For over 100 years Easterseals has been leading the way to 100% equity, inclusion and access for children and adults with disabilities. Easterseals Western and Central PA provides approximately 15 programs and services across 47 counties in Pennsylvania, supporting approximately 5,000 individuals with disabilities and their families. 

Easterseals

They work on enriching education, enhancing health, expanding employment, and elevating community. 

As one of the leading advocates for the American Disabilities Act (ADA) Easterseals actively lobbied in Washington and across the country for its adoption. Easterseals also created some of the most powerful advocacy pro ADA public service campaigns with messages to support the law and its implementation. 

Their programs are designed to help children and adults learn, and often re-learn, basic functions.They help people master skills needed to develop and thrive and remain active as they age. Easterseals offers hands-on, comprehensive, and vital therapies, including speech and physical therapies and other services to ensure health and wellness so that individuals can reach their full potential. 

Specific Programming

The Easterseals approved Private School program in Pittsburgh (South Hills, Murrysville and Cranberry) are 3 of only 33 schools in Pennsylvania with this specialized designation of providing high quality education for children with disabilities. Their Childcare Development Center in State College provides uniquely inclusive childcare, where typically abled children learn alongside children with disabilities. 

Additionally, they provide programs for children and adults and caregivers to relax, connect, thrive and (for adults) live independently within their communities through their residential housing, camp and recreation programs. Through the rec programs, individuals with disabilities thrive through fun experiences like zip lining, skiing and more using adaptive equipment. These programs strengthen communities and encourage individuals’ engagement and participation in their local communities. They also offer military camp programs for children of military families to connect and share experiences. 

Please consider supporting Easterseals and their many programs and services so that they may continue supporting children and adults with disabilities to be independent, inclusive participants in their local communities. 

To learn more about making a donation and how Easterseals Western and Central Pennsylvania can support your loved ones on a local level, please visit www.eastersealswcpenna.org You can also find the organizationon Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin @eastersealswcpa

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Story and Photography by Easterseals

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