Marissa Bode, who stars as Nessarose in the hit movie “Wicked,” is breaking new ground for authentic disability representation across the entertainment industry. As a disabled actress, Bode’s vibrant, history-making portrayal of Nessarose has been the centerpiece of her growing platform to advocate and educate about disability.

In recognition of her powerful voice for change, Easterseals Southern California is honored to have partnered with PR Week to award Bode with a most prestigious honor: the 2025 Communicator of the Year.

A group of people smiling at a round dining table during a formal event, with plates, glasses, and smartphones visible on the table.

Presenting this award to Bode was truly exciting, as her work aligns with our ongoing efforts to shift the narrative about disability in the media. Recently, Bode participated in our collaboration with Variety, a leading entertainment industry outlet, as part of our multimedia report, Reimagining Hollywood: A New Lens on Disability Inclusion. You won’t want to miss the video with Bode alongside a group of powerhouse panelists chatting about how creatives with disabilities are building careers and changing the game industry-wide.

“Nobody knows us better than us,” Bode said during the panel, underscoring the fact that people with disabilities should be hired at every level of media production to ensure accurate representation and accessibility on set. She later added a reminder that disability is only one part of a person’s story: “Although I think our identities are of course important to our stories, that’s not all that we are. We’re so much more complex than…the boxes that we’re sometimes put into.”

Bode’s talents and the important insights she shares are indeed helping to bring the disability community outside of these narrow, limiting boxes. Members of the Easterseals team had the opportunity to celebrate Bode’s wise words and many accomplishments at the PR Week Awards event in New York City on March 13—a truly beautiful evening that shined a spotlight on the impact of the communications field.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Bode, and are so proud to support her journey as she continues to build momentum to create a more welcoming world for all.

February has been filled with exciting events and activities that have helped us settle into the new year. Between the grand opening of a new Adult Day Services location and our Autism Services kick-off, February has brought so much cheer and raised our spirits. Take a look at what we’ve been up to below!  

Disability Inclusion Game Day with the Anaheim Ducks  

Easterseals Southern California and the Anaheim Ducks’ new partnership was on full display with an action-packed game day on Sunday, February 2nd. As the Duck’s official Disability Inclusion Partner, Easterseals was well-represented throughout the Honda Center with more than 300 staff, participants, and leadership in attendance.   

Read our blog post about the event and our partnership with the Ducks to learn more.  

Adult Day Services Glendora Grand Opening  

In February, Easterseals Southern California celebrated the grand opening its newest Adult Day Services location in Glendora, CA. The packed event had a western theme in honor of the location’s former occupant, the historic Golden Spur Restaurant. Guests enjoyed music, a photo booth, speeches from Easterseals’ leadership and participants, and a ribbon cutting. 

Watch the video below to see highlights from the grand opening:  

Autism Services 2025 Kick-Off Conference  

Leaders from Easterseals Autism Services gathered in February for their annual Kickoff Meeting, centered around the theme of ‘Resilient Leadership.’ The event brought 216 leaders in Autism Services together in person and another 177 joined virtually.  

The day featured a Team Immersion exercise designed to strengthen personal resilience, along with an inspiring keynote where attendees gained valuable strategies for leading effectively through challenges. In the afternoon, associates explored “Activation Booths,” where they connected with colleagues and discovered exciting projects, initiatives, and new ventures happening across Easterseals.  

Easterseals Joins BlueSky!  

Easterseals Southern California is now on BlueSky, a social media platform that has been getting a lot of positive attention. Our goal is to connect with the disability community and beyond, as well as share the impactful work we’re doing while expanding our reach. 

We’d love for you to join us on BlueSky by following our account. You can also find us by searching for Easterseals Southern California. 

We look forward to connecting with you! Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to grow and amplify our mission. 

Stay In the Know 

Learn more about what we’re doing at Easterseals on our website, and be sure to follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings across our service lines:  

• Facebook: @EastersealsSoCal 

• Instagram: @EastersealsSoCal 

• TikTok: @EastersealsSoCal 

• Bluesky: @eastersealssocal.bsky.social 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/easterseals-southern-california/ 

• YouTube: @EastersealsSouthernCalifornia 

This March is the 38th year that the United States has recognized and celebrated National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). Easterseals Southern California is excited to celebrate DDAM this year with one of our long-standing partners, Albertsons Companies Foundation.

As we recognize Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, our partners at the Albertsons Companies Foundation are hosting an in-store campaign to benefit programs and services for individuals with disabilities. Between March 5th through 25th, customers can donate to support the campaign at Southern California Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions stores via the PIN pad at check out.  

Easterseals Southern California is honored to be one of the disability-related organizations receiving a portion of the donations collected. This will be the 17th year that Easterseals has worked with the Albertson’s Companies Foundation to raise funds for our services. 

“We are excited to continue our longstanding partnership with Albertsons Companies Foundation,” said Nancy Weintraub, Easterseals Chief Advancement Officer. “Over the course of our 17-year partnership, they, along with their wonderful employees and generous customers, have donated millions of dollars in life-changing support.” 

Easterseals supporters can also help share the news by taking a selfie with the store signage and tagging @eastersealssocal and #DisabilitySupport on their next trip to an Albertsons, Vons or Pavilions location! 

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month  

On February 26, 1987, President Ronald Reagan issued Proclamation 5613, calling upon Americans to provide the “understanding, encouragement and opportunities” necessary for people with developmental disabilities to reach their potential and lead productive and fulfilling lives. 

As we seek to create awareness around inclusivity for people with disabilities this March, you can support disability services by visiting your local Albertsons, Vons or Pavilions store and using the PIN pad at check out to make a donation.  

Learn more about the disability and community services Easterseals provides by visiting our website.  

Easterseals associates and their families enjoying the game.

Easterseals Southern California and the Anaheim Ducks’ new partnership was on full display with an action-packed game day on Sunday, February 2nd. As the Duck’s official Disability Inclusion Partner, Easterseals was well-represented throughout the Honda Center with more than 300 staff, participants and leadership in attendance.   

From the moment guests arrived at the Honda Center, they were greeted by a welcome table featuring custom Easterseals beanies and information about our services. Before the game, the Ducks recognized Easterseals with their Community Hero Award for our dedication to increasing disability inclusion. The award was accepted by Matthew, an Easterseals Living Options resident, and Andres Rojas, Living Options Residential Administrator. 

Two Autism Services graduates, Samantha and Jack, joined DJ Jojo in the DJ booth.

Throughout the afternoon, the Ducks included Easterseals participants and staff in several more exciting activities. Two Autism Services graduates, Samantha and Jack, had a blast joining DJ Jojo for a “hype moment” in the DJ booth, while another graduate, Vihaan, got to enjoy a Zamboni ride during the first intermission. These experiences created special memories for our participants as the Ducks showcased their commitment to inclusion.  

“Seeing this partnership come to fruition during this game was truly so special,” said Brynne Jones, Easterseals Senior Director of Partnerships. “It was a testament to the team’s genuine investment in our shared mission to make Orange County more inclusive for all. And we’re just getting started!”  

Inside the Honda Center arena, a large scoreboard displays “Today’s Matchup” between two hockey teams, sponsored by Easterseals Disability Services.

As part of our partnership with the Ducks, Easterseals Disability Services signage will continue to be featured prominently throughout the Honda Center.  

Easterseals, through our partnership with the Anaheim Ducks, is also proud to be the presenting sponsor of the San Diego Ducks Sled Hockey Team, a program that supports athletes with physical disabilities and their families through the adaptive sport of sled hockey.  

We look forward to working alongside the Anaheim Ducks to spread the message of disability inclusion in Orange County and beyond.  

Learn more about Easterseals partnership with the Ducks on our website.