When I read that the 2015 theme for Better Hearing and Speech Month was “Early Intervention Counts,” I thought back to Ryan as a toddler and some of the challenges he experienced. I knew that Ryan was experiencing delays in his expressive language, but felt that his receptive skills were on par. So, I reached out one of our Early Intervention speech therapists, Kathy Voght, MA SLP. Kathy suggested that I maintain a list of his expressive language and as he acquired new words, simply add to it. She also recommended that he enroll in one of her toddler language groups. So Ryan was 15 months and off to school! 
Yes, Early Intervention was exactly what he needed. The structured play groups, led by the therapists, provided him multiple opportunities to engage in conversations with his peers. Kathy also provided me with lots of suggestions as to how I could stimulate his speech at home. Between the two, we were well on our way to success.
Over the years, I have always encouraged families who have identified delays to reach out to Early Intervention providers and to get their child involved as early as possible. To this end, the Barber National Institute offers Bright Beginning, a program for children ages birth to three who are experiencing developmental delays. We also offer preschool early intervention programs, for children three to five years of age.
Today, Ryan engages me in conversation all the time, and although I certainly have moments throughout my day where I wish for a little “quiet time,” I wouldn’t trade my conversations with him for anything!
Up at 5:30 a.m. and drove over to LECOM by 6 a.m. However, we had one important addition to our morning routine — we voted! As soon as Ryan turned 18, he registered to vote and has been voting in each and every election since then. We’ve discussed the importance of voting, and why you should never, ever miss. Prior to the election, we review the ballot and discuss the various responsibilities of each of the positions being voted on. He is always especially interested in the judgeships because he knows that only lawyers can be judges, and his Uncle Thomas was a judge. Of course, there is also his fascination with Law & Order!
retty.
Has this program made a difference? Most definitely yes for both our children and our families. In most cases, in-patient treatment is avoided and the children are able to remain at home with their families. Although our numbers are small (only 20 children are served at any given time through MH Partial) the intensity of the services yields very positive results. We plan to continue this component of our approved private school program as long as the need exists.
The first week of May is full of moments created to celebrate and appreciate the wonderful people in our lives – teachers, nurses, therapists, paraeducators, behavior specialists and many, many support personnel. This year, National Teacher Appreciation Day is Tuesday, May 5. However, at the Barber National Institute we are recognizing all our staff who work so diligently in our school during “Staff Appreciation Week.”
Similarly, if I held up an item of my own and asked the same question, he would answer “mine,” meaning “yours.” Essentially, he mixed up his pronouns.
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