“Kids with disabilities are really just like any other kids, they want to participate and have fun,” explains Ella’s mom, Alyssa.
Ella is 10 years old and has triplegic cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus. For Ella, this means that she has difficulty controlling the muscles in her legs and right arm. While Ella primarily uses a manual wheelchair to get around, in most other ways, she is very much like her peers.
“Ella is a happy kid,” shares Alyssa. “She is very social, and she likes to be included and get out and do stuff. She loves music and is DESPERATE to go to see Taylor Swift.”
Ella has a twin sister and an older brother. So, finding activities that the whole family can do get out and do together, especially considering that Alyssa is a single parent, can be challenging.
“It was so nice to not have people stare at us, and to be around other families who just get it. Ella has never had any type of camp experience, so it was great to have her be able to be included in everything.”
Thankfully, Ella’s family discovered Easter Seals’ Camp Merrywood, and signed up for a Family Camp session. “It was amazing,” Alyssa shares. “It was so nice to not have people stare at us, and to be around other families who just get it. Ella has never had any type of camp experience, so it was great to have her be able to be included in everything. Having all of the accessible features, like the lift to get into the pool, it just makes it more inviting for her and she’s more willing to take part.”
During her time at Merrywood, Ella tried archery, participated in a pirate scavenger hunt, and even did some baking with her sister. It wasn’t just the inclusivity and accessibility that made camp a novel experience, but having the opportunity to be outdoors and have the space to try new activities was quite different from Ella’s daily life.
Ella and her family live in a busy urban centre, where it can be difficult to enjoy the outdoors. It can also be a challenge to find accessible spaces. As Alyssa explains, “It’s harder in our apartment, just because nothing is built for accessibility.” So, the equipment and devices that they are able to add to their home make a huge difference for Ella.
Your support will make a meaningful impact in the lives of children like Ella.
“I don’t have an accessible washroom,” Alyssa continues, “I have to transfer Ella in and out of the bathtub.” Alyssa has injured her back in the past during these transfers. Fortunately, Alyssa was able to get support from Easter Seals Ontario toward the purchase of a new bath chair that allows Ella to sit up higher, making the transfers easier.
Having the right mobility and accessibility equipment for kids with physical disabilities is crucial. Not just for improved safety, but it can impact a child’s heath and development.
“In 2020, Ella underwent major hip surgery,” shares Alyssa, “and a big part of the recovery is using the equipment.” Ella spent three months in the hospital after her hip surgery, and not having the right equipment at home could increase the likelihood that Ella would need to undergo more serious surgeries in the future. Surgery and recovery can be incredibly taxing for most, but especially for a child as young as Ella.
“Having the proper equipment gives Ella a chance to stretch and use her muscles she might not otherwise use,” continues Alyssa, “she can keep getting stronger and be more independent.”
The support from our compassionate community of Easter Seals donors makes it possible for more kids like Ella to live active childhoods, develop their independence, have fun… and just BE KIDS. Thank you for all that you do for Easter Seals kids, together we are creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all.