The Story of Easterseals Central Illinois
Easterseals Central Illinois is proud to mark over 100 years of providing exceptional services to children with disabilities, developmental delays, and other special needs. From its early days in 1919, Easterseals has grown into a cornerstone of support for children and families, helping kids reach milestones, expand their dreams, and fully participate in their communities.
Early Years and Foundations
In 1919, Drs. Hugh Cooper and S.H. Easton began offering a weekly clinic for children with disabilities in Peoria, which led to the creation of the Crippled Children’s Coordinating Committee. In 1936, this committee aligned with the National Society for Crippled Children and Adults, later known as Easterseals. The first Easter Seals were sold in Peoria to raise funds, a tradition that spread nationwide.
Easterseals' early impact included the establishment of the first preschool for children with disabilities and the opening of the Crippled Children’s Center in 1954, which provided therapy services and parent training. In 1969, Easterseals helped launch the Allied Agencies Center, a model for collaboration among disability organizations.
Expanding Programs and Services
Easterseals Central Illinois continued to innovate throughout the decades. In the 1970s, it led efforts to create recreational opportunities for people with disabilities, founding the Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association. In the 1980s, Easterseals launched programs like Lekotek, a pioneering initiative to provide adapted toys to children with disabilities, and bought Camp Heffernan, rebranding it as Timber Pointe Outdoor Center, which continues to offer inclusive outdoor experiences today.
Easterseals Central Illinois also made a bold move in 1993 to build a new facility that would expand its capacity for clinical, diagnostic, and family support services, opening in 1996. This facility included space for the University of Illinois College of Medicine’s Child Development section and the Central Illinois Orofacial Anomalies Team.
Breaking Down Barriers
Easterseals Central Illinois has long been committed to breaking down both physical and attitudinal barriers to inclusion. Legislative advocacy has been a hallmark of its work, and programs like Kids on the Block—a disability awareness initiative using puppets to educate children—helped shape attitudes about inclusion. Today, Easterseals continues to promote disability awareness in schools and communities through programs like the Ability Awareness Program and Coins4Kids.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Easterseals’ impact extends beyond services, with individuals like Abbey Curran, a former Easterseals Central Illinois client, breaking barriers to achieve her dream of becoming Miss Iowa and competing in the Miss USA pageant. Abbey went on to create the Miss You Can Do It Pageant for children with disabilities, an inspiring celebration of inner beauty and potential.
Responding to Community Needs
As community needs evolve, Easterseals adapts. In 2003, it opened the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Early Diagnostic Clinic, responding to the increasing prevalence of autism. The Easterseals Learning Academy, a school for children with autism, also serves as a model of personalized education, helping students succeed and reintegrate into their home school districts.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Easterseals remains committed to innovation, collaboration, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. With a focus on early intervention and inclusive practices, Easterseals continues to be a driving force for positive change in the lives of children and families. The next 100 years promise even more progress, empowerment, and inclusion for all.