Early Intervention

When a child is born with any kind of disability it can be very over-whelming for the entire family. Parents go through countless feelings from shock, disappointment, fearfulness and uncertainty. 'Why did this happen to our child?' is asked by all parents. After the shock wears off, and it never really does, it is imperative to gather all the necessary information about the child's disability. Parents must fully understand their child's disability to begin their child's life towards independence.

Early intervention is necessary in detecting a disability. Endless services are offered to the family. Many services available are counselling, speech and physical therapy. There are three major benefits for early intervention. You must enhance the child's development as soon as the problem is identified. Then treatment can begin. Secondly, familiy members can all learn about the disability and coping skills. Necessary skills can also be taught to help the disabled individual be as independent as possible. More importantly early intervention sets the course to an independent lifestyle in society. Children at ages three to five years old that are at risk or have special needs qualify for intervention. This intervention can bring about positive attitudes, and open doors to many possible experiences. Life can be easier for families by lessening emotional strain. A strong support system is needed in order for a disabled child to flourish.

I was fortunate. My parents, after receiving the diagnosis of my disabilities, researched the best doctors available and options for me. I was fitted at nine months with glasses, and hearing aides at age two. I also had open-heart surgery at age four. At a young age I started private speech therapy at Sini Hospital because of speech delays. After heart surgery my mom researched possible education options. Being a teacher she was aware of some educational services She decided on public schools over private schools because of the extensive support services offered in public schools. I was enrolled in a special education preschool in Livonia called Wilson. My mom remembers how nervous she was when the yellow school bus pulled up in front of my house equipped with a child car seat for me. The teachers suggested the transportation in a school bus to begin my road to independence. The first couple times my mom followed the bus to school to make sure I arrived safely. Putting me on that bus and waving good bye was one of the hardest things she ever done. She often watched through a two-way window in the classroom. While in preschool I had to wear a helmet to protect my head when falling because at age four I still could not walk. Later on I moved on to a self-contained learning disabilities classroom at Webster Elementary. I was mainstreamed for the remainder of my educational career. Early intervention was the starting point in my journey to independence.

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