ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, December 15, 1996 TAG: 9612160001
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: guest column
SOURCE: DR. LORI MICK AND JULIE BETTS
Most of a child's learning and cognitive growth occurs in the first four years of life, according to research in early childhood education. When a child is born with a developmental disability, early intervention can build a child's strengths and prevent disabilities from becoming more severe.
In the New River Valley, 44 children and their families were enrolled in local early intervention programs last year.
Intervention can mean a variety of programs that help infants' and toddlers' development, including developmental instruction, physical therapy, speech therapy, vision and hearing tests, family support and counseling, respite care or nutrition counseling.
Private therapists, health departments, CHIP (Child Health Investment Project), The New River Valley Community Services' Project STEP, and Parent Resource Centers deliver these services in the New River Valley. Early intervention focuses on a family's ability to help their child.
Approximately 7,200 children under 3 years of age have developmental disabilities in Virginia. Public awareness and activities to identify these children continue to prove successful. "Child Find" activities occur in every locality in the state to screen and evaluate children beginning from birth. For families in the New River Valley, developmental screenings are available free of charge and can be provided in the child's home or other convenient setting.
Early intervention is crucial to thousands of children in Virginia and for many will make the difference between leading independent and productive lives versus long term or institutional care. The age at which a child receives services has a direct impact on the child's ability to learn and grow.
Dr. Lori Mick, coordinator, New River Valley Early Intervention Council and Julie Betts, Early Intervention Special Instructor, Project STEP
Christiansburg and Radford
For information, call (800) 650-5324 or 381-2054. Staff is available in the New River Valley to identify signs of potential developmental delay and locate appropriate services for infants and toddlers.
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