What we do
Since 1947, our story has been one of hope, courage and triumph for children, youth and adults with diverse abilities. Our goal is to provide our community with the self-esteem, self-confidence and sense of independence that is needed to help them live their best life.
Summer Camps
For Ages 6 Years and up
Changing Lives
Easter Seals Camps are a place where everyone is welcome and no one hears the word ‘no’. It’s a place where campers can be themselves, and explore and develop their abilities in a safe, warm, fun and supportive environment. Whether they attend day camp, or overnight camp, campers return home with new friendships, improved skills, and become more independent and active members of their communities. Camps offer both a magical experience for campers, and an important respite for families and caregivers.
Adult & Parent Programs
Compass Programs & Respite at Easter Seals House
Easter Seals provides opportunities and programs for both parents and caregivers, and for adults with disabilities, to connect, learn, and have respite.
CompassWorks is an on-the-job work experience program at Easter Seals House in Vancouver that gives certification to obtain entry level employment in the hotel industry. The Compass Program is designed to help late teens and young adults be more prepared for school, work, independent living, and their transition to adulthood.
Compass 2 is tailored to build upon the foundational learning objectives of Compass. Compass 2 is designed for motivated young adults to revisit their employment aspirations and delve into advanced learning outcomes.
Oak Street Club is a drop-in program at Easter Seals House that provides a safe place for youth and adults to hang out and socialize while gaining positive connections with peers. For parents we’re happy to be offering a new free parent social group, “Parent’s helping Parents,” that offers parents/guardians of children/adults with a disability the opportunity to connect with others who share similar lived experiences in a safe and supportive space. The goal is to build a community of support, to make connections and to more importantly, have fun!
Easter Seals House also provides a Respite Program for parents and caregivers to take advantage of during the pandemic.
Virtual Classes & Camps
For Ages 6-49 Years
EasterSeals@Home
EasterSeals@Home experiences are for persons with disabilities ages 6-49 years. We have committed to provide these online classes, day camps, social events, and winter and spring break camps throughout the year, so as to continue to provide social connection and learnings for campers, and respite for caregivers.
Facility Rentals
Fully Accessible Facilities
Easter Seals camp facilities are available for rent, and ideal for conferences, school groups, church groups, weddings, outdoor education, weekend retreats, day programs and family reunions. You can rent throughout the year, and rental dollars go directly to support Easter Seals Summer Camps for children and adults with diverse abilities.
Post-Secondary Opportunities
Breaking Down Barriers
A number of educational awards have been established and are available to help benefit youth with disabilities looking to pursue post-secondary educations. These awards are administered by the Post-Secondary Schools and information on criteria and eligibility are available directly with the schools.
Community Access
Making It Easier To Get Out In Your Community
To promote and enable access, Easter Seals offers two programs that offer discounts for caregivers and persons with disabilities. With an Access2 Card, you can receive free or discounted admission for your support person at select movie theatres, cultural attractions and recreation facilities. With the Disability Travel Card, you can receive a reduced fare for a support person when traveling with VIA Rail Canada.
