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National Grant Programs

As a part of our relationship with Easter Seals Canada, we often participate in and manage national partner initiatives at the provincial level.

    Sun Life WorkPlace Readiness Scholarship & Mentorship Program

    We are so pleased to introduce our 2025/26 Easter Seals PEI Scholarship Recipients

    Jennay Randall

    Meet Charlottetown’s Jennay Randall,  a 2025/26 Easter Seals PEI Scholarship Recipient. Jennay says receiving the Workplace Readiness Scholarship, funded by Sun Life Canada, has already given her renewed confidence.

    She is an independent adult pursuing a degree in Sociology and has been living on her own since she was 17. Despite instability in her early life and having been diagnosed with ADHD and CPTSD, Jennay says she has taken full advantage of the mentorship program provided by Sunlife.
    “Having someone to talk to and encourage me has significantly impacted my career, as I recently interviewed and accepted a position at a local car dealership, Hillside Chevrolet, while pursuing my studies. This scholarship means the world to me.”

    Jennay says her academic work in Sociology fuels her passion for understanding people and creating meaningful change in her community, and someday hopes to become a social worker to help young people believe in themselves.  Enjoy the school year, Jennay!

    Ava Allain

    Summerside’s Ava Allain is one of this year’s 2025/2026 Easter Seals Workplace Readiness Sunlife Scholarship recipients.

    Ava is a second-year student of UPEI’s Kinesiology Program and was recently diagnosed with ADHD and Anxiety, and says her oldest brother is the reason she wants to become an Occupational Therapist.
    “I know firsthand the impact on a family when caring for someone with a disability, as my oldest brother has severe cerebral palsy and needs help 24/7.”

    Ava is enjoying the mentorship aspect of the scholarship, as she speaks monthly with her mentor, getting guidance on her career goals. Her long-term goal is to open her own clinic someday.

    Ava is thankful for this scholarship that will allow her to focus on her studies.

    Congratulations Ava!

    CIBC Accessibility Grants

    Applications for this program are open for 2026. Please call 902-394-3973 for more information or email Helen@eastersealspei.org. 

    Six grants were awarded in 2025 to Islanders aged 14 years and younger in order to assist with the purchase of assistive devices.

    Bethany and Marcus Gallant

    We had the pleasure of meeting Marcus Gallant and his mom, Bethany, at our recent celebration luncheon at Mill River Resort. Marcus is a Grade 2 student at O’Leary Elementary School, and he was diagnosed at age 4 with non-speaking autism and also has right-sided hearing loss and seizures. He uses his “talker” to communicate, along with gestures, signs, body language, etc. He is a recipient of funds from Easter Seals PEI, and his mom says they have been fortunate to receive things like a bubble tube and a light,  as Marcus loves water, bubbles, lights, music, spinning and swinging. We are so happy to help, and we say thanks Bethany and Marcus for sharing your afternoon with us.

    Hear what the grant recipients of the PEI CIBC AccessAbility Grant have to say:

    “We are grateful that our son can now have access to more accessible learning through technology as he navigates the challenges and joys of learning. Thank you, Easter Seals“

    Tanya N., parent

    “Our 12-year-old daughter Rosie was born with a rare genetic disorder called Phelan-Mcdermid Syndrome. Despite the many challenges Rosie faces, her strong will and determination allow her to continue to accomplish new skills and goals beyond what we thought was possible. She continues to amaze us every day. Thanks to the support from the Easter Seals Canada and CIBC AccessAbility grant, we have purchased a modified bike for Rosie so that she learns to ride a bike. This helps us with our goal of keeping Rosie physically active and able to participate in activities with our family. She is loving the new challenge of riding her bike, and of course, keeping up with her brothers! Thanks so much for your support.” 

    The MacInnis Family

    “The customized adaptable Koolway winter coat has been an absolute game changer. It’s now a breeze to get her bundled up toasty warm with ease while sitting in her wheelchair. This has saved us lots of time and made things so much more comfortable for Rory, allowing us to participate in more winter activities as a family! Thank you Easter Seals! ❤️“ 

    Shalyn P, parent

    “Thank you doesn’t feel like enough for the funds received for our daughter, Willow. The independence we have seen Willow gain after a few short weeks of having her new devices is incredible. Willow got a c-pen to help with independence in literacy also she received a Chromebook that she takes back and forth to school. Willow relies on a Chromebook for all of her school work as her hands do not have the strength needed for fine motor movement due to the fact that she wears hand braces“ 

    The Dowling Family

    “The purchase of the IPad to use as an assistive device will open up a whole new world of

    communication for William. He currently has extremely limited verbal communication. We are very excited to be able to expand his communication and ease his frustration when others do not know what he wants. He is currently working with a speech language pathologist to learn to use his new device. Thank you very much Easter Seals and CIBC!”

    Laurie W, parent

    “Marley is so pleased with her C pen and Chromebook. She is very happy to have her own devices and this helps her to take ownership over her own learning and adaptations. Marley is a sweet and hard-working girl, who is very positive and appreciative of everything. We are very glad that she was chosen for this opportunity.“

    Morgan J., caseworker

    “I am writing to you on behalf of my beautiful, amazing 5 year-old son Marcus. He was diagnosed with autism and is currently non-speaking but is starting to use a tablet to talk which we are both very excited to have that amazing technology available to help him share his wants, needs and thoughts. Marcus, as a baby to now, has always been a very sensory-seeking child, colours, lights, music, wind, textures, running, jumping you name it he loves it and it truly helps him have better days. He has a bubble tube at his daycare which he absolutely loves and spends a lot of time at, also which I truly feel helps calm him if he’s getting overwhelmed with the environment. The movement of the water, the Colour change of it etc… it’s an absolutely perfect item for my special boy to love. I have no doubt when he sees his own bubble tube here at the apartment his eyes will light up. I as his mom want to say a heartfelt thank you for giving us this chance to purchase his own bubble tube. As a single mom, I do my best to give him all the items that he both loves and will help him at the same time but the kindness you guys shown, I will be forever grateful.“

    Bethany G, parent

    Be a Champion of Change: Your Donation Makes a Difference

    Your donation enables us to help support hard-working organizations on PEI working with Islanders of all ages who are living with disabilities. Your generosity fuels our mission to create real opportunities and lasting impact.

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