Easterseals Has Been Advocating for Americans Living with Disabilities Since Its Founding in Elyria in 1919; Easterseals Has Since Grown to More Than 550 Service Sites and 71 Affiliates Nationwide
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate today passed U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rob Portman’s (R-OH) resolution celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Easterseals, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals living with disability and their families.
“For a century now, Easterseals has served more than one-and-a-half million Americans with disabilities,” said Brown. “From early childhood intervention and education to helping our returning veterans transition to civilian life, they never stop giving back. I’m proud this organization started off in Elyria, and I can’t wait to see all the good Easterseals does over the next century.”
“Easterseals has been a champion for those with disabilities, including returning servicemen and women, since their founding,” said Portman. For the past 100 years, Easterseals has led the charge in advocating for people with disabilities and ensuring that they can live and work in our communities. Ohioans have always fought for those in need, and nothing demonstrates this better than Easterseals and its founders. I look forward to what they do in the next 100 years.”
“Easterseals is humbled by the recent approval in the U.S. Senate of a congressional resolution to honor Easterseals’ Ohio beginning and our 100-years of service to Ohio and the country,” said Angela F Williams, President, and CEO of Easterseals. “We are especially grateful for Senator Brown and Senator Portman for their support and leadership in introducing and advancing the resolution prior to our 100th Anniversary on April 22nd. As we celebrate our history, Easterseals is looking ahead to our next 100 years and our commitment to improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities, veterans, older adults and caregivers through physical therapy, job training, home care, and other local services and supports.”
Edgar Allen founded Easterseals on April 22, 1919, in Elyria, Ohio, after realizing there was a lack of adequate medical services available to save his son who had passed away. Easterseals serves as a champion for individuals living with disabilities, providing support and services to communities and states across the country, including childcare, workforce training, recreational activities, and educational programming.
Easterseals was especially instrumental in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the landmark legislation that prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities. In 1931, Easterseals authored a “Bill of Rights” for children with disabilities, which led to government-funded disability services. Through their national advocacy – including the successful “seals” campaign, Easterseals has raised public awareness and support for those with diverse needs.
Today, Easterseals helps millions of Americans participate fully in their communities, live independently, and work with dignity. The organization currently has five affiliates throughout Ohio that employ more than 2,000 individuals in various career fields including nursing, therapy, and medical rehabilitation. The organization also includes more than 550 service sites and 71 affiliates nationwide.