Little Girl, Big Heart

It’s Feeling Fabulous Friday!

We are feeling so fabulous this Friday at Easter Seals Florida because of a little girl with a big heart! Five-year-old Mya’s mother, Lisa, wanted to involve her in community volunteering.  Lisa arranged for Mya to help literacy specialist Mayra Alvarado with the new mobile library at Easter Seals' Murray Child Development Center.  For months, Mya read a book to the kids in each classroom at the center and helped them check out books from the mobile library, a small library on wheels that she brought from classroom to classroom.  She even created library cards for each child in the center.

Mya:

Mya went home from her volunteer experience determined to collect more children's books for the children of Easter Seals. She made a flyer that she sent out to friends and family, and soon books were coming in from all over the country...over 500 books were collected in all! But that wasn't enough for Mya. She wanted to be sure that Easter Seals' Murray Child Development Center had its very own library. After many volunteers sorted through and organized books, painted walls and murals, and put the final touches of decorations to the place, it was ready for our children!  The grand opening of the Murray Child Development Center library was held in July of 2011. 

But that’s not all!  Starting last summer, Mya got the itch to create another library at Easter Seals’ Igoe-Amar Child Development Center, the Murray Center’s sister program in West Palm Beach.  She collected once again over 500 more books, and on January 23, 2013 the new Children’s Library and Literacy Center was opened!  Check out pictures from the dedication here: grand opening of their library.

Today we want to thank Mya for her warm heart and drive to make a difference. No matter our location, age or circumstance, Mya’s story is a lesson that we can make a difference when we put our hearts and minds to it.

The Murray Center Library:

The Amar Center Library:

The Amar Center Library Grand Opening:

See even more photos in the grand opening album on our Facebook page.

The extended family at Easter Seals Florida

It’s Feeling Fabulous Friday!

Learning to navigate life when some close to you is diagnosed with a disability is not ever easy. That is why Easter Seals Florida makes it our priority to help anyone in that situation. We are feeling fabulous this Friday morning as our hearts are warmed by a letter from Sablouna. She has written us with such kind words about our staff and program. Thank you so much Sablouna for taking the time to let us know what Easter Seals Florida has done in your life.

Sablouna has given us permission to share her letter below:

Good afternoon,

I wanted to take the time out and write this letter thanking your organization for your support, guidance, follow-up and for the superior level of service I received while utilizing your services. Kalyn my family service coordinator answered all my calls, responded to my emails within 24 hours and believe it or not she was my helping hand when my husband was too busy to help me research autism facts, services and more. At that time, my family members were unaware that my son Devin (pictured to the right) has autism. I was able to keep his diagnosis private because I found an extended family within the Early Steps organization. 

I was unaware of the various services made available by government agencies in the West Palm area until Kalyn and Thea pointed me in the right direction. I received weekly emails, updates, info about support groups. These ladies made my son's autism their problem.  Kalyn would email me with deadline reminders, appointment reminders and even on the morning of a meeting. She would routinely follow-up with me to see how support coach, Dani, was doing with Devin.

Thea, another angel sent from above, not only would send me contact info for parent support groups, she would answer my personal questions pertaining to having a child with a disability. She would send me booklets, websites, pamphlets and would give me pointers on how to manage my son's autism and how to cope with his disability emotionally. Thea not only introduced me to the various school options for children with autism outside of Child Find but she actually accompanied me on a tour at the Palm Beach school of autism. We scheduled the tour, she assisted me with creating a list of questions I'd want to ask and she stayed there on site waiting for me for over 45 minutes because I got lost, Talk about commitment, talk about superior service, talk about two model employees. I thank the Lord every day for sending these two women into mine and Devin's life. I hope they can impact the next family as positively as they have impacted my life.

Both ladies would call to check in on me to see if I had all of the requested documents. They are truly an asset to the organization. if the organizations reputation depended solely on a few individuals, I would name Kalyn and Thea as stellar employees and warm loving people who go above and beyond their job duties to make sure the children of child find can successfully complete the program, get the treatment they need and transition. I'm indebted, thank you for sharing all of your knowledge, your time, for coordinating the child find meetings, for assigning Dani to my son and for being there to answer my questions, for going on the school tour with me when my husband could not.

Sincerely,
Sablouna

For more information about the Treasure Coast Early Steps program, visit www.fl.easterseals.com/TreasureCoastEarlyStepsProgram or contact us.

Sablouna has made our day and we hope yours as well. Thank you so much for visiting us this Friday.

Early Intervention changes lives

Our hot topic this Monday…

What is it?
Maybe you've heard the term “Early Intervention” but aren't quite sure what it is or when it is necessary. Don’t feel like you’re alone in that boat. Fortunately, we've got some answers for you. Early Intervention involves facilitating cognitive and emotional development as well as attempting to prevent developmental disability or delays through assessment and therapy provided to children, especially those younger than age six.

Why is it important?
Studies have shown that when 'intervention' occurs at a young age, people with disabilities or special needs lead much more independent lives. Increased independence for children reduces the need for costly life-long care at a later stage of life. New imaging research even indicates intervention not only leads to behavioral changes, but may even lead to “striking” brain changes.  Early Intervention can also prevent abuse or neglect by giving caregivers much needed coping skills and respite.

What are the signs?
Here are some first signs that a child may need Early Intervention. For a list of additional signs, visit Easter Seals’ Recognizing Early Warning Signs: Common Motor Milestones.

If your child…

·         Is often unable to locate and pick up small objects that have been dropped

·         Frequently rubs his eyes or complains that eyes hurt; or has reddened, watering or encrusted eyelids

·         Holds head in a strained or awkward position (tilts head to either side or thrusts head forward or backward) when trying to focus on someone or something

·         Sometimes or always crosses one or both eyes

·         Fails to notice objects, people or animals around him when other children do

·         Does not turn to face the source of strange sounds or voices by six months, or if he sleeps through most noises

·         Rubs or pulls at his ears repeatedly; has frequent earaches or runny ears

·         Talks in a very loud or soft voice

·         Does not react when you call from another room

·         Turns the same ear toward a sound he wishes to hear

·         Is not kicking legs and grabbing with hands by age 3 months

·         As an infant, arches back when lying on the back or being held

·         Always seems to favor using one hand over the other before age 2 years

·         Drags or favors one side

If you recognize any of these signs in your child, contact your doctor or a public health nurse immediately. Remember Easter Seals is available to help every step of the way.

Feel like you need to further investigate your child’s situation?

Take this FREE “Ages and Stages” questionnaire (funded by CVS Caremark).