Easter Seals Iowa Camp Sunnyside

Assistive technology is technology used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible.Opportunities for individuals to learn about, sample, and use assistive technology include the following:

Equipment Loan
‘Easter Seals loans durable medical equipment such as electric hospital beds, electric and manual wheelchairs, and adaptive bathroom devices to those in need. Equipment is provided at a nominal fee and can be used for an unlimited length of time. Easter Seals seeks donations of used medical equipment for use in this program.

Demonstration Center
The Demonstration Center, located at Easter Seals Camp Sunnyside, showcases different types of assistive technologies, such as tub lifts, kitchen and bathroom features, and other items individuals may use to make their home more accessible. The Demonstration Center is a valuable resource in allowing clients to try equipment before it is brought into the home.

Lending Library
Equipment and resources are available for families, individuals, counselors and schools. Up to 5 pieces of equipment can be checked out for 30 days to find out if it will work for them before deciding to purchase from vendors.

Iowa Assistive Technology Exchange Program
The Used Equipment Referral Service (UERS) is now known as the Iowa Assistive Technology Exchange Program (Exchange). This ‘classified ads’ feature connects Iowans with the Assistive Technology they are in need of statewide. Iowans with Assistive Technology equipment that they no longer use are eligible to create an account and post these items for sale on this Exchange Program. Iowans in need of Assistive Technology may view the listings and contact the seller directly. This service can be found at www.eastersealsia.at4all.com. If you have any questions, please contact us at atinfo@eastersealsia.org (email), 1-866-866-8782 (Phone), 515-289-4069 (TTY).

Accessible Gaming
The Used Easterseals Iowa will be expanding our lending library, and increasing access to assistive technology gaming/alternative access devices for any individual who lives in Iowa and has a disability! To apply for this program, use the downloadable applcation on the site. For additional information, email atinfo@eastersealsia.org, call at 1-866-866-8782 or TTY 515.289.4069.

The Child Development Center at Camp Sunnyside provides education in an integrated setting where children with and without disabilities ages six weeks to five years old have the opportunity to learn and grow together in a fun and unique environment. Children enjoy horseback riding, year-round swimming, nature trails, two spacious playgrounds, a tree house, boating and more at Camp Sunnyside. All children benefit from playing, learning and growing together.

The Child Development Center uses Creative Curriculum to promote development and learning in the core areas of social emotional, physical, cognitive and language development to prepare children for kindergarten. Character Counts In Iowa resources are also incorporated, instilling trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Throughout the day children engage in sensory motor activities, language development, motor play, reading and music.

Children and adults with and without disabilities enjoy all Easter Seals Iowa Camp Sunnyside has to offer including canoeing, an animal farm, horseback riding, archery, nature trails, the Variety Club Rec Center, an accessible indoor pool and the Meredith Tree House. At night campers sleep in new, air conditioned lodges. Sessions are held at Camp Sunnyside for campers age four and older. Week-long and day camps are offered during the summer.

Since 1979, Easter Seals has been providing temporary relief (respite care) for families who care for a child or individual with disabilities at home. Respite arrival time is 6:30 p.m. Friday, and departure time is 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Respite is offered two weekends a month. Clients have the opportunity to participate in all camp activities. The program is designed to give families a break while providing a safe and supported social environment. The respite program operates year round. This is a waiver program.

Emergency respite care is available in the Des Moines area. Availability is dependent on staffing capabilities. Contact Camp Sunnyside directly for additional information.

The Easter Seals Iowa adult day habilitation program Life Club takes place on site at Camp Sunnyside as well as in the Des Moines area community. The program provides training in skills such as socialization, communication, problem solving, creative thinking, peer relationships and more. Life Club clients make friends, get out to see different community attractions and choose and lead activities they enjoy. Team members focus on strengths and independence as clients participate in activities. All camp activities are available to Life Club participants which regularly include swimming, in addition to other outdoor activities, crafts, singing and wellness activities.

The Easter Seals Iowa Respite program provides temporary care for children and adults with disabilities, allowing parents/caregivers a break while providing the clients with a safe, and supported social environment. Respite weekends are held at Easter Seals Iowa Camp Sunnyside twice monthly. Emergency care is also available. Respite services provide all the amenities at Camp Sunnyside including boating, swimming, horseback riding and much more.

For many farm family members and rural residents with a disability, Rural Solutions represents their only hope of returning to farming and their communities. Team members are knowledgeable about resources throughout the state which can address the unique needs of rural family members with disabilities, and actively pursue services that will enhance their lives.

Rural Solutions staff will assist the rural family to connect with other community resources and agencies that may be of additional service to the rural family to help them reach their goals after acquiring a disability. Easter Seals Iowa Rural Solutions services are provided free of charge to the individual and family receiving the services.