Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana

Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana provides comprehensive, person-centered programs for children, adults, and seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Northeast Indiana. Established in 1954 by parents dedicated to creating community opportunities for their children, the organization has grown into one of the region's largest and most trusted disability service providers. Today, as part of Easterseals Northeast Indiana alongside partner agencies Passages and RISE, the organization delivers coordinated regional care and compassionate guidance that fosters personal growth, daily independence, and full community integration.

Adult day services offer dynamic, community-based daytime opportunities designed to enhance personal autonomy and social connection. Participants engage in functional life skills instruction, culinary arts, computer literacy, adapted fitness, and expressive creative arts. Regular excursions into the local community allow individuals to volunteer with charitable groups, visit cultural landmarks, attend sports events, and participate in civic festivals. Dedicated activity tracks cater to diverse interests, ranging from senior social groups to intensive habilitation for young adults developing independent living skills. Specialized sensory areas, speech therapies, and clinical supports provide tailored stimulation and physical assistance for participants with complex medical or behavioral needs.

Residential services offer diverse living arrangements matched to each individual's choices and required level of care. Group home residences located in quiet residential neighborhoods provide around-the-clock direct care, healthcare management, medication administration, nutritious meal preparation, and accessible transportation. For individuals who prefer living in their own apartments or houses, supported living services provide scheduled direct support professionals who assist with household budgeting, shopping, cooking, personal hygiene, and community involvement, empowering residents to maintain self-directed lifestyles in inclusive neighborhoods.

Workforce development services guide participants toward competitive integrated employment with regional employers across manufacturing, retail, food service, and administrative sectors. Dedicated vocational specialists conduct in-depth career assessments, assist with resume development, practice interview skills, and coordinate immersive job shadowing experiences. Once hired, job coaches provide on-site guidance and ongoing follow-along support to ensure both employee and employer thrive. The organization also offers pre-employment transition services for high school students, preparing youth for smooth transitions into adult careers and vocational independence.

Additional specialized programs include positive behavioral support consulting, assistive technology assessments, and youth respite initiatives. Dedicated behavioral consultants create individualized positive behavior intervention plans that emphasize dignity and personal growth, while assistive technology experts identify communication devices, modified computer hardware, and environmental controls that enhance daily living autonomy. Respite services offer flexible hourly in-home care and weekend camp retreats, ensuring family caregivers receive dependable support. Families and caregivers can contact the intake coordination team by phone or through the website to begin program enrollment and navigate state funding options. Community supporters can get involved by volunteering across day centers, attending signature fundraising events like Dancing with the Arc Stars, or contributing financial donations to expand vital community programs.