Embracing Abilities, Expanding Possibilities

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.

Looking Back, Looking Forward: Our CEO’s Reflections at 5 Years

We’re marking our five-year anniversary with our President and CEO, Sara Ray 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.

Employment for Individuals with Disabilities: HB Threads

At Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford [https://www.eastersealschicago.org/], one of our pillars is expanding possibilities for individuals with disabilities. HB Threads [https://hbthreads.org/] 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. Read the transcript: https://www.eastersealschicago.org/resources/podcasts/carter_sanders Learn more about Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford: https://www.eastersealschicago.org/

DEI through HR: Making it Foundational, Conversational, and Real

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are essential values at Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford, yet, in many ways, DEI has become politicized or performative in our society. Recently, members of our Human Resources team worked to make sure DEI is part of the organization’s DNA in a way that feels consistent, collaborative, iterative, and reactive to feedback from staff from across the affiliate. In this podcast, the HR team talks about why DEI is foundational, conversational, and needs to be approached with realness so that existing staff, but also new hires, know that they are entering a diverse, welcoming environment in which they will feel fully seen and appreciated. Read the transcript: https://www.eastersealschicago.org/resources/podcasts/carter_sanders Learn more about Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford: https://www.eastersealschicago.org/

Early Intervention

Early Intervention is a statewide program that provides supports and services for families to help their children under age three meet developmental milestones. You'll hear from our Early Intervention Program Managers Peter Byrne and Marlene Strobe in a conversation with our host Reema about our Early Intervention services. This podcast is meant to demystify how Early Intervention works for parents and caregivers, as well as provide information on how to access services. Read the transcript: https://www.eastersealschicago.org/resources/podcasts/carter_sanders Learn more about Early Intervention: https://www.eastersealschicago.org/programs/early-intervention-child-and-family-connections Learn more about Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford: https://www.eastersealschicago.org/