Consumer Services

Easter Seals has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, to live better lives for more than 80 years. Easter Seals is a nonprofit provider of health and human services, from child development centers to physical rehabilitation and job training for people with disabilities. Ohio-businessman Edgar Allen lost his son in a streetcar accident in 1919 and founded what became known as the National Society for Crippled Children, the first organization of its kind. In the spring of 1934, the organization launched its first Easter 'seals' campaign to raise money for its services. Easter 'seals' are stamp-like seals that were used to raise money for services benefiting children with disabilities. The organization was re-named 'Easter Seals' in 1967, reflecting the public's awareness and acceptance of the campaign. Easter Seals advocates for the passage of legislation to help people with disabilities achieve independence, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. Passed in 1990, the ADA prohibits discrimination against anyone who has a mental or physical disability, guaranteeing the civil rights of people with disabilities.