Embracing Abilities. Expanding Possibilities.

How HB Threads Is Creating Valuable Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities

Donna Iwanski is our New Chief Financial Officer

The Chicago Defender Names Dr. Marilyn Griffin a 2025 Women of Excellence Honoree

Our Mission

We transform the lives of early learners and individuals of all abilities through access to expert educational, family, and community support.

READ OUR STORY

Our work

We have two pillars of work: Early Learning and Disability.

Early Learning

We maximize potential for children of all abilities from birth to age 5 with high-quality early learning.

Early Intervention Child & Family Connections

Family Support Services

Head Start and Early Head Start

Partnering with Parents

Teen Family Support

Disability

We expand possibilities for individuals with disabilities through support, education, and employment opportunities.

Easterseals Academy

HB Threads

Illinois Autism Partnership (IAP)

The Autism Program at Easterseals

Blog

Our blog shares the stories of the people—families, children, and staff— touched by our services and mission.

Highlights

Blog

01/31/2025

The 14th Annual Autism Awareness Night Draws Sellout Crowd to Rockford’s BMO Center

The community turned out in full force last Saturday, January 25, at the BMO Center in Rockford for the 14th Annual Autism Awareness Night. Hosted by the Rockford IceHogs in partnership with The Autism Program (TAP) at Easterseals, the event was more than just an exciting night of hockey—it was a heartfelt reunion for TAP families and supporters and an essential fundraiser for autism awareness and support.

Blog

03/03/2025

How HB Threads Is Creating Valuable Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities

HB Threads provides work opportunities, essential job training, and life skills development for individuals with disabilities. As part of Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford, it offers a supportive environment where young adults of all abilities can thrive in an integrated workplace while creating high-quality products for mission-driven customers.

Blog

02/20/2025

The Chicago Defender Names Dr. Marilyn Griffin a 2025 Women of Excellence Honoree

The Chicago Defender recently introduced this year’s select group of honorees, recognizing Dr. Marilyn Griffin—an Easterseals board member and an adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist and Behavioral Health Medical Director for Aetna Better Health of Illinois—for her dedication and profound impact in the field of medicine.

Blog

01/31/2025

The 14th Annual Autism Awareness Night Draws Sellout Crowd to Rockford’s BMO Center

Blog

03/03/2025

How HB Threads Is Creating Valuable Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities

Blog

02/20/2025

The Chicago Defender Names Dr. Marilyn Griffin a 2025 Women of Excellence Honoree

Blog

01/31/2025

The 14th Annual Autism Awareness Night Draws Sellout Crowd to Rockford’s BMO Center

Most recent

03.03.2025

Resources

We are research-driven, evidence-based, and led by empathy and expertise. Check out our expert resources related to Early Learning and Disability.

FIND OUT MORE

Embracing Abilities. Expanding Possibilities.

How HB Threads Is Creating Valuable Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities

Donna Iwanski is our New Chief Financial Officer

The Chicago Defender Names Dr. Marilyn Griffin a 2025 Women of Excellence Honoree

Our Mission

Our work

Early Learning

Disability

Blog

Highlights

The 14th Annual Autism Awareness Night Draws Sellout Crowd to Rockford’s BMO Center

How HB Threads Is Creating Valuable Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities

Donna Iwanski is our New Chief Financial Officer

The Chicago Defender Names Dr. Marilyn Griffin a 2025 Women of Excellence Honoree

The 14th Annual Autism Awareness Night Draws Sellout Crowd to Rockford’s BMO Center

How HB Threads Is Creating Valuable Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities

Donna Iwanski is our New Chief Financial Officer

The Chicago Defender Names Dr. Marilyn Griffin a 2025 Women of Excellence Honoree

The 14th Annual Autism Awareness Night Draws Sellout Crowd to Rockford’s BMO Center

Most recent

How HB Threads Is Creating Valuable Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities

Donna Iwanski is our New Chief Financial Officer

The Chicago Defender Names Dr. Marilyn Griffin a 2025 Women of Excellence Honoree

The 14th Annual Autism Awareness Night Draws Sellout Crowd to Rockford’s BMO Center

Korrey Kooistra Appointed Director of HB Threads

Spotlight on Madlen Ortega, Easterseals Academy Machesney Park's Newest Certified Special Education Teacher

Rene Martinez Steps Into a New Role as Program Manager for Partnering with Parents

Resources

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