Taking on disability together.
 Jas Meet Jaslyn (Jas) Clemmons, an Easterseals IMPACT Team member, teacher of the two-year-olds at Easterseals Charter School and Joey’s Respite program coordinator.
Jas joined Easterseals as a floater/substitute in the Child Development Center in 2008. Her responsibilities include overseeing and implementing developmentally appropriate classroom activities, while ensuring a safe environment for the little ones. She’s focused on creating experiences at Easterseals that help children thrive. Jas spends her weekdays caring for youngsters at Easterseals Charter School in Daytona Beach. Her classroom of spunky two-year-olds keep her on her toes, and she loves it. Jas also is a key member of Easterseals’ Joey’s Gift Respite program and always is willing to help wherever and wherever she’s needed. “I enjoy helping families reach their child’s highest potential goals,” said Jas, adding that she wants to be known for the impact she’s made in children’s development. Jas is right at home on the IMPACT Team at Easterseals as well. IMPACT is a new team of Easterseals leaders who are creating positive changes at the organization. The inaugural (spring) Team was formed as a result of strategic planning at Easterseals and is a method for enhancing employee engagement. Jas is excited about the opportunity to share and draw new ideas from other team members – something she values in her daily teaching experiences too. She’s proud of how she’s grown personally and professionally by serving Easterseals families for 11 years. “I’ve become more knowledgeable about ways to work with children and families, and I’ve taken many courses through the years to help me expand and become a better teacher and professional,” Jas said. Ever focused on customer services, Jas added: “When people think of Easterseals, I want them to know us for how well we serve clients in all departments.” *** 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 www.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.  Courtney The spring 2019 IMPACT Team at Easterseals Northeast Central Florida is in full swing, and Courtney Gibson is proud to be a part of it!
Courtney is an administrative assistant with Early Steps. Early Steps is a program of the Florida Department of Health that, through Easterseals, provides early intervention programs aimed at providing support families and caregivers to empower them to help their children learn developmentally appropriate skills. Courtney joined the Easterseals team three years ago. In her day-to-day work, she’s responsible for analyzing data, and scheduling and structuring information for internal and external distribution throughout Early Steps. She loves working with families and having opportunities to provide guidance and directions to those who may have uncertainties about their child’s development. Courtney is thrilled to be a member of Easterseals’ inaugural IMPACT Team, a group comprised of future Easterseals leaders who are empowered to implement new ideas and to help shape Easterseals’ future. “As a member of the IMPACT Team, I believe that collaborating amongst my peers will allow us the ability to generate fresh ideas on how we can productively grasp a new approach on what Easterseals has to offer,” Courtney said. “Working at Easterseals Early Steps has given me a clear perspective on what it looks like to be an advocate for children who require additional assistance.” Courtney takes her position as the first point of contact with families at Easterseals seriously and with heart. “I pride myself on being a resource,” Courtney said. “And, I’d like to be known as an empathetic listener who provides encouraging words to families and friends of Easterseals.” Added Courtney: “When people think of Easterseals, I hope they are reassured that it is a dedicated organization that continues to break barriers and stigmas for children living with disabilities.” *** 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.  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.  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.  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?
 The colorful fountains of ONE DAYTONA's Victory Circle will glow orange for Easterseals on April 22 in honor if Easterseals' 100th anniversary. Easterseals is celebrating its 100th anniversary Monday, April 22. In honor of the national celebration, local corporate supporters of Easterseals Northeast Central Florida are joining the festivities.
From 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday, the tower lights at Victory Circle at ONE DAYTONA will light up orange in honor of Easterseals centennial celebration. With the gesture, ONE DAYTONA will be joining bridges and landmarks across the country that will “glow orange” in honor of Easterseals. “ONE DAYTONA is excited to celebrate this milestone with our Easterseals colleagues,” said Gentry Baumline-Robinson, communications manager for International Speedway Corporation. “We will be going orange in unity of Easterseals’ mission: To ensure that all people with disabilities and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.” ONE DAYTONA is the home to Easterseals’ and NASCAR Foundation’s annual “Over the Edge at ONE DAYTONA” fundraising event, for which rappelers fundraise for their spot on the ropes and rappel down the eight-story International Motorsports Center. The 2019 event will be November 1-2; registration is open now at daytonaovertheedge.org. About Easterseals’ 100-Year Celebration: Easterseals invites everyone to join in celebrating 100 years of impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities, their families and communities throughout America. Easterseals aims to create a future where every one of us – regardless of age or ability – is 100% included and 100% empowered. To learn more about how Easterseals Northeast Central Florida is taking on disability in our communities and making this vision a reality, visit www.eastersealsnecfl.org.  Research shows that a child’s first three years are the most important time for learning. Assistance through programs such as Early Steps helps children proceed on the right path as they learn and develop.
Early Steps is a statewide system of early intervention services for families with infants and toddlers who are not reaching age-appropriate milestones. With a focus on helping children reach their full potential in how they live, learn and play, Early Steps providers teach parents and other caregivers ways to improve child development through everyday routines. Locally through Easterseals Northeast Central Florida, Early Steps North Beaches is helping little ones develop and learn to their highest potential. "At North Beaches Early Steps, our top priority is to help each and every child meet their individual developmental milestones," said Program Director Stephanie Ellis-Clark. "We understand that all children are special and that there is no comparison as to when a child will meet that milestone. Our focus is to make sure that we celebrate with them, every step of the way!" In honor of national Easterseals 100th anniversary this year, Ellis-Clark offers 100 typical developmental milestones for children ages two months to three years based on CDC research, listed below. More information about Early Steps North Beaches can be found on the Easterseals Northeast Central Florida website. 100 Typical Developmental Milestones 2 months old
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/checklists/all_checklists.pdf 1/24/2019 From the bookshelf: Titles that teach children about inclusion, disabilities and friendshipRead Now  Books can challenge perspectives. They introduce new ideas and clear up misconceptions. For adults and children alike, books open our worlds to new ways of thinking.
Parents and teaches know all too well that teaching children inclusion, tolerance, how to love themselves and be a good friend to others is an important job. The good news is that many authors do too. Have you ever considered helping a child understand himself or see herself differently? Do the words come easily to you or are they difficult to find? Books can be such a gift in helping us find the right words to explain difficult concepts. Below are a few we found that may help you tell the story your child needs to hear, for his benefit as well as others’. Helping Sophia Sophia is a third grader who uses a wheelchair, and on a day when her usual helper isn’t in school, Sophia’s classmates step up to the plate to support her. The story informs enlightens children about children with disabilities while teaching caring and kindness. You, Me and Empathy Quinn is here to model the meaning of empathy in this charming story about understanding, compassion and kindness towards others. The book includes discussion questions and activities to promote this learned behavior in young readers. The Big Umbrella The School Library Journal describes The Big Umbrella as a “sweet extended metaphor uses an umbrella to demonstrate how kindness and inclusion work... A lovely addition to any library collection, for classroom use or for sharing at home.” The Big Umbrella is all about inclusivity and leaves opportunities for easy discussion when the story ends too. How to Be a Friend: A Book about Friendship Does your child know how to make friends? Teaching children the traits of being a good friend is the work of parents and teachers, but it’s not a skill readily taught in schools. The book’s author introduces children to the qualities that build good friendships, including loyalty, trust and honesty. Just Because In Just Because, Clemmie’s little brother expresses his love for his big sister, whom he adores though she can’t do many of the things most children can. He loves her no matter what and accepters her as he is. This charming read celebrates sibling friendship while lovingly unfolding Clemmie’s disabilities. Roxy the Raccoon: A Story to Help Children Learn about Disability and Inclusion Roxy has friends who love to do everything together, but sometimes that means making changes to plans and accommodating each other’s needs. This story from the forest teaches how to include friends with disabilities and why friends are happy to do so. Just Because I Am: A Child's Book of Affirmation No matter their abilities, all children deserve to value themselves and recognize their worth simply because they exist! This sweet book, full of affirmations, helps children understand their value, which doesn’t lie in what they do or what they look like. The read includes a discussion and activities section for parents, teachers and caregivers too. Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability He’s often asked what it’s like living with a disability, so Shane Burcaw answers them with humor and refreshing honesty in this fun book. More than any explanation of his abilities, he’s most effective in explaining how, in more ways than not, he’s just like everyone else. What's Different about You? This book offers a comprehensive look explaining medical conditions, impairments and disabilities in a kid-friendly and developmentally appropriate manner. It helps children understand such differences for more successful interactions at school, in public or even at home. (What’s Different About You? is touted as helpful in explaining topics to siblings of a child with a disability). All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism This Gold Medal/Mom’s Choice award-winning book shares the story of Zane, a zebra with autism who’s worried his differences will negatively impact his relationships with other students. As the book unfolds, Zane and his readers learn that autism is only one of the many qualities that make him unique, special and worth befriending. *** Congratulations on seeking new ways to teach your child how to interact with others in the most loving and kind ways! We invite you to research the above titles to determine reading level and whether the content meets your child’s specific needs. Together, we can help children understand how much they have in common and how their differences are worth treasuring too.  If you can’t remember what happens when you give a mouse a cookie, or why the pigeon wants to drive the bus, you may need to brush up on your reading – children’s book reading, that is.
Reading to children ages 0 to Pre-K is a fun and effective way to help them develop their literary skills. Reading aloud to youngsters offers them numerous benefits, including building their imaginations and learning about their world and worlds they have yet to explore. In even the youngest children, reading supports social skills, basic speaking skills and increases their vocabulary. Books help children increase empathy too. All of these are some of the reasons Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida is recruiting readers for its 100 Leaders, 100 Readers program, which is kicking off soon in Daytona Beach and DeLand as part of Easterseals 100-Year Celebration. As part of 100 Leaders, 100 Readers, members of the community will be making guest appearances and reading aloud to students in Easterseals Charter Schools classrooms. (If you’re interested in this volunteer opportunity, please email Susan today!) If you’re out of practice reading books aloud to little ones, fear not. Check out these tips on how to keep your audience of youngsters captivated while you share your time and talents to support and encourage children’s literacy and Easterseals:
Pick up a children’s book today and read to a child you love, or join our 100 Leaders, 100 Readers program. As J.K. Rowing knows all too well, “…something very magical can happen when you read a book.” Sources: Pre-KPages.com, Pearson.com, ReadBrightly.com, ChildDevelopmentInfo.com, and Rasmussen.edu. |
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