Easter Seals program coordinator Brianna Pelley dropped by Mount Pearl City Hall this week to ring in Easter Seals Month. From left are councillors Isabelle Fry, Chelsea Lane, Jim Locke, Mayor Dave Aker, Brianna Pelley, and councillors Mark Rice and Bill Antle. Chad Feehan photo
By Chad Feehan / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The City of Mount Pearl’s Mayor Dave Aker is calling upon the residents of the city to support the charity organization Easter Seals as it officially observes the month of March as Easter Seals Month.
Easter Seals supports people of all ages with disabilities. It offers some 20 programs and services, including camps, recreational activities, and educational and awareness programs.
“Approximately 100,000 people of all ages in our province live with disabilities such as physical, sensory, cognitive, or other disabilities that present barriers to full participation in society,” Aker said.
Its recreation programs help people explore their abilities through independence camps, art and music therapy, and adaptive sports, while promoting full, engaged lifestyles.
Employment and educational services assists people overcome barriers to employment and help them prepare for, transition into, and maintain gainful employment.
Councillor Chelsea Lane, who is an instructional resource teacher who works with children with disabilities, reflected on how meaningful it is for people involved in Easter Seals. She’s seen the improvements to quality of life that organizations such as Easter Seals can have on people with disabilities.
“Thank you to all of the organizations who support those with disabilities,” Lane said. “Disabilities are not about what you can’t do, it’s about what you can do.”
Easter Seals has been operating in Newfoundland since 1937.
