Easter Seals partners with the Autism Society of America
by Jim
Today is a very important day for people with autism and their families as well as for Easter Seals and the Autism Society of America (ASA). At the annual ASA conference here in Phoenix, we announced a formal partnership between the two organizations. Working together, we believe that we can advance the cause of research and treatment for those with autism much more effectively than if we were working separately.
I had the opportunity to address the attendees at the conference this morning, and the response to our partnership was warm and enthusiastic. There was a real buzz in the room as we talked about the possibilities and opportunities that will be generated by our working closely together.
So stay tuned as this partnership takes hold. I expect great things to happen both in the short term and the long term as a result. In the meantime, you can learn more here about the nature of the partnership and what we expect to accomplish as a result of these two strong organizations joining hands.
July 16th, 2007 at 11:25 am
I am Assistant Vice President of Autism and Medical Rehabilitation for Easter Seals headquarters–and would be happy to answer your question.
Easter Seals was started 88 years ago by Edgar Allen in 1907 in Elyria, Ohio. Mr. Allen lost his son to a tragic streetcar accident. The lack of adequate medical services prompted him to sell his business and start a children’s hospital.
In 1919 Allen founded what was then known as the National Society for Crippled Children. Beginning in 1934 this organization launched its first Easter “seal” campaign to raise money. Donors would place the seals, or stamps, on envelopes to show their support. By 1967 the seal campaign was so well recognized that the organization changed its name officially to “Easter Seals”.
This story is on our website at:
http://www.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ntl_wwa_we_are&s_esLocation=wwa_
Thank you for your interest.
July 12th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
I hear more and more about the Easter Seals and the sterling stuff they do. Since my American pal first mentioned them around Spring time, I had no idea what they were! She was telling me about the swimming programme that her son was attending. The connection between ‘seals’ ‘swimming’ ‘Easter’ and that season had me thoroughly confused for the longest time. I wonder how they chose their name?
Best wishes