In the Fall of 2019, Easterseals Central Illinois in partnership with Crittenton Centers will give a class for expectant mothers or families with babies six months or younger. Layettes will be given to all families that complete the series. This will be a class on basic infant care with a focus on baby massage and …
Month: September 2019
Easterseals Central Illinois receives grants for Autism Family Navigation
October 1st, 2019 – The Center for Disease Control currently estimates that 1 in 59 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder. The diagnosis leaves many families wondering where to turn next. For years, Easterseals Central Illinois has been answering that call. Last month Easterseals Central Illinois received generous grants providing funds for our …
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Easterseals 100 Featured Rider: Rick Diefenderfer
Rick has been cycling since 2016. He states that his favorite part of cycling is the cardio, and shares that “in 2011, the doctors found that I had 2 blockages, 95% and 90%. Cycling allows me the cardio that I need without the punishment on my knees and feet.” Rick has been involved with Easterseals …
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A Look Back: Easterseals Central Illinois and the 1990s
In 1993 the organization celebrated the 75th Anniversary and to celebrate the National EasterSeal Society launched an Easterseal Story Search in the hope of gathering stories from people who had been involved in the first 75 years of Easterseals in Central Illinois. The 90’s also saw the unveiling of Timberpointe Outdoor Centre which has become …
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September Service Center Spotlight: Peoria Service Center
In collaboration with Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum and Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association (HISRA), Easterseals Central Illinois gave children with disabilities another fun and sensory-friendly Accessibility Night at the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum. Accessibility Nights are always open to children of all needs and abilities, parents and siblings are also welcome. Accessibility Night ensures …
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September Service Center Spotlight: Easterseals Central Illinois Learning Academy
Students in grades 6-12 from Easterseals Central Illinois Learning Academy went to the Morton Pumpkin Festival this month. During their trip they worked on a variety of skills including; patience, waiting in line for a ride and waiting while other friends took a turn on a ride they didn’t want to go on. Compromising, riding …
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Service Spotlight: Autism Family Navigator
Autism Family Navigators help families and caregivers “navigate” the often fragmented and confusing systems of care needed for their children with autism. These systems include education, health, dental and behavioral care, insurance, and often other basic needs including housing and food. Autism Family Navigators are experienced experts who: Assist families by supplying or directing families to …
What is CVI?
By Mindy S. Ely, Ph.D., Susan Sullivan, M.Ed., and Angela K. DeLost, MS, OTR/L, ATP Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) is a brain-based visual impairment caused by damage to the brain either at birth, or later in life. CVI is not a result of problems with the eyes themselves but rather damage to the brain. As …
Easterseals 100 Rider Feature: David Oznowitz
David has been cycling seriously since 2016. He shares that his favorite part of cycling is when he is in the woods on his MTB and out on the scenic country roads in Central Illinois - particularly in the Fall. David finds great empowerment in cycling. He states that physical sports, by definition, require a …
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Easterseals 100 Bicycle Ride Featured Rider: Ron Malik
Ron has been hand cycling since the early 1990's. Before cycling, and even now, he participated in various marathons (including Peoria, Chicago and Boston) in a racing wheelchair. His first wheelchair racing experience occurred in 1976 during his college days at the University of Illinois. Since then he has taken part in many races and marathons …
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