worked up to this point,” said Jessica. “He can now express his wants and needs, which is all we could ask for.”

As for AJ’s future, what his family wants the most for him is pretty simple; to have a voice. “Our vision is that AJ be allowed to make decisions for himself with the proper support in place.”

To learn a little bit more about AJ’s journey and others who are living with similar conditions, check out the book entitled Rare and Resilient: One in 5000 Anthology (Imperforate Anus/ Anorectal) on Amazon.

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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9885 E. 116th Street, Suite 100 | Fishers, IN 46037 babytoothcenter.com July 2021 • Special Needs Living

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Meet Developmental Enrichment Program’s

Sharon Cesnik & Paula Quammen Merging Love, Fun, & Growth

By Rebecca Wood

Five years ago, Carla Schmid frantically phoned a developmental pediatrician. Schmid desperately sought guidance for her 3-yearold son, Cody, who had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Cody was struggling in his cooperative preschool class with verbal and social skills. He lagged behind his peers in reaching developmental milestones.

To Schmid’s dismay, the developmental pediatrician couldn’t see Cody for months. Schmid erupted into tears and reiterated the need for immediate help. The sympathetic office staff referred Schmid to the Developmental Enrichment Program run by Sharon Cesnik and Paula Quammen.

Shortly thereafter, Cody was enrolled in the program’s preschool enrichment classes. In a matter of weeks, Cody was not only able to sit for circle time, but he began to respond to questions and engage in tasks. The Schmids continued to witness Cody’s growth as he attended more and more classes.

“Before my husband and I could even dare to imagine a future for Cody, Sharon and Paula already saw and believed in his potential.

They knew he could be pulled out of his ‘inner world’ and engage with the world around him,” Schmid said.

Cody is now in first grade. Schmid says Cody’s teachers are shocked to read his preschool reports. The same kid who was non-verbal and non-responsive to verbal input is now laughing with peers on the playground and volunteering to answer questions at morning meeting.

“It’s not an exaggeration at all to say that Sharon and Paula completely changed our son’s life,” said Schmid.

Cody’s story is not unique; numerous other families share similar accounts of children’s changed lives through the Developmental Enrichment Program.

Cesnik and Quammen launched the Developmental Enrichment Program 23 years ago. The pair had previously worked at Crossroads Rehabilitation Center. Cesnik, a trained speech therapist, and Quammen, an early childhood and special education teacher, worked well together and shared the same philosophy on children; namely, the desire to make growth fun.

While at Crossroads, Cesnik and Quammen recognized the school systems’ limited resources for children struggling with social, verbal, and academic skills. They noted a need for private therapy to fill those gaps. They also wanted to include the entire family in the process, an undertaking many school districts find difficult.

Eager to meet those needs, the twosome initially developed a summer program for preschoolers struggling with speech, social, and behavioral skills. After that first summer, Developmental Enrichment Program grew into a year-round program that serves children age 3 to eighth grade through both preschool enrichment programs and school-age social skills groups.

16 Special Needs Living • July 2021

Between 50 and 60 kids are currently enrolled in the Developmental Enrichment Program. Many kids in the program have been diagnosed with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or Down syndrome, but the program accepts children facing all sorts of behavioral and developmental challenges.

Cesnik and Quammen said their program is best suited for children who are having trouble being successful, but they shy away from labeling a child based on a diagnosis.

“We put the diagnoses on the shelf and look at the child’s strengths and weaknesses. We want to give all families hope and encouragement that their child can be the best he or she can be,” Quammen said.

The Developmental Enrichment Program offers a morning and afternoon session and operates after-school social skills groups for school-age children. Classes or groups have 12 children or less grouped by age and skill level. A typical class or group focuses on language, behavior, social, cognitive, emotional, and coping skills.

The social skills groups often participate in “share day” where children learn the “give and take” of conversation. The groups also play lots of group games where kids practice losing and being a good sport.

“We are firm but very kind,” said Cesnik. “We asked the parents ‘if your child didn’t have this diagnosis, what would your expectations be of your child?’ We help the child meet those expectations with additional support.”

Cesnik and Quammen don’t limit their interaction just to the group or class seatings. They perform home and school visits.

They attend school meetings where they offer additional input to teachers and staff on behalf of a child.

Quammen and Cesnik maintain this same philosophy with their Developmental Enrichment Program kids. The pair sets high expectations while still imparting unconditional love to their kids.

“We can always find the good in any kid,” Cesnik said. “We aim to prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child.”

Setting expectations high in a loving fashion proved life-changing for Cody. Schmid admitted that fear and uncertainty stopped her and her husband from pushing Cody towards growth. She credits Cesnik and Quammen with providing wisdom and direction.

“They were strong enough and wise enough to know that a push was exactly what he needed,” said Schmid. “We will be forever grateful. Honestly, I’m not sure where Cody would be without them.”

The Developmental Enrichment Program starts its next sessions on September 7. If interested in learning more about the program, email Sharon Cesnik at sharon_cesnik@ comcast.net or Paula Quammen at paquammen@yahoo.com.

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

Save the Date!

Puppies and Ponies at Sunset

Friday, July 16, 2021 - Hickory Hall Polo Club 7551 E. 100 N. Whitestown, IN 46075

With the depth of interactions, the Developmental Enrichment Program nurtures a family atmosphere, not only for the child enrolled in the program, but also for the child’s family.

“We love longevity with the parents and children,” said Cesnik.

“We say once a family, always a family. We are always wanting to be part of a child’s life.”

Quammen added, “Getting invited to one of our kids’ high school graduation parties is the most rewarding. We’ve had kids earn their Eagle Scout rank, attend college, and get married.”

Both women have a passion for working with children who are struggling. Quammen understands many of the children’s feelings as she faced her own medical challenges at birth. Quammen was born without an esophagus and endured numerous surgeries and medical interventions over the years.

She said her parents wanted her to be strong. “My parents placed the bar high and didn’t treat me any differently.”

Gates Open at 5 p.m.

A family friendly event to benefit the life-changing missions of ICAN and Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding

Learn more at www.icandog.org or www.morningdovetrc.org July 2021 • Special Needs Living

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18 Special Needs Living • July 2021

impact supporters

THANK YOU

to the below Impact Supporters for helping to support Special Needs Living Magazine

Heather Gregg : 21 Vines Photography – 317-345-7687 Portrait Photographer - I love to photograph families and children. I’m available for seniors, engagement, maternity, newborn lifestyle, cake smash, headshots, extended family sessions and more!

This monthly magazine is free on behalf of the supporters. The Impact Supporters help us to get the printed copy out to more families. If you would like to help support Special Needs Living Magazine, please reach out to SpecialNeedsLivingIndy@n2pub.com.

Matt Hadley: AP Engineering & Consulting, Inc. – (317) 828-0250

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Framing • Flooring • Roofing • Yard Cleaning • Decks • Interior and Exterior Painting • Privacy Fence • Build Expanding Walls JulyRamps 2021 •• Special Needs Living

19

pioneer parents in indiana

By Angela Arlington

A B O U T:

Susan Le Vay & Ruth Padgett,

Co-Founders of The Independence Academy In the mid-2000s, both Susan Le Vay and Ruth Padgett were facing the same challenges raising their children with autism. Ruth stated, “I was a stay-at-home mom of three children and it was a very intense and chaotic time for our family. One of our children, who has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis and other learning difficulties, at that time, was presenting with significant behavioral challenges both at home and in school settings. Life revolved around doctor and therapy appointments, school meetings, new schools, and even an attempt at home-schooling.”

Susan was a full-time teacher and a mother of two kids. “Both my sons were on the autism spectrum and struggled with depression and increasing anxiety, which was often overwhelming for our family,” she shared. Like many children with autism, both were bullied, ostracized, misunderstood, and under-served, due to their complex diagnoses and key learning disabilities. “My life revolved around teaching my sons and other students,” she added. “It included home-schooling my older son during fifth grade, researching best practices for teaching students with ASD, advocating as a parent and teacher, and taking my sons to school, doctor, and therapy appointments. Like Ruth and many other parents, I was also involved in caring for an aging father who had many health problems.”

Both mothers could see first-hand that their children needed multi-sensory opportunities to learn academics and had not received enough ASD-specific intervention in previous educational settings. Ruth explained, “They needed to have breaks in the classroom, learn self-regulation, and daily life and social instruction to practice crucial skills.” As a teacher, Susan had many ideas to transform classrooms into inviting and safe spaces where students would feel more comfortable learning. “We both felt we were running out of time to improve the educational opportunities for

20 Special Needs Living • July 2021

our children. We knew in the right environment our children and others like them would thrive. We were confident they were capable of earning an accredited high school diploma, thus potentially increasing future opportunities for them.”

They began considering opening their own school in the winter of 2006. Both researched their options. “We seriously considered charter school status but were too small and did not have funding or corporate sponsorship for upfront costs to open the school,” Susan recalled. “Charter school organizations typically have a minimum of 150 students enrolled, which exceeds numbers we believed were conducive to our students’ success. Time was critical as we worked to accomplish our mission.”

In 2007, Ruth and Susan incorporated Independence Academy and became a501(c)3 non-profit private school. In August 2008, the doors to their dream school opened. Money was a challenge, but Ruth explained, “In the initial years, Susan and I created the funding by accepting the amount of our children’s tuition as our salaries. This insured our teachers were paid, which was paramount. Our own families understood and were our biggest supporters, giving us private donations to provide start-up funding and a scholarship fund. Most families paid tuition and occasionally we received donations. As a private school in the Indianapolis Public Schools district, we received some funding and support for speech and language and occupational therapy services.”

The Independence Academy opened with grades 5–12, for students with ASD on the diploma track. The school provided students with a state-approved curriculum, daily life and social skills training, and sensory breaks, all in an environment that is friendly, welcoming, and understanding. They partnered with Butler University’s clinical speech department to provide student internships and Marian University’s special education programs to provide field experiences. In the first year, Susan and another IA teacher completed the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH), which they incorporated into IA’s classrooms. Susan became one of the first Indiana teachers certified in UCLA’s Program for the Enrichment and Education of Relational Skills (PEERS), which she and IA have offered to multiple families. Susan explained how IA has expanded over the years. “Currently, IA is partnered with Riley HANDS in autism at Riley Hospital and Speak Indy to provide essential work, life, and social skills instruction to our students, including IA student internships at Riley. IA offers dual-enrollment courses at Ivy Tech Community College.”

Beyond the school day, IA has offered a variety of after-school clubs, including art, health, chess, and robotics, which led to IA earning 2nd place at high-school district robotics championships in its inaugural year.

Monthly educational field trips for IA students extend the classroom to the larger community and encompass visits to a host of organizations to broaden students’ horizons. Regular IA parent education events provide opportunities to learn about key services,

including the Erskine Green Training Institute, vocational rehabilitation, Medicaid Family Supports Waivers and more.

Susan and Ruth reflected, “We are so grateful for the amazing students, families, and professionals we have met on this journey. We’re grateful for those who believed in us and trusted us. This is truly a confirmation that each one of us can make a difference.”

“IA has served hundreds of families throughout Indiana, many of whom had lost hope as their children were failing to thrive or falling through the cracks in other educational settings,” Ruth added. “We continue to provide a resource to the larger community and have

helped connect IA families to various services throughout and beyond their children’s education at IA.”

Susan’s sons graduated and are currently taking college courses at Ivy Tech and working part-time. Ruth’s son also graduated. He has been trying out different kinds of jobs while learning to live independently. As she continues to support her sons who hope to transition to independent living, Susan remains involved as an educator and school consultant. Ruth and Susan both support the IA Board of Directors and the school in their mission and strategic plans.

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.

July 2021 • Special Needs Living

21

Alert to Caregivers of Dependents with Special Needs:

By Gordon Homes, CFP

You May Need to Change the Beneficiaries of Your Life Insurance, Annuities, IRAs, or Other Retirement Accounts

The process of planning for a dependent with special needs involves developing a total plan to provide for the dependent’s lifetime care. Ownership of assets must be coordinated with legal documents (such as trusts, wills, and beneficiary designations) to avoid the loss or reduction of any government or other benefits for which the dependent may be eligible.

22 Special Needs Living • July 2021

Assets can pass from one individual to another in a variety of ways. Assets may be transferred by sale or by gift. At death, assets may pass through a will or under intestacy laws and be distributed by the estate. Assets may be distributed by trusts.

Certain assets will be distributed through the operation of law.

These include assets held jointly (such as real property held in joint tenancy, or as tenants in the entirety) that avoid the probate process and go directly to another named person.

Other assets can pass through operation of contract. These usually include life insurance policies, annuities, IRAs, and certain other types of retirement accounts that permit the owner to name a beneficiary. These types of assets typically avoid the probate process (unless the estate is named beneficiary), passing directly to the named beneficiary.

Even the very best plans can go astray if all the pieces of the puzzle are not pieced together correctly. Distributions specified in wills can result in money going directly to a person with special needs (for example, a provision that requires that the residuary estate be divided equally among the decedent’s children, with the share of any predeceased child being divided equally among that child’s children or descendants of predeceased children).

Payments made directly to a person with a disability may result in the reduction or even loss of government benefits.

How many caregivers of dependents with special needs today have named their dependent as the beneficiary on group or individual life insurance policies, IRAs, 401(k) plans, profit-sharing plans, or defined benefit pension plans? How many people have forgotten whom they have named as beneficiary? How many people never named a beneficiary? When the caregiver dies, the terms of those policies and retirement plans will govern the distribution of the money, usually requiring distribution to the named beneficiary or, if none is named or living, to the estate. If the dependent with special needs receives the money, this could produce disastrous results.

A frequent speaker at special needs co-ops, parent groups, state and national conferences, he has contributed to articles in the Washington Post, New York Times, and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. Gordon also provides in-service training for case management and direct service providers.

Gordon can be reached at (800) 903-6380, ghomes@financialguide.com, or www.gordonfhomes.com.

Securities, investment advisory services, and financial planning are offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC, Member SIPC www.SIPC.org, OSJ 900 East 96th St., Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46240, (317) 953-5336.

The information provided is not written or intended as specific tax or legal advice. MassMutual, its employees, and representatives are not authorized to give tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to seek advice from their own tax or legal counsel. Individuals involved in the estate planning process should work with an estate planning team, including their own personal legal or tax counsel. © 2020 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), Springfield, MA 01111-0001.

All rights reserved. www.massmutual.com. SC1012 219 CRN202202-208503

When planning for the financial future of someone with special needs, all beneficiaries of insurance policies, pension plans, IRAs, and annuities, need to be reviewed. If the caregivers have established a special-needs trust for their dependent with special needs, the trust should be named as beneficiary, so as not to compromise their loved one’s benefits eligibility. One mistake, a forgotten policy, or a beneficiary designation not updated, can unravel the best of plans!

SpecialCare is a program created by MassMutual that provides access to information, specialists, and financial solutions to people with disabilities and their families. For more information about Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its SpecialCare program, please visit www. massmutual.com/specialcare.

Provided by Gordon Homes CFP, courtesy of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) Gordon Homes is a certified financial planner whose practice focuses on financial and estate planning for families who have a child or adult member with special needs. He has a unique perspective through his experience both as a financial professional and parent.

He assists with financial and government benefit issues including access to special needs legal professionals, special needs trusts, trust funding and asset management, guardianship, Social Security, Medicaid, and waivers, as well as litigation settlements.

July 2021 • Special Needs Living

23

CLUBS FOR TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS Non-Profit Name or Cause:

Blending In Inc. Clubs for Teens & Young Adults We help people create and sustain clubs for positive social experiences.

Tell us more about your organization.

Blending In Inc. is a 100% volunteer, nonprofit collaborative social network that helps people have positive social experiences and feel acceptance from peers. We welcome all who commit to our simples rules: Be Really Nice and Have Fun. We started Blending In in 2017 because our unique and gentle children had very limited positive social opportunities, and many had negative experiences at school. We have started two Teens Fun and Games Clubs, facilitating activities to bring our children joy, and opportunities to form friendships.

Most club decisions are made by the teen members; these are their clubs, based on their interests and choices. The name “Blending In” was the idea of a founding club member, who was15 at the time. Our Gear and Friends Circle logo was created by another club member, who was 17 at the time.

Teens Clubs

1. Monthly Library Activities Parents facilitate discussions and games. We believe the club members should choose most club activities, with some adult support. Membership is free and is required to participate in activities. Minor participants must be accompanied by a responsible adult. We appreciate family donations of snacks, drinks, and sometimes, activity supplies.

2. Family Outings Parents or guardians coordinate recreational activities in the community. Events are shared on the club’s Facebook page and coordinated through the Quick Club App. Past events included laser tag, park visits, and recreation center visits. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Families cover the costs of participation (exceptions may apply depending on the club’s available resources).

3. Special Events Parents, volunteers, and/or guests facilitate events, such as arts and crafts sessions, birthday parties, improv fun, or epic games such as Dungeons and Dragons. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

How does your organization support those in the special needs community?

Blending In is a collaborative social network committed to creating positive social and recreational experiences. Our Teens Fun and Games Clubs are especially for those on the autism spectrum who are high-functioning, introverts, home-schooled kids, and anyone who wants to have some fun and make nice friends. We are a 100% volunteer organization, funded by donations. We are a registered nonprofit organization, but not a social services agency. We are not licensed to perform any services of any kind.

How can others get involved or support your organization?

We’ve had members with feelings of social anxiety and awkwardness form positive acquaintanceships and friendships over just a few months. We encourage our members to interact spontaneously, make as many decisions as possible, and to communicate openly, constructively and respectfully to work out problems. We also allow members freedom to do their own thing if they like, such as draw or play on their smartphones. It may take a few visits to get over some anxieties, but over time we’ve seen young people come out of their shells, form friendships, and grow self-confidence.

Visit Blendingin.org or email dane@blendingin.org Upcoming Event: What difficulties and/or challenges do you help families and/or individuals with special needs overcome?

We believe socialization is critical for wellbeing, and we know it can be hard to find nice friends sometimes.

24 Special Needs Living • July 2021

Indy Teens Fun & Games club coordinators Kristen Dawn and Amy McClellan have planned an outing at Great Times Family Fun Park on Saturday, August 14, from 11am to 1pm. The address is 5341 Elmwood Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46203. Cost for

participants is $21.75 and includes some arcade tokens, go-carts, mini-golf, a slice of pizza, unlimited drinks, and more! Those interested in attending can pay on the blendingin.org home page, and join the club by reading and completing the info on the Join the Club page.

Questions can also be asked on the “Inquire or Connect” page.

Any Additional Comments or Thoughts?

As a parent, I grew to better understand the difficulties and negative feelings my child and other teens experienced. So many of these kids just want to have normal, fun teen lives and to blend in with a group. They don’t want to be labeled or have their images on the internet/social media if they are portrayed as anything but normal kids enjoying normal teen life.

Thank you!

Dane

July 2021 • Special Needs Living

25

By Christina McGairk

Edamame Salad

When my daughter TiTi and I decide to pack up and go on a picnic, I usually prepare food that she likes. For instance, she LOVES her gluten-free bread. So I may make peanut butter or honey ham sandwiches since those are her two favorites. TiTi also loves broccoli by the handful. She especially enjoys a broccoli salad with bacon, dried cranberries, and a tangy dressing.

This time we’re going to add another salad to our summer picnic plate, an edamame salad created by registered dietician-nutritionist and owner of Blue Tree Nutrition, Valerie Polley.

Here is the second recipe she was gracious enough to share.

Edamame Salad Ingredients: · 1 bag (12 ounces) frozen shelled edamame · 2 cups corn-fresh or frozen · 2 red peppers, diced

· 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped · 3 tablespoons orange juice · 2 cloves garlic, chopped · 1 teaspoon salt · pepper

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Directions:

· Cook edamame according to package instructions. · Two minutes before draining, add the corn and cook for two more minutes. · Blend the remaining ingredients together and then add in edamame and corn. · Chill until ready to serve.

TiTi and I prepared Polley’s salad, with a little tweak here and there.

We omitted the red peppers since I can’t have them. We also skipped the orange juice since my daughter’s tummy is sensitive to it. That meant I had to be creative. I noticed there were a couple of avocados in the fridge that would probably go bad in a few days. I absolutely hate throwing away food. So I got innovative and concocted an avocado cilantro lime dressing, all gluten-free.

The edamame salad is pretty easy to make. TiTi is at the age now where she’s very curious about what I’m cooking. So I thought it was about time for her to learn how to prepare food. I thought a salad would be simple enough without making a huge mess.

Honestly, the hardest part was keeping TiTi from eating all the corn. She’s a major corn lover as well.

Now, in my head, I had in mind to buy fresh ears of corn and lovingly shave the corn right off the cob. The same thing with the edamame. I wanted to buy the pods and shell out the green legumes. But as a Mama who’s pressed for time, that didn’t exactly happen. Instead, I nuked the frozen corn and edamame I already had and used a jar of diced garlic.

I tried to give TiTi a little math lesson of sorts by explaining the difference between a cup, teaspoon, and tablespoon. My baby girl loves to learn so that was right up her alley. Then I had her help me mix the corn, edamame, and garlic together. As for the salad dressing, well...it was a bit runny. So I did the honors myself and drizzled it over the salad. Once finished, we put the salad in the fridge for it to chill and that was it.

We really enjoyed the edamame salad. Most of all we loved the mommy and daughter quality time while making it.

I hope this column has inspired you to get creative this summer and try preparing something new for your upcoming picnics. As you can see, picnicking while gluten-free is possible. Happy eating!

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 a glutenfree 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 SpecialNeeds LivingIndy@n2pub.com.

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27

The ABCs of IEPs

By Sheila Wolfe IEP Services

Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals in the IEP

In this article, we will examine setting S.M.A.R.T. goals in the IEP (Individualized Education Plan). SMART goals are S: Specific, M: Measurable, A: Attainable, R: Relevant, and T: Time-bound. When evaluating the goals in your child’s IEP, use this acronym to determine if the goal is appropriate. Make recommendations for changes if you see that a goal lacks one of the “SMART” elements.

S: Specific. The IEP must list the Present Levels of Performance

(PLOP) of the student so that goals can be written to advance the student’s skills to that of their peers or to the extent the student can advance in their ability. Each PLOP statement should be specific and based on data. In addition, each goal must also be specific regarding the skills the student will be learning and to the maximum extent possible, how the skills will be taught. Some examples are listed in the next paragraph.

M: Measurable. Individual goals must be measurable to be valid.

Simply saying a student will “improve” a skill is not sufficient. In addition, it is equally inappropriate to say the student will “deduce” a behavior. The goal must state the criteria for mastery of that skill.

It is generally accepted that 80% proficiency is considered mastery.

Example 1: Steve will deduce the incidents of inappropriate behaviors through a token system, which rewards appropriate behavior.

(This goal is not measurable — or specific.) Example 2: Steve will

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28 Special Needs Living • July 2021

utilize appropriate coping skills from a list of practiced options when feeling any type of anxiety or irritation in eight out of 10 opportunities with the support of a token system to provide positive reinforcement. (This goal is measurable – and specific.)

A: Attainable. While it is true that every student is unique, it has

always been my contention that if the instruction is appropriate, a student should advance academically/developmentally by one year for each year’s instruction (or that should be where we set the bar in the beginning). For example, if Steve has a reading comprehension level of a beginning second-grader, the goal in his IEP should be written to advance him to the level of a beginning third-grader by the end of the IEP year. Obviously, parents and schools often agree that a student is not capable of this level of progress in a single school year and lower the bar to something attainable by that student.

It is often necessary to provide extended school year services to make goals attainable. Many students with special needs require additional educational time to make meaningful progress. Some students are impacted by behavioral needs that limit the amount of instruction they can tolerate in a typical school day. All factors need to be evaluated when determining the appropriate methodology, setting, and duration of instruction necessary to achieve meaningful progress.

R: Relevant. This is the most obvious of the SMART ingredients. For a goal to be relevant, it must address one of the student’s established needs or deficits. These areas of need can include academics, behavior, social skills, fine motor skills, sensory dysregulation, emotional needs, gross motor skills, expressive, receptive and/or pragmatic language skills, daily living skills, or anything else determined to be an area of delay for the student.

T: Time-bound. At each annual case conference, goals should be set for the following calendar year. The term of the IEP is from the date of the Annual Case Conference to one year later. Therefore, each goal should be written to progress the student as much as possible over that year’s instruction. Goals are then measured according to the timeline set in the IEP for progress monitoring. For example, reading fluency, this should be every two weeks, while reading comprehension should be monthly. Progress reports are also due at specific times during the year as indicated by the IEP. In addition, goals may be written with benchmarks embedded to further specify the rate of progress we expect to see at specific dates to make sure the goal will be achieved by the end of the IEP period. This helps the Case Conference Committee determine if instruction needs to be intensified/changed or a goal needs to be adjusted.

Writing SMART IEP goals ensures a clear picture of what a school is responsible for teaching a student and what the student is expected to learn while providing a method to measure if the teaching/learning is happening on the expected schedule of progress. If your student’s IEP contains Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound goals, you will have everySheila A. Wolfe thing you need to hold the school and your child IEP Services, LLC sheilawolfe@ accountable for their part in the learning plan. sbcglobal.net

Local Events Important Note: Prior to attending any events please be mindful of any COVID-19 restrictions.

Please review the state mask executive order.

There are exemptions to the order, including that children under 2 years of age should not wear a face-covering due to risk of suffocation, and any person with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability which prevents wearing a face covering is also exempt. Since COVID-19 is still among us there is a possibility that an event could be canceled or rescheduled and a venue could be closed. Please confirm event status and below listed details in case the 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 Water Party

Splish Splash Bash July 15, 7–9pm (Rain Date July 22) Riley Pool & Splash Pad 300 Apple St. Greenfield, IN 46140 To RSVP: email Dennisthearc@gmail.com or call 317-462-3727 MUSEUMS Nickelodeon’s Dora & Diego – Let’s Explore March 16–July 11 Children’s Museum of Indianapolis 3000 North Meridian St.

Indianapolis, IN 46208 317-334-4000 https://www.childrensmuseum.org/exhibits/ dora-and-diego-lets-explore

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Fort Ben Cultural Campus 8920 Otis Ave. Lawrence, IN 46216 https://www.artsforlawrence.com/event/ fridays-at-the-fort/

SPORTS FESTIVAL/FAIR Indianapolis Indians Games July 13–18 Victory Field 501 West Maryland Street Indianapolis, IN 46225 317-269-3542 https://www.milb.com/indianapolis/ ballpark/faq

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Kroger Symphony on the Prairie – Star-Spangled Symphony July 2–4, 2021 Conner Prairie 13400 Allisonville Rd. Fishers, IN 46038 317-639-4300 https://www.indianapolissymphony.org/ events/season-subscribe/series/ symphony-on-the-prairie-2021/

ABLE Accounts & Guardianship July 19, 2021 6:30–8 pm Indiana Resource Center for Autism Zoom https://iu.zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_JAZmhsauTnSzPkrysEhz0Q

The Sound of Music June 24–August 15 Beef and Boards 9301 Michigan Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46268 317-872-9664 https://www.beefandboards.com/Online/ default.asp Indy PopCon July 9–11, 2021 Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium 100 S. Capitol Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46225 866-544-4007 https://popcon.us/ Fridays at the Fort July 2 and 16 6:00 pm–9:00 pm

FIREWORKS Independence Day Celebration with fireworks!

July 4 11 am to 11 pm Marion County Fairgrounds & Events Center 7300 E. Troy Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46239 https://stayhappening.com/e/ independence-day-celebrationwith-fireworks-E2ISTM0WVSR 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza 452 E. Christmas Blvd.

Santa Claus, IN 47579 https://www.holidayworld.com/ shows-events/4th-july-fireworksextravaganza/ 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.

July 2021 • Special Needs Living

29

By Rebecca Wood Photos by Heather Gregg 21 Vines Photography

Meet the

KRAFTSON FAMILY The Blessing of Beckett In 2017, Megan and Brett Kraftson were the parents of three young boys.

Life for the Kraftsons was full, but not complete. This faith-filled couple felt the Lord’s nudging to expand their family through adoption.

Initially, the Kraftsons pursued international adoption but hit numerous roadblocks to placement. Then, the pair delved into domestic adoption, but they continued to face hurdles, setbacks, and even an adoption scam.

After a year went by filled with closed doors, Brett said, “I think we should adopt a child with Down syndrome.”

Megan recalls experiencing an inner peace about Brett’s suggestion. Soon after, the Kraftsons researched Down syndrome adoptions and linked up with National Down Syndrome Adoption Network (NDSAN) in Cincinnati, Ohio.

“We continued to follow the Lord’s direction and leading, and doors

30 Special Needs Living • July 2021

started opening and we started moving forward,” Megan said.

Through NDSAN, a family selected the Kraftsons for placement of their baby. In December 2018, the couple received word of the baby’s imminent arrival.

The family raced to Northeast Ohio and met their newborn son Beckett at the hospital. The Kraftsons were eager to bring Beckett back to their Fishers’ home, but he remained in the NICU for the first several weeks while working through feeding issues.

Almost a month later, the Kraftsons moved Beckett home. Megan remembers that her son was a super easy baby but admits those first few months proved challenging, as Beckett required a barrage of initial doctor appointments.

However, the family settled into their new normal. The Kraftsons’ older sons doted on their new brother. Megan recalled a sweet moment when her son Lucas gazed at Beckett and said, “We waited for you for two years, and now you are ours.”

Today Beckett is a thriving 2-year-old. Megan calls him a typical toddler who is exceedingly curious and into things.

“He’s the best,” Megan said. “He’s super easy going and sweet. He’s able to find joy in every situation.”

Beckett has developed a sense of humor and likes to make his brothers laugh. He enjoys “helping” his siblings practice piano by banging on the keys. He loves attending his brothers’ sporting events.

Beckett participates in physical, developmental, and occupational therapy at First Steps. Brett, a special education administrator for the Indianapolis Public Schools, brings his considerable knowledge and expertise to helping navigate the special needs world for his son. But the biggest current challenge is simply time. The family is always juggling Beckett’s therapy schedule and doctor visits with homeschooling the older boys (ages 11, 9, and 6).

However, the family never faces challenges alone. They have plugged into

the Down syndrome community and connected with other Down syndrome families.

Megan touts The Lucky Ones Facebook group as a great source of guidance and advice for her family.

“These women are amazing and so supportive of each other. They are a great source of knowledge and were so helpful and encouraging as we navigated those early days of the NICU stay and endless doctors’ appointments.”

Brett is active with the Down Syndrome Indiana (DSI) Dad’s Group. The family started to get involved with Gigi’s Playhouse before COVID temporarily halted their programs.

In addition, three other families at the Kraftson’s church, Pennington Park Church, have children with Down syndrome. The other families are a great source of encouragement and camaraderie.

Friday nights are pizza and movie night at the Kraftson home. The family enjoys biking together, with Beckett towed in a trailer. This active brood also loves to explore parks and take hikes.

The family adds travel to their annual itinerary. In summer, the Kraftsons stay at a family member’s cabin in the upper peninsula of Michigan. “Beckett loves the lake, so he spends the week splashing in the water,” Megan says.

Several times a year, the Kraftsons visit Brett’s family in Washington, D.C., where they also make time to see the monuments and museums. Megan notes that Beckett gets a little anxious when they visit new places. She says bringing favorite books and toys help ease his anxiety.

Megan acknowledges that some families are fearful of adopting a child with special needs, especially if extended family members aren’t totally supportive of the idea. She admits her own family lovingly welcomed him into the fold once he arrived.

“He has both sets of grandparents wrapped around his finger,” Megan laughed.

For those wrestling with that decision, Megan offers, “None of us know what the future will be like and what challenges lie ahead. Even ‘typical’ kids have challenges. If fear wins, we miss out on the blessings.”

“We hadn’t [initially] planned to adopt a child with Down syndrome and people are sometimes surprised to hear that,” Megan said.

“If we had stuck to our ‘plans’ we would have missed out on the incredible gift that Beckett is to our family. He brings joy to everyone around him, and we are blessed to be his family.”

Would you like to share your story in a upcoming issue of Special Needs Living? Email us at SpecialNeedsLivingIndy@ n2pub.com.

July 2021 • Special Needs Living

31

sponsor of the month

By Maria Smietana

Elizabeth Janes and Jenni Limbach each took different pathways into the mortgage industry, but together, their goal is to make the mortgage process as smooth as possible for their clients, including those with special needs family members.

Jenni grew up in the tiny town of Redkey, IN, just northeast of Muncie. She came to UIndy to study finance, with the hope of becoming a CPA. When passing the difficult certification exam proved not to be in the cards for her, she went to work in accounting at the Steak ‘n Shake corporate offices. When she needed a career change, she decided to get into the mortgage business with her dad, Vince Chittum, who has worked in finance for decades. They opened their Cross Country Mortgage branch in Greenwood last May. Jenni serves as the production manager for the office.

Elizabeth came to Cross Country with over 25 years of experience in the housing industry, including new home sales and operations. She is now in her thirteenth year of working in mortgage origination. A Lafayette native, she spent a few of her childhood years in South Bend before her family moved to the southside of Indianapolis in 1979, and she’s lived here ever since.

“Back in the 1990s, my first husband and I built a home, and we had such a great experience that I went to work for that builder in 1995,” Elizabeth said. “I spent 6 years in that industry, followed by several more working for the lender who had financed all of my clients’ homes. I got my originator’s license in 2009 and have been a mortgage consultant since.”

Elizabeth is flexible and creative enough to make the mortgage process faster and easier for clients, even if their specific situation is a bit complicated. She offers financing for the purchase or refinance of a home that can include renovations that will make the home ADA compliant or to serve specific requirements for a family with special needs.

32 Special Needs Living • July 2021

More importantly, Elizabeth works hard to ensure that her entire team treats each client who walks through the door as if they were family.

“These are not just transactions,” she said. “These are families we are helping to achieve homeownership for the first time, assisting them in the next phase of their journey, or helping them build wealth by refinancing their current mortgages for either a reduction in rate or term or to consolidate debt.”

“I had my first experience helping a special needs family when I was in the new construction phase of my career,” she added. “I was able to help design a new home for a family that had some specific needs, and I have made it a goal ever since to address the needs of clients when they require alterations in a home to accommodate their family.”

Elizabeth encourages potential clients not to get overwhelmed by the prospect of going into debt for a new home purchase or a renovation.

Elizabeth Janes Jenni and Cory – Aubrie – age 12, Mason – age 3

“Don’t be frustrated or intimidated by house hunting or addressing changes that need to be made to your current home to accommodate your family’s specific needs,” she said. “I can help you find the resources to make whatever renovations need to be made and make it an affordable and stress-free experience.”

“I would say not to be afraid to ask questions,” Jenni added. “You never know how a simple conversation can lead you to someone who might just have the answers you need.”

Both Jenni and Elizabeth are enthusiastic about the support their business gives to the local community. “Yes, we LOVE to give back!” Jenni said. “That’s how we’ve grown our office. We sponsor multiple sports teams, helped with the most recent Habitat for Humanity home build, had fundraisers for Kids in Crisis Intervention Team (KIC-IT), and donate to Hoosier FWD, which assists Indiana families with medical bills for children with special needs that do not qualify for Medicaid or other forms of public assistance. Though some of Cross Country Mortgage’s fundraisers had to be shelved in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, Elizabeth is anxious to restart them this year.

Jenni Limbach

Elizabeth also belongs to two local networking groups that give charitably to local nonprofits and is happy to have an additional outlet for doing good by becoming a Special Needs Living sponsor. “I know from family experience that having a family member with special needs can be a daunting and exhausting experience,” she said. “I love that this magazine has brought many

resources together in one place to assist folks who aren’t sure where to go.”

At home, Elizabeth loves watching movies, and her family often gathers in the kitchen to try new recipes. She has been married to her husband, Jeremy, for almost nine years, and has two children, Anthony, 24, and Charlotte, 7. The family also has two furry members, a fat 2-year-old orange cat named Jeff Spicoli, and Mac, a six-month-old Scottish terrier.

Jenni and her husband, Cory, have will have been married for five years in October. Her bonus daughter, Aubrey, is 12, and her son, Mason, is 3. Everyone in her family likes to spend time outdoors, whether it’s hiking, camping, planting flowers, or riding bikes. Jenni’s dad and middle sister live nearby in Indy, and she frequently visits her mom, grandparents, and youngest sister, all of whom still reside in her hometown.

Business Contact Information Crossroads Mortgage 710 Executive Park Dr., Ste. 10 Greenwood, IN 46143 https://crosscountrymortgage.com/Greenwood-IN jenni.limbach@myccmortgage.com 765-578-0196 elizabeth.janes@myccmortgage.com 317-372-4404 July 2021 • Special Needs Living

33

My

AUTISM Story

By Kylie Kuhn

My name is Kylie Kuhn. I’m 32 years old. When I was diagnosed with autism at age 3, my situation was bleak by most people’s standards. It was very obvious that I wasn’t interacting or developing like a typical child. I was incapacitated by certain loud noises or just the slightest change in my daily routine, and the only time I talked was when I repeated what others said to me. My mom was told upon my diagnosis that I would not likely be able to communicate, attend regular school, or even live a somewhat normal life as I grew older.

school. My interest in the arts, namely drawing, crafts, and music, inspired my favorite hobbies and stress-relievers, while my passion for biology — more specifically, immunology — became my primary focus in college and graduate school, which led me to my current career in translational drug development research.

My success in these particular areas, plus my naturally cheerful social demeanor, gained more positive attention from my peers, so I often found it easy to make friends, especially as I better grasped the concept of a two-way conversation — something that I know most people on the spectrum struggle with. It’s still more difficult when I try to talk to someone about something I’m not particularly interested or knowledgeable in, because I don’t always know what questions to ask or how to process what they’re telling me without a visual example. But people often tell me that even neurotypicals struggle with that sometimes, so I guess I’m doing okay!

While many people today are very surprised when I tell them I have autism, I still have some autism-related challenges that become more evident to others the longer I’m around them. The most noticeable issues I face are my bouts of anxiety (which can escalate into a full meltdown) and my lack of eye contact.

If, for instance, something unexpected happens at work, or if I find myself trying to juggle too much at once, and I can’t find an immediate solution to my problem, I start to panic. This results in me possibly snapping at others or temporarily “shutting down” and not being able to do anything until I can gather my thoughts or someone steps in to help me. As for eye contact, I find it very distracting when I’m trying to talk to someone, especially a

But my mom’s strong faith and determination inspired her to strive for more than that for me. She created different ways to help me better communicate, such as using picture boards to explain my daily routines and help me better understand social cues. For the first couple of years after my diagnosis, I attended a special needs preschool and then transitioned into public school using speech therapy and IEPs. Around the third grade, my condition noticeably improved as I began taking a daily combination of magnesium and vitamin B6. Taking these supplements calmed me down and helped me focus more clearly on my social surroundings, rather than just my internal thoughts. I also felt less of a need to pace and flap my hands, which had previously been my calming mechanisms.

As I grew older and the social complexity of life increased and became more difficult to navigate, I found that immersing myself in social situations based on my specific areas of interest helped me gain the experiences and confidence I needed to become a more successful and independent adult. For example, my interest in academics, particularly fine arts and science, contributed to my success in school, from elementary school all the way up to graduate

34 Special Needs Living • July 2021

Kylie Kuhn

Kylie as Dani – Halloween

Kylie and Des

stranger. I often force myself to look strangers in the eyes when I talk to them, especially in a professional situation (such as a job interview), unless I’m actively searching my mind for an answer.

These issues, however, have not been enough to hinder me from living a mostly normal life and achieving independence and personal happiness. After obtaining my master’s degree in immunology, I was able to land a job at Covance Laboratories as a research associate in a cellular immunology lab, and I have now worked for the company for over seven years. My current team has been wonderful to work with, and most of them now know about my autism and have been very understanding and accommodating!

I am also happily married to a fellow nerd, Justin, the only human being I’ve ever met who could best me in movie quotes — which is saying a lot. He is a social studies teacher and quite the history buff, so between his love of history and my love of science, we learn a lot from each other. And in addition to our intellect, we are bonded by our faith. We met at church, are very active in our church community, and study the Bible together in our spare time. We have a female brown tabby cat named Pippin and a female sesame red Shiba Inu named Tauriel — well, I adopted them, and my husband inherited them — and last summer, we welcomed our first child, Desmond. He has been our ray of sunshine in the otherwise gloomy, COVIDridden world. As challenging as it has been at times to juggle the responsibilities of my job, my marriage, and parenthood over the past 3 ½ years, I could not feel more blessed. I have

my loving family, my supportive coworkers, my amazing therapist, and my Almighty God to thank for it.

With both the challenges and the triumphs that I have faced as an adult on the spectrum, I have been inspired to help others on the spectrum however I can. I was recently granted such an opportunity by joining a global, virtual resource group through my company for employees with disabilities. In this group, I have taken on a leadership role in the Invisible Disabilities Team, where I am helping colleagues across the globe raise autism awareness and providing support for others on the spectrum or with loved ones on the spectrum. This group has fostered some amazing connections that I never would have otherwise made through my job, so I am extremely grateful for it. My sincere hope is that my story will provide some comfort or inspiration to others who are also living their lives, or raising children, on the spectrum!

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

At Fortune Academy, learning comes first. For our students, effective teaching means that learning must be dynamic, multi-sensory, and personal. Our students’ brains process information differently, so we have to teach differently.

( 317 ) 377-0544 thefortuneacademy.org 5626 Lawton Loop East Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46216 July 2021 • Special Needs Living

35

non-profit spotlight

Special Olympics

By Kelly Ries

I

N

D

I

A

N

Tell us more about your organization?

Special Olympics Indiana is a nonprofit organization that is part of the global Special Olympics movement, using sport, health, education, and leadership programs every day around the world to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities.

How does your organization support those in the special needs community?

Mission Statement – To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, offering them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

The vision of Special Olympics Indiana is that sport will open hearts and minds towards people with intellectual disabilities and create inclusive communities across the state and throughout the world.

At the core, Special Olympics is a sports organization that uses the power of sport as a catalyst for social change. Through sport, we challenge society. By highlighting how the needs of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are not being met, we expose inequity and Liam Price

36 Special Needs Living • July 2021

Linda S. Boothe and Chelsea Davis

A

Sky and Elizabeth

exclusion. By drawing attention to the gifts of people with ID, we break down misconceptions and tackle negative attitudes.

How can others get involved or support your organization?

Please contact our office at 317-328-2000 or at information@ soindiana.org if you would like to find out more about local programming in your county, or to get involved as a volunteer or sponsor.

Testimonials “Today I have many good friends who seek me out and include me in activities inside and outside of school.

I’ve become much healthier, earned varsity letters, and have built upon the confidence I gained from my peers to push forward making bigger goals beyond sports.” – Liam Price, Special Olympics Indiana athlete “Being the parent of an athlete...I have watched many of the athletes grow through the years and I am inspired by them every time I volunteer for Special Olympics. I’m amazed at what they can and want to do and appreciate all they give me!”

– Linda S. Boothe, Coordinator, Johnson County Special Olympics

Hiawatha “H” Davis

I don’t look at Special Olympics as receiving medals but going towards the next goal.

– Hiawatha “H” Davis, athlete “As a parent of a person with disabilities I have as many concerns for his future as do parents of typically developing children but my concerns may be a bit different. For example, my son Sky needs more repetition of activities to gain certain skills. Teamwork is one of those skills.

Special Olympics provides opportunities to gain those teamwork skills along with many others through participation in competitive sports. These are valuable skills sought by potential employers. The creation of lifelong friendships through Special Olympics [addresses] another concern of many parents. Unified Sports in the schools are making an impact in this regard. Students with and without disabilities are competing side by side and creating those friendships. One aspect of Special Olympics that I had never consciously considered is the opportunity to create networks and learn from other parents who have already navigated the ups and downs of raising children with disabilities. I can’t count how many calls I’ve made to parents I met through Special Olympics asking how to navigate one government system or another.” – Steve Simpson, Parent of Sky Simpson 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.

July 2021 • Special Needs Living

37

Equality

THE FIGHT FOR

By Avery Lowry & Kendell Simpson

ONE NHS SOPHOMORE PLANS TO CHANGE THE WORLD, ONE SIGNATURE AT A TIME The world today is an absolute mess — everybody is on edge and it seems as if one thing after another goes wrong.

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, people are left to question their daily life and how it has been impacted by the pandemic. For one Noblesville High School (NHS) sophomore, Tyler Ashby, the one issue that seemed to loom over his head was the minimum wage.

While this unhinged world only continues to grow more and more chaotic, Ashby strives to turn a wrong into its long-overdue right. And so, he is working to establish awareness through a petition to solve the issue presented by Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which states that employers can pay employees with disabilities less than the minimum wage simply due to their disability.

Ashby was inspired to start this change by a family member who is bound to be affected by this issue later on in his life if no change is made.

38 Special Needs Living • July 2021

“I have a little brother with Down syndrome and so I’m a little bit more aware about the problems going on in the disability community and what discrimination [people with disabilities] face that the average person doesn’t,” Ashby said, “[In fact,] my friends didn’t even know that this was a law.”

Ashby’s relationship with his brother isn’t much different from any other sibling relationship. “We’re brothers [so] we fight and pick on each other, but at the end of the day, we love each other and I want what’s best for him — what’s going to get him far in life,” Ashby said.

With the economic crisis that COVID-19 has caused, the minimum wage has become an issue that is being discussed more than ever.

“Minimum wage is a subject that’s on a lot of people’s minds and it’s [very prevalent] within the media, so [I figured] I might as well put in my two cents. At the very least, [I want to] let people know about this [and ideally] get it fixed,” Ashby said.

Ellie Payne, a longtime friend of Ashby, who is a member of the NHS Best Buddies Program as well as a member of the NHS Leadership Chapter, attests to the capability of students who have disabilities here at NHS.

“These students are getting real-world job experience both in school and in the community. When they enter the workforce they will be well prepared and should be met with a more inclusive world. Payne says this is an issue that she is admittedly very passionate about, and that was the reason she supports Ashby’s petition.

“I signed and shared Tyler’s petition because it is, and has always been, time to include those with [intellectual and developmental disabilities] both with equal pay and in all other aspects of life and society,” Payne said.

Rylin Rodgers, the Director of Public Policy at the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), works with Congress to advance policies to meet the needs of people with disabilities and their families. Rodgers sees this issue as more than just an unfair wage gap.

Although some may believe that Ashby is simply too young to tackle such a large issue, Rodgers disagrees. “There is no age requirement to stand up for human and civil rights, and there is no age requirement for changing the world,” Rodgers said.

Ashby says that it has been difficult to reach out to his local congressional representatives and receive helpful responses.

“When I started the petition, I emailed Victoria Spartz, Mike Braun, and Todd Young — didn’t get the most welcoming [responses],” Ashby said. “Victoria Spartz just sent back a couple of sentences; it [felt] like an automated response.”

However underwhelming those responses may have been, Payne continues to believe that this generation — Generation Z — is the right generation to push for such changes as this one.

“Often our biases and assumptions may lead to a false expectation about how a disability may prevent someone from participating in competitive integrated employment, [but] I believe paying people with disabilities sub-minimum wage is a human rights violation,” Rodgers said.

“In my opinion, our generation is one of the most passionate and capable of our time and by starting important changes now, we are ensuring a better future for our adult selves; I know that with the backing of NHS and Noblesville as a whole, Tyler’s petition will reach and rise above,” Payne said.

For Ashby, dealing with the biases and assumptions people make about his brother is an experience he has, unfortunately, had to deal with. “I get very angry [when people stereotype my brother] but I try to understand that maybe they’re just not educated,” Ashby said.

Here’s the link for the petition https://www.change.org/p/united-states-department-of-laborequal-pay-for-people-with-disabilities https://millermedianow.org/

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By Victoria Navin ©2020 Victoria Navin

My name is Victoria Navin and I have 20 years of experience working in education. From 2000–2010, I taught literacy skills to the traveling community and English (EFL) to Spanish and Moroccan communities.

From 2010–2021, I taught literacy, numeracy, and speech and language interventions in a special education school in Cheshire, England. My caseload was 70 students, aged 3–19, with a range of disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, profound and multiple learning disability (PMLD) complex needs, behavior challenges, Down syndrome, speech and language disorders, and global delay.

Multisensory stories are an excellent motivating tool for encouraging alternative communication systems that are non-verbal, such as Makaton, American Sign Language (ASL), body sign, choose board, and to facilitate picture exchange communication systems (PECS). They help individuals with speech impediments and communication difficulties by building confidence with speech as they have a physical prop to support the words they are saying.

In March 2020, I built the website www.rhymingmultisensorystories.com as a free resource to help parents, caregivers, and families during the COVID-19 pandemic school closures.

Using Multisensory Stories to Inform on Needs and Care Plans Observing reactions to a range of sensory stimuli enables you to build a picture of an individual’s sensory preferences. This record of likes, dislikes, motivators, and triggers can calm an individual when anxious or stressed and help parents and families make informed choices to enhance daily life in areas such as diet, sensory needs, care plans, and daily or leisure activities.

My stories connect individuals with special educational needs and disabilities, aged 3–19, to literature, culture, and topic through the senses in a way that is fun, motivating, and meaningful to their lives.

Knowing triggers informs the writing of behavior plans and strategies. You may seek to avoid some triggers and work on de-sensitizing others that may be necessary, e.g., teeth brushing through repeated exposure to build tolerance.

What is a Multi-sensory Story?

Storytelling builds a bond between the storyteller and the story explorer, enhancing wellbeing and enriching experiences.

When used in a safe setting, rhyming multi-sensory stories can prepare the special needs child for visits out of their daily routine such as getting a haircut or visiting the dentist.

Multisensory stories tell a story using words and sensory stimuli (story props that are low-budget items found around the home.)

Exposure to stimuli allows the story explorer to engage with new experiences to calm and alert the sensory system in a safe, therapeutic environment. In short, it helps individuals to use their senses to understand the world around them.

For sensory ideas and inspiration and to download your free multisensory stories visit the website www.rhymingmultisensorystories.com Your questions, queries, comments, and feedback are always welcome!

The combination of sensory stimuli, rhyme, and the repetitive structure of the stories supports memory and the development of early literacy skills such as joint attention, eye contact, turn-taking, anticipation, communication, and language skills. The stories are suitable for a range of abilities from curious kindergarten-aged children to teenagers with complex needs.

42 Special Needs Living • July 2021

Get in Touch Email: rhymingmultisensorystories@outlook.com Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ Rhyming-Multisensory-Stories-110446523970822 Twitter – https://www.facebook.com/ storytellingthroughthesenses LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ rhyming-multisensory-stories-6bbb71208/

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HERE TO HELP YOUR FAMILY THRIVE & SURVIVE THROUGH YOUR NEXT MOVE.

44 Special Needs Living • July 2021

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living

Special Needs

Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas