I've been so busy that I just realized I never did post some pictures and share information from the conference! We had somewhere around 175 people between the two days and that consisted of families, orphanage workers, doctors, educators, and volunteers. We barely had time to drink some water in between sessions as there were so many people with questions! I even missed the closing as I was speaking with a few parents who needed support during that time. Luckily, I did not miss the wonderful ladies from Vorzel presenting our team with hand made presents and thanks for all that we had done for them and the children, as I was presented mine individually earlier that day!
I presented on two different topics, the first topic Early Intervention Techniques with Children with Disabilities: What to do and How to Do it, to enhance your infant and child's development!, was presented both Friday night and Saturday morning.
I t was interesting the first night, learning to present with a translator. I had a wonderful young woman, Helen, who did an awesome job! I am very casual when I present, like to joke alot and since I was presenting the medical aspect of Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy, she didn't have alot of medical terms to translate; just alot of jokes. I had brought my puppet, Alexis for demonstration purposes which was perfect. So, thank you Slyvia for not letting me leave without her! Gwen Smith was so wonderful to share pictures and videos of her adorable little son Henry whose smiling face greeted people throughout the presentation! I was also fortunate to have downloaded some great videos on infant stimulation and some toddlers with DS signing and reading which really opened the eyes and ears of everyone. Not being able to find the signs in Russian I encouraged them all to start using some signs to have basic needs met.
My second topic was Therapeutic Strategies and Equipment for the Physically Limited Child and although I am not a physical or occupational therapist, as an Early Intervention Specialist I need to incorporate appropriate strategies for positioning and transitioning children. While in the orphanages, I noticed so many children with failure to thrive, and watched as the workers struggled to feed them. So I knew I had to address this important issue, along with positioning to prevent contractures, etc. in the children with cerebral palsy. I was so happy I had Alexis to demonstrate the positions because it is such an important issue. My dear freind Sylvia had drawn illustrations of positioning do's and don'ts which hung around the room and I had a large packet of handouts as well. I hope that they walked away with a clearer understanding of how and why you handle the child with physical disabilities in specific ways. It was great to also have equipment which we then donated to specific families and to the orphanage at Vorzel.
My third sessions was for Questions and Answers and was packed! And in betweeen it all, I had scheduled appointments with individual children and families!
This little guy's parents were so proud of their son and worked really hard with him at home, They traveled hours to get to the conference and just wanted to know that their son was developing as he should! They are doing a great job with him, and I expect he'll be signing for 'eat, drink and diaper change' before you know it! It was so great to meet families who decided to keep their child rather than listen to the doctors and send them to the orphanages! More on the other presenters tomorrow!
