Easter Seals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore announced “The Bill Adami Fund for Innovation” in memory the late President/CEO, and longtime disability advocate, William J. Adami.
The creation of a fund bearing his name is to honor Adami’s legacy of leadership and innovation at Easter Seals, according to the organization.
“The Bill Adami Fund for Innovation will continue Bill’s commitment to independence, dignity and opportunity. This fund will make it possible for Easter Seals to continue innovative services that have become the hallmark of the organization,” Easter Seals Board Member Walt McEvilly said at the recently held annual dinner where the fund was unveiled. “For example, The Bill Adami Fund will allow us to pilot new services like an internship program for young people with intellectual disabilities; purchase new technology for the Resource and Technology Demonstration Center; or ensure cutting edge training for our team of therapists working with young children with autism.
“Bill’s vision was for a community that believes that all people bring value to society and enrich each other’s lives.
His vision was for services and supports for people with disabilities which allow them the highest level of independence possible,” McEvilly said. Anyone interested in more information or to make a donation, contact the Development Department at Easter Seals at 302-221-2078 or email mbaker@esdel.org.
Adami’s work for people with disabilities began at the age of 14 when, at the urging of his mother, he volunteered at a State institution for individuals with significant intellectual disabilities. He looked at the inhumane treatment of people with disabilities at that time, and it forged his principle that people with disabilities were going to be treated better. This experience impacted him deeply, shaping his career path and ultimately leading him to Easter Seals.
Easter Seals was fortunate to have benefited from Adami’s vision and leadership for twenty-two years, during which he served in several capacities, including CEO since 2008.
He was a Rotarian, and also was active with National Easter Seals headquarters, serving on key committees.
