History
As the nation’s largest nonprofit health care organization, Easterseals has long championed the health and well-being of over 1.5 million people each year, proudly supporting the one in four Americans living with disability through lifelong, results-driven care.
Tragedy Leads to Inspiration
In 1907, Ohio businessman Edgar Allen lost his son in a streetcar accident. The lack of adequate medical services available to save his son prompted Allen to sell his business and begin a fundraising campaign to build a hospital in his hometown of Elyria, Ohio. Through this new hospital, Allen was surprised to learn that children with disabilities were often hidden from public view. Inspired to make a difference, in 1919 Allen founded the National Society for Crippled Children, the first organization of its kind.
We live but one life; we get nothing out of that life except by putting something into it...Your life and mine shall be valued not by what we take but by what we give.
The Birth of the Seal
In the spring of 1934, the organization launched its first Easter "seals" campaign to raise money for its services. To show their support, donors placed the seals on envelopes and letters. Cleveland Plain Dealer cartoonist J.H. Donahey designed the first seal. Donahey based the design on a concept of simplicity because those served by the charity asked "simply for the right to live a normal life." The lily, a symbol of spring, was officially incorporated as the National Society for Crippled Children’s logo in 1952 for its association with new life and new beginnings.
Expansion of the organization
In 1945, we expanded our vision across the country and in communities nationwide when we opened our services to adults and returning WWII veterans.
Easterseals Emerges
The overwhelming public support for the Easter "seals" campaign triggered a nationwide expansion of the organization and a swell of grassroots efforts on behalf of people with disabilities. By 1967, the Easter "seal" was so well recognized, the organization formally adopted the name "Easter Seals."
Americans with Disabilities Act
Prior to the passing of the ADA on July 26, 1990, Easterseals was a leading advocate for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and actively lobbied in Washington and across the country for its adoption. Easterseals also created some of the most powerful advocacy pro-ADA public service campaigns with messages to support the law and its implementation. After the passing of the ADA, Easterseals worked tirelessly to ensure that all people are empowered to access their rights under the ADA. Learn more about Easterseals' history and ongoing work with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Easterseals Today
Today, Easterseals provides essential services and on-the-ground supports to more than 1.5 million individuals and families each year through its national network of affiliates in communities nationwide. Easterseals offers a variety of home and community-based services in four distinct areas of impact.
Enriching education
Includes services that help children and adults learn or relearn essential skills, stay mentally active, and thrive. This includes early childhood education, inclusive child care, lifelong learning opportunities, assistive technology, social skills coaching, and enrichment activities.
Enhancing health
Focuses on comprehensive therapies that promote overall wellness and help individuals reach their full potential. These services include early intervention, autism support, physical and occupational therapy, speech and hearing therapy, and behavioral health care.
Expanding employment
Provides training, placement, and support to help people prepare for or return to work, offering workforce development, job placement, supported and senior employment, assistive technology, and veteran integration programs.
Elevating Community
Ensures individuals and caregivers can live, connect, and engage fully in their communities. These programs include camps, respite care, recreation, residential and independent living services, day programs, and transportation, fostering inclusion, independence, and belonging.
The next 100 years
In 2019, Easterseals celebrated 100 years of impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities or other special needs, their families, and communities throughout America as a powerful advocate and leading provider of innovative services. In marking this milestone, Easterseals reflected on its legacy of delivering equality, dignity, and independence to people with disabilities while embracing a future where every one of us is 100% included and 100% empowered.
Since its founding in 1919, Easterseals has remained committed to ensuring that the needs of children and adults with disabilities, veterans, and older adults are met with services and supports to help them live, learn, work, and play in their communities. By combining on-the-ground presence, deep expertise, and diverse programs, 69 Easterseals affiliates nationwide are advancing change to ensure that people with disabilities and other special needs can thrive in their communities.