Year-Round Support
Since 1987, March has been recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, with the mission to increase public awareness of the needs and potential of Americans with developmental disabilities.
However, since the 1960s, the group that eventually created Sycamore Services in Hendricks County has been raising awareness and assisting those with intellectual and developmental disabilities — and they are doing it year-round.
“We provide services across the lifetime of the person and support them and their families throughout their journey,” says Yolanda Kincaid, CEO of Sycamore Services.
Developmental milestones include sitting up, walking, swallowing, talking or speech. When parents, caregivers or physicians recognize a concern, Sycamore Services can step in with early intervention, providing occupational, physical and speech therapy.
“I can’t underline and bold it enough — early intervention is key,” Kincaid says. “For example, the trajectory for a child who struggles with communication and receives early intervention can be night and day from one who does not receive it.”
As children grow older, Sycamore Services offers an applied behavior analysis facility benefiting children on the autism spectrum. The facility opened approximately three years ago and remains one of Sycamore Services’ best-kept secrets, something Kincaid hopes will change in the near future.
“We are really working hard to spread awareness about our ABA facility,” Kincaid says. “Some facilities have a one-year or longer waitlist for a diagnosis. It’s nowhere near that at our facility. We want to make connections with pediatricians in the county, with schools in the area and with families to partner with them and offer our services. I think once people are aware of it, our ABA facility will be a niche for Sycamore Services.”
In addition, ABA staff follow the child from the facility to the home and school, helping others who care for the child implement best and individualized practices.
“It’s really a collaborative effort,” Kincaid says. “The state has put caps on reimbursement rates, and it’s going to require a transition from ABA to school sooner than before. We have a truly amazing team that knows how schools and ABA work together, and that partnership is going to be important.”
Teens and young adults can also receive services.
Youth with disabilities who have 504 plans or individualized education programs in the school system can attend high school until age 22. Sycamore Services’ pre-employment and transition services help students and families prepare for next steps.
“It’s very common after high school for parents to ask, ‘Now what?’ We call it the cliff,” Kincaid says. “You’re used to your loved one attending school from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the next step has to be built and planned. We want to do that early on. We look at postsecondary college or university. It may be employment. The intent is to explore and evaluate what’s going to align best for the student.”
From there, Sycamore Services offers adult programs, including residential support, job placement and day services for individuals working on living skills and independence.
They also offer personal assistance care, helping individuals navigate tasks such as banking, grocery shopping and other daily needs, and partner with Hendricks County Senior Services LINK transportation.
The nonprofit also provides counseling services, not limited to disability-related behavioral supports.
In addition to supporting individuals and families, Sycamore Services emphasizes joy and connection.
“We have events and clubs, and you might not even realize something clinical is happening,” Kincaid says. “We’re making mocktails and working on social skills, or exercising while building communication.”
Most recently, the organization opened an art studio at its 201 Sycamore Lane location.
Creative Abundance Group, a consulting firm, facilitated a two-week intensive program to reimagine and utilize the space. The goal was to create opportunities for individuals served by Sycamore Services to connect with the broader community through art.
The studio includes space for sewing, crafts, visual art and building.
For those who have not worked with individuals with disabilities or do not have a loved one with special needs, it can feel intimidating or uncomfortable. Those who do often say individuals are underestimated.
“I’m always looking at how we can put a bright, positive light on a population that is bright and beautiful,” Kincaid says. “In this case, we’re using art as a tool to do that.”
She says individuals created posters for the Danville Porch Festival and a local business has expressed interest in commissioning a mural.
“I’d love to do floats for local parades,” Kincaid says. “It’s a beautiful way for people with disabilities to be celebrated — not for their disability, but for how they contribute to their community.”
Sycamore Services recently participated in a video, All Access with Andy Garcia, scheduled for release in April 2026.
In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, the video highlights the variety of services Sycamore Services provides and includes perspectives from board members, families, therapists and individuals receiving services.
Referrals to Sycamore Services often come from pediatricians concerned about a child’s development, but parents can also reach out directly.
Staff members help families navigate the process and connect with appropriate resources.
“We can walk you through the process, and we’re there as long as we need to be,” Kincaid says.
As funding continues to be cut or capped, Kincaid said it is increasingly important to find donors and supporters, though there are additional ways to help.
The art studio welcomes volunteers, and opportunities exist to serve on boards or committees. Sharing information about Sycamore Services is another meaningful form of support.
“Our message to families is that early intervention is key,” Kincaid says. “Find your tribe, and we’ll support you all along the way.”
