To Table of Contents
Easter Seals Canada
Inspired by the formation of the National Society for Crippled Children( later Easterseals) in the US three years earlier, Easter Seals in Canada had its beginnings in the province of Ontario on November 28, 1922, when 10 representatives from seven Rotary Clubs throughout the province came together to form the Ontario Society for Crippled Children( later Easter Seals Ontario). As was the case with their US counterpart, this organization’ s concern was the lack of services and resources available to children with physical disabilities, and its goals were to ensure adequate treatment and raise public awareness about the needs of these children.
Over the next 34 years, similar organizations that would eventually become part of the Easter Seals family were established across Canada. In 1937, the Ontario Government turned to Easter Seals for expert assistance following a devastating poliomyelitis( polio) outbreak. That same year, Easter Seals in both Ontario and Nova Scotia opened the first Canadian adaptive camps for children with physical disabilities.
Today, Easter Seals and its ten independently governed provincial affiliate organizations have offices and provide programs and services to people living with disabilities in provinces and territories all across Canada, and plans are well underway to celebrate Easter Seals’ 100th anniversary in 2022.
Easter Seals British Columbia and the Yukon
Adult and Parent Programs: Learning and Respite Opportunities and programs for both parents and caregivers, and for adults with disabilities, to connect, learn, and have respite. Throughout the year, there are workshops on topics like finance, and parent nights to discuss current challenges and provide connection with each other.
Easter Seals House: Since 1955, families from all over BC and Yukon have stayed at Easter Seals House while their child or loved one receives care and treatment at nearby medical facilities. Easter Seals House also has also provided a Respite Program for parents and caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Facility Rentals: Easter Seals has three locations with fully accessible facilities throughout BC, with beach-front property to secluded forests. Each site is ideal for conferences, school groups, church groups, weddings, outdoor education, weekend retreats, day programs and family reunions. All locations are available to rent throughout the year, and rental dollars go directly to support Easter Seals Summer Camps for children and adults with diverse abilities.
Post-Secondary Educational Awards: A number of educational awards have been established and are available to help benefit youth with disabilities looking to pursue post-secondary educations. These awards are administered by the postsecondary schools, with information on criteria and eligibility available directly from the schools.
TM MD
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
www. eastersealsbcy. ca