Early Intervention Program
A comprehensive therapy services to children with disabilities and their families, with a priority to those children who are deafblind.
Senses Foundation provides an Early Intervention program to children 0-6 years with a disability. This program provides a comprehensive therapy services to the children and their families including Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Social Work, with Clinical Psychology available.
Senses Foundation compliments the Early Intervention program with its Deafblind Specialist Communication program. This program is a state-wide service that uses a consultative model to develop communication with people who are deafblind, their families and carers. Training is also provided to external organisations and other health professionals working with people who are deafblind.
Senses Foundation’s Early Intervention and Specialist Communication programs are family-centred services that are staffed by therapists and other team members who have specialist knowledge in deafblindness. They are able to provide interventions to assist in all aspects of development of a child who is deafblind, including their communication needs. The team is also able to support the family with counselling, information, resources and equipment.
The importance of early intervention
The importance of early intervention has been well established. There is no question as to the need for specialist early intervention services to young children who are deafblind. “Young children who are deafblind have unique communication, developmental and emotional needs that require special knowledge, expertise, technology and assistance far beyond that required by other children with disabilities.” (Holte, et al., 2006). Children with dual sensory impairments should receive specialised services, such as alternative modes of communication, functional sensory input and orientation to the world around them (Michael & Paul, 1991).
The specialist therapists in the Senses Foundation’s Early Intervention program work with the child and their family or care giver to develop early vital forms of interaction and help parents become “in tune” with their babies. They also use play as an effective therapy tool to encourage movement and cognitive development.
Therapy also helps to develop a positive self image; reduces challenging behaviours, develops communication responses, as well as promoting movement and understanding of their environment.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information contact Fiona Kemp, Early Intervention Co-ordinator, (08) 9473 5427 or lsfs@senses.asn.au
REFERRAL
To download an Early Intervention referral form click here.
