Easter Seals Ontario has been involved in advocacy since it was first established in 1922. Historical advocacy campaigns included pasteurization of milk, nursing services provided in the home, rehabilitation services provided outside of the hospital, mandatory bike helmet use and folic acid supplements to prevent birth defects.
Special education programs and services have been a key advocacy focus since 1980 with advocacy at the provincial level and through the Easter Seals Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Program providing parent volunteers on school board SEACs.
Easter Seals continues to be an active advocate for children and youth with physical disabilities and their families. Advocacy activities in 2021 have included:
- Submission to the consultation on Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan
- Response to Draft Recommendations to improve accessibility in health care and education
- Meetings at the Ministry of Seniors Affairs and Accessibility about the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to people with disabilities and the challenges with the accessible parking permits
Easter Seals would like to know what you think are the most important challenges facing you and your family related to your child’s disability. Please take this short survey to let us know what issues are important to you and how Easter Seals can advocate on your behalf:
You can also e-mail your ideas directly to Alison Morse Senior Manager Advocacy and Family Engagement at amorse@easterseals.org.
