Accessibility = Inclusion and Belonging for Kids with Physical Disabilities
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ids with physical disabilities are often left out because a building isn't accessible, there is no accessible transportation or a program won't accommodate someone in a wheelchair.
Easter Seals Ontario has been an advocate for improving accessibility for children with disabilities in the community for 98 years.
Accessibility means more than just ramps, elevators and electric door openers. It is also being able to join a group and play together, enabling a child with a disability to be included and have a sense of belonging.
Having an accessible building or offering an accessible program sends a very positive message to child with a physical disability, says Jennifer Green, an Easter Seals parent. It says 'Yes, you can' instead of 'No, you can't.' At Easter Seals camp, when asked 'Who wants to .....?' my son, Cameron, always raises his hand and shouts 'Yah.' He always knows he will be able to participate in anything being offered at camp whether it's sailing, crafts, cooking or swimming.
We have heard from the kids we serve that the feeling of being different and excluded leads to tremendous stress and anxiety. Easter Seals' services are so important because they enable kids to get out into the community or attend Easter Seals camp and experience a sense of belonging, says Kevin Collins, President and CEO, Easter Seals Ontario. Last summer, a mother had tears in her eyes when she picked up her teenage daughter from Easter Seals camp and learned that she had made her very first friend. It's not easy for kids with disabilities to make friends or have a social life. Through the support of our donors, Easter Seals helps kids with physical disabilities get essential mobility and accessibility equipment and offers opportunities for inclusion and participation at our fully accessible camps.
March kicks off Easter Seals annual campaign to raise funds and bring awareness to the challenges and needs of kids with physical disabilities.
Initiatives include
The Easter Seals annual giving campaign containing the traditional seals arrives in homes across the province.
The launch of Easter Seals Ontario's new Services website, https//services.easterseals.org/, featuring information on our programs and services as well as resources for parents and caregivers.
Easter Seals segments air on the CKWS Morning Show in South Eastern Ontario throughout the month
The Easter Seals Paper Egg Campaign takes place March 20 to April 12 in retailers across Ontario, including Sobeys, Foodland, FreshCo, Avondale, Highland Farms, Giant Tiger and Booster Juice, where shoppers can lend their support by purchasing a $2 paper egg.
Annual Easter Seals Telethons air on Sunday, March 22 in Sudbury and on Sunday, March 29 in Peterborough, Sault Ste. Marie, Toronto and Windsor-Essex. For more information, visit EasterSeals.org.
Easter Seals Ontario has been a champion for children and youth with physical disabilities from all ethnic and religious backgrounds for the past 98 years. Programs include funding for essential mobility and accessibility equipment, fully accessible summer camp opportunities at its two properties, Camp Merrywood and Camp Woodeden, public awareness and information resources. Easter Seals is only able to provide its programs and services with the generous support of its donors and sponsors. For more information, visit EasterSeals.org.
✔️ Accessibility = Inclusion and Belonging for Kids with Physical Disabilities
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