Easter Seals Disability Services

Sandy

L to R Back row, Elisabeth Beverage, Ainslinn McAvoy, Flemmings Beaubrun. 
Front row, Jennifer Lee, Sandy Ho

As a toddler, Sandy Ho had fun in an Easter Seals swim program.  Years later, Easter Seals assistive technology helped her earn her college degree. 

Today she’s giving back what she gained from Easter Seals by helping youth with disabilities broaden their horizons and lead more independent lives. 

“Easter Seals has helped me to see the broader perspective of what is required to live a full life of independence as a person with a disability,” she said. 

Sandy uses a wheelchair and is significantly shorter than most adults, due to a condition that made her bones brittle and limited their growth.

Her disability led this Lesley College graduate, 24, to volunteer one summer at Easter Seals Explorer Camp for kids with autism.  She was a great role model who helped the campers have fun and broaden their horizons in the process.

As a temporary Easter Seals staff member, Sandy is helping to create a mentoring program, including a two-day overnight conference, for girls and women with disabilities.

She also assembled a timeline of Easter Seals’ involvement with the disability rights movement that is posted on the organization’s Facebook page.

“Because I’m in my 20s, I didn’t realize a lot of this history existed,” Sandy said.  “Now I know that buses and the T weren’t accessible at one time, and I understand how the changes happened.”

In the summer Youth Leadership Forum, Sandy will be sharing her insight into the disability rights movement with delegates – teens and young adults with disabilities who are tomorrow’s leaders.

“Learning about the history of the disability rights movement has helped me become a more informed and proud member of the disability community,” she said.  “I’m excited to have a small part in helping to carry on those advocacy efforts.”

L to R Desi Forte, Sarah Gostenik, Sandy Ho, Colleen Flanagan