Taking on disability together.
 Deanna In honor of national Easterseals 100th anniversary, we’re taking a moment to check in with some of IMPACT team members to inquire about their love of Easterseals and how they feel they’re making the biggest impact.
Today, we heard from Deanna McGrath. Deanna is a school therapy coordinator/Autism Center for Excellence (ACE) case manager and she’s been with Easterseals Northeast Central Florida for one year. In her role, Deanna is responsible for coordinating and responding to Easterseals therapists’ needs so that, in turn, they can give the best service to Easterseals families. This may include ordering supplies, collecting billing and helping therapists be successful on all fronts. She also assists as an ACE case manager, working one-on-one with families and assessing and addressing individuals’ needs. Easterseals’ ACE program is growing, and Deanna says she’s excited to be part of its growth. “I am proud to help our families gain knowledge about not only our autism services but also the autism spectrum in general,” says Deanna. “Supporting families when they first walk in the door and throughout their journey is very fulfilling.” As a 2019 IMPACT Team member, Deanna is part of a group that’s been empowered to create opportunities to affect the future progress of Easterseals. Here’s more about Deanna’s role at Easterseals and how she makes a difference every day: Easterseals: What’s it like working on a team at Easterseals? How does your teamwork positively affect families? Deanna: We work great as a team! When something needs to be finished or “tightened up,” we all feel comfortable working together to get it done. I love the feeling that it is everyone’s job to see that the Easterseals families are taken care of well. It also projects a sense of calm to our families when they see everyone working together with a smile. Easterseals: How have you grown personally and/or professionally in your position(s) with Easterseals? Deanna: I come from a totally different line of work…I never would have dreamed I would be here. But, life is put into perspective when you have a child with special needs (which I do). When I talk to families about our services, I keep in mind that I was once in their shoes. I also have been the parent looking for services and not knowing where to turn. Easterseals has given me the know-how to not only help my family but other families as well. Easterseals: What’s one thing most people sometimes don’t understand about your position? Deanna: My job required incredible organizational skills! I work with two dozen therapists. I check their orders for accuracy as I work through Volusia County Schools. I collect orders and follow up if something’s missing. There’s a lot involved. It’s not glamorous, but very challenging. Easterseals: What’s one thing that you want to want to be known for in your position? Deanna: I would like to be known at Easterseals as being a hard worker who communicates well and is a helpful liaison between Volusia County Schools, Dorothy (Lefford, OTR/L, VP-Clinical Services) and the therapists. Easterseals: When people think about Easterseals, what do you hope comes to mind for them? Deanna: This is easy! Every time I tell someone out in the community I work at Easterseals, their response is always positive, and they explain how Easterseals has helped their family. I feel it is part of my job to make sure that Easterseals’ impact in our community continues for generations. *** If you have a love of teaching or an interest in helping children and adults with disabilities reach their fullest potential, you may have a place at Easterseals. All current job opportunities may not be available online, so contact HR Generalist Fran DeCinto at careers@esnecfl.org for more information. In the meantime, complete our application for employment opportunities, available here. Additionally, Easterseals has partnered with GettingHired.com, an online resource that connects people with disabilities to employers in search of qualified jobseekers with disabilities. Visit GettingHired.com to open your door to opportunity! Easterseals Northeast Central Florida serves the region with facilities in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Bunnell, and Leesburg. To learn more about Easterseals Northeast Central Florida, please visit www.eastersealsnecfl.org.  Crystal Crystal Smithers is a Family Service Coordinator with Early Steps in DeLand. She’s been serving in the role since 2016 and is proud to be part of the Easterseals Northeast Central Florida family.
Early Steps is a Florida Department of Health program overseen locally by Easterseals. Within the program is Early Steps North Beaches, which serves Volusia, Flagler, Lake, Sumter, and Putnam county families. In her role, Crystal is responsible for coordinating therapy services for eligible children, and she assists families in developing and updating their Individual Family Support Plans tailored to the specific needs of their child and their family routines. Crystal also is a member of Easterseals’ 2019 IMPACT team – the first of its kind for Easterseals Northeast Central Florida! President/CEO Bev Johnson said the IMPACT Team was created by a small employee task force in response to strategic planning outcomes that recognized the need to enhance Easterseals employee engagement. In celebration of national Easterseals’ 100th birthday, Crystal shared with us a bit about her role at Easterseals and why it means so much to her: Easterseals: What do you enjoy most about working with families through Easterseals? Crystal: The best part of my job is seeing children learn new skills that will be with them for the rest of their lives. Watching children learn to walk or using signs and words for the first time to get their needs met is an amazing experience. Easterseals: What are the advantages to you as an individual professional in working in a team-focused environment? How does this, in turn, become an advantage to those whom you serve? Crystal: Working in a team-focused environment helps me feels secure in knowing my coworkers are more than willing to jump in and help me (most times before I even need to ask). This works in favor of our clients in ensuring they continue to get the best level of care and assistance without slipping through the cracks. Easterseals: How have you grown personally and/or professionally in your position with Easterseals? Crystal: Working at Easterseals has given me the confidence of knowing I do my job well. In no other position, in any other organization I have worked in, have I felt as confident in my skills and abilities in helping my clients as I do at Easterseals. Easterseals: What’s one thing most people don’t understand about your position? Crystal: Most people don’t understand that my job is not only about paperwork and deadlines! My job first and foremost is to make sure our kiddos and their families are getting the best services we can provide. Easterseals: What’s one thing that you want to want to be known for in your position? Crystal: I want to be known as someone who understands their job well and is open and available to help others better their craft in this field. I want to be a resource not only for our families but also my coworkers. Easterseals: What’s a growth opportunity you currently are challenged by in your position at Easterseals? Crystal: Being part of the IMPACT team is the newest growth opportunity I have been given. I am excited to work closely with coworkers in other departments to help Easterseals do what we do even better! Easterseals: When people think about Easterseals, what do you hope comes to mind for them? Crystal: When people think of Easterseals, I want them to think of hope. Hope that we can help them reach their fullest potential. I hope families that come through our doors can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they have found a place willing to go the extra mile to help them live fully and make the most of their unique abilities. *** If you have a love of teaching or an interest in helping children and adults with disabilities reach their fullest potential, you may have a place at Easterseals. All current job opportunities may not be available online, so contact HR Generalist Fran DeCinto at careers@esnecfl.org for more information. In the meantime, complete our application for employment opportunities, available here. Additionally, Easterseals has partnered with GettingHired.com, an online resource that connects people with disabilities to employers in search of qualified jobseekers with disabilities. Visit GettingHired.com to open your door to opportunity! Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida serves the region with facilities in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Bunnell, and Leesburg. To learn more about Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida, please visit www.eastersealsnecfl.org.  Words matter! There are many things that shape how people talk about others with disabilities. It may be that they lack knowledge, have a fear of the unknown, don’t have experience or a personal point of reference with the disability or have received incorrect or distorted information about it.
Any of us who speak (or write) about people with disabilities are important messengers. Beyond physical descriptions and therapeutic solutions, disabilities aren’t about limitations and restrictions. In fact, they are about abilities and opportunities. That is, if we communicate the stories correctly. Are you good at talking about disability accurately? When we take time to be mindful of our language and commit to expressing people’s stories with understanding and awareness, we play a vital part in changing the narrative about disabilities. Here are some things Easterseals wants you to know about disabilities language. Get these right and you’ll be part of the true movement toward understanding the limitless possibilities of people, no matter any label the world has attached to them.
See the person, not the ability, and there’s a great chance you’ll say or write it right every time; you’ll be able to tell stories with a contagious awareness that will enlighten and educate others. Words matter!  Ms. Terry We welcome, Ms. Terry, to the Easterseals Northeast Central Florida family. Terry has been named Registrar of Easterseals Charter School in Daytona Beach.
Terry hails from Connecticut, where she was born and raised as the oldest of five children. After high school, Terry attended graduate nursing school, eventually married her husband and started her family. Terry moved to Maine and while raising her young son, and while there Terry gained experience working at a private school where strong values and respect for others was the inspiring and expected mode of operation. There, her love of education grew. Her desire to continue in the field paved the way for her next position as office manager for a large high school. Terry recalls the position as offering “daily interactions with parents, students and staff that made it challenging as well as rewarding.” Upon her relocation to another part of Maine, Terry worked for many years in her District Attorney’s Office where she supervised support staff and managed several attorneys. But, after experiencing her fair share of northeastern winters, Terry relocated to Florida to fulfill their dream of living in warm weather and being closer to family. The happy transplants have smoothly transitioned their homestead to the Sunshine State. They also have proudly watched their son reach his professionals goals as he earned his Ph.D. and now teaches at a New Mexico college. “I am happy to have accepted a position at Easterseals Charter School,” said Terry. “I hope to use my skills and experience to make a difference in the lives of those I serve.” Welcome to the Easterseals family, Terry! We’re happy you’re on our team.  This year, national Easterseals is celebrating its 100th birthday! Join us in looking back on a century of service, advocacy and dedication to ensuring every one of us — regardless of age or ability — is 100% included and 100% empowered.
We invite you to take a stroll down memory lane by brushing up on the Easterseals story... As America’s largest nonprofit health care organization, Easterseals is committed to the comprehensive health and wellness of the more than 1.4 million people it serves each year and is prepared to respond to the needs of the one in four Americans living with disability today with outcomes-based services for all disabilities throughout the lifespan. Among our services: early intervention, inclusive childcare, medical rehabilitation and autism services for young children and their families; job training and coaching, employment placement and transportation services for adults with disabilities, including veterans; adult day services and employment opportunities for older adults – in addition to a variety of additional services for people of all ages including mental health and recovery programs, assistive technology, camp and recreation, caregiving support including respite – and much more. Additionally, we’ve served transitioning military, veterans and their families and caregivers since WWII and continue to be the “go to” resource for them to help ensure their successful transition to civilian life. 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 fund-raising 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. 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 American 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 campaign 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. Read more about Easterseals history with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Easterseals Today Today and every day, Easterseals offers indispensable resources to more than a million people and families living with a disability annually. Our best in class, inclusive services are provided through a network of 73 local Easterseals in communities nationwide, along with four international partners in Australia, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Canada. Easterseals offers hundreds of home and community based services and supports—categorized into five distinct support areas: Live, Learn, Work, Play and Act. LIVE: Hands on comprehensive, vital programs and support to help people reach their full potential: • Adult and senior services • Autism services • Medical rehabilitation and health services • Mental health services • Residential and housing services LEARN: Programs designed to help children and adults learn—and often relearn—basic functions, master skills need to develop and thrive, and be sharp and active across the lifespan. • Online development screening tool • Assistive technology services • Early intervention services • Child care services • Children services WORK: A range of training, placement and related services helping people prepare for the workforce. • Veterans and Military family services • Workforce Development services PLAY: Fun, healthy programs for children, adults and caregivers to relax, connect with friends and engage in constructive activities. • Camping and recreation • Respite services • Supportive services ACT: Involvement opportunities for our vibrant community of friends and supporters. • Community engagement and outreach • Educational programming The next 100 years In 2019, Easterseals celebrates 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 reflects 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, 71 Easterseals affiliates nationwide are advancing change to assure that people with disabilities and other special needs can thrive in their communities.  If you’re a caregiver, maybe it’s time you took a healthy break. Easterseals Northeast Central Florida wants to give you that gift of time on May 18.
Joey’s Gift Respite, an Easterseals program, is designed to care for your child with special needs between the ages of 1-18. Joey’s Gift Respite offers four-hour breaks on designated Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The next session will be Saturday, May 18, at the Easterseals Child Development Center, 1219 Dunn Ave. in Daytona Beach. The May 18 event will include a Mother's Day craft and special visitors from Hope Reins. Hope Reins pairs rescued horses and kids for one-of-a-kind experiences of fun and encouragement. At Joey's Gift Respite events, trained staff and volunteers care for children in a safe and fun environment. Siblings are welcome, too. Plan to pack a lunch for all children attending, and if needed, include personal hygiene supplies or medications. All caregivers must sign up online in advance or call Easterseals at 386-944-7816 at least five days before the scheduled program. Complete the enrollment form for Joey’s Gift Respite if it’s your first time attending. We hope to see you at Easterseals for Joey's Gift Respite on May 18!  In honor of Easterseals’ 100th anniversary this year, staff and families of Easterseals Charter School in Daytona Beach took time to share their heartfelt perspectives on 100 Ways to Be Kind.
From writing poems for friends to visiting nursing homes, their suggestions will make you smile. We’re grateful for the caring and compassionate team that leads Easterseals Charter School and guides and teaches our children. What would you add to this list?
 Easterseals Autism Center of Excellence offers many supportive programs for children with autism. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are the fastest growing developmental disabilities in the world today, affecting 1 in 59 children. Receiving the right support at the earliest stage of life can help an individual gain the skills they need to live, work and play.
Easterseals’ Autism Center of Excellence in Daytona Beach is a highly recognized leader offering early diagnosis, functional assessment and intervention treatments for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in the Northeast and East Central Florida regions. Each year, Easterseals serves more than 500 children who have been diagnosed with ASD. And, it operates the Autism Center of Excellence – a one-stop center for diagnosis, interventions and case management for children who were referred by their physician for evaluation of ASD. Easterseals has published several articles on its blog that help families and caregivers understand more about autism and how the community can help children with autism reach their fullest potential. (Click below on a title to read more!) To learn more about Easterseals’ autism services and its Autism Center of Excellence, visit its webpage or call (386) 944-7833. Easterseals’ Blog Articles: Autism Spectrum Disorders
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