Easter Seals Southwest Florida began in 1946 offering help and hope to disabled children and their families. Today, the mission of the organization has grown along with the communities it serves, and Easter Seals Southwest Florida has expanded its services to reach across the age spectrum from birth through adulthood.
A Commitment to the Community
Whether we call it a developmental delay, a special need, or a disability; whether it’s named autism, Down syndrome or cerebral palsy, the reality is that many children and adults experience challenges that compromise their ability to participate fully in the activities they would choose in their lives. These challenges also impact the loved ones who care and provide for them.
Easter Seals Southwest Florida is committed to remaining a leader in special needs services – an organization to which individuals and their families can turn for resources and support with a continuum of care throughout their lives. We offer the highest quality of care and services to children, youth and adults with special needs so that they can enjoy access, opportunities and increased life choices.
Contributions to Easter Seals Southwest Florida remain in our area to support local people who need our help with services that include:
Children’s Therapy Services – Provides pediatric services to children and their families from birth through age 17 - with an emphasis on children five and under -- including speech/language, occupational, physical and developmental/early intervention therapy.
Children’s Respite Services (Project Rainbow) – Provides support to medically fragile, chronically ill and disabled children and their families by providing respite care (both in-home and community-based), special activities and events, as well as case management and family support.
Vocational Introduction and Preparation (VIP) Academy – Serves as an alternative high school program for students ages 15 to 22 who are eligible for Exceptional Student Education services. The program’s goal is to prepare students for their transition into life after school.
Adult Day Training – Provides relevant personal, social, therapeutic, life skill, pre-vocational and work skill training to adults with disabilities. Experiences are offered in the community and in our center. This includes:
· Community inclusion experiences
· Community work sites
· Contract work (within center)
· Art Initiative (art instruction)
· Community volunteer opportunities
· Monthly social activities (i.e. dances)
Employment Services – Provides assistance to individuals with disabilities to successfully obtain, maintain or enhance employment. Individualized counseling is designed to reach vocational goals, offering assistance in job applications, creating and training individuals the art of résumé and cover letter writing, as well as enhancing job interview skills.
Technology Center – Individualized computer skill training (with adaptive equipment as necessary).
