Community Foundation of Central Illinois awarded Easterseals Central Illinois $5,250 to fund interpreters in various languages such as American Sign Language, Spanish, French, and Chinese. Easterseals Central Illinois serves over 6,000 families per year across central Illinois. With 1 in 6 children having some type of developmental delay, it is crucial that Easterseals has the ability to connect with all families in our community.
Providing interpreter services on-site gives families a clear understanding of a diagnosis and/or therapy plan. They can begin accessing services immediately and participate easily in the services provided to their child(ren). They feel confident in asking questions because they feel heard and understood.
We currently partner with Western Avenue Community Center in Bloomington, Illinois to provide services to many of our Spanish-speaking families and Inter Services Co. in Peoria, Illinois to provide services to our French, Chinese and ASL speaking families.
Inclusion is at the center of what we do. We are eager to find any opportunity to remove barriers for families. We are grateful that the Community Foundation of Central Illinois shares our passion for ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Melissa Riddle, President and CEO of Easterseals Central Illinois
According to census.gov, 23.3% of Illinois families reported that languages other than English were spoken in the home. Parents and caregivers play a vital role in the success of the early intervention and pediatric therapy programs, and being able to communicate directly with these families is an important part of the process.
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