Easterseals Takes Center Court to Celebration Disability Inclusion

The Los Angeles Lakers recently hosted Easterseals Night With the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena, welcoming program participants to both the game and the court for an unforgettable experience.

From serving as honorary team captains to delivering the game ball to appearing on the Jumbotron, Easterseals participants were front and center—celebrating inclusion, accessibility and community on one of the world’s biggest stages.

Justin Juanengo, Valerie Ortiz and Danielle Moore attended the February matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, where they were introduced on the Jumbotron, stepped onto the court and met team members, all while proudly representing the disability community.

Scoring a Rare Opportunity

One of the evening’s highlights came when Justin, an aspiring sports photographer receiving Easterseals’ WorkFirst Employment Services shadowed an official Lakers photographer and met Lakers guard Austin Reaves.

“I had a quick but delightful conversation with my favorite player,” Justin said, noting that the superstar is “very nice—and very tall.” Even more meaningful was his opportunity to photograph the game, gaining real-life experience at a world-class venue and taking a step toward his career goals.

“I want to become a professional sports photographer and social media manager working with NBA or NFL teams,” said Justin, who is earning his associate degree in digital media at Mt. San Jacinto College and plans to transfer to a university next year. “So yesterday was a dream come true.”

Justin first discovered his passion by volunteering as a photographer and social media manager for his high school sports teams—an experience that soon led other San Bernardino-area schools to seek his help.

“When I saw myself on the Jumbotron, it really hit me that I was on an NBA court,” he recalled. “At the end of the night, the photographer I shadowed shook my hand, told me I was doing a great job and said, ‘Keep working—you could be here one day.’”

“I’m grateful for the opportunity and appreciate that organizations like the Lakers and Easterseals focus on ensuring people with disabilities are seen. It’s so important.”

Two “Super Fan” Cheerleaders

Valerie and Danielle, both participants in Easterseals’ Adult Day Services program, proudly describe themselves as “super fans” and were thrilled to be part of the celebration.

Recently, Valerie moved to Easterseals’ residential care home in Pasadena, a transition which has enabled her to be more independent and to be “on the go.” A Lakers fan since she was a kid, she rarely misses a game on TV and, when she does, catches up via highlights on YouTube.

With a beaming smile as she reminisces about the evening, she called it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” and “super exciting” to be on court where she met players from both teams.

Anabel Hernandez, Valerie’s direct support professional who accompanied her to the game, shared in the excitement. “It was awesome, just being part of the game—and especially being on the court. It was overwhelming, but she loved it. She was very happy to be part of a big experience like everyone else. It was a very special night and meaningful for us to represent the disability community. Valerie felt special … and she is!”

Center Court & Just Taking it All in

Says Danielle about the experience, “I loved just being there and standing on the court.  When Adou Thiero, Jersey #1, walked up to me I was just star struck.”

A fan since she was five and Kobe Bryant joined the team, Danielle—who is able to spout off up-to-the-minute statistics and team updates effortlessly and never misses a game on TV—is no stranger to the court herself. She not only plays at her church but is a member of the Special Olympics team and is looking forward to this summer’s competition.

Receiving services from Easterseals’ ADS community program, she and her direct support professional like to walk to the park to shoot hoops—and she practices at home. “I’m all over the court,” she says.  I can play all positions but I like to shoot.  I play good defense too.”

The evening also cemented her commitment to disability inclusion. “I want to advocate for people with special needs,” she says. “That’s my goal in life.”  But the biggest moment of the night?  “I got to see the Kobe Bryant statue.”

Changing the Way the World Views Disability

WorkFirst Program Manager Jennifer Cox summarized the night, “What an incredible experience to cheer on the Lakers while also having the opportunity to share the meaningful work Easterseals does every single day. We are truly grateful to the Lakers for using their platform to help change the way the world views disability.”