We love our Easterseals success stories! Here's what Jaxson's mom had to say about his therapy graduation: "I just have to talk about this proud Mommy Moment ♥️

My oldest Jaxson has been going to Speech Therapy for about a year and a half. Thursday was his last day and while I’m so sad it’s over ( His therapist Erica was AMAZING ) But I am so proud with how far he has come along♥️♥️♥️. He is starting to use more words, he’s able to express himself & tell me what he wants, and using more words in his sentences!"

Spotted by an employee today - we knew California Pizza Kitchen was doing a fundraiser for us, but we didn't know about this amazing sign! Stop in EVERY DAY between now and June 1st and ask your server how you can donate 20% of your check back to Easterseals!

Congratulations to Jessica, our February Supported Employee of the Month! Jessica is a Child Care Assistant at the Howard T. Ennis School in Georgetown. The main teacher she works with, Liz, says "I’ve worked with Jessica for 4 yrs and she is an asset to the classroom, especially at nap time, when she is able to help relax the children and get them to settle down.” When were taking photos of her, the children were doing an activity for their 100th day of school, and Jessica was helping Jack with his project!

For more information about Easterseals Supported Employment Services, visit http://bit.ly/2qr68Tj.

Gov. Carney and Delaware’s Office of Management and Budget announced $2 million in additional funding for services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in FY 2020. On behalf of the community and the service providers we represent, we’d like to express our gratitude to the governor and his administration.

The additional $2 million is very helpful, but more is needed.

The Division of Developmental Disability Services just completed a reimbursement rate study. It revealed that in order to fully fund residential and day services, the system needs an additional $42.3 million. Under current funding levels, providers are being reimbursed about 60% of what it costs providers to deliver the care.

WE’RE ASKING DELAWARE TO COMMIT $14 MILLION IN FY 2020 FOR I/DD SERVICES.

$14 million is roughly a third of the $42.3 million needed over the next 3 years to close the funding gap. It will help to fulfill the promise of the McNesby Act. It enables the professionals serving people with I/DD the ability to earn a living wage. It ensures that provider organizations can keep their doors open and help Delaware meet federal requirements for community-based services.