First Steps of Central Indiana

Tell us about your organization

First Steps is a family-centered early intervention program for infants and toddlers from birth to age three who may not be growing and learning appropriately for their age or who have a medical condition(s) that would likely lead to developmental delays. First Steps provides services such as speech, physical, occupational, and developmental therapy. We can also assist families with behavior issues, feeding and nutritional concerns, among many other things. Indiana First Steps is Indiana’s response to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C.

How does your organization support those in the special needs community?

To support families in their natural caregiving roles, First Steps connects a family with a child who has been determined to be in need of therapy services with various therapists and other professionals to address the developmental delays of the child. These voluntary services are typically offered in the family’s home or other natural environment. Anyone can make a referral for an evaluation. Go to www.cibaby.org or call 317-257-2229.

How can others get involved or support the organization?

Through the Local Planning and Coordinating Council (LPCC, or “the Council”), you can ensure that the public is made aware of First Steps services, that families have the information they need, and that providers are supported.

The First Steps LPCC is a voluntary group composed of parents of children with special needs, representatives of organizations providing early intervention services in the Central Indiana region, and members of the community that want to assist with the implementation of First Steps locally. Please help us make a difference in our community and in the lives of families receiving First Steps services by participating in planning provider meetings, training opportunities, family events, and more! Membership is open to everyone, and your input and assistance is greatly needed.

What difficulties and or challenges do you help families and individuals with special needs overcome?

Human learning and development are most rapid in the time from birth to age three. The earlier a family of a child diagnosed with a developmental delay can get help, the better the chance that child has of reaching his or her full potential. First Steps connects these families with health, education, and social service professionals. If children are determined to be eligible for services, fees would be based on a sliding scale. First Steps is available throughout the state. https://www.in.gov/ fssa/firststeps/first-steps-offices/first-steps-map/ Logan started out his life two months earlier than expected and spent significant time in the NICU. He was referred to First Steps by his pediatrician soon after he came home from the hospital. Logan was so very small and very fragile that even eating was a challenge for him. His reaching even the littlest of milestones was cause for a celebration in their household. His mom added, “Watching my little boy unclench his fingers and relax his hands brought tears to my eyes and I know it would have been that much more difficult and painful for him to do even the simplest of things without our First Steps team there to work with him to accomplish those tasks. Watching him roll over for the

The following testimonials are from two families whose children benefitted from First Steps’ services. In addition, my daughter, who has Down syndrome, is now 27. She is doing well, thanks to the wonderful services she received from First Steps as a child.

Logan

Lance

Logan, age 2, was born premature and with a low birth weight. He had prenatal drug, alcohol, and nicotine exposure from his birthmother and was diagnosed with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy, tethered cord syndrome, a neurogenic bladder, and a neurogenic bowel. He does not currently have any siblings, but his family is on the waitlist to adopt again. Logan received feeding, occupational, physical, and speech therapy through First Steps. His mother, Chelsea, states that “I am 100% confident that Logan would not be where he is today without the invaluable therapeutic interventions from our First Steps providers. “

Logan and Miss Jane

Logan and Miss Beth

Logan started out his life two months earlier than expected and spent significant time in the NICU. He was referred to First Steps by his pediatrician soon after he came home from the hospital. Logan was so very small and very fragile that even eating was a challenge for him. His reaching even the littlest of milestones was cause for a celebration in their household. His mom added, “Watching my little boy unclench his fingers and relax his hands brought tears to my eyes and I know it would have been that much more difficult and painful for him to do even the simplest of things without our First Steps team there to work with him to accomplish those tasks. Watching him roll over for the

Logan and Miss Amy

Logan

Lance and Miss Sarah Lance first time, hold his first toy, swallow his first bite of food, say his first word – all of that was because of the love and unwavering support and hard work from Miss Jane, Miss Amy, and Miss Beth. They are our special friends who hold a big place in our hearts. Thank you First Steps!”

Lance and Miss Sarah

Lance and Sarah

Lance is 3 years old now but received services from First Steps to help with gross motor, speech, and developmental delays. He has two siblings, ages 4 and 8. Lance received physical, occupational, speech, and developmental therapies through First Steps. His mother, Alexandra, said “First Steps has been a tremendous blessing to our family. Our service coordinator and therapists have been phenomenal and have genuinely been like family. First Steps has helped our son live his best life!” Alexandra also stated that Lance’s therapists were an integral part of his classroom, openly communicating with staff and family members to ensure they were building a strong community around him. “We are forever grateful for the support and encouragement we received through First Steps.”

Lance

Lance and Sarah

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The Brain Center

Comprehensive outpatient neuropsychological and psychological assessment services for children, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients in whom impairments of cognitive or neuropsychiatric functioning are evident or suspected. Psychotherapy for children, adolescents and adults.

Neuropsychological Testing

Forensic/Legal Evaluations

Psychotherapy & Caregiver Consults

CogMed Training

Animal-Assisted Therapy

317-748-0034 braincenteratgeist.com