Easter Seals

1. Services/Programs for Ontario Students and Families

1.1. Financial Assistance Up to $3 000 per year, per child to help purchase mobility equipment such as wheelchair, walkers, ramps or lifts.

1.2. Summer Camp Easter Seals has two fully accessible summer camps. Children can attend camp for 10 days during the summer and participate in fully accessible outdoor activities.

1.3. Scholarships Easter Seals has scholarships available for young people with physical disabilities that attend post secondary education.

1.4. Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Easter Seals is one of a few external organizations that are invited to participate on the SEAC of many school boards across Ontario. They help to protect the rights of students by providing specific information, advice and assistance to parents.

1.5. Parent Resource Information Online virtual library of links to various service providers, suppliers, and government programs that may be beneficial to the parents of children with physical disabilities

1.6. Incontinence Supplies Grant Program and Top Up Program On behalf of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term care, Easter Seals Ontario administers the Incontinence Supplies Grant Program. This is for children with chronic disabilities that result in irreversible incontinence or retention problems. This program is fully funded by the ministry, and Easter Seals works to transfer payments to "top up" the annual amount for eligible individuals and families.

2. Accessing Services and Programs

2.1. Many of the Easter Seals resources can be accessed on their website under "Services". Families with a child with a physical disability can check client eligibility and complete a form to be registered with Easter Seals in order to fully access the services provided.

3. Vision and Goals Aligning with Equity and Inclusion

3.1. For 95 years, Easter Seals has provided support for children and youth with physical disabilities. Through donations, they have been able to offer programs that allow children to BE kids. They allow children to experience freedom and independence while feeling a sense of accomplishment.

3.2. Easter Seals helps children and youth with physical disabilities from all ethnic and religious backgrounds to purchase costly mobility equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, porch lifts and ramps, as well as communication devices, toileting aids and bathing equipment. In addition, Easter Seals offers summer camp opportunities and post-secondary scholarships.

4. References

4.1. Easter Seals Ontario. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved from About Us - Easter Seals Ontario

5. Other Information

5.1. The impact of Easter Seals on children and youth: In 2016, 982 children received funding for mobility equipment or communication devices. 808 children and family members attended Easter Seals camps. 22 Post-secondary scholarships were awarded.

5.2. Easter Seals accepts donations and offers many ways that one can help them to achieve their vision. These can be accessed on the "How You Can Help" section of their website.