Holmes DD board attempting to address childhood delays through early intervention
Holmes County Board of Developmental Disability Superintendent Marianna Mader shared an update on what's happening at the Training Center this year with the commissioners, who issued a proclamation commemorating March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
Mader said there are 71 infants and toddlers, ages birth to 3, receiving intervention in the early childhood department.
"We are trying to address what childhood delays are happening at that time, so as the child gets older, the developmental delay may not be as apparent or may be completely resolved," Mader said. "That is the highest number of children we've ever served."
A program instituted last year by staff is Building Bridge, for ages 3-5. that addresses children with needs still needing to be addressed. The program served 14 children.
"We've been providing play groups for infants, toddlers and young children on a monthly basis," she said. "We had a sensory friendly Santa Claus for the kids at Christmas. When Santa Claus comes to town, with all the kids and excitement, it's a little too much for some children, so with our sensory friendly Santa Claus, it's a lot lower key" for the children who struggle.
Playgroups, focus on communicating, adult programs
She said plans are for summer to have two playgroups each month because of the popularity of the events.
There are 25 students attending the Training Center, most of whom have significant needs. Most of the students are non-verbal and use wheelchairs.
"We are really focusing on communication devices," Mader said. "Some of our students have made great gains. It is really a focus for us to get those children able to express themselves in some way."
The superintendent also noted the Training Center provides funding for 62 adults to attend three different day programs in Holmes County, including Gentle Brook at the Training Center, Sacred Ground in Berlin and Midwest in Millersburg.
There also are six transportation providers helping to get people to where they need to go. There are 77 adults being transported.
The Holmes County Board of DD is purchasing three universal changing tables for teens and adults through grant funding. The changing tables provide access to a clean, safe place to be changed, allowing them to extend their time in the community.
One of the changing tables will be installed at the Holmes County fairgrounds, to be in place in time for the fair this year. Another will go into the visitor center at the Chamber of Commerce in Millersburg. There also will be a portable changing table that will go with a canopy to various events throughout the community.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Holmes commissioners commemorate Developmental Disabilities Month
