APSE – A membership organization formed to improve and expand integrated employment opportunities, services, and outcomes for persons experiencing disabilities.
CAMEO – CAMEO’s Mission is to promote economic opportunity and community well being through Micro Enterprise Development.
California Reality Check – After High School You will need to work to pay for housing, transportation, clothes… You will need money. You will need an occupation. On this website there are three ways to choose an occupation.
Department of Rehabilitation – California Department of Rehabilitation assists Californians with disabilities in obtaining and retaining employment and maximizing their ability to live independently in their communities.
Disability: In - The leading nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion worldwide.
Disability Benefits 101 – Disability Benefits 101-California gives you tools and information on employment, health coverage, and benefits. You can plan ahead and learn how work and benefits go together.
Diversity Inc – Diversity Inc is the leading publication on diversity and business.
Job Accommodation Network – The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.
National Association for the Self Employed – The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) is the nation’s leading resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, bringing a broad range of benefits to help entrepreneurs succeed and to drive the continued growth of this vital segment of the American economy.
Real Work Stories – Read employment successes of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities who are working in paid jobs in their communities.
Small Business Administration – Information resource for small businesses, small business owners and prospective business owners.
Social Security – The official website of the U.S. Social Security Administration
The Center for Social Capital – This website is dedicated to providing information on the concept of Social Capital.
We Connect – A national program created by Maria Shriver that connects families to programs and services to help them get ahead.
What You Can Do Campaign – The Campaign for Disability Employment is a collaborative effort to promote positive employment outcomes for people with disabilities by encouraging employers and others to recognize the value and talent they bring to the workplace.
80 Years of Mattel: Easterseals Reflects on an Uplifting Partnership
Monday, June 30, 2025, 2:04 PM
Easterseals Southern California is thrilled to recognize Mattel’s eight decades of innovation, creat…
Easterseals Southern California is thrilled to recognize Mattel’s eight decades of innovation, creativity, and fun during Disability Pride Month this July! To celebrate and honor their 80th Anniversary, we’re reflecting on our partnership and providing helpful resources and information for parents.
In the article below, check out:
Easterseals’ past and present collaborations with Mattel
Practical ways toys can support early childhood development
Resources for parents seeking education and services
A Look at Easterseals’ Partnership with Mattel
Bruno the Brake Car: The First Thomas & Friends Character with Autism
In 2022, Bruno the Brake Car was introduced as the first character with autism in the beloved Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go series. Bruno was produced by Mattel in collaboration with the Easterseals Southern California Autism Services Team, Easterseals Autism Strategist Aaron Likens, and other organizations. Bruno is characterized by his joyful demeanor and love for routines, which resonates with many autistic children. His experiences with sensory overload and busy environments provide relatable moments for viewers, making him a significant addition to the Thomas and Friends universe.
Play it Forward Toy Donations
Over the last several years, Mattel has made a meaningful impact through toy donations to our Child Development and Autism Services programs. They have also donated toys for the Grand Opening of our Autism Services location in Covina and a Holiday Party for our autism families featuring then LA Chargers Cornerback Essang Bassey.
For their 80th Anniversary, Mattel selected Easterseals as a featured partner for July and will donate toys to Easterseals Southern California along with 40+ other Easterseals locations across the country that offer services for children.
Books and Breakfast with Barney
In June, Mattel hosted a special event with partner organizations, including Easterseals SoCal, as part of their 80th anniversary celebration. Children from Easterseals Autism Services attended to enjoy reading and fun with their favorite purple dinosaur, Barney.
In-Store Donations
During the month of July, Mattel will be encouraging customers at their owned toy store locations (El Segundo, CA; San Bernardino, CA; Fort Worth, TX; and East Aurora, NY) to make a donation to Easterseals at check out. This is a simple way to engage families in the celebration of Disability Pride Month and to share the message of inclusive play for all. Follow @thematteltoystore for more information on the locations, available toys and more! You might even see some Easterseals associates and families making an appearance in their social stories!
Our collaborations with Mattel have not only brought joy to countless children but have also underscored the powerful role play can have in a child’s growth. With that in mind, we’re sharing practical ways toys can support early childhood development—turning fun into foundational learning.
The Importance of Toys for a Child’s Early Development
Toys not only provide entertainment but also serve as tools for learning and development. In this article, we will explore practical ways toys can help support your child as they grow, discuss types of toys that may help, and offer tips on how parents can encourage their child’s learning and development.
5 Ways Toys Can Support Early Childhood Development
1. Cognitive Development
Toys that encourage problem-solving and critical thinking can greatly benefit a child’s cognitive development. Puzzle toys, building blocks, and shape sorters are excellent examples. These toys challenge children to think logically, recognize patterns, and develop spatial awareness.
2. Language and Communication Skills
Interactive toys that promote language use can support the development of communication skills. Books, storytelling kits, and talking dolls can encourage children to express themselves verbally, understand narratives, and expand their vocabulary.
3. Social and Emotional Development
Role-playing toys such as dolls, action figures, and playsets allow children to engage in imaginative play, which helps them understand social roles and develop empathy. Playing with others fosters social interaction, cooperation, and emotional regulation.
4. Fine Motor Skills
Toys that require manipulation, such as art supplies, playdough, and threading beads, help children develop fine motor skills. These activities enhance hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and precision.
5. Gross Motor Skills
Active play toys like balls, ride-on toys, and climbing structures are essential for developing gross motor skills. These toys encourage physical activity, coordination, balance, and overall physical fitness.
Types of Toys That Encourage Learning
1. Educational Toys
Educational toys are designed to support learning in specific areas such as math, science, and literacy. Examples include counting toys, science kits, and alphabet blocks. These toys make learning fun and engaging.
2. Sensory Toys
Sensory toys stimulate a child’s senses and are particularly beneficial for children with developmental delays or sensory processing issues. Examples include textured balls, sensory bins, and musical instruments.
3. Creative Toys
Creative toys like art supplies, building kits, and musical instruments encourage children to express themselves and explore their creativity. These toys help develop problem-solving skills and boost confidence.
4. Interactive Toys
Interactive toys such as electronic learning devices and interactive books provide immediate feedback and engage children in educational activities. These toys can adapt to a child’s learning pace and style.
How Parents Can Support Their Child’s Learning and Development
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1. Engage in Play
Parents should actively participate in their child’s playtime. By playing together, parents can guide their children, model behaviors, and reinforce learning concepts.
2. Provide a Variety of Toys
Offering a diverse range of toys can cater to different aspects of a child’s development. Rotate toys regularly to keep playtime fresh and exciting.
3. Create a Safe Play Environment
Ensure that the play area is safe, clean, and conducive to exploration. Remove hazards and provide age-appropriate toys.
4. Encourage Exploration
Allow children to explore and experiment with toys. Encourage curiosity and praise efforts rather than focusing solely on outcomes.
5. Foster Social Interaction
Arrange playdates and group activities to help children develop social skills. Playing with peers teaches sharing, cooperation, and conflict resolution.
3 Mattel Toys that Support Childhood Development
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Series
Designed to engage children through interactive play, the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn series includes a variety of toys that teach fundamental concepts such as numbers, letters, and shapes. These toys often feature songs, phrases, and sounds that stimulate cognitive development and introduce early learning skills in a fun and engaging manner.
Mega Bloks
Mega Bloks are large, easy-to-handle building blocks that encourage creativity and fine motor skills development. These blocks allow children to build and construct various structures, promoting spatial awareness, problem-solving skills, and hand-eye coordination. The bright colors and simple designs make them appealing and accessible to young children.
Barbie Career Dolls
Barbie Career Dolls aim to inspire young minds by showcasing a variety of professions and career paths. These dolls come with accessories related to different jobs, such as doctors, astronauts, and chefs, encouraging imaginative play and helping children understand the concept of different careers.
By choosing the right types of toys and actively engaging in play, parents can help their children develop essential skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. Whether through cognitive challenges, language development, or social interaction, toys offer numerous opportunities for growth and learning.
Helpful Resources for Parents
‘Ask Me’ Video Series
Easterseals Southern California has curated a series of videos on some of the most Googled questions about child development and autism. Check out the series here and view our video below about how to seek services for your child.
Take the ‘Ages & Stages’ Screening
Easterseals offers a free, comprehensive, and confidential online screening tool to help guide and keep track of your child’s growth and development during these first five years. We encourage you to take 10–20 minutes to check with the Ages & Stages Questionnaires®, Third Edition (ASQ-3).
Easterseals Children’s Services
If your family is seeking support for your child, Easterseals has Child Development Centers in Ventura, North San Diego County, and the Inland Empire serving children from birth to five years of age. The centers feature safe and caring environments, state-of-the-art tools and programs, individualized learning plans, highly qualified teachers and are inclusive of children with or without disabilities. Programs include:
In 2024, Easterseals launched a PSA campaign called ‘Disability is Not a Dirty Word’ focused around sharing real stories of disability pride. Our website DisabilityPride.com features videos of real people sharing their journey to disability pride and offers you the opportunity to share your own story. Visit DisabilityPride.com to take the quiz, purchase merchandise, and share your story.
Easterseals Southern California is proud to partner with Mattel to further amplify the message of disability pride while supporting early childhood development. Discover more about Mattel’s 80th anniversary celebration and how they are supporting organizations like Easterseals through their ‘Play it Forward’ initiative.
Stay in Touch!
Sign-up for Easterseals monthly E-newsletter to access helpful resources, uplifting stories about disability, and to stay connected with our many initiatives in Southern California.
Easterseals On the Move: Recent Happenings and Initiatives
Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 3:29 PM
From volunteer events and high-level legislative meetings to celebrating achievements in disability …
Easterseals Southern California has been bustling with impactful activities and meaningful advocacy. From volunteer events and high-level legislative meetings to celebrating achievements in disability inclusion through film, there’s always something exciting happening.
Dive into the latest events and initiatives making a difference at Easterseals.
Volunteers Spread Joy at Easterseals Senior Day Services in Brea
Rexford Industrial and their dedicated volunteers spent the day at our Adult & Senior Day Services center in Brea, CA recently. It was an event full of flower-arranging, painting, eating, and enjoying each other’s company. During a special “Sharing Session,” the participants and volunteers at Brea talked about people and events that inspired them. It was a great way to spread joy and also honor Older Americans Month. Thank you, Rexford Industrial!
Easterseals Advocates for Medicaid in Washington D.C.
Easterseals Southern California leaders, board members, and disability advocates traveled to Washington, D.C. to speak directly with legislators about the critical importance of protecting Medicaid. Our delegation—including Easterseals SoCal CEO Mark Whitley; advocates Tiffany Yu, Emily Ladau, and Andrea Jennings; and ESSC Board leaders—met with 29 Congressional offices, representing all but three of ESSC’s federal Congressional districts and both of California’s Senators.
Together, we addressed key concerns about Medicaid access and emphasized the need for bipartisan support. We also shared personal stories to highlight how proposed cuts would severely impact people with disabilities—limiting access to essential services and putting vital support systems at risk for individuals striving to live, work, and thrive in their communities. We’re proud to stand up for accessibility and equity at the national level. Advocacy is how we drive lasting impact. Take action with Easterseals and let your voice be heard.
Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Announces 2025 Winners
The 12th annual Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Awards Show was held on Thursday, May 8 at Sony Pictures Studios, where hundreds gathered to celebrate disability inclusion in film. Prior to the Awards Show, film challenge participants and celebrities walked the “orange carpet” for photo ops and interviews with media outlets. Awards presented for this year’s “Thriller and Suspense” theme included:
Recognizing Mental Health Awareness at the NAMI Walk
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Easterseals was proud to sponsor and host a booth at the 2025 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Walk – Greater Los Angeles County Mental Health Festival, marking our first time participating in this impactful event!
Held at the Los Angeles State Historic Park, the festival brought together nearly 2,000 attendees for a day of connection, community, and advocacy. With live music, engaging activities, and meaningful conversations, we joined fellow supporters to raise awareness and help break the stigma surrounding mental health.
Reimagining Hollywood at the Cannes Film Festival
Easterseals SoCal partnered with the American Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival to discuss our Reimagining Hollywood: A New Lens on Disability Report. Our panel featured Nic Novicki, CEO and Founder of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, and Nancy Weintraub, Chief Advancement Officer at Easterseals Southern California, and was moderated by Keith Simanton, Managing Editor of IMDPro. We took a deep dive into the state of disability inclusion in entertainment – progress, wins, and the path ahead – focused on advancing authentic representation on and off screen.
Stay In the Know
Learn more about what we’re doing at Easterseals on our website, and be sure to follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings across our service lines:
The Importance of Being Seen: Why ‘Mattering’ is Vital for Mental Health in the Autism Community
Monday, April 28, 2025, 11:45 AM
In January 2025, Easterseals Southern California’s Autism Therapy Services team launched an exciting…
Mattering means feeling valued, respected, and having a sense of influence. Whether at home, at work, or in the community, people need to feel heard, appreciated, and capable. In the Autism Services department at Easterseals, we’ve seen first-hand how engaging in meaningful activities boosts wellbeing, motivation, resilience, and social connections.
In January 2025, Easterseals Southern California’s Autism Therapy Services team launched an exciting initiative centered around the PERMA+ model, which is based in positive psychology, the scientific study of what makes life most worth living (Peterson, 2008). The PERMA+ model highlights six essential elements that contribute to overall well-being:
Positive Emotions
Engagement
Relationships
Meaning (Mattering)
Accomplishment (Achievements)
Health
Each one plays a vital role in enhancing an individual’s wellness, and we are committed to embedding this model into our therapy services.
During the month of May, we will focus on exploring the ‘M’ of PERMA+, which revolves around Mattering/Meaning, by implementing strategies and resources for staff and participants.
We invite you to discover activities that will bring value and meaning to your own life whether you’re a caregiver, therapist, or participant, as well as how you can show others that they matter.
How you can find meaning in everyday life:
Career and Professional Growth: Find purpose through meaningful work, career development, and contributing to organizational goals.
Creative Pursuits: Explore hobbies, artistic endeavors, and creative expressions that bring you joy and personal fulfilment.
Volunteerism and Service: Engage in community service, volunteering, and philanthropy to make a positive impact on society.
Personal Development: Pursue education, learn new skills, and seek personal growth initiatives that align with your personal aspirations.
Family and Relationships: Invest time and effort in nurturing meaningful relationships with loved ones and support their growth and well-being.
Use your creativity to create a “mattering wall” or collage for others to share their thoughts on who matters to them and what makes them feel like they matter.
Simple activities you can do to show someone they matter:
Whether at home or at work, there are plenty of simple ways to show others that they matter. Below, we share some practical ways Easterseals Autism Services has implemented mattering activities that you can also use anywhere:
Write a thank you card for a parent, therapist, or teacher who made you feel like you matter.
Complete a small task of appreciation at home or at work for someone else, such as delivering an item, watering a plant, doing the dishes, sharing a snack, or picking up a cluttered space.
Create a “mattering wall” or collage for others to share their thoughts on who matters to them and what makes them feel like they matter.
Make a simple no-sew fleece blanket as a gift for someone, whether they’re a friend, parent, or a person in need.
We hope these ideas inspire you to show others that they matter and remind you of your own importance every day.
What’s New with the ‘Disability is Not a Dirty Word’ Campaign?
Friday, April 25, 2025, 2:26 PM
Easterseals Southern California marks the one-year anniversary of its multi-media PSA campaign, "Dis…
As we approach the one-year anniversary of our multi-media PSA campaign ‘Disability is Not a Dirty Word,’ Easterseals Southern California is pleased to announce the release of new content. This includes updated billboards, impactful commercials, and a newly launched merchandise store. Through the continuation of this campaign, we remain committed to boldly promoting Disability Pride throughout Southern California.
Out and About
Whether you’re scrolling your phone, watching TV, or driving down the freeway, it’s likely you’ve seen our latest PSA content proclaiming that disability is NOT a dirty word! And if you haven’t seen it yet, follow us on social media using the links below to see refreshed videos featuring authentic stories of disability inclusion.
The New Merch Store is Open!
The redesigned online store featuring ‘Disability is Not a Dirty Word’ merch has expanded into hats, backpacks, polo shirts and more. Plus, you or your organization can do a bulk order of 50 items or more to get great pricing. Check out the new store here!
Tag Us on Social Media!
When you wear your Disability Pride merch or come across a billboard or commercial, let us know! Tag Easterseals Southern California on social media and we will feature your post on our pages:
Connecting and Thriving: Inside Easterseals Adult Day Services Virtual Community
Thursday, April 24, 2025, 5:23 PM
The Virtual Community has become an exciting project within Easterseals Southern California, and Sab…
It all started with a giant spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel.
“This was during the pandemic,” says Sabrina Pascual, now Director of the Virtual Community for Easterseals Southern California. “Since people couldn’t come to our sites, our various Adult Day Services (ADS) locations started planning their own online programming.”
For example, the ADS site in Van Nuys would host a webinar about cooking, while the West Covina site created a one-hour online event about painting.
Sabrina set up a spreadsheet to share this information throughout the organization. She listed all the remote activities, provided links, and emailed the file to the ADS sites every week. That way, people at various locations could join each other’s programs.
The spreadsheet kept growing and was becoming unwieldy, so Sabrina and her colleagues decided to move everything to an online platform. They didn’t realize it at the time, but that’s when the Virtual Community was born.
A Quick Fix Becomes a Permanent Resource
In the beginning, the website was simply a way to organize and promote all the different online activities happening across Easterseals ADS sites.
But as people began returning to on-site programming, it was clear that the virtual community remained valuable. Many had formed friendships through the site, people enjoyed the variety of offerings, and if participants were sick or couldn’t attend in-person for other reasons, it was an easy way for them to stay engaged.
In response, Sabrina and her team started building something more permanent:
They created an Advisory Committee that included participants, to help organize and plan the weekly schedule of events.
They added more resources to the site.
They hired virtual coaches to help lead some activities—and other activities are taught by participants themselves.
They also made sure to prioritize accessibility. For example, the site:
Does not require email addresses to log in. Instead, it uses a system of access codes.
Uses alt text for images (text explanations of a visual, for the visually impaired).
Uses navigation arrows throughout the site to reduce the need for scrolling.
Is fully translatable into many languages, and they continue to add more languages.
Now, five years after the pandemic, the site is a robust and dynamic destination for around 300 people every month. What began as a social-distancing quick-fix has transformed into a thriving online community.
From Gaming Advice to Animal Facts
During the week, the Virtual Community hosts two events almost every hour, for a total of approximately 60 events per week. It covers a wide range of topics that are driven by participants’ interests, including:
There is also an Open Discussion Room from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every weekday, where people can just drop in to chat, share information they’ve learned from other Virtual Community activities, talk about current events, and more.
Benefits Beyond the Content
The events are engaging and popular, but they’re not the only benefit.
Through the Virtual Community, participants have learned more about how to use tech devices and navigate online spaces. It’s become a way to bridge the technology knowledge gap in the disability community.
People have also gained new skills and confidence as they lead activities or discussions.
And then there are the relationships. Since the beginning, the Virtual Community has helped foster connections across different locations, enhancing everyone’s sense of unity and belonging. This was evident during the January wildfires in Southern California, when some in-person services were suspended for safety, but people could still meet online and stay engaged and connected.
What’s Next
The Virtual Community has become an exciting project within Easterseals Southern California, and Sabrina and her team continue to find ways to make it a vibrant space for participants.
Going forward, the team is exploring ways to extend the community beyond Easterseals to California Regional Centers so that people outside the organization can join in. Expanding this unique resource could be invaluable to individuals and programs throughout California, creating access to services and true community for the people who need it most.
“The Virtual Community is transforming the way people in Adult Day Services connect and learn,” says Sabrina. “It’s something we couldn’t have imagined in the beginning. But throughout this journey, we’ve let participant input guide us. Now we have a fun and lively space with so much interesting content—and it keeps getting better.”