Easter Seals Disability Services

Easter Seals Southwest Florida

Serving Children and Adults with Special Needs and their Families For More Than 60 Years!

Then:	Now:

Founded in 1946

Easter Seals Southwest Florida began in 1946 offering help and hope to disabled children and their families.  Today, the mission of our organization has grown along with the communities we serve, and we have expanded the services we deliver to reach across the age spectrum from birth through adulthood. 

A Commitment to the Community

Whether we call it a delay, a special need, or a disability; whether it’s named polio, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, or autism; the reality is that many children and adults experience challenges that compromise their ability to participate fully in the activities they would choose in their lives.  These challenges also impact the loved ones who care and provide for them. 

Easter Seals Southwest Florida is committed to remaining a leader in special needs services - where individuals and families can turn for resources and support.

We offer the highest quality of care and services to children, youth, and adults with special needs so that they can enjoy access, opportunities and increased life choices.  We deliver this mission through our shared organizational values:

- Quality
- Integrity
- Compassionate Care
- Respect
- Advocacy
- Accountability

Contributions to Easter Seals Southwest Florida remain in our area to support local people who need our help.  For further information, please contact us at 941.355.7637.

History of Easter Seals Southwest Florida

November 12, 1946 - Manatee-Sarasota Crippled Children’s Clinic opens.
December 14, 1947 - Name changed to Happiness House Clinic and School.
August 1949 - Manatee and Sarasota Easter Seal Societies incorporate with identical constitutions and by-laws providing continued support for Happiness House.
October 11, 1958 - Braden Ave facilities open.
January 18, 1985 - Happiness House and Easter Seal Society merge.
July 20, 1997 - Project Rainbow merges with Easter Seal Society
November 14, 2001 - Name changed to Easter Seals Southwest Florida, Inc.