SR0199 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0199 LRB101 11508 ALS 57298 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, For 100 years, Easterseals has been a leading advocate and service provider for children and adults with disabilities, veterans, older adults, caregivers, and their families; and

WHEREAS, In 1919, following the sudden death of his son, Edgar Allen founded an organization, now known as Easterseals, to highlight and address the health care and service needs of children with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, In 1945, Easterseals expanded its children-focused mission by opening its programs and services to include adults to meet the emerging and increasing needs of returning WWII veterans and other adults with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, Easterseals has strongly advocated for essential services and support for individuals with disabilities and diverse needs; in 1931, the organization authored a "Bill of Rights" for children with disabilities, which led to government-funded disability services; the organization's successful "seals" campaign increased public awareness and support; prior to the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990, Easterseals was a leading advocate and actively lobbied in Washington and across the country for its adoption; and

WHEREAS, Easterseals has grown from its humble beginnings to become a leading national network of more than 70 community-based nonprofit organizations that delivers high-quality, local services and support to help more than 1.75 million children and adults with disabilities and their caregivers and families achieve milestones, live independently, and fully participate in their communities; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois is well served by four Easterseals affiliate organizations with 22 locations across the State; these affiliate organizations are Easterseals Central Illinois, Easterseals DuPage and Fox Valley, Easterseals Joliet Region, and Easterseals serving Chicagoland and Rockford; and

WHEREAS, Easterseals is a strong partner with local, state, and federal government, corporations, foundations, and other sectors to provide or connect individuals and families to early intervention and childhood education services, autism spectrum disorder services, employment assistance and placement, mental health services, respite, camping and recreation, and caregiving and aging supports; and

WHEREAS, Easterseals and its affiliates in Illinois have had an impact on the lives of millions of Illinoisans for the past 100 years; its commitment to expanding possibilities for children and adults with disabilities ensure than everyone of us can live, learn, work, and play in our communities; and

WHEREAS, Easterseals continues the mission and commitment to service envisioned by its founder, who concluded that "Your life and mine shall be valued not by what we take, but by what we give"; and

WHEREAS, Easterseals embraces the vision that all people with disabilities and their caregivers and families will be 100 percent included and 100 percent empowered; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare April 3, 2019 Easterseals Day in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, that suitable copies of this resolution be presented to Easterseals Central Illinois, Easterseals DuPage and Fox Valley, Easterseals Joliet Region, and Easterseals serving Chicagoland and Rockford.