Proclamation: "What Is Happening To NYS Early Intervention" Awareness Months

Online, July 26, 2011 (Newswire.com) - A PROCLAMATION to NAME AUGUST and SEPTEMBER of 2011
"What is Happening to Early Intervention in NYS" Awareness Months

WHEREAS, the health and safety of all New Yorkers is important to the happiness, prosperity and well-being of our families, communities, and our future; and

WHEREAS, New York's children are among our most valuable, precious and vulnerable citizens, and they require proper care and attention as soon as they are born and throughout their formative years; and

WHEREAS , some children are born with developmental delays and disabilities, and it is crucial that these children receive immediate and therapeutic intervention based upon acceptable norms and proper, therapeutic treatment upon diagnosis; and

WHEREAS, the NYS DOH Bureau of Early Intervention is authorized to provide early intervention services for the more than 75,000 infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities, and their families throughout the State; and

WHEREAS, research reflects that for every dollar spent in Early Intervention, at least $7 is saved in future states costs in special education; and

WHEREAS, partnerships between state agencies, physicians and other private care providers and families with children with disabilities help ensure the continuation of early intervention services that enhance development and promote the health and well-being of New York's children and families; and

WHEREAS, it is important that New York's citizens know about early intervention services available to infants and toddlers born with developmental delays and disabilities so families may utilize every opportunity to provide for the health and well-being of their children; and

WHEREAS, some children are not receiving these services due to draconian state, county, city and rate reimbursement reductions; and

WHEREAS, some eligible children are not receiving these services or receiving services in duration and frequency that is not therapeutic; and

WHEREAS, some families are unable to advocate and/or lack the capacity, time, and skill to advocate for their children; and

WHEREAS, early intervention agencies are closing and are no longer able to maintain their businesses; and

WHEREAS, experienced professionals, providers of early intervention services in NYS are leaving the field; and

WHEREAS, the cost to NYS in supporting Special Education for these children will substantially increase if proper services are not received during the 0-3 years;

NOW, THEREFORE,

the United New York Early Intervention Providers and Parents As Partners, do hereby recognize August and September 2011 as "What is Happening to Early Intervention in NYS" Awareness Months in New York State and we call this observance to the attention of all citizens of the United States.