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.

Honoring National Disability Employment Awareness Month   

Everyone deserves the right to employment opportunities, fair wages, and accessible work environments, so why is it that the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is still so high? As we recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Easterseals Southern California is shining a light on the current state of employment for people with disabilities, with the goal of creating a better tomorrow.  

This year’s NDEAM theme, set by the U.S. Department of Labor, is “Access to Good Jobs for All.” Despite a long history of furthering disability employment opportunities in the United States, there are still too many qualified and talented people with disabilities who are ready, willing and able to work that do not have access to jobs.  

This October, help us spread the word about NDEAM to ensure people with disabilities’ limitless talents are being recognized so that everyone has access to fulfilling jobs every month of every year.  

Easterseals at the Forefront of Disability Employment Rights  

A disabled ex-serviceman working as a carpenter with the aid of a prosthetic arm, circa 1919. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

In 1918, Congress passed laws creating a rehabilitation program for World War I soldiers with disabilities Providing support for people with disabilities became more widespread, and it was in this environment that the Ohio Society for Crippled Children, which eventually became Easterseals, was founded one year later. Disabled World War II veterans once again raised public awareness around the movement, and in 1945, Congress enacted Public Law 176, establishing what we know today as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

George H. W. Bush signing the Americans with Disabilities Act into law in 1990.

The disability rights movement achieved a major victory when President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law in 1990. While this has led to increasing opportunities for people with disabilities, recent statistics show that there’s a lot more that must be done. 

25 Years of the Olmstead Act  

In 1999, the United States Supreme Court ruled in Olmstead v. L.C. & E.W. that states must provide services and programs for people with disabilities in community settings rather than institutions, based on their needs and preferences. The impact of the ruling led to strategies focused on integrating people with disabilities into all aspects of community living, including the right to self-determination in employment. 

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Olmstead decision, the Office of Disability Employment Policy’s Leadership for the Employment of Americans with Disabilities (LEAD) Center has created this document that demonstrates the decision’s wide-ranging impact on policies and practices, illuminated by the stories of the people, agencies, and services that have been transformed by it. 

Disability Employment Today 

According to this report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four people in the U.S. have a disability. Additionally in 2023, Bureau of Labor Statics data showed that the unemployment rate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is at 7.2 percent, about twice as high as the rate for people without a disability. 

Disabled Americans face various employment-related challenges such as being passed over for jobs they’re qualified for, making career transitions, and wage discrimination.   

While people with disabilities have historically been underrepresented in the labor force, currently, there is much work being done by policymakers to change this. In September 2024, the federal government started the Federal Innovation Fund (FID), which will award $251 million to higher education institutions and other agencies to ensure that people with disabilities have access to good paying jobs. These grants focus on preparing individuals for competitive, integrated employment with good wages.  

In 2023, California passed Senate Bill 639, which will eliminate subminimum wage for people with disabilities as of January 1, 2025, making California the 13th state to end this practice. This is a historic but overdue victory for disability rights in California as it will bring greater independence and opportunities for people with disabilities.    

Easterseals Southern California’s Employment Services have always ensured individuals receive, at minimum, prevailing wage. A shining example of this is Jordan, who was supported by Easterseals Customized Employment to secure a fair-paying job that fit his skills and financial needs. He went from earning just $1.38 an hour through a previous program to $22 an hour, and now he has a fulfilling career that gives him confidence and purpose.

Jordan’s mom said, “We cannot tell you how much this job has meant to Jordan (and to us). His self-confidence has grown tremendously. He has tried other programs and none have come close to changing his life more than Easterseals Customized Employment. You did such a fabulous job of getting to know Jordan and placing him with a company that fit. We are so very grateful!”

Easterseals Continues to Advocate for Change    

Easterseals Southern California is continually increasing awareness and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, especially through WorkFirst Employment Services. This service provides one-on-one, customized support and direct placement for people with disabilities and entering the workforce. We also offer specialized employment services to support individuals who have committed non-violent offenses through our NextPath program in the Orange County area.  

To see Easterseals Employment Services in-action, check out our recent Story of Success video featuring Celestino. With the support of Easterseals, Celestino found a job that he loves and is thriving in his career as an electrical engineer at Western Train.  

Easterseals Adult Day Services program is also supporting individuals in pursuing their career goals, like Michelle, who is currently enrolled in culinary school with the dream of becoming a chef.  

Moving Forward to an Inclusive Future 

As we look ahead to the future, we must challenge ourselves to increase awareness and provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Here are some key actions that we can take as individuals and as employers:  

Increase Awareness:  

• Educate ourselves and others about disability inclusion 

• Share success stories of employees with disabilities 

• Promote disability awareness events and campaigns 

Provide Employment Opportunities:

• Implement inclusive hiring practices 

• Offer internships and apprenticeships  

• Partner with disability organizations like Easterseals for recruitment 

Improve Accessibility 

• Incorporate universal design principles in workspaces 

• Ensure digital platforms and tools are accessible

• Provide necessary accommodations for employees with disabilities

Implement the Disability Equality Index:  

• Use the DEI as a benchmarking tool 

• Set goals based on DEI results 

• Track progress and continuously improve disability inclusion efforts 

You can find more information and resources about National Disability Employment Awareness Month by visiting the U.S. Department of Labor website .  

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.