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Resources

If you have questions about early learning, disability, or finding supports or services for youth, families, or communities, our experts have answers and information to support you.

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Browse our resources using the topics below.

Autism

Early Childhood Education

Disability and Early Intervention

Parenting and Caregiving

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Latest

Blog
  • 10/08/2025

A Journey of Resilience and Joy: Alysha's Story

When Christine and Lou adopted their daughter Alysha from Bulgaria, they struggled to find the right support for her trauma and learning needs—until they discovered Easterseals Academy. Through compassionate, trauma-informed care, Alysha gained confidence, joy, and independence, inspiring her parents to make a legacy gift so more children can thrive as she has.

Blog
  • 09/29/2025

Q&A with Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford's Board Member, Gary Kohn

Architect Gary Kohn first connected with Easterseals in 2003 while designing the Easterseals Academy in Chicago. What began as a professional project grew into a lasting commitment—Gary has now served nearly 10 years on the ECR Board of Directors.

Blog
  • 08/28/2025

A Storytelling Journey for Learners of All Abilities: Easterseals Academy Time Capsule Project

This summer, Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford (ECR) partnered with Once Upon Our Time Capsule to bring an innovative, inclusive storytelling experience to Easterseals Academy students.

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Blog

Search below to read our latest stories about our programs and clients.

Podcast

Podcast
  • 10/16/2024

Episode 8: Autism Spectrum Disorder in Women and Girls

In today's episode, you'll hear from our very own Lori Davie, the Director of The Autism Program at Easterseals, and her daughter Emily, who is on the autism spectrum and also works at the program. Lori and Emily will discuss today their experience with Autism Spectrum Disorder from both the personal and professional perspective. The conversation will delve into identification, diagnosis, and supports for those with ASD, with a special attention to women and girls who are often under-identified or diagnosed later than their male counterparts.

Podcast
  • 05/27/2024

Episode 7: Our CEO's 5-Year Anniversary: Looking Back, Looking Forward

We’re marking our five-year anniversary with our President and CEO, Sara Ray Hallman (formerly Stoelinga), at the helm. In this conversation, we look back and forward, reflecting on the organization’s financial and operational turnaround, our path and journey through the COVID-19 pandemic, and the many lessons we learned along the way.

Podcast
  • 12/04/2023

Episode 6: Employment for Individuals with Disabilities: HB Threads

At Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford, one of our pillars is expanding possibilities for individuals with disabilities. HB Threads is our non-profit and social enterprise providing employment opportunities, job training, and life skills development for individuals with disabilities. In this podcast, we talk with our Director of Social Enterprise and Employment Opportunities, Cody Wass, and two of our associates who are neurodivergent, Terry and Tyrell, who work at HB Threads producing custom apparel and buttons. We discuss the importance of competitive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities with HB Threads as an example of what is possible.

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