Easterseals Louisiana

Today, we kicked off our first Lunch and Learn with awesome guest speaker Danielle Bourg, all in celebration of Disability Pride Month! 🌟 We dove into vital topics like people-first language, disability etiquette, and the importance of accessibility. This session was a great opportunity to enhance our ability to support our participants and others with disabilities. #EastersealsLouisiana #DisabilityPride #LunchAndLearn #AccessibilityMatters #Inclusion #Empowerment #ADA34 #ADAAnniversary

Maria's Joyful Connection with AJ 🌟 🤼 Region 6 (Alexandria) Support Coordinator AJ's passion for his work brings laughter and smiles to those he serves. AJ is a lifelong professional wrestling fan and has made an impactful connection with his participant, Maria, because of this hobby. Since they began working together in March 2024, their bond has grown over their mutual fandom. AJ once brought a real Wrestling Championship Title to Maria's house, and she was thrilled, saying, “I thought he was going to bring a toy belt. I guess I was wrong. I am so flattered and excited to hold that World Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Title. It was one of the best things that could have happened to me.” AJ's dedication to creating cherished memories for individuals with developmental disabilities exemplifies the spirit of Disability Pride Month. His efforts highlight the importance of making meaningful connections and bringing joy to others' lives. #DisabilityPride #InclusionMatters #EastersealsLouisiana #WrestlingFans #CreatingMemories

Big shoutout to our HYPE team in Region 9 (Covington) for an amazing Wellness Tuesday as part of our Disability Pride Month celebrations! 🌟 They enjoyed relaxing eye masks, soothing aromatherapy, a turn in the massage chair, and tasty snacks for the perfect mid-week pick-me-up. 🧘♂️🍃 Remember, a refreshed mind helps tackle tasks more efficiently and reduces stress levels, leading to better physical and mental health. #EastersealsLouisiana #DisabilityPrideMonth #WellnessTuesday #SelfCare #MidWeekBoost

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We are excited to support Easterseals Southern California's campaign for Disability Pride Month: "DISABILITY IS NOT A DIRTY WORD." Join us in changing the narrative around the word ‘disability.’ Say it. Celebrate it. Share it. To learn more and hear real stories about disability pride, visit https://lnkd.in/g5E9nyxU! #SayDisability #DisabilityPride #EastersealsSoCal

Happy Disability Pride Month! This month is all about finding joy and pride in disabled identities. At Easterseals Louisiana, we have pride knowing that together we can create a more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible world for all – a world that understands disability not as something negative, but a powerful, integral part of a person. Join us in celebrating disability this month! How do you celebrate your disability pride? #EastersealsLouisiana #DisabilityPrideMonth #DiversityIdentities

Happy Fourth of July from Easterseals Louisiana! 🎆🇺🇸 Wishing everyone a day filled with joy, celebration, and gratitude for the freedoms we cherish. Have a safe and spectacular Independence Day! 🎇 #EastersealsLouisiana #FourthOfJuly #IndependenceDay #ESLCommunity

Join us in reframing the world’s perspective of disability!🌟♿💖 Stay tuned for our Disability Pride participant spotlights all month long! We’ll be showcasing the diverse experiences of individuals, highlighting that disability is unique for everyone and that there is no one-size-fits-all. #EastersealsLouisiana #Easterseals #DisabilityPRIDE

Our Region 1 (New Orleans) EarlySteps participant, Kai, began the EarlySteps program shortly after turning 2 as referred by his pediatrician. His mother describes him as adventurous, funny, and independent, but his delayed speech caused frustration in communicating as he continued growing. With guidance from Early Steps therapists, his parents navigated communication challenges more smoothly. Thanks to tailored interventions and resources, Kai has significantly improved in how he handles difficulties and engages with toys. Adjustments at home, like organizing his play area and teaching him responsibility for tidying up, have reduced frustration and increased his focus. Kai's vocabulary has also expanded, and his patience has improved. “As a family, we are learning a lot through the EarlySteps program and are extremely grateful for the way these services have benefited how we help our son grow,” said Kai’s mother. At Easterseals Louisiana, we celebrate the progress of participants like Kai and applaud their families' dedication to growth! #EastersealsLouisiana #EarlySteps

The Easterseals Louisiana team submitted written testimony for the record to the Senate Committee on Finance hearing, ‘Work and Social Security Disability Benefits: Addressing Challenges and Creating Opportunities.’ Our CEO, Tracy Garner, in collaboration with Easterseals Oregon and Easterseals Northern Rocky Mountain, crafted a compelling testimony to support the Work Without Worry Act, a critical piece of legislation co-authored by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA). Working closely with these Senators, we were asked to help secure support from Senator Crapo of Idaho. The testimony included personal stories and experiences from program participants, showcasing the real impact of this legislation. This marks the first national-level testimony submitted by Easterseals in some time, highlighting our dedication to elevating our presence in Washington, D.C., and positively influencing public policy. We're honored to have been invited to contribute to such crucial discussions and build trust among legislators. Click the link below to read our testimony. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://lnkd.in/gUKuq_Pb #EastersealsAdvocacy #WorkWithoutWorryAct #DisabilityRights #PolicyChange #SenateTestimony