Easter Seals Canada

03/15/2026

Meet 35-year-old Tyson, and the "Guardians of a Wishing Well."

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Tyson uses assistive technology to communicate, sharing his thoughts and humour with those around him.

His connection with Easter Seals British Columbia and Yukon started when he first attended Easter Seals camp at just six years of age, it felt intimidating, but it quickly became a place where he felt supported, included, and free to be himself.

Camp helped Tyson build confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships. Those experiences stayed with him into adulthood, shaping his belief that everyone deserves to belong. Today, Tyson gives back as a proud member of the “Maple Ridge Lions Club”, fundraising and encouraging others to support programs that create opportunities for people with disabilities.

Along the way, Tyson built a lasting bond with Dakota. Their paths first crossed through her practicum work, and over time she became not only his personal support worker, but also a trusted friend. Together, they created the “Guardians of a Wishing Well,” using dance, storytelling, and advocacy to inspire others and raise funds for accessible equipment and inclusive programs.

The name reflects what they strive to do: turn wishes into reality, create belonging, open doors, and remind families they are seen and supported.

This year, Tyson’s goals remain rooted in giving back. He’s planning to advocate for inclusivity at more schools across the Lower Mainland and continue to educate students about cerebral palsy.

Tyson is now partnering with Easter Seals to launch a fundraising campaign for assistive camp equipment, powered by the growing "Guardians of a Wishing Well" community. It’s a true full-circle moment — inspired by camp, grounded in family, and fueled by a deep commitment to ensuring every child can belong, thrive, and be heard.

03/13/2026

Hundreds of venues nationwide.
Used by 115,000+ Canadians with disabilities.
One powerful idea: access for all.

Since 2004, the Access 2 Card — delivered in partnership with Easter Seals Canada — has been breaking down barriers at more than 800 cultural, entertainment, and recreational venues across the country.

By providing free or discounted admission for support persons, the program is doing more than opening doors. It’s creating shared experiences and strengthening inclusion.

To sign up or renew your card, visit access2card.ca

03/13/2026

Audio accessibility is expanding across Canada!

With support from The Slaight Family Foundation, Wavefront Centre is bringing audio accessibility technology to performing arts and community venues, creating more inclusive listening experiences.

Audio streams directly to Bluetooth-compatible hearing aids, cochlear implants, or smartphones, helping people with hearing loss fully engage in live events.

Now available at venues in Ontario and British Columbia including:
- The Westdale
- The Danforth Music Hall
- Kay Meek Arts Centre
- City of Niagara Falls, Canada - Government
- BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts at Capilano University
- The Players' Guild of Hamilton, Inc.

With more venues coming soon!

Read more: https://ow.ly/X5Iq50YsZ1X

Photo from left: Comedian D.J. Demers, Wavefront Centre's JoAnn Bentley, Niki Poirier from The Westdale, Wavefront Centre's Gordana Mosher and Karen Lonz with Total Access Media.

03/10/2026

When Cindy and Jim started searching for an accessible summer experience their whole family could enjoy, they weren’t just looking for a camp. They were looking for a place where Charlotte and Ella could belong.

They found that — and so much more — at Easter Seals Camp Merrywood, a place that quickly became part of their family’s story.

"We were always looking for a place to go as a family, as both our girls, Charlotte and Ella, are in wheelchairs and have special needs. We use Easter Seals Ontario for equipment support, so we decided to try the family camp Easter Seals Camp Merrywood.

We love the lake and the activities offered, such as canoeing and sailing, and this was the first time we ever sailed all together as a family. There are so many activities for kids with special needs and different abilities, cooking, archery, and more. When we come to camp, they are great at accommodating us and always tweaking things to make our kids comfortable and safe. Because of that, we can do things we never imagined we could.

Being here, these are the people who understand us. The families here get it. We share ideas with other parents, and we truly feel at home with the community at camp. This is where we belong."

"We can’t be thankful enough. This equipment helps our kids do things that other children can do, giving them more independence and opportunity."

03/08/2026

Today on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women across Canada who give their time, energy, and compassion to Easter Seals and those we serve.

From volunteers and camp counsellors to advocates and community champions, these women help children, youth, and adults living with disabilities build confidence, independence, and opportunity.

This year’s theme — Give to Gain — reminds us that generosity creates possibility.

When women give their time, knowledge, and leadership, they help remove barriers and open doors for others. And in doing so, they strengthen communities for everyone.

To the women coast to coast who support Easter Seals and help people with disabilities achieve their goals and live fuller lives — thank you.

When women thrive, we all rise. 💜

03/06/2026

In the coming days, the world will be watching as 50 incredible athletes represent Canada at the Winter Paralympics.

These athletes embody resilience, determination, and the true spirit of sport. Every moment on the world stage is a testament to years of hard work and unwavering dedication.

Good luck ! 🍁

What's your favourite winter sport? Leave in the comments!

03/05/2026

Meet 15-year old Rhea Stark, the 2025 ambassador for Easter Seals NL.

“Being the 2025 Easter Seals NL Ambassador has given me a huge confidence boost. I love being the Ambassador because I represent Easter Seals NL and all the amazing programs and services we offer for people with disabilities in our province.”

Through her ambassador role, Rhea connected with many inspiring people, recorded radio and television advertisements, and attended numerous community events. Her experiences helped her grow as a leader and advocate.

“Easter Seals NL is such an amazing place; it really feels like it’s my second home. Everyone is so kind, and the volunteers are truly so compassionate. They know exactly how to adapt the activities so everyone is included and all of us can have fun together. I am grateful for the staff and volunteers who help me achieve my goals and truly make me feel like I belong.”

Rhea enjoys participating in a wide range of activities at Easter Seals NL facilities, including swimming, boccia, and wall climbing. She also attends Camp BumbleBurry each summer, where she continues to build friendships, skills, and confidence.

Looking ahead, Rhea plans to pursue medical school and dreams of becoming a pediatrician. As part of her journey, she had the opportunity to tour the medical school at Memorial University of Newfoundland with an Easter Seals volunteer she met while wall climbing.

On March 4th, Rhea officially said goodbye to her role as ambassador and welcomed the 2026 ambassador for Easter Seals NL, Valerie Byrne. While her ambassador journey came to a close, she will continue to be an active and valued member of the Easter Seals family and community.

03/05/2026

03/04/2026

With the Paralympic Games fast approaching, CBC is committed to making its coverage more inclusive and accessible for all Canadians.

From the spectacular Opening & Closing Ceremonies to daily highlights, ASL, Described Video (DV), and Closed Captioning will be available — so more Canadians can experience every moment. ♿️

Watch free at CBC Gem:
Opening Ceremony: https://buff.ly/QmsZn9E
ASL Opening Ceremony: https://buff.ly/5Bq3OcR

03/03/2026

Register Now (https://buff.ly/oZH0XhW) > "Building an Accessible Canada: Ideas, Impact, and Innovation" — a free half-day virtual conference on Tuesday, June 2, presented by Easter Seals Canada in celebration of National AccessAbility Week.

This informative online event, funded by the Government of Canada (Employment and Social Development Canada), and presented in partnership with CCRW and IDC/BCANDS, will bring together Canadians with lived experience and expertise in disability and accessibility for a series of panel discussions on topics including:

• Housing & Accessible Design
• Sport & Leisure
• Employment & AI
• Buy Canadian – Procurement

Speaker announcements coming soon. Registration is now open: https://buff.ly/oZH0XhW

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Inscrivez-vous maintenant (https://buff.ly/oZH0XhW) > « Bâtir un Canada accessible : idées, impact et innovation » — une conférence virtuelle gratuite d’une demi-journée le mardi 2 juin, présentée par Easter Seals Canada à l’occasion de la Semaine nationale de l’accessibilité.

Financé par le gouvernement du Canada, et présenté en partenariat avec CCRT et IDC/BCANDS, cet événement en ligne réunira des Canadiens ayant une expérience vécue et une expertise en matière de handicap et d'accessibilité, pour une série de tables rondes sur des sujets tels que :

• Logement et conception accessible
• Sport et loisirs
• Emploi et intelligence artificielle
• Achat canadien – Approvisionnement

Les conférenciers seront annoncés dans les prochaines semaines. Inscrivez-vous maintenant : https://buff.ly/oZH0XhW

03/01/2026

March is Easter Seals Month.

For more than 100 years, Easter Seals Canada has been working toward a more inclusive Canada — where children and adults with disabilities can access the programs, equipment, and support they need to live fully and independently.

But inclusion isn’t just a word.
It’s a ramp that makes a home accessible.
It’s a mobility device that opens up a classroom.
It’s a fully accessible camp where confidence grows.

And every number tells a story.

This month, we’re sharing the impact behind the statistics — the real families, real possibilities, and real moments your support helps create.

Swipe to see our impact. ⬇️

02/20/2026

Easter Seals Canada is grateful to the realtors and agents from CENTURY 21 Canada who continue to support the C21 Kids to Camp program. Your generosity helps send kids with disabilities to Easter Seals camps across Canada.

With the support of CENTURY 21 Canada and its network members, thousands of children have had the opportunity to attend fully accessible camps where they can make friends, learn new skills, and enjoy an unforgettable camp experience.

Learn more about the C21 Kids to Camp program at www.C21KidstoCamp.ca