What We Do

Employment And Educational Services

Creating Awareness & Opportunities

Why hire someone with a disability? High retention: retention rates are 72% higher among people with disabilities which saves on training costs. Low absenteeism: studies have shown that people with disabilities have lower absenteeism when compared to the labour pool at large. Hard working: recent surveys indicate that 90% of workers with disabilities received 'good' or 'excellent' performance ratings from managers.

Recreation Programs

Changing Lives

Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador offers over 20 programs and services that help persons with disabilities, ranging from camps, recreational activities, to creative expression through music, dance and art, family events, to employment and educational disability awareness programs. These programs successfully assist those with disabilities in achieving new heights year after year. This includes everything from increased physical ability and self-esteem, to securing meaningful employment.

Camps

Expanding Horizons

Easter Seals NL Camps is a place where everyone is welcome, it is a safe and secure place for participants and families to connect and have fun. Camp provides an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the camp experience. Camp promotes independence for campers and allows them to have new experiences and expand their horizons.

Socials, Workshops & Family Events

There are many seasonal and special events that take place at Easter Seals throughout the year, including Family events and Social events. These are different from regular program registrations.

Family events include: Breakfast with Santa, Halloween party, and Winter Carnival. These events break down barriers that families have in everyday life, and allow them to connect in a fun environment. We provide an environment that allows the family to be together and relax. These events also give families a chance to connect with other families in similar but different situations.

Linda’s Equipment Crossing Program

Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, scooters, bath seats, and many other pieces of assistive equipment are essential for the daily lives of people living with a disability. Adaptive equipment including bikes, sleds, strollers, and others contribute to their overall wellness and their families.

Insurance plans and government programs often do not include these much-needed items.

There are many pieces stored in basements and garages which are now outgrown or no longer needed but still have plenty of good life left.

A gap in the availability of equipment was recognized and a new program offering used equipment free of charge was created. The equipment program was inspired by the life of a little girl, Linda Bartlett who lived with cerebral palsy and benefitted from a similar program established in Ottawa. Linda was born in Ottawa and lived her first few years there. Her family originally from St. John’s moved back in 2000. Sadly Linda passed away in 2002 but sparked by her memory her family approached Easter Seals NL and together with support from Katie McCormick of AIM Services a new program was created, It offered used assistive devices and adapted equipment Families donated equipment and they were made available free of charge on a first come first-served basis.

In the early day’s equipment was stored at the former Transport Museum located on Mt. Scio Road, currently the site of Easter Seals House. Linda’s grandfather worked as part of the transportation industry for the Canadian National Railway. As a dedicated union leader he supported railway employees and their families. There were railway crossings peppered throughout Newfoundland communities where residents traveled and goods were distributed.

In a similar way, through the new program, much-needed equipment crossed hands throughout the community and so the program became known as “Linda’s Equipment Crossing”.

“Linda’s Equipment Crossing” has supported many families who have a member with a disability. Idle quality equipment  was appreciated once again and saved families much valued resources. They have found equipment to use while traveling through airports or during family adventures. Equipment was borrowed on a trial basis before making a significant investment. School field trips were made inclusive for students with a disability to enjoy adventures with their classmates.

If you have a piece of used adaptive equipment that you are no longer in need of, consider donating it to “Linda’s Equipment Crossing”.  Any equipment donated is eligible for a tax receipt if submitted with an official appraisal from AIM Services or Eastern Medical for its depreciated value. Once the equipment is borrowed by the individual/family they can make any adjustments needed to make the best use of the equipment. There is no time limit for these loans, equipment can be borrowed for as long as an individual needs.

To inquire about available equipment and to book a loan please contact our Recreation Programs Coordinator, Emily Murphy, at emily@easersealsnl.ca or (709) 754-1399 ext 220.

Equipment Loan Program

Easter Seals NL offers an equipment loan program to families and participants looking to utilize equipment to participate in outdoor recreational activities. Equipment such as Trailriders, Hippocamp, Ice Sledges, and Snowcoach along with others are available for a short-term loan for any of our Easter Seals families, participants, community groups, or schools to loan.

The equipment loan program allows families and participants to access unique adaptive equipment while avoiding financial strain. The equipment loan is available free of charge to both participants of Easter Seals NL and general community members. All equipment is stored and maintained by Easter Seals NL.

To inquire about available equipment and to book a loan please contact a member of the Recreation Program Department. It is recommended to contact ahead of time to book for dates you are interested in as the loan program is first come first serve basis.