NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Indianapolis, IN, United States, 06/18/2008 - The INDATA Project reaches out to Hoosiers with disabilities.

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s (FSSA) Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) recently contracted with Easter Seals Crossroads to be the statewide provider of the Federal Assistive Technology Act.

An ‘assistive technology device’ refers to any item, piece of equipment or product system (whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized) that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Examples of assistive technology include, but are not limited to, screen readers for people who are blind or visually impaired, voice input software, ergonomic and onscreen keyboards, screen magnification software, and augmentative communication devices.

This grant will be facilitated through the new Indiana Assistive Technology Act (INDATA) Project at Easter Seals Crossroads. The INDATA Project is the only statewide assistive technology project serving Hoosiers with disabilities at no charge.

“Our primary purpose is to get assistive technology into the hands of Hoosiers with disabilities through device demonstrations, device loans, computer recycling and alternative financing,” said Assistive Technology Center Director M. Wade Wingler. “Our second goal is for the INDATA Project to provide statewide outreach and educational opportunities regarding assistive technology capabilities, options and resources.”

Project outreach efforts will include quarterly trainings, offered statewide through remote tele-rehabilitation sites, an annual statewide assistive technology conference and localized small group presentations. Currently, the INDATA Project is launching a brand-awareness campaign that includes statewide site and media tours, a new Web-based tool that facilitates the reutilization of previously owned assistive technology and a number of outreach activities throughout Indiana.

Easter Seals Crossroads has been a leader in providing assistive technology clinical services to Hoosiers with disabilities since 1979. Clinical services include evaluation of a person’s functional capabilities and recommendations of appropriate assistive technologies to maximize these capabilities. Individual goals can represent job, school performance or at-home scenarios. In addition, Easter Seals Crossroads staff assist with funding sources, equipment set up and training, as well as 24/7 technical support. The INDATA Project will allow Easter Seals Crossroads to expand the scope of assistive technology services offered while increasing the number of Hoosiers touched by these services.

For more information on the INDATA Project, contact Ewart Solomon at 888-466-1314.

Easter Seals Crossroads is a community resource, working in partnership with children and adults with disabilities or special needs and their families to promote growth, independence and dignity.

The INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads provides information and access to assistive technology, at no charge, for Hoosiers with disabilities. These statewide services are derived through the Indiana Assistive Technology Act (INDATA) Project state/federal grant and include: device demonstrations, device loans, recycled computers, reutilized assistive technology equipment, alternative financing resources, and educational trainings and conferences.

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Safeway Eastern Division Raises Over One Million Dollars for People With Disabilities:

After a successful fundraising campaign in April, which raised $692,000 for Easter Seals clients — The Safeway Foundation sponsored the 21st Annual Pro-Am Golf Tournament in June and raised an additional $435,815.00 for a grand total of $1,127,815.00.

As a result, Easter Seals hosted a ‘Thanks a Million’ Tea Party at the new assistive technology center Easter Seals helped build in Silver Spring, MD. Congressman Chris Van Hollen attended.

Friendly’s restaurants continue a 27 year tradition called ‘Cones for Kids’. Each year, the proceeds of a day’s worth of ice cream cone sales are donated to Easter Seals to help Easter Seals provide such comprehensive programs and services as medical rehabilitation, assistive technology, inclusive child care, adult day centers, and even camping and recreation for children and adults living with autism and other disabilities.

CHICAGO, April 4, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — Friendly Ice Cream Corporation today announced results of its 27th annual ‘Cones for Kids’ Valentine’s Day fundraiser to benefit Easter Seals. Since the conclusion of last year’s campaign, Friendly’s Restaurants have raised just over $616,000 to help children and adults with disabilities in 16 states. Most of those dollars were raised during the chain-wide ‘Cones for Kids’ program, while a few communities held additional fundraisers to top off the amount. This year’s success brings Friendly’s overall total raised for Easter Seals to more than $25.2 million since 1981.

“‘Cones for Kids’ is a 27-year tradition that makes a real-life difference,” said George Condos, chief executive officer and president of Friendly Ice Cream Corporation. “We are proud of our corporate responsibility to give back to the communities we serve. Our partnership with Easter Seals allows us to do just that, through the funding of localized disability services for people of all ages.”

Each year, the money raised through ‘Cones for Kids’ helps Easter Seals provide such comprehensive programs and services as medical rehabilitation, assistive technology, inclusive child care, adult day centers, and even camping and recreation for children and adults living with autism and other disabilities.