Below is a list of common questions and answers we often hear at Easterseals. If you have another question or would like to request more information about Easterseals, feel free to contact us. Thanks for your interest!

What is Easterseals?

Easterseals provides services to help children and adults with disabilities and those from military backgrounds, as well as support to their families. We've been helping families for nearly 100 years. Today, Easterseals assists more than 1 million individuals and their families annually at more than 550 Easterseals service sites across the country. Each center provides top-quality, innovative services tailored to meet the specific needs of the people we serve.

What types of services does Easterseals provide?

Our primary Easterseals programs include:

Are Easterseals services limited to specific types of disabilities?

No. Easterseals is committed to caring for children and adults with physical and mental disabilities and special needs resulting from any cause -- whether diagnosed at birth or incurred through disease, accidental injury or the aging process.

How many people receive Easterseals services each year?

Every year, more than 1 million individuals benefit from Easterseals services nationally. Additionally, Easterseals helps more than 100,000 physicians, therapists, and other professionals learn ways to improve services for people with disabilities through professional education programs.

How is Easterseals supported financially?

Easterseals receives funding from a variety of sources, including public and private partnerships, government agencies, and fee-for-service. To make our services accessible to as many people as possible, Easterseals also relies on public contributions, which help cover the difference between actual program costs and what our clients can afford. Help us to continue to provide exceptional services by making an online donation.

How are the funds disseminated?

Easterseals is proud of putting your donations to work effectively. Easterseals' revenue supports services in the area where funds are raised. Easterseals is a grassroots, community-based organization.

How large is the Easterseals organization?

This Easterseals affiliate serves thousands of individuals and families in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia every year. Easterseals assists more than 1 million individuals with disabilities each year at more than 550 service sites in the United States and Puerto Rico. Easterseals headquarters in Chicago provides assistance to more than 70 affiliates through management training, implementation of best practices, and consultation services.

Is Easterseals a non-profit organization?

Yes. Easterseals is a non-profit provider of health and human services, incorporated under the provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Does Easterseals have a religious affiliation?

No. Easterseals is not affiliated with any religion and does not discriminate. At the core of the Easterseals organization is a common passion for caring, shared by our staff and by those who support our mission.

What are Easter "seals"?

Easter "seals" are stamp-like seals that were first created in 1934 to raise money for services benefiting children with disabilities. Then known as the National Society for Crippled Children, the organization was renamed "Easter Seals" in 1967, reflecting the public's awareness and acceptance of the campaign.

Do Easter "seals" still exist today?

Yes. In fact, Easterseals mails seals to more than 19 million households across the country every year, raising almost $14 million to support services to children and adults with disabilities and their families across the country.

How can I volunteer?

Easterseals' continued success in providing services to people with disabilities would not be possible without volunteers. Your time, energy, and hearts will inspire and touch the lives of those we serve. Your personal commitment enhances the services we provide to our clients nationwide. Learn how you can volunteer today!