Worried About The Babies

I am receiving alerts that Part C (the infant and toddler program) is in jeopardy.

Twenty three years ago, I found myself calling every provider in the phone book trying to find SOMEONE who could provide early intervention services to my son.  Back then, there was no Early Steps program…there were very few services available to the babies who had disabilities.

I suppose I became that “squeaky wheel” that we’ve all heard of.  However, after months and months of calling providers every Monday, Wednesday and Friday – and after, literally, bumping into an Occupational Therapist at the supermarket (I crashed into her legs with my cart!) who was new to the area and wanting to work with babies (I hooked her up with my phone tree)…MAGIC!!

Kris was the first infant ever to receive early intervention services at the local hospital.  They even decorated a room just for him (and the little ones who followed).

The services were not in the “natural environment”, but the people who provided those services soon came to really care about Kris, and they celebrated every milestone with our family.

I often think of those providers and hold a warm place in my heart for each of them!

It truly makes my heart hurt when I think that there is a possibility that another family will one  day be as lost and scared as mine was…trying to do what’s best for their baby. 

My Very First Blog Post

I was basically dragged, kicking and screaming, into the world of online social networking by my work.  I absolutely despised message boards, had no interest in Facebook, didn't want to tweet, and I didn't like the sound of blogging (the word itself brings to mind, perhaps, the sound of involuntary bodily functions).

But.

We were talking at work today about different ways to reach parents of children with disabilities, to help them with their children's educational planning, and I suggested creating an online page where parents could go and ask questions.  I suggested this.  Me.

Next thing you know, I got myself a blog.

So this is how it's going to work:  I'm going to write about topics related to disability and the education of children with disabilities - or whatever topic happens to come to mind - and you can feel free to comment or ask questions or tell me I'm wrong (in which case I'm sure we'll have a lively and friendly debate about it).

So stay tuned and join in the conversation.  Hey, if I can do this social networking thing, so can you.

Welcome, new friend, to "Dear Ghee."