Formatting necessary for an accurate reading of this text may be shown by tags (e.g., <DELETED> or <BOLD>) or may be missing from this TXT display. For complete and accurate display of this text, see the PDF.
[Pages H2942-H2943]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 1015
CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF EASTERSEALS
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize
Easterseals on its 100th anniversary.
Easterseals is a network of more than 70 leading nonprofit
organizations that provide local services and support to children and
adults with disabilities, veterans, and older adults.
Founded in 1919 in Ohio, Easterseals works nationwide, in almost
every State, to help Americans achieve milestones, live independently,
and be active members of their communities.
Easterseals employs more than 30,000 professional staff across the
country, including therapists, nurses, employment specialists, and
direct support professionals who deliver high-quality services.
Over the past century, Easterseals has helped millions of individuals
and families by assisting children who have disabilities; helping them
access early intervention, including physical and speech therapies, to
help prepare them for successful learning; providing in-home and
community adult day services for seniors and people with disabilities;
helping individuals with disabilities, veterans, and seniors find
meaningful employment; and providing camping and recreational
opportunities to youth and adults with disabilities.
Mr. Speaker, Easterseals provides autistic individuals early
education, employment, camping, caregiving, transportation, and other
services to support Americans of all ages.
The number of children in the U.S. with developmental delays is on
the rise. A recent study found that approximately 13 percent of infants
and toddlers have a developmental delay. Research has also shown that
one in
[[Page H2943]]
three children who receive early intervention services will not require
special education in preschool.
Mr. Speaker, we know that the first few years of a child's life will
lay the foundation for his or her long-term well-being and overall
success. That is why I am a strong proponent of Head Start and Early
Head Start programs.
We can't guarantee that every child will be successful in life, but
we can give them the same access to early educational opportunities.
This is just one of many reasons why I introduced H.R. 1695, the
Community Services Block Grant Reauthorization Act of 2019. This
legislation renews our Nation's commitment to reducing poverty through
locally driven comprehensive approaches.
Head Start and early education programs are operated through
community action agencies and promote school readiness through
enhancing the cognitive, physical, behavorial, and social-emotional
development of children from low-income families. Easterseals
specializes in early childhood development where children with and
without disabilities can learn together.
Another piece of legislation I am cosponsoring is H.R. 1878, the IDEA
Full Funding Act. This would ensure that individuals with disabilities
are receiving an appropriate education.
In the 1970s, Congress promised to cover 40 percent of the extra cost
of special education, but we never come close to fulfilling that
promise. In fact, current funding remains only at 14 percent of the
targeted amount. This bill would mandate gradual increases in IDEA
funding to reach the full commitment--40 percent, a commitment made by
Congress--by fiscal year 2029 and each subsequent fiscal year after
that. Easterseals is also supportive of this legislation.
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, three Easterseals affiliates
serve 67 counties. They employ almost 700 people, and they serve nearly
27,900 individuals. Mr. Speaker, these are just some of the incredible
services Easterseals works to provide to American families.
For the past 100 years, it has leveraged its network of nonprofits to
improve the lives of others. In schools, workplaces, and communities,
Easterseals has fostered environments where everyone is included and
valued, regardless of age or ability.
I congratulate Easterseals for its contributions to improving so many
lives over the past 100 years.
____________________