Uniting generations
by Beth
Easter Seals was well represented at an event at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. last month. The press event was about the growing interdependence of generations in America, and it was sponsored by an organization called Generations United. I was asked to say a few words about Social Security survivor benefits, and Pam Perry was there to talk about the Easter Seals Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Inter-Generational Center in Silver Spring, Maryland. The center is the primary site for intergenerational programming at Easter Seals Greater Washington and Baltimore Region. Pam and I were able to talk a bit before the press event began and she told me that lots of kids at the inter-generational center have autism. “Some of the adults there do, too,” she added.
Pam is the mother of twins, and one of her twins has developmental delays. She wanted a pre-school both twins could attend at the same time, and the Easter Seals Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Inter-Generational Center provided that … and more!
Pam told the audience about the care and services the Easter Seals Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Inter-Generational Center provides for adults and for children with autism and other disabilities. Many of the programs are integrated so both age groups can benefit from each other.
The room was overflowing during our talks, probably because Juan Williams was doing the moderating. I hope some of the policy-makers who were there remember the stories Pam and I told at this press event when it comes to decision-making in the new Congress.