Early Development Network

The BEST

possible start

Network provides support, resources for Omaha parents of children with special needs

STORY Corie Sass /Special for EarlyDevelopment Network PHOTOS Something New Productions

Inthe fall of 2017, my 3-year-old son, Elliott, wasdiagnosed with arare genetic condition, and our worldwas turned upside-down.

Thecondition affects his nervous system, among other things, and primarily affects his movement. Elliott is very bright, but struggles to even walk across the room.

When he startedtoshow symptoms at about20months old,his pediatrician referred us to the Early Development Network,knowing he needed alittle extrahelp.Atthe time, Ihad no idea thatNebraska school districts provide services to infants and toddlers with disabilities,freeofcharge.

One simple phone call and we were connected with aservices coordinator, who immediately madereferrals forhim to be screened by experts in speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapyand more.

Before we knew it, we had an amazing team of specialistswho all worked togethertohelp us come up with aplan of support not only forour son,but our

“Elliott’s earlyi and nterventionspecialistswerehis biggest advocates from the they reallylistened and valuedwhatwas importanttous.” “ very start, ”

entirefamily.

Our services coordinatorheld our hand through everypartofthe process.She reached out constantly with services we mightbeeligible for, and wasalwaysthereasweadapted to our son’s life-changing diagnosis and increasing needs.She linked us to financial resources, helped us navigate the system and introduced us to other wonderful special-needs families in our community.

Elliott’s early intervention specialists were his biggest advocates from the very start, and they really listened and valued whatwas importanttous.

While he made improvements in some areas morethan others (limited only by his diagnosis), they celebrated everymilestone and comfortedusduring the challenges. From helping us with grantsfor home modifications,toproviding thoughtful recommendations for equipmentand toys —they helped us find supports thatwould improve his strength and enjoymentof everyday living.

Beneath it all wastheir concern forhis overall qualityoflife. Each day they came into our home with smiles, and he greeted them with the same. We aresoblessed to have been given such awonderful team of individuals thattreated our son like the most importantlittle boyintheir lives.

Though our son will continue to facechallenges in the future, I feel 100% confidentthatthe Early DevelopmentNetwork helped us give Elliott the best possible startto life.

If youhavequestions about your child’s developmentorwould like to make areferral, contactthe Early DevelopmentNetwork at 402-5974936 or visit omahaedn.esu3.org.