Sadie went through several Hearing tests and Speech tests with the Early Childhood Center to better understand what her needs were and if she would qualify for any services. It is with such overwhelming (and unbelievable) joy that I announce Sadie did not qualify for ANY services. Basically she is doing so well there is nothing that she needs additional assistance with at this time.
Let me give you a breakdown of the tests that were conducted for Speech: (90-110 is within normal range, with 100 being Average):
1. Wiig (WABC): Combined score of 116 (112 receptive, 116 expressive)
2. Goldman Fristoe: Score of 101 (27 errors on 77 tested phonemes)
3. Language Sample: 1-7 word utterances, 4.9 average. Most words were easily understood with a few words not discernible.
4. Preschool language Scale (PLS-5): Combined score 126 (126 receptive/122 expressive)
She also had a couple hearing tests, but those are a little more difficult to explain, so I won't :)
While I am absolutely thrilled that Sadie is doing so well that she will not qualify for any services, I am also a little nervous. The last thing in the world I want to happen is for Sadie to regress, or even plateau for that matter. So Troy and I have decided that we will continue with speech language services for Sadie even after she is through with the First Steps program. We are very fortunate to still have services through a free program called Families First. Sadie can get weekly (currently we are doing bi-weekly) speech therapy until she is 8 years old, and then we might also supplement with monthly speech therapy that is out of the Midwest Ear Institute. We are blessed that her Families First therapist is also the Hearing Impaired teacher at our local school district so Sadie will always be "watched" over.
Once Sadie hits Kindergarten we will work to get her on a 504 plan. The 504 Plan is a plan developed to ensure that a child who has a disability and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives accommodations that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment. So we will want her to have an FM system, as well as make sure she sits at the front of the class, has closed caption on all videos, etc.
When I look back on Sadie's journey, I never imagined we would be in such a wonderful place. I remember everyone telling me how lucky we were that she was diagnosed/aided at such an early age and that early intervention was key. I also remember thinking that if I heard one more person say how great early intervention was I was going to scream. Ironic because today I cannot preach enough about the power of early intervention :) One of the SLP's that did Sadie's testing said that at a recent conference she attended they discussed that with the technology and resources today, there is absolutely no reason a hearing impaired child can't grow up and progress as any "normal" child would. Sadie proves first hand what can happen when you are aided early, have determination, great therapists, and a wonderful support system to help you along the way. A huge thank you to every single person that has touched Sadie's life.
Way to go Baby Girl. I am forever proud of you and your accomplishments!!
While I am absolutely thrilled that Sadie is doing so well that she will not qualify for any services, I am also a little nervous. The last thing in the world I want to happen is for Sadie to regress, or even plateau for that matter. So Troy and I have decided that we will continue with speech language services for Sadie even after she is through with the First Steps program. We are very fortunate to still have services through a free program called Families First. Sadie can get weekly (currently we are doing bi-weekly) speech therapy until she is 8 years old, and then we might also supplement with monthly speech therapy that is out of the Midwest Ear Institute. We are blessed that her Families First therapist is also the Hearing Impaired teacher at our local school district so Sadie will always be "watched" over.
Once Sadie hits Kindergarten we will work to get her on a 504 plan. The 504 Plan is a plan developed to ensure that a child who has a disability and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives accommodations that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment. So we will want her to have an FM system, as well as make sure she sits at the front of the class, has closed caption on all videos, etc.
When I look back on Sadie's journey, I never imagined we would be in such a wonderful place. I remember everyone telling me how lucky we were that she was diagnosed/aided at such an early age and that early intervention was key. I also remember thinking that if I heard one more person say how great early intervention was I was going to scream. Ironic because today I cannot preach enough about the power of early intervention :) One of the SLP's that did Sadie's testing said that at a recent conference she attended they discussed that with the technology and resources today, there is absolutely no reason a hearing impaired child can't grow up and progress as any "normal" child would. Sadie proves first hand what can happen when you are aided early, have determination, great therapists, and a wonderful support system to help you along the way. A huge thank you to every single person that has touched Sadie's life.
Way to go Baby Girl. I am forever proud of you and your accomplishments!!
