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Post From Community: Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin celebrates 92 years. Editor's note: Post From Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel its readers would be interested in, please submit here. By Jesse Smith, Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin MILWAUKEE, Wis. - September 24, 2026 - Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin will celebrate 92 years of service to people with disabilities and their families at The Wild One, its 92nd Anniversary Gala, on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at The Garage at the Harley-Davidson Museum (400 W. Canal St., Milwaukee). The rockabilly-themed evening will bring together community leaders, supporters, families and advocates for an unforgettable celebration featuring dinner, networking, entertainment and philanthropy. Guests will enjoy a live auction, silent auction, 50/50 raffle and gift card pull while learning more about the life-changing impact Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin has throughout the region. Funds raised at the gala support programs and services that help individuals of all abilities live more independent, connected and fulfilling lives. Through early childhood support, guardianship services, recreational programming, respite opportunities and employment assistance, Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin empowers thousands of children, adults and families to achieve their goals and thrive in their communities. "For 92 years, Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin has opened doors to opportunity for children, adults and families throughout our community," said Jesse Smith, Vice President of Development & Engagement. "The Wild One is a celebration of that legacy and an opportunity for supporters to invest in a future where everyone has access to the services, support and opportunities they need to live their best lives. Every dollar raised helps create meaningful change for the people and families we serve." Founded in 1934, Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin continues to meet critical community needs through a comprehensive range of support services. Each year, the organization serves more than 1,500 individuals and families throughout Southeast Wisconsin through programs designed to promote independence, stability, inclusion, and community engagement. Key programs include: Corporate Guardianship: Trusted guardianship and advocacy services for individuals who are aging or living with disabilities that affect decision-making. Safe Babies Healthy Families: Family support services beginning during pregnancy and continuing through early childhood, providing guidance, resources and home visits until children are ready for kindergarten. Adult Day Services: Daytime support programs that help adults with disabilities build independence, confidence and community connections through structured activities, outings and volunteer opportunities. Recreation Services: Inclusive social and recreational opportunities for teens and adults with disabilities through Wil-O-Way Recreation Centers, Easterseals locations and community venues. Camps: Camp experiences that help children, teens and young adults build social skills, explore interests, and create lasting friendships in a supportive environment. Individual Placement and Support (IPS): Evidence-based employment services that assist individuals with severe mental health disorders or substance use challenges in finding and maintaining meaningful employment. The gala is made possible through the support of generous community sponsors, including Empowerment Sponsors, The Schaus Family and Dr. Steve Kulick and Dr. Margie Spoerl, Trailblazer Sponsor O'Leary & Anick and Open Road Sponsors Herzing University, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Citizens Bank, ProHealth Care, Galbraith Carnahan Architects, WisPACT and Godfrey & Kahn. Additional community organizations and businesses continue to support the event through Roadside Supporter and Pit Crew sponsorships. Event details. What: The Wild One, Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin's 92nd Anniversary Gala When: Thursday, November 5, 2026, 6 p.m. Where: The Garage at the Harley-Davidson Museum 400 W. Canal St. Milwaukee, WI 53201 Sponsorship Opportunities: Sponsorships remain available. Contact [email protected] for information. About Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin. Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin empowers children, adults and families to grow by opening doors to opportunities and enhancing their quality of life through comprehensive support services. Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin is committed to building communities that are equitable, inclusive and accessible for people of all abilities. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and has earned a 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid. Media Contact Jesse Smith Vice President of Development & Engagement Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin 414-322-3369 [email protected] Republish its articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.

Inaugural Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards announce 2026 nominees. Easterseals Disability Services and Film Independent today announced comedian Tina Friml as host of the inaugural Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards (The DARCYS), which recognize outstanding achievement in authentic disability representation across film, television and social media, honoring filmmakers, performers and creators who are reshaping narratives and setting a new standard for disability inclusion. The organizations also announced the 2026 nominees in nine competitive categories (full list below) and revealed that acclaimed actor, comedian, activist, author and speaker Geri Jewell will receive the first-ever Legacy Award, recognizing her groundbreaking contributions to disability representation in entertainment. Formerly known as the Media Access Awards, the inaugural DARCYS awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, Oct. 10, at The Historic Barker Hangar in Santa Monica and will be broadcast on PBS SoCal (date TBD), with rebroadcasts on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings). "As we launch The DARCYS, we are thrilled to honor the extraordinary talent helping to reshape the way disability is seen and understood," said Mark Whitley, President & CEO of Easterseals Southern California, "and proud to have Tina Friml bring her unique voice, humor and perspective to this celebration of authentic representation. From the nominees who are telling powerful, authentic stories, to Geri Jewell, whose groundbreaking career opened doors for generations to come, this year's honorees embody the progress we want to see across entertainment and popular culture." The ceremony is co-produced by Film Independent Spirit Awards' Executive Producers Shawn Davis and Andrew Schaff, in collaboration with Live Digital Entertainment Executive Producer Eddie Delbridge. "I can't wait to celebrate this extraordinary group of nominees who are bringing their talent, creativity and unique voices to our industry," said Davis. "It's inspiring to see the work they're doing, the impact they're making and the ways they are helping shape the future of entertainment. I'm equally excited to be working with Tina Friml as our host. Tina brings such a fresh, fearless and hilarious perspective to everything she does, and I look forward to seeing her bring that energy, joy and incredible sense of humor to the DARCYS stage." Tina Friml Hosts Friml brings her distinctive voice and sharp comedic perspective to a ceremony dedicated to celebrating authentic disability representation. Born with cerebral palsy, the stand-up comedian challenges perceptions of disability through humor and personal storytelling, embodying the mission of The DARCYS. Friml made her late-night television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and has appeared on Comedy Central's Stand-Up Featuring, as well as Don't Tell Comedy. A 2019 New Face at the Just for Laughs Festival, Friml has built a devoted following and performs to sold-out audiences across the country. "Authentic representation of disability, or of any underspoken identity, needs three things: Confrontational honesty, unapologetic confidence and the revealing moments which happen outside of the average sight line," said Friml. "I'm honored to be a part of casting a light on the new generation of visionaries who will raise the level of disability storytelling closer to where it deserves to be." The Inaugural Nominees Are: Best Feature Presented to the director, writer, producer and featured talent. * Color Book Director/Writer/Producer: David Fortune Producers: Autumn Bailey-Ford, Kiah Clingman, Kristen Uno Featured Talent: Jeremiah Daniels * Espina Director/Writer/Producer: Daniel Poler Producers: Jorge Abarca, Paulina Mondragón, Gloria Ortega, Ari Tan, Frida Torresblanco Featured Talent: Jonathan Benaim * Horsegirls Director/Writer: Lauren Meyering Writer/Producer: Mackenzie Breeden Producers: Alix Madigan-Yorkin, Michael Sherman Featured Talent: Lillian Carrier, Matthew Schwab Best Performance in a Feature * Autumn Best BRB * Aidan Delbis Bugonia * Anna Sargent Take Me Home Best Documentary Presented to the director and producer. * The Haunting of Pennhurst Directors/Producers: Mike Attie, Katarina Poljak, Nathan R. Stenberg Producer: Daniel J. Chalfen * The Ride Ahead Director/Producer: Dan Habib Director: Samuel Habib * You Look Fine Director/Producer: J. Snow Best Scripted Series Presented to the creator, executive producer, co-executive producer and featured talent in multiple episodes. * All Her Fault Creator/Executive Producer: Megan Gallagher Executive Producers: Jennifer Gabler Rawlings, Nigel Marchant, Gareth Neame, Christine Sacani, Sarah Snook, Minkie Spiro, Joanna Strevens Featured Talent: Daniel Monks * The Pitt Creator/Executive Producer: R. Scott Gemmill Executive Producers: Simran Baidwan, Michael Hissrich, Erin Jontow, Joe Sachs, John Wells, Noah Wyle Featured Talent: Tal Anderson, Jessica "Limer" Flores, Victoria Mack, Christopher Thornton * Pulse Creator/Executive Producer: Zoe Robyn Executive Producers: Carlton Cuse, Emma Forman, Bradley Gardner, Michael Klick Co-Executive Producers: Shepard Boucher, Ann Cherkis, Helen Childress, Johanna Lee, Joshua Troke Featured Talent: Jessy Yates Best Performance in a Scripted Series * Liz Carr Good Omens * Daniel Monks All Her Fault * Jessy Yates Pulse Best Unscripted Series Presented to the creator, executive producer and co-executive producer. * Jay & Pamela Executive Producers: Julie Insogna-Jarrett, Seth Jarrett, Chaney Moon, David St. John Co-Executive Producers: Rahel Tennione, Carrie Vandiver Skor * Love on the Spectrum Creator/Executive Producer: Karina Holden, Cian O'Clery * Renegades Creator: Day Al-Mohamed Series Producer: Amanda Upson Executive Producers: Michael Kantor, Carrie Lozano, Charlotte Mangin Best Achievement in Casting Ensemble Presented to one film's director or series creator, casting director and featured ensemble cast. * The Pitt Creator/Executive Producer: R. Scott Gemmill Casting Directors: Erica Berger, Cathy Sandrich Gelfond Featured Ensemble Cast: Tal Anderson, Jessica "Limer" Flores, Diana Elizabeth Jordan, Victoria Mack, Christopher Thornton Christopher Reeve Emerging Talent Award Created by Christopher Reeve, this award is presented to an up-and-coming actor who is living with paralysis in support of their career in entertainment. Includes a $5,000 cash grant from the Christopher Reeve Foundation. * Vincent Rutley Actor, Disability Influencer, Author Best Social Creator Presented to the content creator(s) who host(s) and produce(s) the affiliated account. * Molly Burke @MollyBurkeOfficial * Cassidy Huff @CassHuff * The Squeaky Wheel @thesqkywheel Geri Jewell to be Honored Jewell will be recognized with the inaugural DARCYS Legacy Award, which celebrates individuals with disabilities whose bold advocacy and groundbreaking work have transformed the entertainment, arts and culture landscape, blazing a trail for meaningful disability representation and generating lasting impact. Jewell began her career as a stand-up comedian at The Comedy Store in 1978 and has since built a multifaceted career as an actor, advocate, motivational speaker and trainer. She shattered barriers when Norman Lear cast her as Cousin Geri on the NBC sitcom The Facts of Life, making her the first person with a disability to have a regular role on a primetime television series. She went on to appear in television and film projects including Deadwood, Sesame Street, 21 Jump Street, The Young and the Restless, Strong Medicine and Alcatraz. Jewell is the author of I'm Walking as Straight as I Can, which received the 2012 Gold Award from Independent Publishers, and in 2026 released Geri's Jewels & Gems, a collection of her columns for Ability Magazine. Behind the Scenes Eligibility includes specific requirements ensuring that the disability inclusion is substantive, sustained, and integral to the work being recognized. Nominees and winners are determined by industry committees composed of filmmakers, critics, past Media Access Awards honorees and industry guild and nonprofit organization representatives. The DARCYS are committed to meaningful representation within this process, with a majority of committee members being individuals with disabilities. A Disability Advisory Committee brought together by Easterseals includes a talented group of disabled individuals who work in the industry. Led by co-chairs Emily Ladau and Nicole Lynn Evans, other members include Jamie Brewer, Christine Bruno, Lawrence Carter-Long, Ashley Eakin, Danny J. Gomez, CJ Jones, Danny Kurtzman, Jim LeBrecht, Lachi, Sue Ann Pien and Lolo Spencer. Loading...