Easterseals Midwest

Today marks 27 years since the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision affirmed that people with disabilities have the right to live, work, and receive services in their communities.

That progress helped open doors to greater independence, inclusion, and opportunity.

Now, a new Department of Justice opinion takes a much narrower view of those protections and could affect how disability rights are enforced in the future.

The rights protected through Olmstead, the ADA, and Section 504 matter significantly. Add your voice and urge Congress to defend community integration and the civil rights of people with disabilities.

🔗 Link below 👇

Your next drink order can help support Easterseals Midwest.

From July 1 through 15, Chicken N Pickle - St. Charles will donate 25 cents from every fountain beverage and tea purchased to help fund services for children and adults with disabilities throughout our region.

No extra cost or special coupon. Just order your favorite drink and be part of something bigger.

Mark your calendar and make your visit count.

Learn more about the Sip & Support campaign below in the comments 👇

A great event needs great people behind it.

TAP THAT - A Capital Brew Festival returns on Saturday, July 11, and we're looking for volunteers to help make the day a success!

Whether you're pouring energy into the event, welcoming guests, or supporting the Easterseals Midwest team, your time helps create opportunities for people with disabilities across Kansas.

Not able to volunteer? Grab a ticket and join us downtown. Learn more about the event and volunteer opportunities at the link below.

We’ll see you on July 11. 🍺

A weekend at YMCA Trout Lodge is much more than campfires and s'mores.

This year, 16 young adults from our Autism Respite program spent the weekend swimming, riding horses, trying archery, making crafts, and building friendships that will last long after camp ended.

Along the way, they stepped outside their comfort zones and gained confidence through new experiences. Whether it was climbing higher, trying something for the first time, or connecting with a new friend, every moment lifted spirits and inspired new skills.

These experiences are possible because of the dedicated staff who spend their weekends encouraging, supporting, and celebrating each participant's success.

We're grateful for another unforgettable weekend filled with adventure, growth, and memories that will last a lifetime.

📸 Check out a few highlights from this year's Trout Lodge trip below.

Hundreds of butterflies... hands-on activities... and a sensory-friendly environment designed for all families.

Join Easterseals Midwest on July 20 for a special morning at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, presented by Southern Bank.

Walk among free-flying butterflies, explore interactive exhibits, and enjoy a welcoming experience created with people with disabilities and sensory-processing needs in mind. Easterseals Midwest staff will be on-site to provide support throughout the event.

🎟 Admission: $1 per person
👶 Children 2 and under: Free
📍 Chesterfield, MO

Attendance is limited, so reserve your spot today by registering at the link below! ⬇️

Juneteenth marks a defining moment in American history and reminds us that freedom should never have to wait.

On June 19, 1865, more than 250,000 enslaved people in Texas learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. That delay is part of the story. So is the courage, resilience, and determination of the generations who kept pushing for dignity, justice, and equal opportunity.

At Easterseals Midwest, we know that belonging is built through action. It means creating communities where people have access, support, a voice, and the chance to fully participate.

Today, we honor the history of Juneteenth and the people whose strength helped shape a more just future. We also recommit ourselves to the daily work of building a world where everyone belongs.

One regular Friday can make a giant difference.

This week, choose a gas stop that gives back. When you use the FavTrip Text Club and purchase gas at participating FavTrip locations at Fav trip Independence and Favtripgrandview, a portion of your purchase supports Easterseals Midwest and the life-changing services we provide.

A simple routine can help build a stronger and more inclusive community.

Join us this Friday and fuel a cause! 💙

Learn more at the link below 👇

You don't need a ticket or a donation form to make a difference.

Just join us at Chicken N Pickle - North Kansas City on Tuesday, July 21, from 6 PM–8 PM. Order dinner, grab a drink, or challenge your friends to a game of pickleball. During the evening, 10% of all food and beverage sales will support Easterseals Midwest.

Every order helps fund life-changing services for children and adults with disabilities across our community. It's an incredibly easy way to enjoy a night out and be part of something bigger.

Invite your family, bring your coworkers, and help us fill the restaurant with people who believe in opportunity and inclusion for all.

Learn more below in the comments and plan your visit ⬇️

A simple drink order can make a real difference. 💙

From July 1–15, Chicken N Pickle - St. Charles will donate 25¢ from every fountain beverage and tea purchased to support .

Stop by for lunch, meet up with friends, or enjoy a game of pickleball. All the while every sip helps create more opportunities for children and adults with disabilities across our community.

Learn more about the Sip & Support campaign and plan your visit at the link below ⬇️

The strongest teams are built through honest conversations.

Recently, Jordan Starr and her Autism Services teammates took time to talk about what they do well and where they can grow. They talked about supporting participants, helping one another through busy days, and finding ways to communicate even better.

One thing stood out above everything else: trust. The team knows they can count on each other, and that support creates a positive environment for both staff and the people we serve.

When people work together with openness and respect, everyone benefits! 💙