COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Parent to Parent’s Family Infant Toddler Program of Chittenden County works its way into the diverse homes and lives of families each day. For nearly 20 years, free services have been provided to 4,000 families with a range of 400 conditions.
Twins Learn with Play as Therapy
On Sept. 22, 2001, the Soares family gave birth to twin boys. But while families rejoiced for their firstborns in the hospital’s nursery, doctors informed Theresa that her son Joseph was in neonatal intensive care. He was found to have PVL, or periventricular leukomalacia, signifying that his brain had not properly developed. Doctors in the neonatal unit told Soares about Parent to Parent. She made the call and has received support from the Family Infant Toddler Program since February 2002. “It was devastating to get the news; you never think it will happen to you,” Soares said. “Certainly no one wishes for these circumstances, but when it does (happen), it is helpful to have Parent to Parent and the Family Infant Toddler Program to support us.” Today, Joseph and Parker are two-years-old. Joseph developed cerebral palsy. Parker is monitored for speech delay. The boys still play tag with as much fervor as any other toddlers. Whether for Joseph’s weekly therapy or Parker’s monthly visit, FITP’s developmental educator Michelle Lewis carries Joseph in her arms as she chases Parker around the family’s kitchen table. Family Resource Coordinator Liz Jordan-Shook helps the Soareses find programs and supplies to enrich the boys’ early education. Unable to walk yet, Joseph develops his gross motor skills with occupational and physical therapy. FITP also worked to find funding for switches that Joseph could manipulate for adaptive toys. FITP helped Soares locate homecare aid and an adaptive swim program. “As new needs developed, they helped to coordinate new therapies,” Soares said. “They also support the whole family, not just the child.” Soares appreciates that much of the staff is comprised of parents who have children with illnesses or special needs and rights. Soares said she felt comfortable talking to Jordan-Shook because she also has twin boys, one with heart problems. Soares said FITP concentrates on letting the family direct what issues need to be assessed, but said she can also look to the staff for advice and rely on them for recommendations. “They’re always there to answer questions. It is nice that they have people on the staff who are not just talking from a textbook; they give first-hand knowledge on what to expect.”
View Family Infant Toddler page |
ANNUAL CONFERENCE- Partners In Care
One of Parent to Parent’s events to raise awareness and educate professionals on children with special needs was the 14th annual Partners in Care Conference, held on December 4, 2003. With workshops and speeches, more than 290 parents, professionals, childcare providers and government officials attended. 2003 marked the highest attendance so far. At varying times, mothers, representatives, social workers and medical students could be found laughing or crying. Theresa Soares, mother of twins served by the FITP, attended the conference. She said that listening to the work that community members have done to create the services available today drove her to tears – of happiness. Soares went to the Partners in Care Conference to learn educational techniques and programs, but also to be with other parents who can relate to parenting children with special needs and rights. “Going to the conference makes it seem a little more normal when you’re surrounded by people with similar situations,” Soares said. “I went today to meet new people and try to be better prepared for what lies ahead.”
PIC Conference info |
