Easterseals

"So I think ... like most women in leadership, I get my energy, and my passion, and my desire to really be the best from fighting the good fight ... whether it's mama bear mode when you're talking about your kids ... being that advocate when you're talking about the people that we serve ... I've always been that person that anybody I've seen struggle or wronged, oh, I'm right there." Our President and CEO Kendra Davenport had a wonderful conversation with Beverly Johnson last week for the "On Board with Transparent Leadership" podcast. Bev shared how her relentless passion for advocacy and community-building drives her mission to create barrier-free environments for children. We talked about the power of having difficult conversations, the importance of calculated risk-taking, and the invaluable lessons from mentorship. Beverly's vision for a farm with wrap-around services for children and adults with disabilities is truly inspiring. Don't miss out on her profound insights into leadership, transparency, and the need for face-to-face communication in today's digitally-driven world. Tune in now! #Leadership #Advocacy #WomenInLeadership

Today is the 34th anniversary of the ADA! The Americans with Disabilities Act paved the way for creating a more accessible and inclusive world. Easterseals was there in 1990 advocating for the passage of this law, and we are here today providing disability services in communities nationwide and advocating for policies that allow disabled people to thrive. Our work won’t stop, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take time to celebrate how far we’ve come! How has the ADA impacted your life?

The Everything You Know About Disability Is Wrong podcast is back at it again with another episode! This week, we had the privilege of sitting down with Amanda McGrory, a Paralympic medalist and expert in disability sports history. Amanda takes us through her journey, from discovering adaptive sports as a child to her thriving career as an archivist for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. We discuss the history of disability inclusion at the University of Illinois, the evolution of adaptive athletics, and the impacts of media representation on public perceptions of disability. Amanda’s candid reflections on overcoming societal ableism, balancing independence and accepting accommodations, and her ventures in sports broadcasting offer invaluable insights for both disabled and non-disabled audiences alike. So, get ready for an enlightening conversation that challenges the norms and celebrates the power of diverse narratives! #AdaptiveSports #RepresentationMatters

It’s CENTURY 21®’s International Week of Giving and we are so grateful for their support that helps us provide essential services to people with disabilities and their families. As one of our longest-standing relationships, their work is so important to us and our Affiliates. Check out this video of just one of the ways Century 21’s support makes our services in communities nationwide possible. #C21WithYou

At Easterseals, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to be full and equal participants in society. We are always thinking about–and encouraging others to think about–how to be more welcoming and accessible for all. This #DisabilityPrideMonth, we want to highlight the importance of advocating for disabled members of the LGBTQ+ community. Disabled LGBTQ+ adults are more likely to face higher unemployment, discrimination in hiring, lower wages, and insufficient access to employment benefits. Easterseals' president and CEO Kendra Davenport’s new op-ed in The Advocate highlights how businesses, educators, and non-profit leaders can do more to work towards an intersectional standard of inclusion. https://lnkd.in/gPnC_SeC

In our 45-year relationship with CENTURY 21® Real Estate, they have raised $138.5 million for Easterseals and our mission to help people with disabilities live full, independent lives! With the support of brands like CENTURY 21, we are able to continue our on-the-ground support to 1.5 million children and adults with disabilities. This week, July 21-26th, Century 21 Real Estate will be hosting its annual International Week of Giving, holding fundraising activities that support Easterseals and other amazing organizations. We are grateful for our long-standing relationship, and thank them for the crucial role they play in our mission to create a more inclusive world. #C21WithYou https://lnkd.in/gcV78g2Z

Beverly Johnson, the President and CEO of Easterseals Northeast Central Florida joined us for "On Board With Transparent Leadership" this week! In this episode, our host, Easterseals President and CEO, Kendra Davenport talks with Bev about her impactful work and vision for creating inclusive spaces where children can thrive without barriers. If you're passionate about community health care, leadership, and personal growth, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Here’s what you can expect: Advocacy and Connection: Bev discusses how her role as an advocate and connector fuels her passion for making a difference. Learn how she navigates the challenging yet rewarding journey of fostering inclusivity and community engagement. Work-Life Balance: Get a glimpse into how Bev maintains balance in her life by staying active and being near water. Discover her strategies for managing stress and finding serenity in a demanding role. Leadership Insights: From embracing difficult conversations to her take on contextual leadership, Bev offers valuable advice for leaders in any field. She also shares more about her favorite reads, including "Trade Up" and "The Leadership Challenge," recommended by her mentor. Bold Risk-Taking: Bev talks about her approach to calculated risk-taking, learning from failures, and building robust support systems. Hear how her confidence as a bold leader shapes her decision-making process. We hope Bev's story inspires you as much as it inspired us! Tune in to this compelling episode to gain insights, motivation, and practical tips for making a positive impact in your community and beyond. #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #Advocacy

Last week on our podcast, On Board with Transparent Leadership, Easterseals President and CEO Kendra Davenport sat down with Genny Winter to discuss the evolving demands of leadership in today’s competitive landscape. This episode is brimming with practical advice and personal anecdotes in a thought-provoking discussion that you won’t want to miss! Episode Highlights Board Diversity and Inclusivity: Genny shares her wisdom on the critical importance of board diversity, making sure that boards reflect the organization's constituencies. Diverse boards are better equipped to understand and address a wider range of issues, leading to more impactful decisions and initiatives. Mentorship and Self-advocacy: Genny offers insight on the importance of mentorship, particularly for people navigating male-dominated industries. She discusses how both formal and informal mentors have shaped her career, and highlights the value of receiving constructive feedback from pragmatists in your network. (Find the realist in the room!) Leadership and Communication: Genny reflects on her leadership experiences, both in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. She emphasizes the importance of effective communication and accessibility, especially in hybrid work environments. Diverse and multifaceted communication strategies are key in fostering a culture of transparency. Navigating Nonprofit Challenges: In today’s tight job market, nonprofits face unique challenges in attracting and retaining talent. Genny emphasizes the need for leaders to manage cultural environments, communicate clear visions, and align mission with revenue sources to stay competitive and impactful. #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #Business

Our latest blog post is a powerful story from guest writer Jen Msumba! Jen shares the life changing impact of embracing her disability pride, from overcoming shame to finding confidence in her identity. Join us in celebrating Jen's journey and the importance of self-acceptance. Read Jen's story and join our Disability Pride Month celebration. https://lnkd.in/g3byxskv #DisabilityPride #ChangeTheGame #AutismAcceptance #Easterseals

"It's kind of liberating to own who you are. And I think my own personal journey, once I hit my mid twenties and really started exploring my disability and not just living with it, my life transformed in such beautiful ways, where not only did it introduce me to other people, it helped me learn so much about myself and my own relationships and the way I navigate the world." Join us as we enter into the world of Chelsea Bear on this episode of Everything You Know About Disability is Wrong — your go-to podcast by Easterseals for breaking down misconceptions and bringing real stories to the forefront. Hosted by the dynamic duo, Lily Newton and Erin Hawley, this episode shines a spotlight on Chelsea Bear, a content creator who went from a PR professional to an influencer of positivity and joy on social media. Chelsea's story begins with the liberating transformation that came with acceptance of her disability. Celebrate #DisabilityPrideMonth by watching or listening to this episode today! Available wherever you get your podcasts.