Turning Pain into a Plan

Lauren is an independent 40-year-old woman who likes going to concerts and listening to her favorite music on her headphones. Living with cerebral palsy and type 2 diabetes, she uses a motorized wheelchair to get where she needs to go, including doctor’s appointments and Easterseals Adult Day Services.

At Easterseals, Lauren works hard on her physical therapy and enjoys some quiet time in the company of staff and friends. Her physical therapist meets her two to four times a week at Easterseals for arm, hand, leg, and foot exercises. When hanging out around the center, staff are respectful of Lauren’s needs, such as when she wants to spend time alone or with just a few friends.

Lauren also enjoys the occasional pampering, so it was frustrating to her to be turned away from one salon after another when she wanted a pedicure. Each location she entered could not accommodate her wheelchair. Lauren turned her experience into a plan — a business plan, that is, for a spa designed for individuals with disabilities. She envisions a space featuring a pool where people with various needs, including those with autism, can enjoy a family-friendly and relaxing environment. With her business partner, she is diligently working on securing funds to bring her vision into reality.

“I will always see Easterseals in my life,” Lauren reflects. From now until she retires, Lauren knows she can rely on Easterseals for happiness, quiet, and independence. “Keep an eye out for the spa!” she adds.