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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 Newfoundland and Labrador
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador offers a number of sports programs , including Sledge Hockey , Wheelchair Basketball , Boccia , and Let ’ s Get Active , a program for children who wish to develop and improve their fundamental movement skills to aid in physical literacy . In this program , children explore their balance , motor skills and flexibility using hula hoops , parachute games , balls , bean bags and more . Children are introduced to basic skills used in parasports such as baseball and wheelchair basketball . Also available are Swimming , Wall Climbing , Dansability , and Target Shooting programs .
The Easter Seals Creative Expressions Music Program offers an opportunity for participants to create and share music based on their interests and abilities . Common goals and interests within the group are identified and used to guide the program outcomes . The Expressive Arts Program offers the opportunity for participants to experiment with materials and hone their artistic skills using paint , clay , plaster cast and photography .
The Horizons Program provides a comprehensive skill enhancement and work experience for youth and young adults who face barriers to employment . Through the program , youth develop necessary workplace skills that facilitate personal growth and independence , enabling them to compete for meaningful employment opportunities . The Opportunities Fund encourages employers to hire job seekers of all ages who identify with a disability by providing employers with a subsidy of the current minimum wage rate to a maximum of 36 weeks .
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