Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, August 28, 1993 TAG: 9308280058
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: GREG HALE SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
But it was not always like that. In 1991, Jacob was born with hypertonic cerebral palsy and could not roll over on his back or even hold his head up.
Now he can do that and more, thanks to an early intervention program operating in the New River Valley called Project STEP.
Thursday night, Project STEP celebrated its 10th graduation. Cameras flashed and shouts filled the room when Jacob and 30 other 2-year-olds came down the aisle to receive their diplomas.
"He [Jacob] has a disability, but he is not disabled," said Jacob's mother, Misty Blankenship of Narrows.
More than 50 parents and friends gathered at Grove United Methodist Church in Radford to celebrate this milestone.
All the children involved in the program have delays or disabilities that slow their normal development. To join the program, the child must be diagnosed with at least a 25 percent delay in an area such as speech, motor-coordination or language, said Cathi Drinkard, the coordinator who oversees the program for the New River Valley Community Services Board.
Funding for the nonprofit program, which has its offices on First Street in Radford, comes from the local, state and federal governments.
Three teachers who specialize in infant education visit homes across the New River Valley once a week to work with about 45 infants and their parents. Along with speech and physical therapists, the teachers work with each child to bring the infant up to the level of a normal 2-year-old.
"Early intervention is the key. If they are caught up by 2, they will probably stay caught up," said Susan Lindsey, one of the teachers.
Dustin Dalton, one of the graduates, presented Lindsey with a bouquet of roses during the ceremony. Dustin had a brain hemorrhage when he was 5 days old. Doctors said he would never be able to stand or walk. They thought he might be permanently paralyzed.
Lindsey came to Dustin's house for two years and worked with him. Tears flowed when he walked up and handed Lindsey the flowers Thursday.
Lindsey said that because of early-intervention techniques, these children have a chance to lead normal lives. The chances of their eventually participating in normal classroom settings are very high.
Hospitals, doctors and social services recommend infants to the program, but word of mouth also creates referrals. Parents at the graduation expressed thanks to the infant educators with hugs and kisses.
Roy Seville, whose son Resson was one of the graduates, said "This program has taught me that I can still have dreams, aspirations and hopes for my son."
by CNB