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Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore
A black and white old photo where a therapist is helping a child with leg braces walk

History

Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore began as The Delaware Society for Crippled Children in 1948, where it provided services for children in New Castle. Learn about our history here.

Watch the video above to discover the rich history of Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Our History

The National Easterseals began in 1919 with Ohio-Businessman Edgar Allen founded the National Society for Crippled Children, which would later become known as Easterseals. 

Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore began as The Delaware Society for Crippled Children in 1948, where it provided services for children in New Castle. In the following years, Camp Fairlee on Maryland’s Eastern Shore opened its doors for children and adults to experience recreational camp. 

Through the following decades, Easterseals Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore expanded to provide innovative services at new locations throughout the state of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore to meet the growing needs of the community. From providing innovative therapies to help children meet their milestones, to giving adults with disabilities and seniors a place in their community, Easterseals has pursued its growth in the direction of the community’s needs. 

In recent years, with the help of generous donors and tireless advocacy, Easterseals Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore has increased its capacity to serve, by improving upon its facilities, cultivating a stronger workforce, and bringing support to families and caregivers. From the annual Volleyball Challenge to the Caregiver Conference to Walk With Me, Easterseals has sought to engage, inform, and help build a more inclusive community for us all to thrive in. 

Our Stories

Community Stories
  • An occupational therapist observes as a child plays with blocks on a table

    Defying the Odds with Penny

    Penny’s mom thought walking was only a dream, but thanks to Easterseals, that dream became a reality for this bright shining star who is now also running and jumping.
  • A boy with epilepsy and autism and a tracheostomy smiles from an accessible bike with a therapist by his side

    Martin Finds Services for a Lifetime

    Martin’s family knows they can rely on Easterseals services for a lifetime to help him meet his milestones, regain skills, and look forward to a bright future.
  • Young adult male with a disability playing bingo

    Stevie Soars with Easterseals

    Stevie has been bringing smiles to the faces of staff and fellow participants at his Easterseals Adult Day program in Georgetown since 2007. The program not only gives him the opportunity to socialize with his peers and remain a part of his community but also gives his parents a much-needed break from full-time caregiving.