Stories of Success
Nick's experience with the PLAY Project for Autism
"He is making friends, playing with children on the playground. He used to never play with children on the playground."
Hear about how Easterseals NECFL's PLAY Project for Autism helped Jenny's son, Nick, improve his social skills that has allowed him to make friends wherever he goes.
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Sarah & Amelia Walker
Amelia and her mother Sarah were among the first families to take advantage of Easter Seals P.L.A.Y. therapy, a home-based program of therapy for children with Autism. Sarah has been in the Easterseals programs for 14 years with great success!
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Stories of Hope
In this heartwarming video, we delve into the lives of three remarkable mothers whose children have journeyed through the programs at Easterseals NECFL (Northeast Central Florida). Through candid interviews and touching moments, these mothers generously share their experiences of resilience, growth, and community.
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Meet Tory Ridgeway
Tory Ridgeway is a third-year Aerospace Engineering major at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He was diagnosed with Autism at the age of four and received early intervention services, special education, and related services throughout high school.
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Giovanni Garcia- Ambassador
Giovanni is an outgoing, and contagiously happy little boy who enjoys dancing and music. The only child of Susana and Carmelo Garcia, Giovanni is a student at Easterseals Charter School and receives occupational and language therapy services from Easterseals as well.
At Easterseals, Giovanni has flourished. When he arrived, he wasn’t vocal and demonstrated little cognitive ability, according to Assistant Principal Christina Hopkins. He was timid and shy.
Today, however, Giovanni is blossoming. Not only is he outgoing, he's often the life of the party. Whenever he talks with peers and adults, he even invites them to play! He has learned his colors, can count to five, can name familiar objects in the classroom, and can verbally express his wants and needs.
Giovanni attended to Kindergarten this year, and with Easterseals' help, he’s learning and growing while reaching significant and age-appropriate milestones
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Scout Watkins - Ambassador
At 8 weeks old Scout started early intervention with Early Steps North Beaches and continued until the age of 3. Scout's mom Elizabeth writes, "Beyond being our miracle, Scout is the perfect outcome of early detection and early intervention. Her life and our lives are the best they can be because of the services that have been offered to her. Every child deserves the best life possible and that is made possible through programs like Early Steps. We are forever grateful and share Scouts story to keep the share hope, empower and inspire."
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Christian Reyes-Gonzalez- Ambassador
Christian is a strikingly tall, dark haired fifth grader with an infectious smile and a sweet spirit. He was diagnosed with autism through Easterseals Autism Center of Excellence and is working on a treatment plan using occupational, physical and aquatic therapy to address difficulty with fine motor skills and playing sports.
Since coming to Easterseals, Christian has been thriving; his confidence has increased and he’s in a smaller blended classroom at his school.
Christian loves to read book series, drawing comics, and wants to develop his own video game someday!
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Ivan's page
Reflections of Joy's Life by Lynn Sinnott
From the first time I met Joy McMahon I knew I had met a passionate advocate for the Deaf! She was an advocate for her children who were Deaf and an advocate for all individuals who were Deaf. Joy passed away after almost 90 years of making a difference in our community. Joy's son Robert is currently working as a Deaf Advocate at Easter Seals.
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Ready Bodies, Learning Minds
The Ready Bodies, Learning Minds program is based on early motor and sensory development.
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