Watch the video above to hear about the impact Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin has made today, yesterday, and moving forward.
Our History
A Legacy of Empowerment — Nationally and Locally
For over a century, Easterseals has been at the forefront of a powerful movement: one that champions inclusion, access, and opportunity for individuals with disabilities and their families. What began as a personal tragedy for our founder became a nationwide mission to break down barriers and uplift lives—and that mission is just as vital today.
National Roots, Enduring Impact
Easterseals was founded in 1919 by Edgar Allen, an Ohio businessman moved to action after the tragic loss of his son and the lack of adequate medical care. Allen's work led to the creation of the National Society for Crippled Children—the first organization of its kind—dedicated to supporting children with disabilities.
In 1934, the organization launched its first fundraising campaign using decorative Easter “seals,” inspiring a wave of national support and grassroots advocacy. By 1967, the public’s overwhelming recognition of the seal prompted the organization’s official rebranding as Easterseals.
As America’s largest nonprofit healthcare organization for people with disabilities, Easterseals now supports over 1.5 million individuals each year with services spanning early intervention, inclusive education, employment, mental health, medical rehabilitation, respite, community living, and veteran reintegration.
We were a leading voice in the movement that resulted in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990—and we’ve never stopped advocating. We continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every person can access their rights, pursue their goals, and live their life to the fullest.
Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin: Serving Our Community Since 1934
Since opening our doors in 1934, Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin has been a vital community partner to individuals and families throughout Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Racine, and Kenosha Counties.
Today, we support more than 1,500 individuals and their families each year, offering direct care, education, early intervention, job coaching, day services, recreation, and so much more. Our local programs reflect Easterseals’ national commitment to creating inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to live with health, happiness, independence, and safety.
We are proud to offer programs that fall within Easterseals’ four core areas of impact:
- Enriching Education – inclusive childcare, early childhood education, assistive technology, social skills development, and lifelong learning
- Enhancing Health – therapies including physical, occupational, behavioral health, and autism services
- Expanding Employment – workforce development, supported employment, senior employment, and veteran integration
- Elevating Community – day programs, respite, recreation, transportation, residential and independent living services
