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Press Room
Easter Seals Goes Global: Organization Welcomes First International Organization, Ability First Australia, to Network of Affiliates (2006-04-24)
by PRNewswire
"We share a powerful mission and now have access to new resources, to expertise and networks for providing services, to marketing programs, and to enhanced training programs for our staff," said Glenn Gardner, Chairman, Ability First Australia. "It's an exhilarating time and a wonderful opportunity for our clients, their families, our staff and our community. We are proud to become an Easter Seals affiliate."
Realizing an 85-Year-Strong Dream
new partnership has its roots in the original vision of Easter Seals' founder Edgar Allen, who, beginning in 1919, committed considerable time, talent and personal wealth to creating and expanding an organization to help children with disabilities. He engaged Rotary International in this effort, leading to the growth of what would become Easter Seals in the United States and spurring the development of similar organizations in Australia and other nations.
Ability First Australia was formed in 2002 by eight state-based organizations, each founded by Rotary, that collectively serve more than 40,000 children and adults with disabilities across Australia. The Northcott Society in New South Wales, an Ability First Australia founding member, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Correspondence from Edgar Allen in the Northcott Society archives confirms the historic link between the two organizations and nations in building supports for people with disabilities to achieve their goals in life.
"It is inspiring to know that Edgar Allen played a key role in the formation of our member organizations in Australia and that his vision continues to live today through the combined work of Easter Seals and Ability First Australia," added Gardner. "Together, we'll continue our work towards a world where people with disabilities can participate, share their talents and gain greater independence."
Like Easter Seals, Ability First Australia provides a variety of services for children and adults with disabilities based on the needs of the local community including: medical rehabilitation, early intervention, respite and recreation, assistive technology, job training and employment, residential, and adult day services.
"There is a real sense of excitement about Ability First Australia," said James E. Williams, Jr., president and chief executive officer, Easter Seals. "Easter Seals will share expertise with our new counterpart in Australia to benefit people living with disabilities there, and, in turn, foster an exchange of knowledge that enhances our activities to support Americans with disabilities stateside."
About Easter Seals
For 85 years, Easter Seals has been providing services that help children and adults with disabilities gain greater independence. Our primary services- medical rehabilitation, job training and employment, child care, adult day services, and camping and recreation-benefit more than 1.3 million individuals with disabilities and their families each year through more than 550 centers across the U.S., Puerto Rico and now, Australia. See great things at http://www.easterseals.com .
