Easter Seals Florida to Acquire Eden Autism Services Florida

Fort Myers, FL, January 17, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Acquisition expected to be finalized by February 1, 2013

Easter Seals Florida and Eden Autism Services based in Princeton, New Jersey, announced January 1 that Easter Seals Florida is acquiring Eden Autism Services Florida. The acquisition is expected to be finalized by February 1. Easter Seals is the leading national non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs.

Eden Florida has supported individuals with autism and their families by providing a range of community based services to meet specific needs throughout the lifespan since 1996. These services include K-12 schools in Fort Myers and Naples, clinical services, consultations and community training, and adult residential, vocational training and employment services.

The acquisition will include name changes for the schools, group home and adult day training center. Once the acquisition is finalized the entities will be known as the Easter Seals Lily Academy of Fort Myers and Easter Seals Lily Academy of Naples, the Easter Seals Spanbauer Residence and the Easter Seals Adult Day Training Center.

“For the past year, Eden Autism Services has been working with Dr. Patricia Wright, the Easter Seals National Director of Autism Services to incorporate the Eden Curriculum and staff training protocols into their autism services nationally,” said Tom McCool, president and CEO of Eden Autism Services. “Easter Seals was a natural fit when we looked for a partner to acquire our Florida operations.”

“Easter Seals has made a commitment to expand autism services to help individuals living with autism live full and independent lives,” said Sue Ventura, president and CEO of Easter Seals Florida. “The acquisition of Eden Florida’s programs, with their deep level of expertise in autism, will help us further this mission. We will work with Eden to ensure a smooth transition for our students, adults and staff.”

Debra Lynne, Vice President of Programs for Easter Seals Florida will oversee all programs and services. The program management team includes:
Ryan Curran, BCBA – Director of Behavior Services
Betsy Taylor - Program Director
Jackie Indriago – Director, Lily Academy of Naples at the Eimerman Center
Cari Pusateri – Director, Lily Academy of Fort Myers at the First Presbyterian Church

Established in 1948, Easter Seals Florida has six statewide offices providing developmental preschool, child care services and adult day services. They are located in the Keys, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Orlando, Brevard County and Southwest Florida. For more information contact Debra Lynne at (239) 277-9818 or email DLynne@fl.easterseals.com.

About Easter Seals
Easter Seals is the nation’s leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. For more than 90 years, Easter Seals, Inc. (64 years in the State of Florida) has been offering help, hope, and answers to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play in their communities. For more information about Easter Seals visitwww.fl.easterseals.com or call (239) 277-9818.

About Eden Autism Services
Since 1975, the not-for-profit Eden Autism Services has provided early intervention, education, employment training and residential services for children and adults with autism. Eden offers both in-person and online support and training programs for families and professionals. Recognized nationally,Eden offers an extensive range of services and its programs have been implemented in schools and other settings across the country. Eden is headquartered in Princeton, NJ. For more information about Eden visit www.edenautism.org or call (609) 987-0099.

About Autism
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 88 children in the United States, and one in 54 boys. The prevalence of autism has increased 600 percent in the past two decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.