A Gem for Parents and Disabled Kids

Children with disabilities increasingly are attending public schools rather than being segregated in separate institutions. But for a working family with a disabled child, the hours from 3 to 6 in the evening can pose nightmarish problems, since after-school programs generally are not equipped to handle children with special needs. No wonder there is a long waiting list at the Easter Seal after-school program in Glendale. It offers a rich mix of swimming, art, music and specially adapted play projects for 25 disabled children, ages 5 through 17.

The 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. program is free, thanks to funding from the Glendale school district, Easter Seal and the Century 21 realty company.

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RENE GUEVERA / Easter Seal after-school program director

The staff and I are aware that we are serving several people behind each child--families and neighbors who are happy to know that this one child is having a great time.

This is a social recreational program. The children come here to make friends and develop social skills in a club-like atmosphere. The name of this club is the “Unlimited Potential Club.” The children also develop leisure skills, how to behave in restaurants and public places.

These children are fully participating in activities; they do not sit and watch TV. We have an indoor swimming pool specially equipped for children with disabilities so that no one is left out. Everyone receives individual adaptive swim instruction twice a week.

Once a child is accepted into the program, they can stay with us until age 18. In order to be served by the Easter Seal Society, there needs to be a medical diagnosis for the disability. We serve children with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism and children who are developmentally delayed, who function below their chronological age.

For a lot of parents, the after-school program has allowed them to go back to work or further their education. Also, the financial burden of child care is lifted. The 25 children at this site come from Glendale, La Crescenta, Burbank and Montrose.

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LEONARD MARTINEZ / 14, attends a middle school in Glendale

I love coming here. I love the people, the whole group. I feel happy here because I like to have fun and stay out of trouble. My favorite things are to play basketball, swim and to build things.

I don’t have many friends at [regular school]. I don’t understand why people can’t get along. It makes me very sad. Sometimes I cry. I like to come here because I have friends who like me.