Easter Seals receives Autism Speaks Chapter Grant

Easter Seals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore has received a $5,000 Autism Speaks Chapter Grant to better serve children with autism at Easter Seals Camp Fairlee. Children with autism are able to enjoy a typical camp experience, including swimming, canoeing and campfires, with one-to-one counselor support. Easter Seals has been offering autism sessions for the past six years, and this grant will help ensure children continue to receive the highest level of care.

The award was one of 54 grants nationwide totaling $250,000 awarded by Autism Speaks to promote and increase the field of local service providers in the 11 Autism Speaks Chapter markets and help improve the lives of those affected by autism. Now in its second year, this most recent round of Autism Speaks Chapter Grants were made available through a contribution by Autism Speaks partner Toys“R”Us.

“Easter Seals Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore is honored to receive this funding from Autism Speaks,” said Ken Sklenar, president/CEO of Easter Seals. “Camp Fairlee makes it possible for children with autism to enjoy a residential camp among their peers. This grant will allow the staff to better understand the campers and their needs.”

Easter Seals will use the grant to train staff in cutting-edge behavioral interventions for children with autism and to support a consultant with more than 15 years of experience with children with autism spectrum disorder to be onsite during the summer sessions offered in 2014.

“With the successful launch of last year’s chapter grants, we were pleased to expand the opportunity this year for local service providers to help fund unique and resourceful programs that will benefit our chapter communities and add to existing services for individuals with autism,” said Cathy Kanefsky, Autism Speaks vice president of chapter development.

Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. To learn more about Autism Speaks, go to www.autismspeaks.org.

Easter Seals offers a range of services, including children’s therapies, assistive technology, day programs for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, and respite services for caregivers. To learn more about how Easter Seals helps children and adults with disabilities, call 1-800-677-3800 or visit www.de.easterseals.com.