While the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology for day-to-day living, the digital divide between those who have access to digital resources and those who do not continues to grow for the disability community. Easterseals is on a mission to bridge that divide while highlighting the importance of digital equity, ensuring that all individuals and communities have the technology needed for full participation in our society.

An Easterseals Life Skills Coach and participant using an iPad device.

Digital Inclusion Week (DIW), which starts October 7, aims to celebrate and advance the removal of barriers to the online world and increase access to home internet, personal devices, and local technology training and support programs. This year’s DIW theme is “Stronger Together: Mobilizing Toward Sustainability,” which speaks to the power of collaboration in ensuring the longevity of digital inclusion.

We are excited to highlight some of the ways Easterseals Southern California (ESSC) is working toward closing this digital divide for people with disabilities.

“Technology has increasingly become a part of everyone’s day-to-day lives, but some communities have not been given the same opportunities as others,” said Reese Peterson, Director of the Easterseals Tech Lending Library. “The pandemic highlighted the fact that the disability community was not being given an equal opportunity to access and utilize tech. With the Technology Lending Library, we can bridge that divide and positively impact digital equity and inclusion for the community.”

At a Glance: How Easterseals is Addressing the Digital Divide

Easterseals is proud to be involved in several projects that advance digital equity among the disability community and beyond, in collaboration with five Regional Centers: Eastern Los Angeles, Frank D. Lanterman, San Gabriel/Pomona, Harbor, North Los Angeles County.

To date, we’ve served 560+ individuals through these programs and currently have 430+ individuals enrolled in the Tech Lending Library program.

Here’s a breakdown of the devices and equipment we’ve distributed to Easterseals participants and their families through programs like our Tech Lending Library:

• 345 iPads

• 145+ Laptops

• 75+ JayPads (reflects Adult Day Services participants as well as Tech Lending Library participants)

Adaptive Equipment Provided: 

• Wheelchair arm iPad clamp mounts

• Dragon voice to function software

• Specialty iPad cases (cases include full body straps, hand straps, and easy-grab points)

We also provide trainings to individuals, ranging from basic navigation and utilization of their devices, to setting up emails for communication, as well as collaborating with clinicians to provide speech support via Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) applications.

Additional Digital Equity Offerings and Programs

The Technology Lending Library loans iPads, Dell and Surface Go Laptops, and JayPad tablets with a Zoom autojoin feature for people receiving services at participating Regional Centers (Eastern Los Angeles, Frank D. Lanterman, San Gabriel/Pomona, Harbor, North Los Angeles County). These devices are loaned on a short- and long-term basis, depending on the individual’s needs. Along with devices loaned, we offer end-to-end IT support, as well as one-on-one in-person or remote trainings.

Virtual Community

The Virtual Community is a digital hub where individuals connect with their peers online through live events and explore a vast array of on-demand resources that can be accessed 24/7. In addition to our ongoing activities, we offer tech support through specialized workshops or one-on-one trainings to ensure an independent and individualized experience for each participant. The Virtual Community is currently supporting 300 individuals a month.

Adult Day Services’ participant Jocelyn connects with her mom, Georgia on the JayPad – an Android tablet designed with specialized software tailored for individuals with disabilities to do things like automatically join meetings.

JayPad Tablet Training

As part of the Technology Lending Library Program, ESSC provides JayPad training to people with disabilities who are referred by one of five participating Regional Centers.

Hear Our Voices

Hear Our Voices is a multi-pronged program supporting ESSC’s participants of all ages impacted by communication delays or disorders resulting in complex communication needs.

We provide short- and long-term access to iPads with advanced communication applications for those who are in need. Interested participants can email vop@essc.org.

Free Wi-Fi

Easterseals partners with the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office Angeleno Connectivity Trust (ACT) Program to provide free Wi-Fi hotspot internet devices to those receiving Regional Center services who are struggling to access online classes and support services.

So far, we have provided 60+ individuals with free Wi-Fi hotspots.

If you are interested in receiving a free Wi-Fi hotspot, please reach out to Director of the Technology Lending Library Reese Peterson at reese.peterson@essc.org or call (714)909-6135.

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Easterseals Southern California is proud to support Digital Inclusion Week as we continue to find ways to ensure people with disabilities have access to technology so they can live independently in their communities. Visit the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) website to learn more about Digital Inclusion Week and how to get involved.

Since 1974, campers and volunteers from all walks of life have come together each summer for Easterseals Camp. During the week-long stay at YMCA Camp Oaks near Big Bear City, people with disabilities reunite with old friends and make new friends in the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains.

This unique Southern California camp is fully accessible and fully accredited through the American Camp Association, offering people with disabilities the same experiences and opportunities for adventure available at other camps.

Activities include crafts, hayrides, talent shows, dances, swimming, canoeing, archery, hiking, concerts, storytelling, a high and low ropes course, and more.

Easterseals camper Mario said, “When I come to camp, it really renews me for the year to come. It just recharges me and my state of mind. Camp to me is a very special place.”

Thank you to CVS Pharmacy’s beauty consultants and hairstylists who joined Easterseals SoCal at camp to get campers and volunteers glammed up and ready to shine for Camp Dance! From styling hair to applying makeup, CVS brought endless smiles and laughter to our campers.

Watch the Easterseals Camp 2024 recap video below to see highlights from the week, and learn more about camp on our website.

Every September, Easterseals Southern California honors two national weeks that raise awareness about disability support services and shine a light on the work we do at Easterseals to support people with disabilities. First, we celebrate Direct Support Professional Recognition Week September 8-14, followed by Adult Day Services Week September 15-21. Below, learn more about the significance of these weeks and the unique programs offered by Easterseals in Southern California.

Direct Support Professional Recognition Week: September 8-14

Direct Support Professional Recognition (DSPR) Week is a special time to celebrate those who provide essential support to people with disabilities. These professionals are truly the backbone of what we do at Easterseals as they work one-on-one with people who require assistance to live their best lives.

At Easterseals, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are an integral part of nearly every service line, from Adult Day Services and Living Options, to Autism Services and Employment Services.

The work of DSPs goes beyond simply assisting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; they form relationships with participants built on mutual trust and respect. Often times, individuals are “matched” with a DSP to foster a positive relationship and person-centered experience. Familiarity and stability are important elements to support people thriving in these relationships, so at Easterseals, employee retention and support is crucial. In fact, many DSPs with Easterseals Adult Day Services have been employees for over a decade.

“It’s important to value this role and recognize and reward the people who choose a DSP career,” said Kathleen Kolenda, Vice President of Adult Day Services. “Systems and funding changes are needed to accomplish this. Easterseals has taken the lead to increase DSP compensation, but the State must increase reimbursement rates to afford DSPs better compensation and sustain the future of Adult Day Services.”

This DSPR Week, take a moment to thank a Direct Support Professional in your life, ensuring they know they are valued for the important work they do.

“DSPs tirelessly give their all in support of others,” said Kathleen. “They are adaptive and creative, navigating the community, learning on the fly, problem solving and assuring the best experience for the people they support. Thank you to all of our Direct Support Professionals here at Easterseals!”

Adult Day Services Week: September 15-21

Adult Day Services (ADS) Week, established in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan, raises awareness of the availability and accessibility of Adult Day Services nationwide. At Easterseals, we are always excited to highlight the amazing outcomes, success stories, and support that our ADS program offers to members of the Southern California disability community and their families.

Easterseals Adult Day Services program serves 1,200 individuals throughout San Diego, Los Angeles, Imperial, Riverside, and Orange Counties. Our program provides adults with disabilities the opportunity for socialization and relationships outside of home while empowering them to explore their options in life, pursue dreams and goals, be engaged in the community, and make choices to live a meaningful life with increased independence.

Easterseals ADS program is unique because it is person-centered, meaning everyone has a say in their individual experience. Easterseals utilized the Personal Outcome Measures (POM) tool to discover what each person would like to accomplish in ADS and for their future. For example, some participants, like Michelle, decide they want to go to college, so Easterseals ADS programs supports them in that goal.

Another unique aspect of Easterseals ADS program is that we promote digital inclusion for all through the Technology Lending Library and the Virtual Community.

“Our Tech Lending Library provides equipment, ongoing education and technical support to over 500 people annually,” said Dee Prescott, Vice President of Adult Day Services. Kathleen added, “In an effort to close the digital divide for people with disabilities, Easterseals also offers the Virtual Community as an alternative or supplement to in-person ADS. The Virtual Community is robust with offerings and engages an average of 24 people per event with an average daily attendance of 83 people.”

This year, Easteseals plans to celebrate ADS Week with “spirit day” themes and fun contests. Each ADS location will have a unique celebration based on what works best for them, whether they are a community or center-based service.

ADS staff are also excited to represent Easterseals SoCal at the National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) conference, including several who will be presenting on a variety of topics: Lendy Ruano, Director Person Centered Services presents: “Sexuality for All” and Ruth Olivares, Director Person Centered Services, presents: “Disability Art Now.”

Join us this September by following along on social media as we take time to honor and celebrate Direct Support Professional Recognition Week and Adult Day Services Week.

• Facebook: @EastersealsSoCal
• X (Formerly Twitter): @EastersealSoCal
• Instagram: @EastersealsSoCal
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/easterseals-southern-california/
• Tik Tok: @EastersealsSoCal

To learn more about Easterseals Adult Day Services, visit our website. You can also explore what it’s like to be a Direct Support Professional at Easterseals, as well as many other rewarding job opportunities, on our careers page.

Easterseals SoCal sat down with Nik Sanchez, actor and cast member of our new PSA campaign “Disability is Not a Dirty Word.” In this interview, Nik gets candid and honest about his experience with autism and how he learned to love himself and his disability. 

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Nik Sanchez. I’m 19 years old. I’m an actor, a college student, a Target cashier, a big and little brother, a gamer, and I like to call myself “Awesomely Autistic.” I love saying “hi” to people, learning names, and giving compliments. I’m working to get my degree in Film and TV Production. I would love to continue with my acting career and one day work with Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson.

How are you connected to Easterseals SoCal?

I first got connected with Easterseals through one of my “movie moms,” Holly Robinson Peete. She and the HollyRod Foundation do a lot together to raise awareness and increase acceptance of autism. I’ve done a couple acting projects with Easterseals SoCal, and I am also on their Advisory Board for Autism Services.

What do you like about the “Disability is Not a Dirty Word” campaign and the message behind it?

I love everything about the message of this campaign. I am very open about my autism and other disabilities now, but even I used to be afraid to speak about my disability. I was so afraid that if I didn’t fit in and people found out about my autism, they wouldn’t like me.

But all the time and energy I put into trying to not be me, just made things worse. I feel like this campaign is saying, “you don’t have to like me or even fully understand me, but you DO have to respect me.” That’s really powerful. Especially for groups that feel powerless a lot of the time.

Tell us about your journey of learning to love and embrace your disability?

My journey was definitely interesting. I remember being young and knowing that I had more energy and was “sillier” than other kids. My official diagnoses are Autism, ADHD, and Tourette’s Syndrome. Those do not always create the best behaviors for a structured social setting, like school. I was labeled the weirdo, the annoying one, the gullible one, the stupid one, the loud one, the bad one. I was bullied by kids and teachers…for years.

My mom helped me learn how to advocate for myself. I started telling people early on about my autism and other disabilities. Most people ended up being nicer to me and/or having a lot of questions, which I really liked. Some people still didn’t like me, but they stopped bullying me and left me alone.

Communication helps get rid of some or all of the fear people have of the things they don’t fully understand. If I didn’t start to speak up and advocate for myself, I don’t think my journey would have taken a more positive turn.

What would you tell other people with disabilities who are struggling to accept themselves and be proud of who they are?

Anyone who is struggling with a disability, first of all, I’m sorry that you are struggling. I totally understand and I’ve been there. Everyone needs a great, positive support system but especially those with disabilities who are fighting against something pretty much every day. It makes a big difference if you have people fighting with you and for you. They will help you feel good about fighting for yourself too. You are worth it.

What do you wish people knew about you and other people with autism?

One thing I REALLY wish people knew about me and other people with autism is that we are NOT dumb. Autism is not a measure of intelligence. There are some people with autism that have developmental delays, but there are also people without autism that have developmental delays. Just because someone can’t figure out something the way most people do it, doesn’t mean they can’t find their own way.

How do you hope this campaign impacts the way the world sees and views people with disabilities?

I really hope this campaign can help change what people see as “labels” or “disabilities” to just “character traits.” Because that’s all our disabilities are: traits, characteristics, the qualities that make us, us. Just because people are considered “normal” or without a disability, that doesn’t automatically mean they can do everything or be talented at every skill. Disability or not, we all have our strengths and weaknesses and deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.

If non-disabled people would just be willing to put in even HALF of the effort into understanding us that we put into trying to fit in, the world would be a much better place. We want to feel and be included. Even in things we might not care about. It’s like finding out there was a party that you wouldn’t have wanted to go to anyway, but you still want the invite; we want to know that we can do anything we may want to at any time.

Learn more about the “Disability is Not a Dirty Word” campaign by visiting DisabilityPride.com, where you can hear real stories about people with disabilities, share your own story, take an interactive quiz, or create a social media filter for your own social media channels.