A teenage boy who has on a baseball camp and smiling. His phone attached to the wheelchair that he is sitting in.

Easterseals Iowa History Wall

Panel 2 of 5

A Movement Begins

Easterseals Iowa traces its roots to a national movement sparked by a personal loss and a belief that people with disabilities deserve opportunity, dignity and support within their communities.

1919

After the tragic death of his son, Edgar Allen founds the National Society for Crippled Children, launching a nationwide effort to improve care and access.

A black and white photo of Edgar Allen. He has a mustache and is wearing circular glasses and a business suit.

1926

The Iowa Society for Crippled Children is officially established, marking the begging of organized Easterseals services and advocacy in Iowa.

Historical sign in a field that says The Easter Seal Society. The Cerebral Palsy Center.

1934

The first Easter "Seal" fundraising campaign launches, selling 86 million charitable seals across eight states and fueling expansion of disability services nationwide.

Historical Easterseals stamp that says "Help Crippled Children". It is a red square, with a white cross and an individual using a crutch.

"Advocacy starts with seeing people for who they are - not what they face."

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