Easterseals film spotlights family caregivers in USA TODAY docuseries

Easterseals has released a short film on family caregiving as part of a USA TODAY docuseries tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary. The film highlights the growing strain on millions of U.S. caregivers and the role of disability services, respite and community support in keeping families stable.

Why it matters: - Nearly 1 in 4 U.S. adults, about 63 million people, care for an adult or child with a disability or serious health condition. - The caregiver population has grown 45% since 2015, according to AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving. - The film aims to spotlight a national need: caregivers need support too, or the burden can spill into work, finances, health and daily life. - Easterseals is using the project to underscore how disability services and respite can help people with disabilities, seniors and veterans live more independently.

What happened: - Easterseals released a new short film on family caregiving on July 2, 2026. - The film is part of a USA TODAY docuseries marking the United States’ 250th anniversary. - Easterseals partnered with Acumen, a storytelling agency, to produce the film. - The film features Easterseals families from the Florida and Southwest Florida affiliates.

The details: - The film focuses on caregiving across different stages of life for people with disabilities. - The project highlights real family experiences and the challenges caregivers face while supporting loved ones. - Easterseals says access to support, services and community can make a meaningful difference for families. - Kendra Davenport, president and CEO of Easterseals, said caregivers often carry that responsibility alone and that expanding support is a critical priority. - Beverly Johnson, president and CEO of Easterseals Florida, said caregivers are behind every individual reaching their goals and that the organization provides services, resources and hope. - Tom Waters, president and CEO of Easterseals Southwest Florida, said caregivers often navigate complex systems with limited support and pointed to autism diagnostics and services as one example of network collaboration. - Easterseals provides disability services and support that include early childhood programs, therapy, employment training, in-home care and caregiver resources. - Easterseals has operated since 1919 and serves communities across the U.S. - The organization’s stated mission is to help people with disabilities take part in their communities and live more independently.

Between the lines: - The film is part storytelling, part advocacy campaign. - Easterseals is framing caregiving as a broad public issue, not just a private family responsibility. - The messaging connects caregiver relief to better outcomes for the people receiving care, which broadens the case for public and nonprofit support. - The timing, tied to the nation’s semiquincentennial docuseries, gives the issue a national platform and a civic backdrop.

What's next: - Easterseals is directing viewers to watch the campaign online. - The organization will likely continue tying caregiver support to its broader disability-services work and affiliate network. - Rising caregiving demand suggests the push for respite, resources and community-based services will remain a core part of Easterseals’ public message.

The bottom line: - Easterseals is putting caregivers at the center of the disability-services conversation and arguing that family support is essential to independence, stability and quality of life.