The Need
Financial
Children with physical disabilities require costly equipment to meet basic needs, live safely, and strive for independence. The families of these children face not only personal sacrifice, but also a heavy financial burden. It can cost families more than $40,000 a year to care for a child with a severe disability, and as children grow, equipment must be replaced. Government agencies cover only partial costs of certain pieces of equipment necessary to these children for personal safety, mobility, and communication, and for some pieces, not at all.
Extra family expenses can include: home renovations, adaptive equipment and devices, special schooling, special transportation and adapted vehicles, time away from work for medical appointments and surgeries, plus the cost of care givers, to name a few.
Of the families who requested financial assistance from Easter Seals and self-reported their annual income in 2016, 61% reported a total family income under $60,000. In addition, 45% of families had a total annual household income under $40,000; and 24% had a total family income under $20,000.
Social
Often children with disabilities live with feelings of isolation. Many spend most of their time at home or at school, with very little social interaction with others their age. For many of these children, camp or other recreational experiences are their only chance to establish independence, expand their personal boundaries, and explore their abilities.
All young people, whether disabled or not, benefit from camping or recreational experiences. A recreational environment builds social skills, independence and self-esteem. However, for a child with a physical disability, this experience is so much more
Sources of Revenue
Easter Seals Ontario relies fully on the generosity of public donations to offer its programs and services. The organization is not a member of the United Way, and receives negligible government funding.
Impact
The children we serve have lifelong disabilities. Our programs and services, funded through donor contributions and sponsorships, have a positive impact on improving their quality of life and helping them reach their individual potential.
In 2016:
982 children received funding for mobility equipment and or communication devices. IMPACT: Children and youth received the equipment they needed to be more independent and focus on their abilities rather than on their limitations.
808 children and family members attended Easter Seals camps. IMPACT: Children had the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities, make friends and experience the fun of camp. In addition, parents had a much deserved break from the demanding routine of raising a child with a physical disability.
68 Provincial and Local Ambassadors represented Easter Seals Ontario. IMPACT: Easter Seals youth were able to gain public speaking skills and build their self-confidence. Easter Seals also benefitted from increase public awareness in communities across the province.
22 Post-secondary scholarships were awarded. IMPACT: Young people with physical disabilities were able to pursue higher education on their way to future success.