"That mobility allows our associates access to our services right on their tablets," says Kimberly Cohn, VP Marketing Communications. "Everything has become a lot smoother. It's really been dynamic in the way it changes services delivery and workflow to make things modern and efficient. The tech is essential to what we do because we are so decentralized."
By necessity, most of Easterseals associates are out in the community all day interacting with clients where they live, work, and play. Today, it is widely recognized that people with physical, behavioral, and mental disabilities are happier and more fulfilled in their own homes surrounded by family or in supported homes where professionals can help them achieve their full potential.
A great example is how Easterseals has been able to foster meaningful engagement for non-verbal participants, like those in Easterseals' Adult Day Service. Participants engage in community activities including regularly scheduled volunteer work and other activities based on their own interests and goals. In the past, some participants struggled and acted in ways that made interactions difficult. In many cases, these problems stemmed from the basic frustration we all feel when we're not being understood.
Fortunately, ESSC found a solution by using an electronic tablet with an application designed to help non-verbal people communicate more effectively. By enabling these participants to tell people about their world and how they experience it, interactions can improve dramatically. Gaining the ability to communicate with others and contribute to a group has a deeply connecting effect—increasing confidence, self-esteem, and the desire to have more positive interactions and relationships.
"Having access to the latest in mobile technology not only allows Easterseals to consistently innovate program delivery for our participants, it also helps us be more efficient and effective in how we raise philanthropic dollars in support of our mission," says Nancy Weintraub, Chief Development Officer.