Easter Seals Ontario is celebrating 100 years!
Join a century-long legacy of inclusion, accessibility, and acceptance.
100 years of changing the the world for kids with physical disabilities.
A trusted partner and champion since 1922, Easter Seals Ontario is proud to be marking 100 years of changing the world for kids with physical disabilities in 2022. Forging the way for enhanced care and services for children with physical disabilities, our impact over the past century has been profound. Easter Seals’ legacy includes being the first to employ nurses to carry service into the home, first to build fully accessible summer camps specifically for children and youth with physical disabilities, and the first to build a provincial treatment centre with in-patient and out-patient facilities.
A Legacy of Leadership
Over the years, we have helped kids with physical disabilities live with greater independence, freedom, and dignity, created places for them to participate and have a fun summer experience with other kids, provided opportunities for them to be heard and pursue post-secondary education, offered families respite and the chance to share a vacation together, built a state-of-the-art provincial treatment centre, formed a network of treatment centres, contributed to research, created awareness for treatment, prevention and safety, and developed leading therapeutic recreation programs.
Rooted in Community
Easter Seals was built with grassroots support from communities across Ontario. Everything we have accomplished has been the result of the remarkable dedication, committed service, and extraordinary generosity of our donors, sponsors, volunteers, and staff. To this day, Easter Seals relies solely on funds raised by individual and corporate supporters to run our programs and services. Here’s how Easter Seals supporters are making a difference in the lives of Easter Seals kids and families today:
Ethan Can Live with Greater Safety at Home
The pandemic has hit Ethan and his mother particularly hard. Angela and Ethan moved here from Nigeria all on their own three years ago and have felt incredibly isolated without the support of friends and family close by. It is just the two of them, and Angela has to do the lifts and transfers by herself manually. It is no longer simple like it was when Ethan was little; he is tall and likes to move around. This is why Angela and Ethan desperately needed a ceiling track lift for their home – to ensure personal safety and far less risk of injury for both of them.
Sam Found Acceptance at Camp
“Within the camp community, Sam was finally able to find his people. He shared experiences, laughter, and found growth and enrichment in all areas. The level of inclusion and acceptance is second to none and as a parent, I can tell you that watching your child exude pure joy and excitement in anticipation of any and all activities is truly priceless.”
Madelyn Took Her First Independent Steps
With her new AFOs on, Madelyn was able to stand up using a walker and take her first independent steps. When we first got them, she would stand and go a little bit. But now she is walking up and down our street and back. And she just loves it … She is always pulling herself up and standing. It’s really great to see how she’s progressed from not really moving on her own to really getting around.”
100 Years, and We’re Just Getting Started
Throughout the past century, Easter Seals has survived and evolved through a depression, war, peace, prosperity, economic recessions, and a global pandemic. We are more committed than ever to doing everything within our power to help remove barriers and create a more inclusive society so children and youth with physical disabilities can experience greater independence, freedom, and dignity.
Stay tuned for more information about centennial events and initiatives that will take place over the coming year, including local celebratory events, the illumination of major public landmarks around the province, and a birthday party in Ottawa in the spring of 2022 to mark March is Easter Seals Month in a very special way.
Become a champion for kids with physical disabilities.
Join the Celebration!
Together, we can continue to lead the way to a more inclusive society so kids with physical disabilities can continue to achieve their dreams in the next 100 years. Subscribe to receive information about our upcoming centennial events and initiatives.