Disability Awareness Month: A Deep Dive with Sycamore Services CEO Yolanda Kincaid
- Johnette Cruz
- Mar 18
- 4 min read
Behind The Filter Podcast
Welcome back to Behind the Filter. This week, we had the privilege of sitting down with Yolanda Kincaid, the CEO of Sycamore Services, a nonprofit that has been a staple in Indiana for 65 years. Headquartered in Danville, Sycamore provides individualized support and training for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, serving Hoosiers in more than 35 counties.
March is Disability Awareness Month, a time Yolanda describes as a vital opportunity to "push pause" and truly listen to the voices in our community that often go unheard.
A Legacy of Advocacy
Sycamore Services was founded in 1959 by a group of Hendricks County parents who refused to accept the limited educational options available for their children. Today, that mission has evolved into a comprehensive support system that starts at infancy with "First Steps" therapies and continues through senior care.
"We have the best job because we get to see kiddos meet their milestones," Kincaid says. "Whether it’s a child learning to walk or verbalize for the first time, those lightbulb moments are life-changing to witness."
The "Cliff" and the Path to Employment
One of the most daunting challenges families face is the transition from high school to adulthood—often referred to as the "cliff" of benefits. At age 22, students age out of the school system, leaving a massive gap in daily scheduling and support.
Sycamore bridges this gap through Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). By working with students as young as 14, they provide real-world "job shadowing" to help them discover their strengths. Yolanda shared a personal anecdote about her first job tasseling corn: "I learned I could wake up early and withstand the elements, but I also learned I never wanted to do that again! The earlier we can provide those experiences, the better a student can pivot toward a career they actually love."
Understanding the Statistics
The need for these services is underscored by current data. Disability impacts a significant portion of our neighbors, yet the barriers to equal opportunity remain high.
Statistic Category | Data Point | Source |
Population Presence | 13.5% of the population has some form of disability. | |
General Employment | 65.2% of the general population (ages 18-54) is employed. | Bureau of Labor Statistics |
Disability Employment | Only 22.8% of people with disabilities are employed. | Bureau of Labor Statistics |
Yolanda notes that hiring people with disabilities isn't just a "good deed"—it's a smart business move. Employers frequently report that these hires bring a unique loyalty and a boost in overall office morale.
Building Trust: The Human Connection
Our host shared a personal story from her time as a fitness instructor, training a young man with autism for two years. "It was a relationship built over time," she recalled. "I learned his limits, how he liked to communicate, and what worked best for him. It was a beautiful experience that broke down my own preconceived notions."
Yolanda emphasized that this "rapport building" is the heartbeat of human services. Whether it's a fitness coach or a Direct Care Professional (DSP), the first few weeks are about learning humor, nuances, and trust.
"Once you build that rapport, you can finally get the vehicle moving toward their life goals," Kincaid explains. "But we have to recognize the challenges—our industry faces high turnover rates for DSPs. It’s a tough, 24/7 job that requires a lot of heart."
The "Leaky Bucket" and Hidden Barriers
In a world not always designed for accessibility, Sycamore advocates for Universal Design. This means creating spaces that benefit everyone—from a person in a wheelchair to a parent with a stroller or an aging adult with a walker.
Yolanda challenged us all to look for "hidden barriers" in our daily lives:
The "Straw Test": Yolanda recently noticed a fast-food restaurant where the lids and straws were placed on a high shelf. "I’m 5’3” and I had to reach. How is someone in a chair supposed to get those?"
Hygiene Dignity: She praised venues like the Fishers Event Center and Noblesville Arena for installing adult changing tables, which allow families to stay for a whole game or concert without having to leave due to a lack of facilities.
How You Can Get Involved
Whether you have a loved one in need of services or simply want to be a better neighbor, here is how you can engage:
Be Person-First: Focus on the human being before the disability.
Ask, Don't Assume: If you see someone who might need help, simply ask: "Can I help you with that?" and respect their "no" if they've got it covered.
Volunteer your Passion: Sycamore looks for volunteers to help with everything from sewing and gardening to cooking Japanese street food!
Attend an Event: Join Sycamore Services for their June 12th fundraiser at the Hickory Hall Polo Club in Whitestown. It’s family-friendly, $40 per carload, and a great way to support the mission.
Final Thought from Yolanda:
"Disability is not always visible. Be patient with each other and give people a little bit of grace. Together, we all grow."
Connect with Sycamore Services:
Website: www.sycamoreservices.com
Check out their events HERE
Watch or listen to the full episode below!
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~J
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