Empowering All Abilities
by Laura Breen Galante
Easterseals Florida supports children and adults of all ages, needs, and abilities to help them live more fulfilling and independent lives.
Part of the Easterseals national network, Easterseals Florida is headquartered in Winter Park. The statewide branch of the nonprofit organization has been supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as their families and caregivers, since 1948.
“We start at birth, and we serve seniors into their 100s,” says Bev Johnson, president and CEO of Easterseals Florida. “And we have a very sweet spot in our hearts for individuals with autism.”
The organization’s largest outreach program in Seminole County is the PLAY Project, which stands for Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters. This is an in-home, play-based early intervention program for kids ages two to six who have been diagnosed with autism or are thought to be on the spectrum.
“Certified consultants work with families and their little ones on connection, social-emotional stability, and emotional well-being, and through that, children often increase their speech habits,” says Bev.
PLAYtime With Purpose
During and after the yearlong program, it’s quite common to see better family communication develop, too.
The Ramirez family of Sanford experienced this firsthand. Ashtan Ramirez participated in the program a couple of years ago with daughter Raelynn, who was four years old at the time.
“We found out about Easterseals PLAY Project by going to an autism awareness event,” says Ashtan. “As a mom to a child with autism who’s considered nonverbal, it was hard to do daily activities without breakdowns from my daughter. This project definitely gave us all the resources we needed to excel, not just for our daughter, but for us as parents, as well.”
The family worked with project director Catherine Alcantara, who helped Raelynn learn American Sign Language (ASL) and approximate words, which sound similar to actual words.
“She would motivate Raelynn through play to try to get her to learn new words,” says Ashtan. “Catherine was always there to help, even after we completed the program. She became a part of our family. My daughter’s face would just light up when we would open the front door because she knew she was about to have so much fun. Catherine really made my daughter feel so special.”
Ashtan adds that Raelynn continues to talk more and slowly learn new words.
“The PLAY Project has had a meaningful impact on children and families in Seminole County by helping parents build stronger connections with their autistic children,” says Catherine. “Some children with autism have a hard time socializing with others, making meaningful interaction challenging for families. Parents learn methods and techniques to connect with their child in ways they may not have thought possible before. As a result, families experience more joyful interactions, improved communication, and stronger relationships.”
A Break for Caregivers
Other services offered by Easterseals Florida not only help those with disabilities, but they also offer respite for family members and caretakers.
The organization operates an adult day healthcare center called Day Break at the Miller Center in Winter Park. Day Break welcomes adults, seniors, and veterans, offering a variety of engaging activities. Caregivers pick up the participants at the end of the day.
“Clients could have a developmental disability or intellectual disability,” says Bev, “or they could have an acquired disability like Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease.”
Another program in the Central Florida area is the fully accessible Camp Challenge, located on 61 acres in Sorrento between Sanford and Mount Dora.
The sleepover camp, for those with disabilities or special needs, serves children ages six and up and adults of any age. Tailored programming and enriching, rewarding activities help enhance the campers’ independent living and social skills. The camp features 10 cabins, a swimming pool, sports fields, nature trails, and a petting farm, among other amenities.
“Many of our campers have been coming for years and years because it’s a trusted, safe place,” says Bev. “We have a camper who turned 70 this past year at camp, and we have campers who are in their teens and early 20s.”
Bev would also like to add a program for caregivers, bringing them together to learn from each other in the camp setting.
“We’re really looking to provide more opportunities for caregivers, to help them find support in people who have walked that road ahead of them,” says Bev.
To learn more, visit Florida.Easterseals.com.
Swing for a Good Cause
Tee-It-Up FORE Easterseals Florida, a fundraiser to benefit the nonprofit organization, will be held from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. October 22 at Topgolf in Lake Mary.
The family-friendly event will feature high-tech golf, delicious food, and great company.
Proceeds will directly support Easterseals Florida’s life-changing programs for children and adults with disabilities, including early intervention services, autism programs, therapy, and adult day support.