GOVERNOR WARNER ANNOUNCES EARLY INTERVENTION PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

[Guest guest]

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

Office of the Governor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 24, 2002

GOVERNOR WARNER ANNOUNCES EARLY INTERVENTION PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced the new " Infant & Toddler

Connection of Virginia " campaign to find and treat children with

developmental delays and disabilities. This announcement coincides with

Governor Warner's Action Plan to Improve Access for Children through early

intervention, and his proclamation of May as Early Intervention Month.

" We know that children who are developmentally delayed or disabled have the

potential to achieve greater skills if somebody identifies the need and

provides the help, " said Governor Warner. " Only half of the 7,200 infants

and toddlers eligible for services are currently receiving them. Our goal is

to reach all of Virginia's infants and toddlers who need help. "

" This new campaign targets parents and others who work with children from

birth until age three, to bring attention to the signs of developmental delay

and disabilities and help them realize the long-term benefits of early

intervention services for their child, " said Secretary of Health and Human

Resources Jane H. Woods.

Starting today, posters, radio public service announcements, a magazine,

brochures and special public events will help parents - often the first to

recognize that there may be a developmental delay - understand the early

signs and how to get a free evaluation. The campaign slogan: " The Sooner.

The Better. " communicates the message that infants and toddlers with

developmental delays or disabilities who are identified and receive services

early will have a greater chance of reaching their greatest potential. Early

intervention for children will lead to better outcomes, a better quality of

life, and greater success in school and in the labor force. The Department

of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services is

sponsoring this effort.

Developmental delays often result in the need for extra help with things like

sitting, crawling, walking or talking. The Infant & Toddler Connection of

Virginia is a system of services that helps to identify and treat young

children who have developmental delays or disabilities and their families.

Treatment may be provided by physicians, social workers, physical therapists,

or mental health therapists, and be based upon the individual needs of the

child and family. Funds for the Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia are

provided through a federal grant provided under Part C of the Individuals

with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Community Service Boards and other providers throughout the Commonwealth will

be hosting health fairs and other community events throughout the month of

May to share the message of early intervention and services available through

the Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia.

###

Mike Savory

SELf*AWAK(e)A-dvocacy © 2001

" Advocacy With Abundant Keys to

Excellence and Access "

Offering Advocacy in: Community Service,

Student Advocacy, & Facilitation

(Volunteer & Donations)

Adolescence Doesn't Die

IT Just Gets Buried !...

Don't Give Up The Fight.

Advocate for Children &

Persons Who Experience

Disabilities in daily living.

© 2001