Easter Seals Ontario

#TBT to Drop Zone Toronto earlier this month, where we witnessed an Easter Seals legend in action! ❤️🦸♂️ Andrew Nielsen made Drop Zone history by completing his 8th rappel in his power wheelchair, bringing his total Drop Zone fundraising over the years to $185,000—all in support of children, youth, and young adults with physical disabilities. Having attended our accessible camps and received equipment funding as a child, Andrew's firsthand understanding of the impact of Easter Seals Ontario's programs and services keeps him returning to Drop Zone every year, raising funds so more children can access the same support and opportunities. Andrew shares: “One of the main reasons I am participating in Drop Zone Toronto is because I know I’m making a difference by helping kids with physical disabilities like me to have safer, healthier, and fuller lives. By rappelling, I also get to show people that we can do anything — just maybe in a different way. And I love it — it’s quite the adrenaline rush!" Thank you, Andrew, for your incredible support, courage, and commitment to #HelpingKidsBEKIDS! ❤️ #DropZoneToronto #EasterSealsOntario #Accessibility #Inclusion #Courage #MakingADifference #DisabilityAwareness

James is a 9-year-old, fun-loving, sweet, and smiley boy. He loves giving fist bumps, high fives, and hugs. James has a huge love for music of all kinds and is a big sports fan—especially of the Toronto Blue Jays. He enjoys playing baseball in the spring and summer months. James was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 13 months and later with autism at age five. These diagnoses affect his mobility, communication, and how he processes the world around him. As a result, he relies on a variety of mobility and accessibility equipment every day—some of which has been funded by Easter Seals Ontario. His mom, Alison, shares: “Our family has benefited greatly from Easter Seals Ontario’s Equipment Funding Program. With their help, we have purchased a 2-level lift (elevator) for our home as well as a ceiling lift in James’ bedroom. We use these pieces of equipment daily to help us care for James and avoid lifting him and his wheelchair up and down the stairs of our house. The ceiling lift helps us with transfers to and from his bed, his wheelchair and his shower/toilet seat. Both of these pieces of equipment help us as parents avoid injury to ourselves and James and greatly improve the accessibility of our home. We are so appreciative of Easter Seals’ support!” Thanks to donors like you, families like James’ can access the equipment and support they need every day. Your generosity truly makes a difference in their lives. #EasterSealsOntario #HelpingKidsBEKIDS #EasterSeals #MobilityEquipment #AccessibilityEquipment #AccessibilityMatters #DisabilityAwareness

Please note that Easter Seals Ontario offices will be closed on Monday, October 13, 2025, and will reopen Tuesday, October 14, 2025. #EasterSealsOntario #HelpingKidsBEKIDS

A bit of magic happened yesterday evening at the 10th anniversary of the Aurora/Newmarket Dancing with Easter Seals Stars event. Daniella Altieri, 2020/21 Provincial Easter Seals Ambassador and recent Durham College Honours graduate, made history as the first individual in a wheelchair to compete in this event series. Daniella was paired with Patrick, a professional dancer, and the duo performed to (I've Had) The Time of My Life, from the Dirty Dancing movie. When asked about her motivation to participate, Daniella shared: “Growing up, I always loved dance but I never thought I could compete or actually pursue dance. But I want to make a difference. I do have a disability, and can still do anything — whatever you dream of, you can do it, I want to let people know that. I can be a role model to them, and if they see me do it, they can say, ‘If she can do it, I can do it.’ That's my hope.” Thank you, Daniella, for sharing your talent, courage, and passion. You’ve not only broken barriers and inspired the crowd, but you continue to show the world what’s truly possible. #EasterSealsOntario #HelpingKidsBEKIDS #DWESS #DancingWithEasterSealsStars #DisabilityAwarenes #AccessibilityMatters

We are proud to share that our President & CEO, Kevin J. Collins, was officially inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame yesterday at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel alongside Dr. Tom Chau and Ina Forrest. Kevin has spent his career advocating for greater awareness and stronger supports for young people with physical disabilities. During yesterday’s fireside chat, Kevin emphasized the importance of continuing to create opportunities for deserving, ambitious, and talented young people to realize their full potential and make their own positive impact on the world. Thank you to The Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons for your continued dedication to recognizing and celebrating the contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities. Congratulations to all of this year’s remarkable inductees! #CDHF #CFPDP #DisabilityAwareness #DisabilityLeadership #EasterSealsOntario

Our sincere thanks to everyone who attended this year's Thunder Bay Celebrity Hockey Classic! We are incredibly grateful to the donors, sponsors, volunteers, and everyone in the community who supported the event, which raised crucial funds to support children, youth, and young adults with physical disabilities. With 8 amazing teams on the scoreboard, together we raised over $202,000! We express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this year's Thunder Bay Celebrity Hockey Classic a success! Thank you for supporting our vital work and helping make a meaningful difference in the lives of Easter Seals kids and families. #EasterSealsOntario #ThunderBay #CelebrityHockeyClassic #HelpingKidsBEKIDS

Meet Miracle! ✨ Miracle is an outgoing 13-year-old who loves getting out and going on walks or attending church with his family. “He’s someone who is always looking forward to something. He wakes up early in the morning, he wants to have breakfast with everybody else, he wants to participate,” shares his father, Believe. For Miracle, however, participation isn’t always easy. Born with cerebral palsy, he is not able to walk on his own, making certain activities and environments more challenging to navigate. Through Easter Seals Ontario’s Equipment Funding Program, Miracle received support for a new wheelchair that has allowed him to take part in playdates, school outings, and community events—enabling a newfound sense of independence and belonging. “He has even made a friend at school,” says Believe. “The ability to move around freely has not only increased Miracle’s confidence but also encouraged friendships that might not have blossomed otherwise.” With his new wheelchair, Miracle is able to take part more fully in the moments that matter most. His story is one of many made possible through the generosity of donors who support Easter Seals Ontario’s vital programs and services, and in turn, the children, youth, and young adults with physical disabilities we serve. Read Miracle's full story: https://ow.ly/Aa0Y50X83cx. #EasterSealsOntario #AccessibilityMatters #HelpingKidsBEKIDS

At 9 years old, Everly lights up every room she enters. Outgoing, witty, and full of joy, she’s described by her family as a “bright little light.” Everly lives with a rare genetic condition known as congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG) that affects her ability to move and speak. To support her independence and take part in the world around her, she relies on mobility and accessibility equipment items. Easter Seals Ontario has helped Everly’s family obtain some of the essential items she needs, like a van ramp and a specialized car seat. “At her age and size, she can’t fit into a standard car seat,” says Sarah, Everly’s mom. Having access to these important items makes it possible for Everly to travel to school, attend appointments and participate in activities she loves—like ballet class. Your generosity gives kids like Everly the support they need to shine. Thank you! Read Everly’s full story here: https://lnkd.in/g5JMHnnE. #EasterSealsOntario #EasterSeals #HelpingKidsBEKIDS #AccessibilityMatters

Today, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honour the Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities, and remember the children who never returned home. We also recognize the ongoing impacts of these systems on Indigenous Peoples in Canada, including barriers that continue to affect those with disabilities. Studies show that Indigenous Peoples in Canada experience higher rates of disability compared to the non-Indigenous population and often face additional challenges in accessing the supports and services they need. At Easter Seals Ontario, we are committed to promoting equity, inclusion, and accessibility for children with physical disabilities and their families. September 30 is a day to listen, reflect, learn, and recommit to reconciliation — keeping children, past and present, at the heart of this work. 🧡 #NDTR #TruthAndReconciliation #EveryChildMatters

Meet Joseph, 2025 recipient of the Erica Vanclief Memorial Scholarship. ❤️ Established in 2023 in memory of a cherished Easter Seals Ontario staff member and friend, this scholarship honours Erica’s legacy as a compassionate leader and community cheerleader. Joseph is excited to be kicking off a new chapter this fall, studying Electrical Engineering at Carleton University. He shares, "This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also brings me one step closer to achieving my lifelong goal of working in a field I am passionate about." Congratulations, Joseph! We can't wait to see you continue to pursue your dreams while carrying forward Erica’s spirit of making a positive impact in your community. ❤️🎓 #EasterSealsScholarship #EricaVancliefMemorialScholarship #HelpingKidsBEKIDS