EASTER SEALS CENTRAL ALABAMA

Over the past fifty years, Easter Seals Central Alabama (ESCA) has offered hope to person with disabilities. Since 1961, ESCA has served thousands of children and adults with disabilities with the same passion and vision that all individuals should be seen for their abilities. There are hundreds of success stories including the one about a three year old named Landon. His mother describes her experience.

'As new parents, it is very difficult to admit that your child may have delays, or to hear he's "not normal." Landon, at 18 months was speaking, but it was a language that I nor my husband could understand! We called it "Landonese" and tried not to worry as we made our way to Landon's 18-month old checkup. After all the frustrations we had dealt with, imagine our shock to hear Landon's doctor say that he was "just being a boy", and we should just handle the behavioral issues with patience. We tried to be patient but at age 3, he still couldn't speak clearly and his behavior was having major repercussions at home and at daycare. Parenthood is puzzling enough, but when many of those pieces don't fall into place, a parent feels helpless, and sometimes, hopeless. Thankfully, we were directed to the Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic at Easter Seals of Central Alabama. After a team of specialists tested and observed Landon, we learned Landon has autism. While very tough to hear, the diagnosis answered our questions about what was wrong with Landon. Once we received the diagnosis, we also sought speech therapy through ESCA. With the help of a wonderful speech therapist, I finally heard my child call me "Mama" for the first time. Such a powerful moment, it still brings me to tears. At age 4, Landon has come so far, so quickly, that he's a different child altogether. We're so proud of Landon, and are so very grateful to everyone at ESCA for the time and care offered to Landon and our family! As parents, we don't feel helpless or hopeless anymore; we are EMPOWERED with the knowledge that there ARE answers, and no one should give up on putting the puzzle of autism together.'

Another wonderful program of ESCA is the Janice Capilouto Center for the Deaf (JCCD) which provides services to the deaf and hard of hearing. For example, one such consumer is Phillip who was born deaf and attended elementary school classes at Goode Street School. He was enrolled at the Alabama School for the Deaf in 1960-1969. When he returned to Montgomery after living out of state, JCCD him helped with job searches, vocational training, and contacts with social agencies. They also provided him with information and assistance on the latest technology available in deaf communications. The center has also provided social events for the deaf and support for the deaf community. This resulted in Phillip working at Chik-Fil-A where he has worked for years. Additionally, One of the most important services the center has provided for Phillip and his family is the Interpretive Services. During the illness and death of Phillip’s parents and for Phillip’s personal medical problems, these interpreters have been “angels.” Through doctor’s appointments and trips to the emergency room, these interpreters have provided “loving” assistance for Phillip. Phillip continues to enjoy indipendence and is able to participate with the help of the interpreting program in many community activites and events.

ESCA is one of the largest and most comprehensive rehabilitation centers in the state of Alabama offering ten unique programs

Montgomery, Autauga, Elmore

children, child, disabilities, disability, autism, disabled, job training, speech therapy, deaf, interpreters, seniors