Cognitive Improvement Training

The Silicon Valley Down Syndrome Network is organizing a Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment Training from 9 am-4:30 p.m. over a 5 day period (Saturday, March 27th-Wednesday, March 31st, 2010) . They are bringing a trainer in from out of state. The training is for parents and caregivers of kids with a neurotpyical age of between 3-8. Parents will be trained to use certain "instruments" targeted at a different area of cognitive development. There are 10 instruments to be implemented over the full course of the program and you will be trained in 5 during this year 1 training. Professor Feuerstein's methodology has been around since the 1950s with numerous studies/research indicating its effectiveness in increasing the overall cognitive functioning level of individuals with special needs, including Down syndrome. The cost is $910. There are only 4 spots left, so if you are interested or want more information you can email me at thehawleyhome@yahoo.com.

Windows Into Heaven

I don’t know if reading more books was on your New Year’s resolutions – but if it was here is a good one to start with.

Edited and published by Stacy and Michelle Tetschner, it is packed with positively uplifting experiences from families and individuals who have a child, grandchild, friend, or acquaintance with Down syndrome. As described on their WEBSITE , "Windows Into Heaven is a collection of stories of inspiration, love, and acceptance from those families and individuals who have been positively touched by Down Syndrome."

In my opinion, the book is a great positive resource for parents beginning their journey, for families already on this road less travelled, for relatives and friends travelling alongside of them, and for people we may meet along the way.


Have you read it? What do you think?

Lisa

Medi-Cal Eligibility

My son, Liam who is 3 years old and has Down syndrome, was made eligible for Medi-Cal through the institutional deeming waiver when he turned one. This was when we were living in Foster City and it was done through the Golden Gate Regional Center. We recently moved to Antioch and when everything was transferred to the Regional Center of the East Bay, they told me that he no longer qualifies for Medi-Cal because he isn't "disabled" enough. I was told that for children under 5 years old, they don't consider independent living, emotional, cognitive or communication deficits. And that to qualify as a 3 year old he would need to have more significant motor delays (even though he is just barely starting to walk at 3 years 8 months of age) or more significant medical issues (such as something requiring medication). Has anyone with RCEB had their child made eligible for Medi-Cal through the institutional deeming waiver prior to age 5? If so, I would love to hear from you.

Laurie