Better Speech for Marco
Marco turns three next month and has made incredible progress with the help of speech therapy at Easterseals. Like many toddlers, he loves trains, cars, trucks, Legos and playing at the park. Now he can string together 2-3 word phrases to let his parents know when he wants to "go to park" or if it's "time to play." His newfound ability to identify objects and use more words has helped this playful and social boy engage even more with others.

His mom is especially grateful for Marco's speech therapist and the role she's played in Marco's success:

"I don't know where Marco would be without Kristen and all of her help over the past year. She has made a huge impact on his learning and his life in general. I am beyond thankful."

As we close out Better Speech & Hearing Month , we recognize the impact that our Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists have on the children and adults we serve, and the work they do to raise awareness about communication disorders and hearing loss.
Social Services Snapshot
Mental Health Awareness Month
We are proud to offer social work services to the children and families we serve, and their families. Our social workers and behavior therapist have years of experience assisting parents and children with disabilities. 

Counseling services help clients and family members develop the skills needed to cope, thrive and live confident and fulfilling lives.

Thank you Sue, Yvonne & Jessica!
Summer Siblings Program Returns
Our Summer Siblings program offers an outlet for the brothers and sisters of children with special needs by providing games, activities and entertainment during their sibling’s therapy sessions.

2019 Schedule: Villa Park Center

June 3 - August 8, 2019

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tues 2 - 5 p.m .

Schedule is subject to change. An up-to-date calendar will be posted outside of the service master room.

Siblings age four and up can be in the sibling room independently, if a parent signs them in and out. Children age three and under must be accompanied by an adult. We are looking forward to seeing their crafty fun!

Thank you to the Associate Board for
funding this fun and engaging summer service.
Special Events
Bike for the Kids on September 8!
May is National Bike Month, so it's the perfect time to register for our 4th Annual Bike for the Kids in Elgin!

Choose your distance, ranging from 12 miles - 100 miles, and stick around for a family fun ride, pedal parade, taco bar and entertainment. Adapted bikes and trailers welcome. All ages and abilities are encouraged to participate. 
16th Annual Run for the Kids: Superhero Hustle Recap

Our 16th Annual Run for the Kids: Superhero Hustle took place on May 4, 2019. We had a great turnout, beautiful weather and lots of fun, food and entertainment.

We raised more than $50,000 net which will directly support our services, and help kids achieve their own superhero feats and therapy goals.

Thank you to all of our sponsors, volunteers and attendees who made this event a success! We especially appreciate our top fundraising teams, Brincredibles, Incredible Cousins and Amy's Rolling Rockstars for their support.
Perfect 10K Giveaway


Coming soon! Stay tuned for more information on how you could take home one of more than ten cash prizes this summer!

News & Updates
Local Company Donates Wheelchairs to Easterseals

Team members from Cognizant participated in a build-a-wheelchair event as part of a company wide outreach effort. As a result, 18 folding wheelchairs were donated to Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley for distribution to families. Thank you Cognizant!

 Watch our Latest Video!

We just released our newest video which highlights the impact Easterseals has on the children and families that come through our doors! Click here to hear their stories.

Special thanks to Exelon for sponsoring this project.

On the Blog:
The Benefits of Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets have become popular in the past year and have many benefits for children with Autism. Our therapist Kelly Nesbitt, MOT, OTR/L explains more about weighted blankets, how they work and the different types in our latest blog post!


New Book by
Elizabeth Gerlach

We're excited for the upcoming release of the second book in the Ben's Adventures series this summer - Day at the Circus! The main character, Ben, has cerebral palsy and is based on Elizabeth's son.


For every 10 books pre-ordered, one will be donated to the library at Easterseals!