History

Who Founded Easterseals and Why

In 1907, a high school graduate named Homer was riding a streetcar in his hometown of Elyria, Ohio, when tragedy struck — the car crashed, leaving Homer and eight others badly injured. Homer lost both of his legs.

At that time, Elyria didn’t even have a hospital. With no access to care, Homer’s father, Edgar Allen, was devastated — and determined to change things. He rallied the community, raised funds, and opened a hospital for injured and disabled children. But Edgar didn’t stop there.

He envisioned a world where children with disabilities had the care, resources, and opportunities they deserved. He founded a national organization dedicated to supporting children with disabilities.

In the spring of 1934, the organization began selling postage “seals” to raise money — one penny each. People proudly placed these “Easter seals” on envelopes to show their support, and the campaign grew so popular nationwide that the organization became known as Easterseals.

Before Easterseals, the world was often closed off to people with disabilities:

• Sidewalks lacked curb cuts for wheelchairs
• Blind children weren’t taught Braille in school
• Children with disabilities were even barred from attending school

In an inaccessible world, millions of Americans with disabilities stayed home, unseen and unsupported. Few understood what people with disabilities were capable of achieving.

For over 100 years, Easterseals has worked to change that, creating programs and services that empower children, adults, veterans, and families to live full, independent lives.

When Easterseals Oregon Began

In 1947, Douglas McKay, a proud Portland native, former Governor of Oregon, and longtime public servant, founded Easterseals Oregon with a clear and powerful purpose:

To improve opportunities for children and adults with disabilities, regardless of race, color, or creed, so they can take their place in everyday society.”

That founding purpose continues today through our mission:

To unlock opportunities to empower children and adults with disabilities, veterans, and other underserved populations.”

From our earliest days to today, Easterseals Oregon has been part of a national movement dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with disabilities. As one of 71 affiliates of the Easterseals network that serves over 1.5 million people annually, we’re proud to stay true to our roots while evolving to meet the changing needs of Oregonians — helping people live, learn, work, and thrive across our state.

For more than 75 years, this work has only been possible because of you — our donors, volunteers, partners, and advocates. Your generosity and commitment fuel everything we do. 

Together, we’ve broken barriers, opened doors, and created opportunities for generations of Oregonians. And together, we will continue building a future where every person has the resources and support they need to thrive.