November 5, 2009
EASTER SEALS LAUNCHES SPANISH-LANGUAGE WEBSITE
FOR FAMILIES LIVING WITH DISABILITIES
IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA � As part of an ongoing effort to better serve and engage Spanish-speaking families living with disabilities in Southern California and nationwide, Easter Seals has launched a new Spanish-language website at http://espanol.easterseals.com. The new site expands Easter Seals� online presence by providing valuable information to assist Spanish-speaking individuals and families, as well as volunteers, donors and advocates, who are seeking help, hope and answers for a range of disabilities from autism to Alzheimer�s.
�It�s important that critical health information and resources are provided for Spanish-speaking families,� said Beverlyn Mendez, chief operating officer, Easter Seals Southern California. �The California Department of Disabilities shows Hispanics are the fastest-growing segment of the state�s disabled population with a 7 percent increase in the last ten years. As of 2008, 38 percent of the people with disabilities Easter Seals supports in Southern California are Hispanic. Our goal is to provide a helpful tool for these families seeking information, support and access to quality services.�
A few of the Website features for Spanish-speaking visitors include:
�Easy-to-print pages viewable in either English or Spanish;
��Stories of hope� featuring Hispanic families living with disabilities who have benefited from Easter Seals services;
�General information about disabilities;
�An overview of services available to children, people living with autism, adults, seniors and military service members, veterans and their families, and others with disabilities;
�A zip code search brings visitors to local Easter Seals offices, programs and services; and,
�An option for direct communication with a Spanish-speaking Information and Referral Specialist via email or a toll-free information line at 1-800-353-1799.
Easter Seals Southern California nonprofit provides services that help children and adults with disabilities and special needs gain greater independence. We serve 3,500 people at 50 sites and offices throughout Southern California. To learn more, please visit www.SouthernCal.EasterSeals.com.
