“There is no harm or shame in having a child tested for
services. My son received EI for a speech delay from age 2 to 3.5. It was the
best thing we could have done for him. He was so frustrated not being able to
communicate. I would tell any parent who thinks their child needs more support
to call. And realize that services are only successful when the parents follow
through with the providers tips and homework.” — Kat Hoolan, Greenville
“Don’t hesitate to get your child evaluated. If he needs
services, you will not only get help for your child, but you will gain a
support system of people who are all rooting for him to progress. It is a
wonderful program filled with fantastic professionals.” — Amanda Merzbach,
Westtown
“We are in the middle of the evaluation process and
starting physical therapy with EI for my 13-month-old twin son. The hardest
thing is making that first phone call, but everything after that has been
nothing short of caring, kind, supportive and encouraging on my little guy’s
behalf. I can’t wait to see what is in store for him!” — Marci Wade, Warwick
“My advice would be: Don’t be in denial. It's not about
you, it's about what's best for your child. Start young and be consistent.
Early intervention is the key to preventing and correcting many issues. It can
only help, not hurt.” — Christine Guerrier, Pine Bush
Wondering whether to make the call? Our local experts walk your through the process
“I
used to work for EI and for a human services agency serving children with EI. I
think asking professionals with more expertise than myself was the best option
for my kids. I was having difficulty understanding what was tipping off their
behavior. Turns out my twins are delayed in both gross and fine motor skills. I
had no idea. One also has a mild sensory processing disorder, which I also had
no clue. Our experience was very positive. Everything moved along pretty
quickly and it wasn't a fight to get what my kids need. In my previous work as
an advocate I saw some families really having to fight. I am so thankful our
district has been so willing to work with us.” — Roxanne Ferber, Saugerties
“My
son was 2 and we felt he had delayed speech. Come to find out he had fluid
behind his ear. Between the treatment and speech therapy, he has done a 180. I
recommend parents ask questions if there is a concern. You are with your child
more than anyone, so you should have that gut feeling.” — Christopher Michael, Poughkeepsie
“My
now 13-year-old son, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was a few
weeks old, received it for three years. We were told that he would never walk
in his life, but with all of the therapy he received from EIP you would never
know he had any type of disability! My son, who is 4 years old, has gotten
speech therapy for the past three years now thru EIP and he was transitioned in
the school district this year. He is now in kindergarten and he has made great
strides with his speech delay due to him being tongue-tied and having to have
surgery to loosen the skin under his tongue. If you have a therapist who is not
a match with your child’s personality, move on to the next therapist until you
find your perfect match that will help your child achieve his goals. I have
many reasons to be appreciative to the EIP!” — Kathy Brooks, Beacon
“My
daughter, now 7, has Down syndrome. She began receiving services at 6 weeks old
and continued with PT, OT, speech, and special instruction until she was 3 and
transitioned to preschool services. It was the greatest gift we were ever
given. She is now in 2nd grade with her peers, can read and write, and
participates in her community.” — Courtney McDermott, Middletown
“My
son’s doctor thought my child was fine. I, on the other hand, felt his speech was
delayed and his oral muscles were not developing. I pushed for early
intervention and he qualified. At age 4, he still receives speech therapy and I’m
very pleased with his progress. I usually tell others that it's not labeling
your child and it can't hurt. On the flip side if they need help and don't get
it they may not outgrow it and be picked on when school begins.” — Sara Howell,
Monroe
“Lost time is truly lost progress. It's so
much harder to catch up the further behind they get. My son caught up to his
age group after 6 months of EI and speech therapy. He'd been almost non-verbal
and using his own sign language until we called. Most EI referrals are mom to
mom!” — Maureen Zecchini, Washingtonville
“I
had concerns about my son's development shortly before he turned 1. Many
friends and relatives dismissed my concerns saying he's just a baby, let him be,
he'll be fine. I initially called EI exclusively with concerns about feeding
issues and when they evaluated him, it turned out that he had a significant
communication delay as well along with a few other delays/concerns. He is a
little over 2 years old now and has been working with EI for a year. They have
been absolutely invaluable, kind, compassionate and devoted. I would advise
parents to go with your gut feelings, regardless of what other people say. You
need to be the voice for your child to get his needs met.” — Wendy Palmer, New Paltz
“My
son is 2-and-a-half and has been getting early intervention for a year. We are
so grateful for all of the help. He is now a preschooler with a disability. My 7-month-old
has been in EI since she was 2 months old. It has been a wonderful experience.
The earlier services start, the better.” — Liz Mann, Poughkeepsie