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History

Volunteers founded Easterseals DuPage in 1942 as the Illinois Association for the Crippled, DuPage Chapter, where a handful of therapists provided in-home services to 15 families. Early services consisted of providing braces, wheelchairs, and equipment for special classes in the public schools.

In 1952, the Chapter became an official Easterseals agency, Easterseals DuPage, and opened an outpatient treatment center in Villa Park. In December 1984, Easterseals DuPage moved into a former school building located at 830 South Addison Avenue in Villa Park and continues to be headquartered there today. 

To expand our services and to serve more children, the Lee A. Daniels Center in Naperville opened in September 2001. In 2005 we assumed service responsibilities for children receiving therapy at the Jayne Shover Center in Elgin and became Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley.

Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley has now grown to a staff of nearly 120 people, including more than 90 therapists who have significant knowledge, medical expertise and experience in pediatric rehabilitation. Through continuing education courses, our staff is constantly updated in new treatment options to assist children from infancy through young adulthood. From a child with multiple needs to a child needing assistance in one specific area, we are a valuable resource.

Villa Park History

In June of 1999, after the completion of a capital campaign, Easterseals DuPage opened the doors of its new, state-of-the-art facility in Villa Park. The new structure was built on its existing site, replacing the former school on site. This 31,000 square foot building was completed with the assistance of many generous donors. The Arthur and Mary Rubloff portion of the facility was built as a result of the joint agreement entered into with United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Chicago. In 2019, Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley completed a Growing Home campaign to purchase the rest of the building and utilize the full building space to serve more children and remove lease expenditures from our budget.

black and white image of old easter seals center
dates mentioned between three building use of 1952- today
close up of green and yellow flowers with villa park building in the background and a blue fluffy cloud sky

 

More Than a Century of Empowering Families Across America

Part of a national organization, Easterseals has a long and impactful history within the United States, dating back to the early 20th century, where we have consistently provided services and advocacy for individuals with disabilities, playing a significant role in improving their lives and promoting acceptance within communities across the nation. Notably, our name originates from a fundraising campaign using "Easter seals" which gained widespread public support, contributing to our national reach and influence.

black and white image of Edgar Allen wearing suit and glasses

Your life and mine shall be valued not by what we take but by what we give.

— Edgar Allen, Easterseals Founder

Our Stories

Community Stories
  • Child on playground looking to the side

    Julian's Journey

    Julian was born three months premature and diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder when he was two-years-old. Julian attended the Lily Garden Childcare Center for over three years, which offered tremendous support to him and his father. Julian made significant strides in learning social skills, achieving more independence and making friends in his class.

  • family of five against an ivy wall smiling and holding hands

    A Powerful Story of Progress

    When Brinley was only two days old, doctors discovered that her brain had not formed fully or correctly. Her parents wondered, would she walk? Would she talk? They turned to Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley for answers.