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President Bush Sr kneeling and shaking hands with a child

History

Easterseals nationally empowers more than 1.5 million people each year. Learn about the century-long history of advocating for and supporting communities nationwide.

Easterseals National History

In 1907, Ohio businessman Edgar Allen lost his son in a streetcar accident. The inadequate medical services available to save his son prompted Allen to sell his business and launch a fundraising campaign to build a hospital in his hometown of Elyria, Ohio. Once the hospital was established, Allen was surprised to discover that the staff would often conceal children with disabilities from public view. Motivated to make a difference, Allen founded the National Society for Crippled Children in 1919, which became the first organization of its kind. 

In the spring of 1934, the organization launched its first Easter "seals" campaign to raise funds for its services. Donors showed their support by placing these seals on envelopes and letters. Cartoonist J.H. Donahey from the Cleveland Plain Dealer designed the first seal, inspired by the right to live a “normal” life. 

Following World War II, the organization recognized the growing needs of returning veterans and their families. The National Society for Crippled Children expanded its mission to provide comprehensive services tailored specifically to adults and veterans re-entering civilian life. These programs addressed employment opportunities, physical rehabilitation, and community reintegration, offering critical support to people who had dedicated themselves to the nation’s service. This expansion not only highlighted the organization’s adaptability but also underscored its commitment to fostering independence and dignity for all individuals during a pivotal moment in American history.

Easterseals Florida History

Easterseals Florida (ESF), established in 1948, provides specialized services throughout the state, including education, workforce development, medical rehabilitation, caregiver support, and advocacy. As an affiliate of Easterseals, ESF continues to make a profound, positive impact, ensuring individuals receive the resources they need to thrive.

Easterseals Florida is committed to achieving 100% equity, inclusion, and access for people with disabilities, families, and communities. Through services that enrich education, enhance health, expand employment, and elevate community, we impact over 10,000 individuals and families each year across 42 of Florida’s 67 counties. Our programs include early intervention, inclusive child development, clinical and therapy services, autism services, case management, employment training, adult day health care, camping, and recreation, all designed to promote independence and improve quality of life.

An old photograph of a man looking at the camera. He is wearing circular glasses and a business suit.

Your life and mine shall be valued not by what we take but by what we give.

— Edgar Allen, Easterseals Founder

Easterseals Historical Images

Easterseals has a long and impactful history within the United States, dating back to the early 20th century, where we have consistently provided services and advocacy for individuals with disabilities, playing a significant role in improving their lives and promoting inclusion within communities across the nation. Notably, our name originates from a fundraising campaign using "Easter seals" which gained widespread public support, contributing to our national reach and influence.

Red stamp with white outline saying Easter Seals Disability Services
The organization changed its name in 1967 to Easter Seals. Today, we're known by Easterseals—united in our mission of serving others.
President Carter with a Child
A newspaper clipping of former President Jimmy Carter with a child, Danya, who's using a mobility device. Danya visited the White House to present President Carter with the 1977 sheet of seals at the start of the campaign season. Easterseals has worked with presidents throughout history, including advocating for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that people can access their rights under the law.
Blue, and green with white lily stamps dated 1968
While this seal design is not part of the original designs from 1934, they have appeared throughout Easterseals’ history, even internationally. These artifacts demonstrate how the brand was expressed, including different colors and styles, and point to an evolution of the organization’s name itself—from Easter Seals to Easterseals.
  1. The organization changed its name in 1967 to Easter Seals. Today, we're known by Easterseals—united in our mission of serving others.
  2. A newspaper clipping of former President Jimmy Carter with a child, Danya, who's using a mobility device. Danya visited the White House to present President Carter with the 1977 sheet of seals at the start of the campaign season. Easterseals has worked with presidents throughout history, including advocating for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that people can access their rights under the law.
  3. While this seal design is not part of the original designs from 1934, they have appeared throughout Easterseals’ history, even internationally. These artifacts demonstrate how the brand was expressed, including different colors and styles, and point to an evolution of the organization’s name itself—from Easter Seals to Easterseals.

By 1952, the lily, symbolizing new life and beginnings, was adopted as the logo of the National Society for Crippled Children, reflecting the organization’s broader focus. Public enthusiasm for the Easter "seals" campaign spurred grassroots efforts nationwide, significantly enhancing its reach. By 1967, the Easter "seal" had become so iconic that the organization formally adopted the name "Easter Seals."  

In the years leading up to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, Easter Seals played a pivotal role as a leading advocate for this landmark legislation. The organization actively lobbied in Washington and across the country for its adoption, raising awareness and support for the rights of people with disabilities. Easter Seals also spearheaded some of the most impactful pro-ADA public service campaigns, delivering powerful messages that supported the law and its implementation. After the ADA’s passage, the organization continued its advocacy, ensuring that individuals across the nation could fully access their rights under the law.  

In 2019, we became "Easterseals," united in one name as we celebrated 100 years of transformative impact on the lives of people with disabilities, their families, and communities across America. This milestone was an opportunity to reflect on a century of advocating for independence while embracing a future where everyone also has greater opportunity.  

Today, Easterseals continues its mission to empower people to live full, independent lives.