There’s no escaping the news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic these days. Caring for children – including those with special needs -- during this event, which seemingly has no end in sight as of this writing, can be extremely daunting.
 
Though there’s no denying this difficult time in our history, it’s also helpful to remember that faring well in any crisis is largely about preparedness. And, our reactions to what’s happening around us are actions we can control when there’s little else.
 
Aside from physical preparations a family may need to undertake, the emotional and psychological trauma of uncertain times can be challenging for children. To help keep youngsters – and yourself – calm during the health crisis, we offer several ideas:
 

1. Demonstrate and encourage calm behavior. Calm parents and caregivers help children remain calm too. Limit news coverage to only the necessary messages and monitor the media entering the child’s world. Non-stop commentary can overwhelm anyone.
2. Explore the science of viruses. Though we often don’t think about it, epidemiology is a scientific marvel. If your child is curious about what’s happening in the world today and about the coronavirus itself, gear up with some educational resources to help explain and entertain. Websites like Child Mind Institute and activities such as those on Brain Pop can educate and empower children and adults alike.
3. Keep routine as much as possible. Maintaining as much consistency in schedules as possible can help a child feel secure. If your child finds comfort in routine, keep the elements you can, such as eating lunch at a certain time or playing a favorite game after dinner.
4. Be honest and confident. If your child asks questions about the virus, answer them honestly; it’s okay to be brief. Confidently explain the measures the family has taken to ensure you’re safe, you’re well prepared, and are following recommended precautions. Encouraging children’s questions will help them express their fears.
5. Give kids a job. Feeling helpful can bring purpose to uncomfortable situations. Let your kids be helpers if possible. It’s a great time to train kids on household chores to not only give them a sense of control and teamwork but also to teach them valuable life skills.

 
The coronavirus outbreak doesn’t have to be a chaotic, anxious time. Make the best of this time by employing activities and mindsets that can help bring the calm to any mind at any age.

Recent public health issues have forced us to limit our operations, including face-to-face contact in our programs. We want to assure you as a valuable donor that Easterseals Northeast Central Florida is dedicated to our local children with disabilities, their families and caregivers and our community.

We are still open and working, albeit very differently than we did even a week ago. Our primary programs are still open, and as we focus on direct care, treatment and intervention services, a decline in utilization has greatly challenged our funding.

Our clinical and early intervention services are hardest hit, with almost a 50% decline for reasons that neither we, or our most vulnerable families, have control. However, we have moved swiftly to re-invent nearly all of our service lines, such as shifting clinical services and early intervention services to tele-health and opening additional child care slots, for example. This has challenged our team and will require additional expense beyond our capacity.

Please donate so that we can continue to creatively serve and go the extra mile for our children with special needs — and the families who love them. Donate a gift of any amount today. Please share with your networks and send us a message with any questions to smoor@esnecfl.org. 

​Thank you!

​Easterseals Northeast Central Florida is proud to announce Ivan David Garcia Rolon as a 2020 Easterseals “Walk With Me” Ambassador. 

Ivan is a student at Easterseals Charter School in DeLand and Easterseals Autism Center of Excellence in Daytona Beach. This spunky four-year-old is a hard-working boy who’s focused on becoming a proficient walker and expert in potty training at home and at school.

He’s learning shapes, the alphabet, numbers and colors too. 

Teachers Susan Nathan and Rebekah Lay and Constance Ellis are proud of all of the strides Ivan has made since joining the Easterseals family only 18 months ago.  

“Ivan has blossomed through having dedicated teachers and a consistent peer group for the last couple of years at the charter school,” said Susan Nathan. “His trust and communication are improving with adults and peers alike.”

A happy, shy little guy, Ivan is coming out of his shell and is more social in the Easterseals environment, say his teachers, and he’s becoming a more confident walker too.  His mother, Amarilis Rolon, is one of his biggest fans.

"Ivan is a charming and sweet little boy. I believe he has a big calling in this world, and he will be a great musician and or a great engineer," said Rolon. "He has a beautiful, big smile that can melt any heart. He is a very strong and determine little boy who won't give up on himself; he works hard every day to accomplish every milestone every goal set for him.

"Ivan is power, strength, love and hope," added his mom. "He is our sunshine in a cloudy day. You just have to see him to know how awesome he is." 

Easterseals welcomes Ivan Garcia and his family, including parents Amarilis Rolon and Jose Garcia, to the “Walk With Me” ambassador team of families!

You, too, can join the fun of “Walk With Me.” Mark your calendars for 5 p.m. Friday, May 22, at Lakeside Community Center in Port Orange.

When you register as an individual or a team for Walk With Me Daytona, you show love and support for Easterseals Northeast Central Florida clients -- as well as the 1 in 5 Americans facing life-altering disabilities -- and the families who love them. Join our Facebook event today and stay tuned for more news about “Walk With Me 2020” on our website. 

Giovanni Garcia, 5, has been named as an Easterseals Northeast Central Florida 2020 Ambassador.

Giovanni is an outgoing, and contagiously happy little boy who enjoys dancing and music. The only child of Susana and Carmelo Garcia, Giovanni is a student at Easterseals Charter School and receives occupational and language therapy services from Easterseals as well. 

At Easterseals, Giovanni has flourished. When he arrived, he wasn’t vocal and demonstrated little cognitive ability, according to Assistant Principal Christina Hopkins. He was timid and shy.

Today, however, Giovanni is blossoming. Not only is he outgoing, he's often the life of the party. Whenever he talks with peers and adults, he even invites them to play! He has learned his colors, can count to five, can name familiar objects in the classroom, and can verbally express his wants and needs.

Giovanni will be attending to Kindergarten next year, and with Easterseals' help, he’s learning and growing while reaching significant and age-appropriate milestones. 
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Easterseals is proud to welcome Giovanni to the Easterseals Ambassador family. Mark your calendars to meet Giovanni and support Easterseals in its annual Walk With Me event in 2020. Details coming soon!