A champion for kids with physical disabilities.
We are advocates for children with physical disabilities and believe in their ability to achieve great things.
Adaptable. Remarkable. Unstoppable.
Easter Seals Ontario is a charitable organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth with long-term physical disabilities. Our goal is to break down barriers and provide the support and resources these individuals need to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams. We believe that every child, regardless of their abilities, should have the chance to overcome obstacles and make their mark on the world. With our programs and services, we aim to create a more inclusive and accessible society where kids with physical disabilities are valued, respected, and given the opportunities they need to succeed.
We provide funding for essential accessibility and mobility equipment to remove barriers and enable children and youth to experience the world on their own terms. Our two fully accessible summer camps and industry-leading camping programs help kids build confidence and foster a sense of community. Through our public education and awareness efforts, we aim to create a society that sets goals, not limits, for people with disabilities.
For 100 years, we have been providing children and youth with physical disabilities the tools they need to fulfill their aspirations and make their own positive impact on the world. We are grateful to our donors, sponsors, volunteers, and staff who have made it possible for us to continue helping individuals with disabilities reach new heights.
Fiercely determined, eagerly optimistic.
At Easter Seals Ontario, we support children and youth with a range of long-term physical disabilities and medical conditions, including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, Rett syndrome, and spinal cord injuries. These conditions can have a variety of causes, but all result in physical disabilities that impact a child’s ability to participate in the world. Despite these challenges, the kids we serve are ambitious, independent, and resourceful, with a strong desire to find their place in the world. Our role is to provide them with the tools and support they need to empower themselves and achieve their goals.
Our Mission and Vision
Mission
Easter Seals Ontario is committed to helping children, youth and young adults with physical disabilities and their families. Through the generous support of our donors and volunteers, Easter Seals provides quality services and programs and acts as an effective voice for their needs and interests.
Vision
Easter Seals Ontario will enable all children, youth and young adults with physical disabilities to reach their full potential, make the absolute most of their abilities and live their lives to the fullest.
Our Core Values
Be Bold
We challenge ourselves to embrace change by seeking opportunities for innovation and growth.
Stronger Together
We deliver quality experiences for children, families, donors, and supporters through engagement and collaboration.
Be a Champion
We deliver on what we promise with integrity and professionalism. We lead by example as a trusted partner and champion for children and youth with physical disabilities.
Make a Difference
We conduct ourselves with compassion and determination to make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.
Privacy Statement and Disclaimer
Easter Seals is a registered charitable organization that empowers children and youth with physical disabilities to reach their full potential, regardless of their background. We work to remove barriers, promote personal growth, and foster a sense of belonging through our programs and initiatives.
As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, we are committed to expanding our services and programs to meet the growing needs of children and youth with disabilities. However, we need your support to make this possible. Without access to the resources they need, children and youth with physical disabilities can become isolated from their peers and miss out on opportunities to live a healthy and successful life. By supporting our initiatives, you are not only making a financial impact, but you are also helping to change the course of a child’s life.
What We Do
Equipment Funding
We offer up to $3,000 per year, per child to fund essential mobility and accessibility equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, ramps, and lifts. This equipment not only improves the daily quality of life for children and youth with physical disabilities by reducing pain and increasing freedom of movement, but it also removes barriers that limit their ability to fully experience the world. Find out more.
Fully Accessible Camp
The surroundings in which children and youth engage in social and recreational activities can have a significant impact on their participation. Our two fully accessible summer camps at Easter Seals provide an environment where physical barriers are removed, and kids with disabilities are not made to feel different. By providing opportunities for participation, pushing boundaries, and fostering connections with peers, our camps help children and youth with disabilities develop a stronger sense of self and independence, and discover their true potential without limitations. Visit the Easter Seals camp website for more information.
Ambassador Program
We believe that every individual deserves to have their voice heard, that’s why we created our Ambassador Program. The program aims to help children and youth with physical disabilities to develop their leadership and public speaking skills, discover their ability to advocate for themselves, and be active in our activism. Our Ambassadors help create positive representation for kids with physical disabilities by sharing their achievements, potential, and contributions. They serve as role models and educate people by sharing their stories and the challenges that many people with disabilities face. Find out more about our Ambassador Program.
Scholarships
Many students with disabilities are highly motivated, ambitious, and committed to achieving academic goals, but they may face financial barriers to education. Families or children with physical disabilities often incur significant expenses, making it challenging to send their child to post-secondary school. That’s why we have established a scholarship program to provide children and youth with disabilities the financial support they need to pursue their academic dreams. Find out about Easter Seals scholarships.
Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)
Easter Seals Ontario is one of a small group of external organizations that are invited to have representatives participate on the Special Education Advisory Committees of the various Boards of Education across the province. SEAC representatives help protect the rights of students with special needs by providing specific information, advice and assistance to parents/guardians whose children may require additional support. Find out more.
Parent Resource Information
We offer a virtual library of online links to various service providers, suppliers and government programs that may be of interest to parents of children and youth with physical disabilities.
Awareness and Public Education
Easter Seals has been and will always be a voice for children and youth with disabilities. Some of the greatest barriers they face require systemic and societal changes. Through public education initiatives, government consulting, and conference participation, we raise awareness and tackle major issues disabled children and youth face. We also promote and create awareness of disability and accessibility issues through our annual March is Easter Seals Month campaign, media relations, direct mail, and government relations activities, and through our annual Easter Seals Telethon.
Incontinence Supplies Grant Program
Easter Seals Ontario administers the Incontinence Supplies Grant Program on behalf of the Ministry of Health. This program is for children and youth with chronic disabilities that result in irreversible incontinence or retention problems lasting longer than six months requiring the use of incontinence supplies. This program is fully funded by the Ministry. Check here to find out more about the Incontinence Supplies Grant Program.
Top Up Program
The Top Up Program “tops up” the annual amount from the Incontinence Supplies Grant Program for eligible individuals and families. This program is fully funded by the Ministry of Children & Youth Services, and all eligibility criteria and Top Up grant levels are set by this Ministry. Easter Seals Ontario acts as a transfer payment agency for this program. Get details on the Top Up Program. Find out more about the Top-Up Program.