Easterseals

09/03/2026

Where someone lives should not be decided by the fact that they have a disability.

People with disabilities should be able to live in their own homes, stay close to family and friends, work, go to school, and be part of their communities with the support they need.

For decades, federal disability protections have helped make that possible. Now, a new Department of Justice memo threatens that progress by signaling a retreat from the federal government’s role in protecting community living.

The memo does not change the law. But stepping back from enforcement could have very real consequences for people with disabilities and families across the country.

We’re asking advocates to tell Congress what the right to live in the community means to them and urge lawmakers to push DOJ to withdraw the memo.
Take action: https://easterseals.quorum.us/campaign/liveincommunity/

09/02/2026

Every parent has questions.

The first five years are a time of incredible growth, and understanding your child's development early can help you make informed decisions with confidence.

That's why Easterseals created Make the First Five Count—a free, confidential developmental screening designed to help families better understand their child's progress and know what steps to take next, if needed.

When questions come up, we're here to help. Visit https://hq.easterseals.com/MakeTheFirstFiveCount to learn more.

09/01/2026

Disability is part of every community.

More than 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. have a disability, and many families rely on Medicaid-funded disability services to help loved ones live safely and independently close to home.

These services help people get to work, manage daily needs, stay connected, and participate fully in community life. They also support families and caregivers who are doing everything they can to help the people they love thrive.

Join us in urging Congress to protect Medicaid disability services.

Sign up for Easterseals Action, and you'll immediately receive a message you can send to your local legislators, plus future opportunities to advocate for people with disabilities delivered directly to your inbox: https://hq.easterseals.com/ProtectMedicaidDisabilityServices

08/31/2026

ABLE accounts give people with disabilities greater opportunities to save, build financial security and plan for the future without risking the benefits they rely on.

Easterseals Midwest Chief Advocacy Officer Cathy Brown joined Sen. Eric Schmitt and disability advocates in St. Louis last week for an important conversation about strengthening and expanding access to ABLE accounts.

Speaking with First Alert 4, Cathy also highlighted what we see every day across Easterseals: people with disabilities bring enormous talent and value to our workplaces and communities.

We’re proud to see Easterseals advocates helping shape policies that expand financial independence, employment opportunity and economic security for people with disabilities.

Missouri U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt joined disability advocates Thursday to discuss ways Congress can better help people with disabilities.

08/28/2026

Every child grows and develops in their own way. Sometimes that means celebrating new milestones. Other times, it means noticing something that makes you pause and ask questions.

When you're unsure, you don't have to navigate it alone.

Easterseals' free, confidential screening helps families better understand their child's development across five key areas, so they can make informed decisions with confidence.

For more than 100 years, Easterseals has helped families find answers, access support, andcelebrate every step forward.

Visit https://hq.easterseals.com/MakeTheFirstFiveCount to complete the screening and learn more.

08/26/2026

It’s never too early to create or update your will. Planning for the future helps protect the people you love and ensures your wishes are honored.

This Make-A-Will Month, take the next step with Easterseals’ free estate planning tool. Creating a will is one of the simplest ways to care for your family today while making a lasting impact for tomorrow.

When you plan for your loved ones, we hope you’ll consider including Easterseals in your will. A future gift can help ensure people with disabilities and their families have access to essential services and support for generations to come.

Create or update your will today through FreeWill: https://www.easterseals.com/MAWM

08/25/2026

When Mike Minor became a caregiver for his wife, Virginia, connecting with Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore helped him find people who understood what he was navigating and resources he didn’t know were available.

On August 26, the 16th Annual Easterseals Caregiver Conference will bring caregivers together for a day focused on connection, practical resources and taking time for themselves.

For Mike, that kind of support has made a real difference: “Easterseals provides hope.”

Delaware Caregivers Encouraged to Take Time for Themselves at Aug. 26 Event NEW CASTLE, Del. — When Mike Minor suddenly became a caregiver for his wife, Virginia, he quickly learned a lesson he now hopes…

08/20/2026

Every child develops differently.

When you have a clear picture of your child's development, it's easier to make informed decisions for tomorrow.

Make the First Five Count is an online screening tool that gives parents greater clarity and guidance during the most important early years.

Start here: https://hq.easterseals.com/MakeTheFirstFiveCount

08/19/2026

A will is more than a legal document. It's a way to care for the people and causes that matter most to you, even into the future.

This Make-A-Will Month, take a moment to create or update your will and reflect on the impact you want to leave behind. Through Easterseals' free planning tool, it's easier than ever to protect your loved ones and support the communities you care about.

Your legacy can help ensure people with disabilities, older adults, veterans, caregivers, and families continue to access critical services for generations to come.

Create your free will today: easterseals.com/MAWM

08/19/2026

Accessible air travel means greater independence for people with disabilities, and accessibility should go beyond meeting minimum requirements.

Easterseals was proud to contribute its perspective to the Transportation Research Board panel supporting the new Exceeding Legislated Accessibility Requirements in Airports report, which highlights practices airports can use to create more accessible, user-friendly travel experiences.

This work reflects an important part of our mission: helping shape the research, practices, and systems that support greater independence in everyday life.

Read chapter Front Matter: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted in 1990. While airports have continued to meet the evolving requirements...