Advocating for Early Intervention Services

As we begin the new year, I would like to reiterate to all of my families and fellow early intervention service providers, how critical early intervention services are. Early intervention services provide an opportunity for maximum developmental potential in infants and toddlers with disabilities within their natural environments. Early intervention service providers hold the responsibility of supporting and providing therapy and rehabilitation within the child's daily routine and activities. The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C, mandate that infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families receive coordinated services in the natural environment. The services MUST be flexible, culturally responsive, and meet the needs of the child and their family. I am making advocacy for EI services a personal career goal, and encouraging other providers to advocate for your kiddos and their families, and to continue creating awareness of their rights and the rights for their children. I have provided a list of several agencies in the DC Metropolitan area that help to advocate for these services and more. For my subscribers who do not reside in this area, please visit your state government website, child and family services agencies, department of human services, local department of health, etc. to find out how to get involved. Also, please feel free to visit my FAV Links tab to browse a plethora of resources regarding this topic and beyond!

1. DC Action for Children
    1432 K Street, NW, Suite 1050
    Washington, DC 20005
    202 234-9404
    info@dckids.org

2. Community Health Administration 
    DC Department of Health
    825 North Capitol St. NE
    Washington, DC 20002
    202 442-5955 (phone)
    202 442-4947 (fax)
    www.doh.dc.gov

3. Department of Human Services 
    64 New York Ave. NE (6th floor)
    Washington, DC 20002
    202 671-4200
    www.answerspleasedc.gov

4. The Arc of Virginia
    2147 Staples Mill Road
    Richmond, VA 23230
    804 649-8481
    thearcofva.org

5. Advocates for Children & Youth
    34 Market Place, 5th Floor
    Baltimore, MD 21202-4034
    410-547-9200 (phone)
    410-547-8690 (fax)
    director@acy.org

6. Maryland Association of of Resources for Families & Youth
    P.O. Box 220
   1517 South Ritchie Highway, Suite 102
   Arnold, MD 21012
   410-974-4901
   410-757-9530 (fax)


Be Active in Early Intervention in 2014! :)