Photo above is a mother playing with a baby riding in a rolling play car.
Early Childhood Program for Infant and Toddlers with Disabilities
Things You Should Know
The Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities is a federal grant program authorized by Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities assists states in operating a comprehensive statewide program of early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities, ages birth through age 2 years, and their families.
In Arkansas, First Connections is the name of the statewide system of services to assist infants and toddlers and their families. The First Connections Program works with families on a individualized basis to assist in locating and coordination services and assistance to enhance not only the child’s abilities but those of the family to assist their child.
Authorized and partially funded through Part C of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, First Connections is a program of the Department of Health & Human Services (DHS) which is administered through the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS).
First Connections has a network of early intervention specialists that help to locate, coordinate, and fund an array of 16 services to assist children with disabilities to develop to their fullest potential. Services available through First Connections include: Assistive Technology, Audiological Services, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Vision Services, Health Services, Medical Diagnostic Services, Social Work Services, Psychological Services, Nutritional Services, Nursing Services, Transportation, Special Instructions, Family Training, Counseling and Home Visits, Service Coordination, Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation, and Respite.
First Connections also works with families to help them understand their child's developmental abilities and how to maximize development opportunities. These services are voluntary, free to eligible infants and toddlers and their families, and provided by licensed professionals. For more information on early intervention services, contact First Connections. Back to Top Assistive Technology That Can Help
Resources
National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center --http://www.nectac.org/partc/partc.asp#overview Information on the Part C of IDEA, Program for Infants and Toddlers
First Connection, Arkansas' Program for Infants and Toddlers www.arkansas.gov/dhhs/ddds/FirstConn/index.html
U. S. Department of Education information about federal requirements regarding the provision of services for
http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cstatute%2CI%2CC%2C
Giggle's Baby Software : Though this Macintosh and Windows program that can be used with single switch, spacebar, or press any key. A great way to work on cause and effect, switch skills, etc. within the context of language learning and early literacy.
http://www.giggles.net/products.php
Baby Power: A Guide For Families For Using Assistive Technology With Their Infants and Toddlers,\National Center to Improve Practice in Education Through Technology, Media and Visit an integrated preschool classroom where students with disabilities have full access to the typical curriculum through the innovative use of high and low technology tools.
Assistive Technology for Infants, Toddlers and Young Children with Disabilities , Alliance Action Information Sheet: http://www.taalliance.org/publications/pdfs/all7 .Materials http://www2.edc.org/NCIP/videos/Ec.htm
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