Easterseals: The Right Fit
By Natalie Scott
Cali is a glowing light in every room she enters. Many people are drawn to her amazing smile and bubbly personality, especially at Easterseals, where she attends an adult day program throughout the year, and Camp Fairlee in the summer. Both places allow her to engage in numerous activities, enjoy some independence, and have fun hanging out with her friends.
“In a program like Easterseals, Cali is able to be with peers. The program gives her the opportunity to be out in the community and interacting with others. The mental health benefits for her are incredible. Easterseals adult programs and camp provide that for her. People underestimate the value in that.” Cali’s dad, Craig, said. “We appreciate the stable staff members in the day program.”
Cali, who attends the Life Skills program, enjoys day trips in the community to places like the library. She also learns new skills to help her achieve greater independence like unzipping and removing her coat. Since she started attending the day program, she has developed a longer attention span for tasks and can do crafts on her own with guidance.
“Cali loves the day program. She does not want to leave. During the weekend she asks about going back. She enjoys going out in the community. It is not just a program where they watch tv. They have activities all day, including clubs like reading, music and dancing,” Cali’s mom, Lorrie, says. “Cali gets excited to learn new skills and she is becoming more independent in the adult day program.”
Cali also enjoys her time at Easterseals Camp Fairlee where she is able to swim, zip line, create beautiful art pieces, get her hands messy with pottery, go on hayrides, and so much more, all in a supportive and accessible environment.
“Cali blossomed at Camp. She loves all of the counselors and never wants to go to sleep when she is there. We recommend it to everyone,” Lorrie says. “Cali is living her best life. She is able to do things we never knew she could do,”
While campers rely on Camp Fairlee for adventure and independence, parents/caregivers depend on Camp Fairlee for high quality, professional services for their loved one so they can also rest and recharge from daily caregiving. Each year camp counselors receive intensive training to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the campers.
“As a parent the respite part of camp is really important. Getting someone overnight to care for Cali is impossible. Getting five days of respite thanks to camp is huge as a parent,” Craig says.
Camp Fairlee’s re-designed pool and bathhouse was ready for campers this summer. The new pool provided additional safety and accessibility. Camp also added a Sensory-Friendly cabin, which varies from the current cabin design to accommodate campers requiring more intense physical, sensory, or behavioral support.
“Cali loves it at Camp Fairlee. The Camp facilities are great. Everything is clean and taken care of,” Craig says. “We were excited for the new pool. It will be a significant improvement.”
Easterseals services are comprehensive and individualized to meet each client’s needs, family-focused to meet each family member’s concerns and have the goal of enhanced independence. Easterseals offers a variety of day program services for adults with intellectual disabilities to keep participants engaged in their community. Choices include a Life-Skills program, Pre-vocational Services and Supported Employment Services if participants are seeking a job in the community with competitive wages.
100 Enterprise Place, Suite 1, Dover, DE 19904
699 South Carter Road, Suite 3, Smyrna, DE 19977
61 Corporate Circle, New Castle, DE 19720
302-324-4444
Please visit our website and see all of our services for people of all ages and abilities www.EastersealsDeMd.org
Follow @EastersealsDEMD on instagram & @EastersealsDE on facebook and @CampFairlee on facebook
