Easter Seals Bay Area urges people to support families living with autism

Ever feel compelled to help a cause you believe in, but just don't know how? By working with Easter Seals Bay Area (bayarea.easterseals.com), you can join the fight for families with autism so they can get the care, guidance and support they need, and help children with autism have the bright future that every child deserves.

“Autism services and programs are in high demand”

"Autism services and programs are in high demand," says Mike Pelfini, chief executive officer, Easter Seals Bay Area. "The strong relationships we have with our corporate partners like Safeway and CVS allow us to expand our reach, giving even more children the help they need to live healthy, independent lives."

Easter Seals Bay Area believes every individual with autism should have access to effective services and support, and guidance at every life stage.

"Today, one in 110 children are diagnosed with autism and there's an increasing need for funding, services and support," says Patricia Wright, Ph.D., MPH, National Director of Autism Services, Easter Seals. "Easter Seals serves more than 16,000 individuals with autism, up from 5,000 three years ago. It's important to remember getting the right support at the earliest stage in life can help a child gain the skills he or she needs to be successful."

No Such Thing as a Small Donation

Now, everyday things you may do can help Easter Seals Bay Area serve even more families living with autism. Support these companies because they are helping Easter Seals make a difference.

• As part of Autism Awareness Month in April, shop at a local Safeway or Pak n' Save and make a donation at checkout to support Safeway's People with Disabilities Campaign to benefit Easter Seals.
• Support CVS Caremark's All Kids Can^™ program to allow Easter Seals to expand therapists' knowledge and expertise in the delivery of an effective type of treatment for young children with autism - early intensive behavioral intervention (www.cvsallkidscan.com).
• Come out to AT&T Park and join friends and families of Easter Seals Bay Area at the San Francisco Giant's game on April 30, 2010. Easter Seals Bay Area will be featured in the Community Clubhouse.

Easy as 1, 2, 3

People can also show support of families living with autism by:

Participate: Join the autism conversation by sharing your viewpoints, feelings, and experiences through Easter Seals Bay Area' blog as well as through other autism-focused Web sites and online communities.

Donate: Easter Seals Bay Area is passionate about providing quality services for all families, regardless of their ability to pay, at a time when health care costs continue to grow. We need more resources to help more people. That's why Easter Seals Bay Area depends upon the generosity and compassion of many people. Often insurance companies do not cover treatment and services for people living with autism.

Educate: Be inspired by what is possible for children and adults living with autism. Visit bayarea.easterseals.com to learn more about autism and Easter Seals Bay Area's autism services. Meet families like the Smiths who know autism is treatable, and that individuals with autism can, and do, lead meaningful lives.