Program Impact in Early Intervention : Meaningful Outcomes & Intervention Strategies DO Mix!

1. Program Impact in Early Intervention: Meaningful Outcomes & Intervention Strategies DO Mix! Debbie Naucke, Executive Director Jo Russell-Brown, M.Ed., TVI Delta Gamma Center for Children With Visual Impairments 1750 S. Big Bend Blvd. St. Louis, Missouri 63117 Presentation at: AER International Conference July 18-22, 2012

2. The mission of the Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments is to help children who are blind or visually impaired reach their full potential through family centered and specialized services and supports.

3. Early Intervention Services in the Natural Environment Special Instruction, Vision Orientation and Mobility Training

4. Services in the Natural Environmentcontinued Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy “Buddy Builders”

5. Family Support Services:For families of children, birth - high school Individual family support services include: - Information & referral - Short term counseling - Advocacy Training - Parent to Parent Connections

6. Family Support Services: Groupscontinued Siblings, Grandparents & Family Activities

7. GRADS: Group Recreation and Developmental Support For School-Aged Children Friendship Independence Participation

8. About the children and families we serve – Eye conditions Cortical Visual Impairment ONH/SOD Other* Retinal Disorder Glaucoma/Cataracts Albinism Coloboma Nystagmus Micro/Anophthalmia 34% 17% 17% 9% 8% 6% 4% 3% 2%

9. Family Centered Practices • Caregivers are vital to the early intervention services • Services are offered within the context of supporting healthy family functioning • Services are offered to address the unique developmental needs of the infant/toddler with a visual impairment

10. It is a partnership! Early Intervention System: State of Missouri Early Intervention System: State of Illinois Mo. Department of Mental Health licensure Grants: Approximately 40 per year United Way of Greater St. Louis Funding Sources Part C Funds 30% Grants 35% Donors 12% Investments 11% United Way 7% Miscellaneous 5%

11. Impact is critical! Two measures that reflect program philosophy and goals: Child progress: IFSP goals-6 month and 12 month progress on goals Family capacity measures: measures of family capacity in 5 areas pertaining to raising a child with a disability

12. Outcome measurement tools • IFSP Goals: Progress at 6 and 12 months. • Family Outcome Survey* 2010 Version (permission from the Early Childhood Outcomes Center with support from the Office of Special Education Programs, US Dept. of Education)

13. Family Outcomes SurveySection A: Family Outcomes • Outcome 1: Understanding your child’s strengths, needs, and abilities • Outcome 2: Knowing your rights and advocating for your child • Outcome 3: Helping your child develop and learn • Outcome 4: Having support systems • Outcome 5: Accessing the community

14. Family Outcomes Survey: Section B: Helpfulness of Early Intervention • - Knowing your rights • - Communicating your child’s needs • - Helping your child develop and learn

15. Administration of Family Outcome Survey - Pre-test administered at 1st or 2nd home visit - Post-test administered after 12 months of service • Findings used to make certain that parents understand early intervention; their rights • Findings prompt ways to engage families in discussions about their priorities and concerns that impact their child and their family.

16. FOS - Findings

17. Understanding Your Child’s Strengths, Abilities & Special Needs

18. Knowing Your Rights & Advocating for Your Child *p = .001 * p = 0.00

19. Helping Your Child Develop & Learn * p = .001

20. Knowing your rights & advocating

21. Accessing Your Community ** Only 8 families of 28 responded to both the pre- and post-question; therefore results are inconclusive.

22. Helpfulness of DGC

23. Closing Comments • Interpretation of Data • Trend summaries • Future data needs and plans

24. Teacher’s Perspective on the FOS The Early Interventionist’s role in a family-centered partnership is to: • establish rapport and build a trusting relationship • understand the family’s strengths and needs as well as the child’s • educate re: the visual impairment and it’s impact on overall development • support the family unit by strengthening attachment, play, communication, socialization, awareness and understanding • share resources & networking opportunities • provide support between the family & the medical & local communities • increase understanding of parental rights & the educational system

25. Family Outcome Survey The initial family outcome survey is: • a baseline reference for the EI provider • a road map of what to expect in terms of support services • a basis of comparison for the follow-up FOS

26. Family Outcome Survey The follow-up survey: • provides a basis for comparison • recognizes changes in circumstances that influence changes in the outcomes • offers information to help meet the on-going needs of the family • evaluates current concerns & priorities

27. Case Study One family’s journey through the early intervention system

28. Our Vision Children with visual impairments actively participate in their families and communities.