A family had a baby, Anthony. First child, first grandson. After a few months they were not sure if he could hear anything. After many medical appointments, much travel, and missed time from work, it was confirmed that he had severe hearing loss in both ears. Over a short time, the family accepted that he could learn to sign and live a "normal" life. He began receiving early intervention services from LIIDP. The therapist was able to teach Anthony as well as his family members to use basic signs to express simple needs. Months later, Anthony did not seem to be seeing. Impossible to believe, his parents again coped with many doctor appointments only to learn their baby was legally blind as well. Additional services were provided by LIIDP. A Social Worker came in to sit with Anthony's parents to assess their needs. The Social Worker referred them for financial entitlements and helped the family to cope with painful feelings. At this time, Anthony is four years old. He cannot see, hear, speak or move on his own. He now goes to a full day special education preschool and requires care for all of his needs. Compounding the family's emotional nightmare are the financial crises: Anthony's need for equipment like a wheelchair and an accessible house, not to mention missed days from work and constant co-pays. Endless fears about the near and distant future, as well as chronic sadness have led the parents very close to divorce on several occasions. They are worried about having another baby since Anthony's condition remains undiagnosed and therefore they have no way of knowing if there could be a recurrence.

LIIDP helped this family by providing therapies to Anthony at a very young age. In addition, LIIDP's Family Support Group and social workers helped the family try to make sense of all the diagnoses and to learn about resources that were available and necessary to help them help their baby.

Sadly, these situations are possible for any baby. When a baby is born with special needs, a family is changed forever. These young children may never develop like typical children—they will need special services. For over 25 years, LIIDP has made a difference in the lives of families with special needs children.

LIIDP will tailor an individual treatment plan for each child and family that we service. It may be as simple as placing a one-on-one Speech Therapist twice weekly in a child's home—or as comprehensive as full-time therapies in all developmental areas on a developmental basis both inside the home and in our office.