Shriners of Rhode Island Swings Into Action
Bestows $1,500 to Easter Seals for Therapeutic Swings

Wakefield— Easter Seals Rhode Island announced today they have received a grant in the amount of $1550 from the Shriners of Rhode Island Charities Trust for therapeutic swings. The therapeutic swings are specifically designed for those children with disabilities or special needs who struggle with balance and coordination and will allow children in Easter Seals Rhode Island’s early intervention program to develop their coordination skills through the use of vestibular therapy.
 
Vestibular therapy uses the motion of adapted swings to help develop the brain’s ability to compensate for lost balance while also adapting to environmental changes, such as an increase in elevation. In fact, vestibular therapy is so effective that it helps the brain overcome sensory integration disorders, which are disorders that negatively affect the five senses and, in turn, make it extremely difficult for the mind and body to assimilate to common environments. Therapeutic swings differ from playground swings because they offer varying degrees of support for children and a range of motion for various exercises.

“We are very appreciative to the Shriners of Rhode Island for their generous gift to this important program for children with disabilities in the state,” said Larry Gammon, President & CEO Easter Seals Rhode Island. “The Shriners have long fostered a culture of volunteerism and giving within our community that is an inspiration to others.”
 
Since 2006, Easter Seals Rhode Island has provided early intervention services to children with physical and cognitive developmental delays. It is the goal of Easter Seals Rhode Island’s early intervention program to ensure that a child’s development remains on track during those first critical years. Last year, Easter Seals Rhode Island served over 300 children through early intervention services. For more information about Easter Seals Rhode Island please call 401-284-1000 or visit http://www.eastersealsri.org/.

About Easter Seals
Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical and mental disabilities, and other special needs. For more than 85 years, we have been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play in their communities. Support children and adults with disabilities at http://www.eastersealsri.org/.

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