Easter Seals Northern California, Inc.

Target demographics: Children and adults with a wide range of disabilities and special needs including Autism, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy etc.

Programs: Adaptive Aquatic ExercisesOne of Humboldt County's most important assets is Easter Seals' warm water pool heated to provide maximum health benefits to individuals recovering from strokes, injuries or other illnesses.Adult Day Program Our newest program in Humboldt County provides older adults with early dementia a safe place where they can remain active. Among the offerings are arts and crafts, music appreciation, dancing and light exercise. This program also serves individuals with developmental disabilities.Early InterventionResearch shows that 60 percent of all brain development occurs between birth and three years old. Easter Seals Early Intervention programs provide support in the child's natural environment. Home-based services include physical therapy, speech-language pathology, family counseling, vision and hearing screening, and other intervention to help children reach developmental goals.Child Care ConsultingInclusive child care is a major goal of Easter Seals. We promote this objective by helping child care providers include children with special needs and working to assure their success. This activity is funded through a three year grant from First Five Marin Children and Families Commission.Child Find LinkagesUnder this project, Lake County Easter Seals child development specialists visit family child care homes, helping to promote typical development, identify special developmental, health or behavioral needs and link families and child care providers to additional community resources. Social Recreation and Community Integration Young people and adults with disabilities can feel isolated and even ostracized. The Easter Seals social activities provide a safe and nurturing environment among peers to learn interpersonal skills and build self esteem. Bowling, Bike Camps, Spring Formal Dance, Teen Social Club, Adult Social Club, Day on the Bay are some of the fun activities our clients enjoy.Special Education ServicesThe only way some children can participate in classroom instruction is with the assistance of a sign language interpreter or licensed vocational nurse. Easter Seals provides these professionals in cooperation with local schools.Summer Camps Easter Seals camps give young people and adults with disabilities an opportunity to make friends, build skills and increases their confidence. KOA Overnight Camp, SEALS camp, and Eagle Lake Camp are some of the fun-filled adventures our campers enjoy.Training for Childcare Providers The Easter Seals training workshops provide childcare workers with the skills they need to integrate children with special needs into preschool and childcare programsTransportation ServicesThe Verna Morris Memorial Travel Funds offer stipends to families of children with disabilities who need to access medical care and related services outside of Lake County. Travel fund "A" provides financial assistance to families of children with disabilities ages birth to 18 years. Travel fund "B" focuses on children ages birth to 5 years with or without disabilities.