Every October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) recognizes the contributions of workers with disabilities and highlights the importance of creating workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, grow, and succeed. At Sycamore Services, that message is deeply connected to our mission. For 65 years, we have worked alongside individuals with disabilities to help create opportunities for greater independence, inclusion, and community participation. Employment is an important part of that work because a job can represent much more than a paycheck. Meaningful employment can build confidence, create relationships, strengthen independence, develop new skills, and provide a greater sense of purpose and belonging. Talent Exists Everywhere People with disabilities bring valuable skills, perspectives, experiences, and talents to the workplace. Yet barriers to employment still exist. Sometimes those barriers are physical. Other times they come from assumptions about what a person can or cannot do, limited access to transportation, a lack of workplace accommodations, or simply not being given an opportunity in the first place. National Disability Employment Awareness Month reminds us that creating an inclusive workforce means looking beyond limitations and recognizing potential. It means asking what someone can contribute. It means creating workplaces that are accessible and supportive. And it means ensuring that people with disabilities have the same opportunity to pursue meaningful careers as anyone else. Supporting Employment at Sycamore Through Supported Employment and Pre-Employment Transition Services, Sycamore helps individuals identify their interests, build workplace skills, explore career opportunities, and connect with employers. For some people, that may mean preparing for a first job. For others, it may mean developing new skills, finding a position that is a better fit, receiving support while adjusting to a new workplace, or pursuing greater independence in their career. Our teams also work with businesses and community partners to help create more inclusive workplaces and connect employers with talented job seekers. That partnership matters. Inclusive employment does not happen through the work of one organization alone. It takes job seekers, families, educators, employers, advocates, service providers, and communities working together to remove barriers and create opportunities. Why Inclusive Employment Matters When people with disabilities have meaningful opportunities to work, everyone benefits. Employees gain income, experience, independence, relationships, and the opportunity to contribute their talents. Employers gain dedicated team members with diverse experiences and perspectives. Communities become stronger when more people are able to participate fully in the workforce and local economy. Most importantly, inclusive employment recognizes a simple truth: Talent exists everywhere. Opportunity should too. How You Can Help National Disability Employment Awareness Month is an opportunity for all of us to think about the role we can play in building more inclusive workplaces. Employers can examine hiring practices and consider whether unnecessary barriers exist in their recruitment or workplace processes. Coworkers can help create welcoming environments where people are respected for their abilities and contributions. Community members can support businesses that embrace inclusive employment and help challenge outdated assumptions about disability. And everyone can take time to listen to the experiences and goals of people with disabilities themselves. At Sycamore Services, we also want to hear from the people and communities we serve. Our 2026 Annual Community Survey is now open, and your feedback helps us better understand what we are doing well and where we can continue improving. TAKE THE 2026 COMMUNITY SURVEY You can also support our mission by making a gift to Sycamore Services. Donations help us continue providing programs and resources that support employment, independence, transportation, skill development, and community participation. MAKE A DONATION Creating Opportunity Beyond October National Disability Employment Awareness Month may take place in October, but workplace inclusion should be a priority throughout the year. Every interview offered, accommodation made, skill developed, barrier removed, and opportunity created can make a difference. Together, we can continue building workplaces and communities where people with disabilities are recognized not simply for what they overcome, but for what they contribute. Because when more people have the opportunity to work, participate, and succeed, our entire community becomes stronger.

Technology has become part of nearly every aspect of daily life. For people with disabilities, the same phones, tablets, computers, and smart devices used every day can also provide powerful tools for greater independence. One of the most encouraging things about assistive technology is that it does not always require specialized or expensive equipment. Many accessibility features are already built into smartphones and tablets, while a growing number of apps can provide additional support for communication, vision, hearing, organization, learning, and everyday tasks. Accessibility May Already Be in Your Pocket Modern smartphones and tablets include accessibility tools designed to support people with physical, cognitive, sensory, communication, and learning needs. Voice-control features on both Android and Apple devices can allow someone to open apps, navigate screens, type messages, and complete tasks using spoken commands rather than touch. For people who experience speech difficulties, newer tools can even learn how an individual communicates. Apple’s Vocal Shortcuts, for example, allows users to create customized vocal commands, while Listen for Atypical Speech is designed to better recognize different speech patterns. These kinds of features can make everyday technology easier to use for people with cerebral palsy, ALS, stroke-related speech differences, and other conditions that affect speech or mobility. Making Devices Easier to Navigate Sometimes accessibility is less about adding a new feature and more about simplifying what is already there. Apple’s Assistive Access can change the overall appearance of an iPhone or iPad by simplifying menus, enlarging controls, emphasizing images and icons, and reducing some of the complexity of the standard interface. For someone who may become overwhelmed by a traditional smartphone interface, simplifying the device can make it easier to independently make a call, send a message, listen to music, or view photos. Guided Access can also temporarily limit a device to a particular app or restrict certain buttons and areas of the screen. This can be useful for individuals who benefit from fewer distractions or a more structured experience. More Ways to See and Understand Information Technology can also change how information is presented. Screen readers such as VoiceOver on Apple devices and TalkBack on Android provide spoken feedback about what appears on the screen. This can allow someone who is blind or has low vision to navigate apps, read messages, browse the internet, and perform many other tasks. Phones can also read written information aloud. Features such as Speak Screen and Spoken Content can read webpages, documents, messages, and other text. For some people with learning disabilities, adding an audio component to written information can make reading and comprehension easier. Magnification features can enlarge text and objects, while newer tools can use a phone's camera to recognize text and read information in the environment aloud. Supporting People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Smartphones and tablets also provide several tools that can make sound and conversation more accessible. Live Listen on Apple devices and Sound Amplifier on Android can help amplify speech and reduce some background noise. Captioning and transcription tools can convert conversations and other spoken information into text. Sound-recognition features can also alert someone when the device detects particular noises, including a doorbell, knock at the door, smoke alarm, siren, appliance, running water, dog barking, or baby crying. Instead of requiring a completely separate device for every situation, a phone someone already carries may be able to provide another layer of accessibility. Controlling Technology in Different Ways Touchscreens are convenient, but they are not accessible to everyone. Technology increasingly allows people to interact with devices using their voice, eyes, head movements, switches, or facial expressions. Eye-tracking technology can allow someone to move a cursor by looking around a screen and make selections by dwelling on an item. Head tracking can allow movements of the head to control a device. Switch controls can provide another way for someone with limited mobility to interact with phones, tablets, computers, and other technology. The important idea is that the individual should not always have to adapt to the technology. Whenever possible, the technology should adapt to the individual. Helpful Apps and Tools to Explore In addition to accessibility features already built into phones and tablets, there are many apps designed to address specific needs. No single app will be appropriate for everyone, but these can be useful starting points for exploring what is available. For vision and identifying surroundings Be My Eyes connects people who are blind or have low vision with visual assistance and also offers AI-powered visual descriptions. Seeing AI can use a phone's camera to describe text, objects, products, documents, and parts of the surrounding environment. Google Lookout provides Android users with tools for recognizing text, objects, documents, and other visual information. Envision uses artificial intelligence to describe visual information, recognize text, and assist with identifying objects. For communication Proloquo2Go is an augmentative and alternative communication, or AAC, app that allows people to communicate using symbols, words, and generated speech. TD Snap is another AAC platform that can support individuals who have difficulty using speech to communicate. Speech Assistant AAC allows users to create buttons and phrases that a phone or tablet can speak aloud. CoughDrop provides AAC communication tools that can be used across multiple types of devices. For hearing and conversations Live Transcribe can turn spoken conversations into text on supported Android devices. Ava provides live transcription and captions for conversations. Otter can create real-time transcripts of conversations and meetings and may be useful in some workplace or educational settings. Built-in Live Captions on many newer devices can also provide captions without requiring an additional app. For routines, organization, and cognitive support Choiceworks uses visual schedules and activities to help people understand routines and upcoming tasks. Tiimo provides visual planning, routines, reminders, and time-management tools. Microsoft To Do and similar task-management apps can provide simple checklists and recurring reminders. Built-in calendar, alarm, timer, and reminder apps can also be powerful assistive tools when configured around an individual's routine. For reading and learning Microsoft Lens can capture documents and written materials and make them easier to read or process digitally. NaturalReader converts text to speech and can read documents and other written information aloud. Voice Dream Reader provides customizable text-to-speech tools for reading documents and other materials. Built-in tools such as Apple's Spoken Content and Android's Select to Speak may provide similar functionality without requiring another app. Some of these apps are free, while others require purchases or subscriptions. Availability and specific features may also vary depending on the device and operating system. Sometimes the Best Technology Is the Simplest Technology Assistive technology does not have to involve artificial intelligence, eye tracking, or sophisticated communication systems. For one person, the right solution might be a specialized communication device. For another, it might simply be: Setting a recurring reminder for medication or an appointment. Using a photo as a contact button instead of searching for someone's name. Asking Siri or Google Assistant to make a phone call. Using a smart speaker to turn lights on and off. Creating a visual checklist for a morning routine. Enlarging the text on a phone. Having a device read a message aloud. Using voice typing instead of a keyboard. Small adjustments can sometimes remove significant barriers. Try Before You Buy Finding the right assistive technology can involve some trial and error. Indiana residents have access to an especially valuable resource through the INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads. INDATA provides information, demonstrations, training, equipment loans, recycling programs, and other assistive technology resources. Its lending library includes more than 2,500 items, giving individuals an opportunity to try many types of assistive technology before purchasing them. Equipment can also sometimes serve as a temporary solution while a person's regular device is being repaired or while they are waiting for funding. Easterseals Crossroads also provides individualized assistive technology evaluations, training, and technical support to children and adults across Indiana. For educators, ATLAS, an Easterseals Crossroads program in partnership with the Indiana Department of Education, provides assistive technology demonstrations, technical assistance, training, and equipment loans. The Right Technology Is the Technology That Works for the Person There are thousands of accessibility products, apps, settings, and devices available today, and that number continues to grow. But the goal should never simply be to use more technology. The goal is to find the right technology. A solution should be based on the individual's abilities, preferences, environment, goals, and the barriers they encounter in everyday life. Something that works extremely well for one person may not be useful for someone else. Sometimes the answer will be sophisticated assistive technology. Sometimes it will be a free app. And sometimes it will simply mean turning on an accessibility feature that has been sitting unnoticed inside a phone for years. When technology provides someone with another way to communicate, access information, manage their environment, complete a task, or make their own choices, it can become much more than a convenience. It can become a tool for independence. Acknowledgment: Information for this article was inspired by and adapted from “Increased Independence Through Easily Accessible Technology,” presented by Josh Anderson, ATP, Director of Assistive Technology at Easterseals Crossroads, at the 2026 INARF Annual Conference on September 23, 2026. Additional app examples have been included to help readers explore currently available accessibility tools.

This week, members of the Sycamore Services team will join professionals from across Indiana for the 2026 INARF Annual Conference, taking place September 22–24 in Noblesville, IN. The annual conference brings together professionals who support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for several days of learning, networking, collaboration, and idea-sharing. This year’s conference includes educational breakout sessions, best-practice discussions, opportunities to connect with industry experts and vendors, and conversations with peers from organizations throughout the state. For Sycamore, attending INARF is about much more than simply going to a conference. It gives our team an opportunity to step outside of our day-to-day work, learn from others, and bring new ideas back to the organization. Conference sessions cover topics relevant to professionals throughout the IDD field and are designed to provide practical strategies, emerging insights, and tools that can help strengthen services and supports. The conference also includes role-specific Best Practices Sessions, allowing professionals in areas such as leadership, programs, human resources, and financial management to learn directly from others doing similar work across Indiana. Just as important are the connections made along the way. Networking with other providers gives our team the chance to exchange ideas, discuss common challenges, learn what is working in other organizations, and build relationships with people who share our commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities. Ultimately, professional development opportunities like INARF help us continue growing as an organization. When our employees have opportunities to learn, connect, and bring new perspectives back to Sycamore, those benefits extend throughout our teams and into the services we provide every day. We’re excited for our team members attending this year’s conference and look forward to seeing the ideas, connections, and inspiration they bring back to Sycamore!

Explore Sycamore Services' Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, a proven approach to support children with autism and developmental disabilities. Our personalized ABA programs focus on building skills, enhancing communication, and improving behavior in everyday life. Discover how ABA therapy can make a lasting impact for you or your loved one. We're thinking BIG At Sycamore Services, we believe in possibilities without limits. With your support, we’re growing programs, creating opportunities, and building bigger, brighter futures for the people we serve. Explore Ways to Support Empowering Independence, Enhancing Lives Mission 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. Who We Serve From children reaching developmental milestones to adults seeking employment, community engagement, and residential support, Sycamore serves people of all ages across 36 counties and 129 cities/towns in Indiana. Why Our Work Matters Why Our Work Matters In Indiana, thousands of individuals with disabilities face daily barriers to independence, employment, and community connection. Too often, these barriers prevent them from fully participating in the life of their communities—simply because the right supports aren’t available. At Sycamore Services, we believe people with disabilities deserve opportunities to live meaningful, connected, and independent lives. That belief drives everything we do. Whether it’s helping a child take their first steps, supporting a young adult landing their first job, or empowering an adult with disabilities to gain new skills and friendships, we provide the resources and encouragement that open doors to possibility. Sponsor an Event Make an Unrestricted Donation Support a Program Ready to Support Us? Your support makes a lasting difference. By giving to Sycamore Services, you help individuals with disabilities live more independent, meaningful lives and strengthen our communities. You can: Make an unrestricted donation to meet the greatest needs. Sponsor an event that brings people together while fueling our mission. Direct your gift to a specific program that inspires you. With just a click below, you can take action today. Have another idea for how you’d like to get involved? We’d love to hear it! Call us at 317-745-4715 and let’s start the conversation. Together, we can continue creating opportunities, building inclusion, and empowering lives. Sponsor an Event When you sponsor one of our events, you and your team, friends, or family become part of an unforgettable experience. Each sponsorship offers different levels of support, with perks like advertising opportunities, VIP tickets, and more—so you can choose the package that best fits you. Events We’re busy planning our 2027 events! Check back soon to see what’s coming up and how you can get involved. We’re busy planning our 2027 events! Check back soon to see what’s coming up and how you can get involved. Programs Support a Program When you support a program at Sycamore Services, you aren’t just making a donation — you are helping people with disabilities gain the tools, confidence, and support they need to truly live independently. Your investment fuels vital services like supported living, day programs, employment preparation, children’s early intervention, recreational therapy, and more. With your help, individuals learn daily living skills, establish meaningful community connections, build confidence in employment, and engage in social and therapeutic activities tailored to their goals. BENEFITS Why choose us. Tailored Plans We provide individualized plans, ensuring each person receives personalized attention and support that meets their unique needs. Comprehensive Support Our holistic services empower clients in all aspects of life, from early intervention to employment and residential support. Dedicated Professionals Our compassionate team is committed to building trusting relationships, ensuring every client feels supported and valued. Art Program Support Now Art programs provide individuals with autism and other intellectual disabilities an outlet for creativity and self-expression. Through painting, music, and other artistic activities, participants can build communication skills, reduce stress, and gain confidence in a supportive environment. These programs also encourage social interaction, helping individuals form connections while celebrating their unique perspectives. Greenhouse/Garden Program Support Now Gardening programs encourage hands-on learning and provide therapeutic benefits. Working with plants helps individuals develop fine motor skills, responsibility, and patience, while also promoting relaxation and a sense of accomplishment. Gardening is also a meaningful way to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors in a structured, purposeful activity. Creating Sensory Rooms Support Now Sensory rooms create safe, calming spaces designed to meet the sensory needs of people with disabilities. By offering soothing lights, textures, sounds, and movement, these rooms help individuals regulate emotions, manage anxiety, and improve focus. They provide a valuable tool for both relaxation and skill development. Summer Camp Program Support Now By supporting this program, you help students gain the real-world experiences they need to thrive after high school. Your gift makes it possible for them to take part in job site tours, hear from inspiring speakers, and build skills through hands-on opportunities. Students grow in five critical areas: Job Exploration, Work Experiences, Work Readiness, Self-Advocacy, and Post-Secondary preparation such as college or vocational training. Even small lessons—like how to dress for work, interview with confidence, or pack a lunch—become stepping stones toward greater independence and future success.

Explore Sycamore Services’ art programs where creativity builds confidence, connection, and opportunity. Learn how to get involved, volunteer, or support the arts. Take Our 2026 Annual Survey Start Now Together we can. Increasing independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Get Started Your Journey Starts Here Find personalized supports for you or your family member. Discover how Sycamore can be part of your journey toward greater independence and a fulfilling life. Learn More I'm Looking for Services Make a difference every day. Explore career opportunities and join a team dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening communities. Careers I Want to Join the Team Your generosity helps create opportunities, expand services, and improve lives. Learn how you can make an impact through giving, volunteering, or partnership. Support I Want to Support Sycamore Stay connected with Sycamore and receive the latest news, events, stories, and opportunities delivered directly to your inbox. Subscribe At Sycamore Services, our mission is simple: to help individuals with disabilities live more independent, fulfilling lives while providing the support, stability, and opportunities they deserve. For more than 65 years, we have worked alongside individuals, families, and communities to create personalized services that empower people to reach their goals, build meaningful relationships, and thrive in their daily lives. We believe every person deserves to be seen, valued, and supported as an individual. We're celebrating 65 years! Learn how to join in on the celebrations Learn More A Place Where People Come First For Individuals and Families Finding the right disability services provider is one of the most important decisions you can make for yourself or a loved one. At Sycamore, we provide individualized disability services and supports designed to help people build independence, achieve personal goals, and improve their quality of life. Our person-centered approach focuses on each individual's unique strengths, needs, and aspirations. Whether you are exploring community-based supports, employment services, day programs, transportation, behavioral supports, ABA therapy, children's services, or residential services, our team is committed to helping individuals thrive at home, at work, and in their communities. Families are important partners in the journey, and we believe in open communication, transparency, and building trusted relationships that support long-term success. Contact Us For Potential Employees and Team Members The heart of Sycamore is our people. Looking for a meaningful career where you can make a difference? Sycamore offers rewarding careers in disability services, direct support, behavioral health, transportation, employment services, ABA therapy, and more. Every day, our team helps individuals with disabilities build skills, achieve greater independence, and live fulfilling lives. We invest in our employees through training, professional development, advancement opportunities, and a supportive workplace culture that values compassion, respect, and teamwork. If you're passionate about helping others and building stronger communities, we'd love to meet you. Careers Latest News Upcoming Events Wed, Jul 22 Disability Awareness Day at the Hendricks County Fair Sponsored by Sycamore Services / Hendricks County Fairgrounds Learn more Jul 22, 2026, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM Hendricks County Fairgrounds, 1900 E Main St, Danville, IN 46122, USA Fri, Jun 12 Polo at Sunset / Hickory Hall Polo Club Details Jun 12, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hickory Hall Polo Club, 7551 E 100 N, Whitestown, IN 46075, USA +3 more Sat, Sep 12 Sycamore 65th Birthday Bash / Sycamore Center Learn more Sep 12, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sycamore Center, 1001 Sycamore Ln, Danville, IN 46122, USA Free and open to the public! Thank You to our 2026 Annual Sponsors Frequently asked questions How do I get services? That's easy! Simply fill out the form below and one of our intake coordinators will be in touch! https://www.sycamoreservices.com/contact What is the history of Sycamore Services? Take a moment to watch our informative video that highlights our rich history of empowering Hoosiers to achieve independence. What areas do you serve? We serve Hoosiers allover the state of Indiana and are always growing. The map below shows areas where we are currently active. I'm looking for a job. Great! We'd love to meet! You can check out our open positions here: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/fc48d268-2083-489c-a28b-cd4d5b1c4749/Sycamore-Rehabilitation I would like to speak to someone. We want to speak to you, too! Call us at (317) 745-4715 or fill out our contact form here: https://www.sycamoreservices.com/contact Where are you located? All over Indiana! Check out our locations here: https://www.sycamoreservices.com/locations I would like to make a donation to Sycamore. That means the world to us. You can do so here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/sycamoreservices/ BENEFITS Why choose us. Tailored Plans We provide individualized plans, ensuring each person receives personalized attention and support that meets their unique needs. Comprehensive Support Our holistic services empower clients in all aspects of life, from early intervention to employment and residential support. Dedicated Professionals Our compassionate team is committed to building trusting relationships, ensuring every client feels supported and valued.

View All Photos Contact Us View Other Properties Features New Accesibility Ramps At front and rear Near shopping and dining Bright Living Area Quiet Neighborhood newly sided exterior cozy interior finishes About the Home The Ash home is an established, character-filled residence designed for comfort and accessibility. Its living area features large windows that bring in abundant natural light, creating an open, welcoming environment. Recent upgrades include brand-new concrete accessibility ramps at both the front and back entrances, along with a newly sided exterior that enhances both durability and curb appeal. Nestled at the back of a quiet cul-de-sac, the home offers privacy while still being part of a well-kept, charming neighborhood. Its location provides convenient access to nearby shopping and dining options and sits near major thoroughfares, making travel to appointments, community activities, and daily needs simple and stress-free. Ash Martinsville, IN Availibility? YES Welcome to our Ash home in Martinsville—a warm, inviting residence tucked at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac. With its charming atmosphere, bright living spaces, and brand-new accessibility upgrades, this home offers comfort, convenience, and everyday ease. Home Specs Bedrooms and Bathrooms Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Kitchen Eat-in Kitchen Newer Appliances Property Large Driveway (concrete) with 4 Parking Spaces Property Type: Residential, Single Family Style Residence Levels: 1 Large Yard with Rear Concrete Patio