Program areas at Easter Seals New Hampshire
Easter Seals New Hampshire (ESNH) is dedicated to helping children, adults and seniors with varied abilities live, learn, work, and play throughout their lifetimes. In FY 2023, ESNH provided $6.6 million dollars in free and reduced-priced services. Our programs and services include:Autism Services:Our Autism Services provides one-to-one, evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children ages 18 months to five years old in the home, our clinics, and community locations in the Greater Manchester and Salem areas.Each child in our program receives 25 to 35 hours per week of intense individualized ABA therapy in a fun and engaging setting. Sessions focus on improving skills across multiple domains, including communication, social skills, play skills, and self-care. We break down skills into small, teachable blocks and use positive reinforcement to help children achieve goals.Scientific research has proven ABA therapy to be a highly effective intervention for children with autism, especially when initiated before age four. ABA therapy is endorsed by the United States Surgeon General, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Neurology, American Psychological Association, Society of Developmental Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, National Institute of Mental Health, and National Institute of Child Health & Human Development.Program features include:Individualized treatment plans overseen by a Board-Certified Behavior AnalystIndividualized caregiver training based on the principles of ABACoordination of care with other therapy providers as neededConsults for school transition and Individualized Education PlansIn-network with most major health insurance companies and NH MedicaidCamping & Recreation (Camp Sno-Mo):Camp Sno-Mo, located on Hidden Valley Scout Reservation in Gilmanton Iron Works, is Easterseals New Hampshire's overnight camp program for youth with disabilities ages 11 to 21.For over 30 years, we have provided a safe and accessible residential camp for children and young adults. Our activities allow campers to challenge themselves to learn and grow, make new friends, develop confidence, and discover how much they can achieve. We accommodate campers with special medical and nutritional needs with around-the-clock care and supervision. In addition to weekly summer camp, respite weekends are available from October to April. Camp Sno-Mo is sponsored by the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association and works closely with the Scouts of America Daniel Webster Council to create life-changing experiences for our campers.Camp activities include water sports, hiking, archery, first aid, scout merit badges, riflery, ecology, zip lines/ropes course, STEAM, crafts & performing arts, sailing, motor boating, canoeing, adaptive horseback riding, black smiting / metal working, wood working and leather working. Child Development Centers (Child Care):Our two Child Development Centers, located in Manchester, provide a quality, inclusive, comprehensive early-learning experience for children ages six weeks to five years old.In our classrooms, children with disabilities learn alongside their typically developing peers to the benefit of both groups of children. Our affordable, accredited programs ensure all families have equal access to quality child care.Program features include:Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)Infant, toddler, mixed-age, pre-school, and pre-k child care programsEmphasis on all areas of child development: cognitive, language, physical, emotional, and socialNH Child Care Scholarship is acceptedNutritious meals that meet the USDA CACFP program standards are providedCommunity-Based Services:Our community-based residential, vocational, and clinical services help adults with disabilities achieve stability, well-being, and fulfillment.We connect people with safe and supportive living situations, meaningful paid and volunteer work, health services, opportunities for exploration and play, and more. We take a person-centered approach that builds on the strengths and interests of each individual and considers not just today's needs but tomorrow's and beyond. For families, we provide respite, resources, and support. Services are funded by Medicaid waiver programs through contracts with area agencies.Services we offer include:Community Participation Services Paid employment, volunteering, continuing education, and recreation options tailored to meet the needs of each individual.Shared Living Residential Services Placement that matches the individual's interests, lifestyle, and support needs with a qualified home care provider. Ongoing support, monitoring, and respite resources ensure safety and satisfaction and assist with placement longevity.Staffed Residential Services Over 20 residential homes provide staffing 24 hours per day, 7 days per week for those needing more intense support.Clinical Services Evidence-based and person-centered interventions for individuals diagnosed with intellectual disabilities and mental illness. Services include behavioral support, individual and group therapy, and nursing services.Family Services Financial support, education and training, staffing supports, respite, assistance with activities of daily living, transportation, nursing services, and emergency support.Early Supports & Services (Early Intervention):Our Early Supports & Services (ESS) provides one-on-one early intervention to children three and under in their home, childcare center, or other familiar location.We are licensed, credentialed, and caring pediatric professionals. Through our partnerships with families and caregivers, we deliver life-changing therapies. Our areas of expertise include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language pathology, early childhood special education, and family support. Parent involvement in our therapy sessions is highly encouraged and directly impacts outcomes.Private insurance, Medicaid, state and federal programs, and Easterseals NH donors fund ESS services. There is no out-of-pocket cost to families.Comprehensive early intervention services include:Developmental evaluationsTherapeutic and educational home visitsDevelopmental monitoringService coordinationSupport and guidance in incorporating therapeutic activities into daily routinesInformation about community resources and servicesHelp to transition to school or other services after age threeDevelopment of advocacy skillsInformation & Referral:Our Information & Referral program connects New Hampshire residents with valuable information and guidance so they can find the support they need to move forward.Residential & Educational Services:Easterseals Gammon Academy is New Hampshire's largest private provider of educational services to students ages 5 to 21 with disabilities and functional needs.We provide a continuum of care and education throughout the school-age years and into early adulthood. Services range from intensive level care at one of our residential campuses to one-on-one support at home. We focus on academics as well as life skills. Our goal is to help students live and learn as independently as possible.Our experienced staff include master's level clinicians, family outreach/case management workers, psychiatrists, certified educators, dieticians, nurses, and occupational, physical, speech, and recreational therapists. All work together to nurture every aspect of students' well-being.Program highlights include:Four residential locations across New HampshireNursing Department with medical and psychiatric expertiseAcademic curriculum (including art, music, and physical education) that aligns with New Hampshire state standardsFaculty-student ratios ranging from 1:1 to 1:3CARF-accreditedAcademic, psychosocial, and occupational, physical therapy, speech, and vocational evaluations and testing conducted by full-time facultyIndividual and group counseling sessions provided weekly and as neededEach student is assigned a therapist and on-call therapeutic support is availablePhysical, occupational, and speech and language therapy in the classroom or communityPre-vocational and vocational training provided in-house and at locations within the communitySenior Services:Our Senior Services offers innovative and affordable high-quality programs in the community and at home geared toward supporting an individual's desire to 'age in place,' live in their home safely, and remain independent.