This summer, staff from Easterseals Living Options program had the opportunity to reunite a resident with his family, including a brother he hadn’t seen in 15 years.
John, also known as JJ, has been a Living Options resident since 2013. He thrives in an intimate, home setting with 24/7 support from Easterseals SoCal associates. The program’s person-centered approach gives JJ and his housemates the tools to live more independently than they would in an institutional setting.
The Living Options program seeks out activities that nurture individual choice by asking residents what they want to do in their community. For example, Jorge Romero, Living Options Resident Administrator, knows that JJ is close with his sister who lives several hours away, so at least once a year, he arranges a trip for JJ to see his sister.
This year was an extra special occasion as JJ’s brother recently moved to Yucca Valley, making it the perfect opportunity for a road trip. JJ and Jorge got in the car and drove to Joshua Tree, CA to see his sister and to be reunited with his brother for the first time in 15 years.
JJ’s sister Nicki said, "It was such a memorable visit. It's wonderful that you ensure JJ gets to visit his siblings.” JJ added, "I want to go see Nicki and my brother at the big McDonald's again."
The reunion was not only special for JJ and his family, but it also reinforced the importance of Jorge’s work as he helps foster fulfilling lives for people with disabilities.
"It was a memorable and joyous occasion for JJ, and he had a wonderful time," said Jorge. “In my role, I strive to provide the residents with the best life possible, filled with wonderful memories. I aim to give them the person-centered opportunities they deserve.
Learn more about Easterseals Living Options services on our website.
To find a fulfilling career at Easterseals Southern California, take a look at our job openings on our careers page.
Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 6:30 PM
Easterseals Southern California is bringing you a short video series on smartphone accessibility tip…
Easterseals Southern California is bringing you a short video series on smartphone accessibility tips for Apple iPhone users with and without disabilities. These tips were curated by members of Easterseals’ Technology Lending Library team, who provide accessible tech devices and support to hundreds of people with disabilities throughout Southern California. Watch the videos below for step-by-step instructions.
Watch our video to learn about the importance of tech accessibility:
Assistive touch is a handy feature that simplifies device control, allowing you to customize actions for quick access. This can be useful for individuals with physical and motor barriers. Take a look at the tips and video below to learn more.
Watch our video on Assistive Touch for a demonstration:
With these accessible solutions, you can explore some helpful tech accessibility features for hearing and audio on your Apple device. From headphone accommodations to background sounds, you can make your smartphone accessible for your needs.
Watch our video on Hearing & Audio Features for a demonstration:
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With these accessibility features, your device becomes more accessible and tailored to your needs. So head over to your settings and explore! Remember, accessibility is the key to inclusion and equity. Let’s make technology work for everyone!
Visit our website to learn more about Easterseals Southern California’s services for people with disabilities, including Adult Day Services, Living Options, Employment Services, Autism Services, and more.
Accessibility on a cell phone refers to features that enable users with disabilities to interact with their devices more easily. These include options like screen readers, adjustable text size, and high contrast settings to assist with various impairments.
To enhance phone accessibility, explore accessibility settings on your device and enable features like voice control. You can also customize the home screen for easier navigation and adjust color contrast to improve visibility during daily living activities.
iPhones and Android phones like Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy offer excellent accessibility features. These devices provide comprehensive options for vision, hearing, and mobility assistance, allowing users to easily make a phone call, send text messages, and access various products and services.
The iPhone is often considered the best option for individuals with visual impairment due to its advanced VoiceOver feature. Android devices also offer strong accessibility options through the Google Play store, providing various tools to assist blind users.
Smartphones without Wi-Fi can connect to the internet using cellular data networks. This allows users to browse the web, send texts, and access online services. Some Android accessibility features may require an internet connection to function fully.
The post Tech Tips to Enhance Smartphone Accessibility appeared first on Easterseals Southern California Blog.
Thursday, November 14, 2024, 3:35 PM
On October 19, 2024, Easterseals Southern California hosted its most successful Strides for Disabili…
On October 19, 2024, Easterseals Southern California hosted its most successful Strides for Disability 3K/5K event to-date; a sell-out that surpassed all fundraising goals. Held at a new venue—Angel Stadium in Anaheim—this year’s event gave participants the unique opportunity to walk, run, or roll through the stadium and even see themselves on the jumbotron.
Before the race began, attendees enjoyed free breakfast burritos and visited vendor booths, which featured games, face painting, trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, and so much more. Attendees were also treated to a fun warm up and performance by the award-winning Rollettes.
More than 1,300 individuals came together and helped raise over $180,000 at the 2024 Strides for Disability walk. The funds raised from Strides will directly benefit our disability and community services, so that we can continue to empower individuals and families across our Southern California communities in innovative new ways.
Marathon Sponsors: $5,000
Distance Sponsors: $2,500
Plaza In-Kind Donors:
Congratulations to our top fundraising teams:
These contributions create a solid foundation that allows us to make a real difference, and we are so grateful to each and every business and individual for coming out to support Easterseals.
2025 will mark the 25th anniversary of Strides for Disability! Be on the lookout for announcements and updates for next year’s event, we can’t wait to see you there.
The post Easterseals Southern California Raises $180,000 at 24th Annual ‘Strides for Disability’ appeared first on Easterseals Southern California Blog.
Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 5:34 PM
Easterseals Southern California’s Autism Services has been collaborating with a company called Flore…
Easterseals Southern California’s Autism Services has been collaborating with a company called Floreo VR on a virtual reality solution to help people with autism safely use transportation. Recently, that technology won T-Mobile’s prestigious “Unconventional Award” for its innovative use of 5G technology. Here’s a look at what’s happening and what’s ahead.
The Challenge Being Addressed
For those with autism, a trip in the family car can expose challenges and triggers, making it unsafe for everyone involved. Of course, access to transportation is a critical component of inclusion for people with autism.
“It’s how we get to work, attend appointments, visit with family or socialize,” says Dr. Paula Pompa-Craven, Easterseals Chief Clinical Officer. “But preparing individuals with autism to safely navigate streets, cars, and public transportation may sometimes present complex challenges.”
For example, some people with autism have trouble keeping on their seatbelts. In addition, anything from traffic, stopping at a stoplight, or even a driver having to take a different route can be a trigger. Some Easterseals participants will not leave their home or ride in a car.
These barriers put people with autism at risk for a wide range of negative health and quality-of-life outcomes.
Virtual Reality for Autism: A Game-Changer
VR technology is a game-changer in this area because it creates an opportunity for people to practice skills ahead of time, in an immersive and safe way.
With Floreo and Easterseal’s virtual reality solution, children and adults can take a virtual journey to get a preview of the transportation they’ll be using. They can encounter the same triggers they’ll find in the real world and, working with a clinician, they can safely practice skills to reduce dangerous behaviors.
Because this technology is being used in a clinically rigorous setting, researchers and clinicians will—for the first time—be able to assess and create treatment plans for the behaviors associated with autism in transportation settings. It will also help researchers and clinicians track progress and individualize approaches to skill building.
To further advance this research, Easterseals has joined Floreo’s Scientific Advisory Board as a leading member.
What’s Ahead
The program could have a tremendous impact over time by making medical visits less challenging and promoting inclusion for people with autism in ways most of us take for granted.
Easterseals Southern California is exploring even more topic areas with Floreo, including safe street crossing, communication, and social skills.
“Together, we are working to create a world where neurodiverse individuals can practice life, communication, and social skills in a safe, virtual environment, preparing them to navigate real-world situations with confidence and independence,” said Vijay Ravindran, CEO of Floreo.
“This directly supports our mission to achieve full equity, inclusion and access for the people we support,” says Paula. “We want to give people the tools to enhance their independence, as well as their quality of life.”
Read more about the award and our partnership with Floreo VR.
To learn more about Easterseals Autism Therapy Services, visit our website.
The post Easterseals Uses Virtual Reality to Support People with Autism appeared first on Easterseals Southern California Blog.
Friday, October 25, 2024, 1:46 PM
In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we invited Kyle Onstott, CEO of Ma…
In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we invited Kyle Onstott, CEO of Marketing Empire Group (MEG), to share his experience with Easterseals Southern California. In this guest blog post, Kyle reflects on hiring Connor, a video editor who secured his position at MEG through our Customized Employment Services. Kyle highlights how Connor’s work ethic and professional growth have positively impacted MEG’s culture and success. You can read more about Connor’s journey here. (Credit for Connor’s photo above right: Jaspreet Singh)
Written by Kyle Onstott, CEO of Marketing Empire Group
At Marketing Empire Group (MEG), we are a faith-based organization that believes every individual is created with purpose, and part of our mission is to foster a team where that purpose can thrive. It’s not just about hitting goals or achieving numbers, it’s about the people who make our culture vibrant and our success sustainable. And one of the shining examples of that belief is our employee, Connor.
Connor’s journey with us started through Easterseals Southern California’s Employment Services. After working with his Vocational Specialist, Desiree, to determine if MEG was the right fit for Connor, he came on board as an intern. His talents quickly shined and showed he was destined for a vital role on our team. Now, he’s one of our top employees, someone who fully embodies what our company stands for.
From day one, Connor was proactive. He didn’t just wait for tasks to be handed to him, he sought out ways to contribute. Whether it was getting involved in content creation with the sales team or stepping out of his immediate role to generate leads and bring in new clients, his drive has been nothing short of exceptional.
And, of course, there’s the heart of it all – Connor’s will. I always say, “You can teach skill, but you can’t teach will.” Connor has it in abundance. His eagerness to learn, develop, and grow is unmatched, and that’s something you simply can’t teach. His commitment to personal and professional growth has not only benefitted him, but has been a huge asset to us as a company.
We recognized Connor’s exceptional potential early on and made the decision to invest in his growth, knowing his unique talents would bring tremendous value to our company. Hands-on training, advanced software, online courses, and in-person events have all been a part of his development journey here at MEG. And it’s not just about what we’ve given, Connor has taken every opportunity and run with it, proving time and again that he’s not only capable but willing to go the extra mile.
Working with Easterseals Southern California has also been a positive experience. Their support throughout the hiring process and beyond has been fantastic. Desiree, his Vocational Specialist, has been there every step of the way, ensuring that both Connor and MEG have what we need to make this partnership successful.
To any employer considering working with Easterseals or hiring individuals with disabilities, I would say this: don’t hesitate. They just might become your next best employee. You’ll gain not just a team member, but someone who brings a unique perspective, unmatched drive, and the kind of energy that enhances your entire culture. It’s more than just a hire, it’s a game changer. The support from Easterseals has been seamless, and the value Connor brings to the team is immeasurable.
At the end of the day, Marketing Empire Group thrives because of the people who embody our core values. Connor is one of those people, and we are so fortunate to have him as part of the MEG family. Culture is key here, and we’re grateful to have someone who not only fits in but elevates it to new heights.
Here’s to Connor, to Easterseals, and to the bright future ahead!
Read Connor’s Story of Success here to learn more about how Easterseals Customized Employment Services supported him in finding a fulfilling career.
The post Why Hiring Through Easterseals Employment Services Has Enhanced Our Business appeared first on Easterseals Southern California Blog.
Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 5:47 PM
Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month by discovering how Mike started a successfu…
Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month by discovering how Mike started a successful tie-dye business in Los Angeles.
If turning a hobby into a business is considered ‘the dream,’ then Mike is truly living life to the fullest! Mike owns and operates his own tie-dye apparel company called Urban Revel, where he makes creative tie-dye shirts, hats, sweatshirts and other items.
What started as a fun project during the COVID-19 shutdowns quickly turned into a business when friends started requesting custom designs and t-shirts.
“I started Urban Revel for fun,” said Mike. “It was when I was at home going to [school on] Zoom. My friends liked my shirts. I made more and more. Then people asked to buy my shirts. I [then] started a website store.”
Mike doesn’t just do the tie-dyeing, but he also is the creative mind behind some of the popular slogans and sayings that go on his t-shirts. Mike can make customers just about anything, from his popular Zoom-inspired “You’re on Mute” design, to a fan-favorite hoodie that simply says “Dim Sum,” which just so happens to be one of Mike’s favorite foods.
Mike’s mom, Amy Yee, who is a consultant at Easterseals Southern California, says, “For me, it’s awesome knowing he’s doing something he’s excited about and there’s also that sense of security. He knows what he likes and he’s able to turn his interests into something that he can do. You can really think outside of the box about employment when you tie it with your interests.” Mike added, “Pick something you love to do and make it your own business. Start small and have fun.”
Since COVID-19, Mike’s business has really taken off throughout Los Angeles thanks to a loyal customer base. Currently, his attire is available for purchase online, at various community resource events, and at Musichead, a local art gallery where he recently hosted a tie-dye workshop.
“I’m very proud of our community and how they’ve embraced him and the people that we’ve met along the way,” said Amy.
Mike has big plans to expand his business throughout LA while continuing to build social connections and friendships.
“A fashion show would be fun,” said Mike. “I would like to do a pop-up in LA with cool shirts, hats, and other things with music and food.
To learn more about Mike and how you can support his tie-dye business, visit urbanrevella.com.
Watch Mike’s video to Learn About Urban Revel:
The post Threads of Resilience: How Mike Turned His Tie-Dye Hobby into a Thriving Business appeared first on Easterseals Southern California Blog.
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