FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE #ACCESSIBILITYMATTERS Help Spread the Word during March is Easter Seals Month Toronto, ON, March 1, 2019 – Accessibility matters. Has your child ever had to miss an important medical appointment because the local transit was not accessible for his or her wheelchair? Has your son had to eat lunch alone everyday at school because the lunchroom is upstairs but there is no way for his scooter to get to that level? These are real scenarios that most people think would have been resolved by 2019, but the fact is they still exist. “Accessibility matters and it makes a tremendous difference to kids and all people with physical disabilities,” says Kevin Collins, President and CEO, Easter Seals Ontario. “Accessible features like ramps, automatic door openers and elevators foster inclusiveness, acceptance and a stronger sense of community. They are also good for business and the economy. For children and youth with physical disabilities, having access within the community and being able to participate alongside others allows them to learn a variety of social and life skills that will help them go on to be active, contributing members of society as adults.” March kicks off Easter Seals annual campaign to raise funds and bring awareness to kids with physical disabilities. Throughout the month, the organization will be using social media to shine a spotlight on businesses, stores, restaurants, community centres, schools, etc. across the province that have adapted their facilities to make them accessible. “During March is Easter Seals Month we hope to highlight organizations, businesses and community facilities that are leading the way in accessibility for children, and anyone who uses a wheelchair, walker, or other mobility equipment,” continued Collins. Easter Seals invites the public to join in sharing pictures or videos on social media of accessibility features in their community, for example playgrounds, libraries, schools, restaurants or other businesses and facilities, and tag @EastersealsON #AccessibilityMatters #AccessibilityForAll and/or #MarchisEasterSealsMonth. In addition to the social media campaign, other initiatives include: The annual Easter Seals direct mail campaign, containing the traditional Easter “seals”, arriving in homes across the province. Dedicated Easter Seals segments on the CKWS Morning Show in South Eastern Ontario throughout the month Between March 29 and April 21, the Easter Seals Paper Egg Campaign takes place in retailers across Ontario including Sobeys, Foodland, FreshCo, PriceChopper, Avondale, Highland Farms and Booster Juice (March 25 – April 14), where shoppers are invited to purchase a $2 paper egg to support the cause. The annual Easter Seals Telethon will air on Sunday, March 31 in Sault Ste. Marie and Windsor- Essex, on Sunday, April 7 in Peterborough and Toronto, and on Sunday, April 28 in Sudbury. For more information, visit EasterSealsTelethon.org. Easter Seals Ontario has been a champion for children and youth with physical disabilities for the past 97 years with programs and services that help them achieve greater independence. Programs include funding for essential mobility and accessibility equipment, fully accessible summer camp opportunities at its two properties, Camp Merrywood and Camp Woodeden, and special education resources for parents. Easter Seals is only able to provide its programs with the generous support of its donors and sponsors. For more information, visit EasterSeals.org. -30- Contact: Meredith Wiens Easter Seals Ontario 416.421.8377 ext. 368, [email protected] .