To access Easter Seals
programs and services, contact us at
726-2622 or toll free 1-888-601-6767 or e-mail
info@easterseals.nf.ca.
Children with physical
disabilities face many challenges in life. There are
more than 1,500 such children in Newfoundland and
Labrador, whose disabilities include spina bifida,
cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, amputation due to
disease or accident, and any other condition that
seriously restricts a child’s mobility. Their
conditions vary widely and every child has their own
goals and dreams and ambitions, yet they each face the
same physical barriers that make it a little more
difficult to reach their full potential.
Easter Seals works to
remove these barriers. In Newfoundland and Labrador,
Easter Seals is the leading organization among only a
very few charities serving children with physical
disabilities. Outside of government, Easter Seals
serves more children than any other organization in
Newfoundland and Labrador, and is the only organization
offering summer camps along with a full range of
therapeutic recreation programs.
Easter Seals has
expanded our program and service delivery across the
province over the last three years. From serving less
than 100 children in 2002 to more than 300 now, Easter
Seals has grown significantly. This growth is
continuing, as demand for Easter Seals services shows no
sign of slowing down. This is not a surprise, given that
there are thousands of children in this province who
must cope with mobility challenges.
Easter Seals is there
for these kids and their families. Our programs and
services enrich the lives of children with physical disabilities throughout our province. Easter Seals kids
experience summer camps, sailing, skiing, sledge hockey,
sea kayaking, rock climbing and much more. The
activities not only help the children build confidence,
physical strength and self-esteem, but allow them to
just have fun. There’s nothing quite like hearing the
squeals of laughter at an Easter Seals summer camp, or
seeing the kids sailing their specially-adapted
sailboats on the bay.
Easter Seals also
helps families deal with the financial challenges they
face. Wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, ramps, specialized computers, home adaptation devices,
bikes, sleds and more … all given to families through
our Equipment Exchange, Ramps for Kids and Direct
Assistance Programs. We’re also there to help these
children as they get older and make their transition
from school to the workforce. Our Horizons Program
provides lifestyle, generic skills and vocational
training, and paid work placements.
Easter Seals
Newfoundland and Labrador also plays the role of educator and
advocate for hundreds of children with physical disabilities
in our province each year. Issues range from
inclusion to accessibility and education issues.
