 "Since our 3 year old son Gunnar was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Easter Seals has opened so many doors for him socially and with his communication skills. From the start of his therapy sessions at Easter Seals we saw an immediate difference in the way he began to communicate. He started using simple signs and soon progressed to using an Augmentative Speaking Device. Today Gunnar is using a Dynavox talking device and is able to answer questions when asked and request his favorite things. My husband and I felt so alone when Gunnar was first diagnosed but the staff at Easter Seals soon became our family of guardian angels. They go out of their way to help Gunnar achieve the goals that we so greatly want for him. Now other people are getting a chance to see our sweet Gunnar’s growing personality. Because of the knowledge of the speech therapist on assistive speaking devices, I was able to hear my son tell me he loved me for the first time in 3 years. I will be forever grateful for that."
-Beau and Kim Anderson
Easter Seals Family
"My daughter Caroline started at Easter Seals when she was 15 months old, she is now 8. When I first learned my daughter was showing signs of being delayed, I wanted her to have the best therapies available. I chose Easter Seals because I was familiar with what they did and knew it was the best place for my daughter. I continue to be impressed with the support I received. Easter Seals has provided Caroline with help in all levels of her development. Recently, she received a communication device which she operates with her eyes. I had never heard of such a device, but thanks to her speech therapist, we have begun communicating with Caroline. Easter Seals has helped Caroline be the best she can be. I don't know what the future holds for Caroline, but I know that with the help of Easter Seals, I won't face it alone."
-Drew Ann Long
Easter Seals Family
“Our daughter Adele was diagnosed at birth with CHARGE Syndrome, a complex genetic disorder that affects multiple areas of development including possible hearing impairment and blindness. Thankfully, Adele’s vision is great however she has been wearing a hearing aid since tests confirmed she was profoundly deaf at the age of 9 months old. After a year of discussing several options on how to help Adele become verbal, we were convinced to try Augmentative Communication. We did not want to overwhelm Adele but we recently went through the evaluation process and with the help of Easter Seals we are thrilled to have received our own device which we call “Adele’s Pink Talker.” In the short time she has had her talker, she has already surprised us with what she wants to say!
Sometimes it's the challenges that teach us appreciation. What seems small to some, can be great accomplishments to many families with children who have special needs.” For the entire story click here.
- Julie and Jay Brandrup
Easter Seals Family
Easter Seals did a wonderful job of getting me prepared for work. They have helped me to build my confidence with obtaining employment. I feel as if now I can go for the higher level jobs I would have normally ignored before. My new skills and confidence should lead me to stable employment. I feel as if I have been given an insiders view into the hiring process which has raised my confidence significantly.
- Justin, Easter Seals Adult Vocational Program Consumer
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