playground work

Some of you might remember I mentioned that Maya is a bit scared when it comes to playing on the jungle gym.  These are thing that many of us take for granted.  Sometimes we might rely on one sense over another to guide us.  In this case we are speculating that Maya relies on her vision more than her other senses and so when she is looking down at the platform, the holes which allow her to see down to the ground, confuse her.  After looking down at the platform myself, I could see what she is experiencing.  It is scary.

So Maya's physical therapist and I thought we would try and go to the playground together.  It's really helped especially to get another perspective on how to help her get through this.

At first Maya was very resistant but just by using beads to play with on the platform, while sitting, has really helped.  Rolling a ball or throwing a ball is another way that keeps Maya's mind off of being on the platform.  Each time it seems better, but always at first she is afraid.  By the end of the session she is confident.  Last time she was so confident that she crossed a wobbly bridge.  Then she stood up on the platform all on her own without a hand to hold.

These are small triumphs for our daily lives.  They remind me that she is growing right in front of my eyes.  It makes me fall deeper in love with this little girl of mine.

1st time ever sitting on the platform.  She loved the beads.

After about 40 mins, she stood up on her own.

Exploring the step.

Getting adventurous on the wobbly bridge.

31 for 21, Day 20: pillow fight.

You can't see it in these photos but Maya is an extremely happy, giggly girl when we do pillow fighting.  She always asks for more, and more when I throw the pillow on her.  I throw them lightly mind you, but she often is engulfed in a sea of pillows...and she doesn't mind it at all.  In fact she loves it.

I am told that this might be a good way to help her with the sensory issues she is having.  She needs more input, she needs to swing, bounce and evidently she needs pillow fights.  Luckily these things all seem like play to her.  But when the 20 minutes of bouncing on the ball are done I also feel like it's a workout.

So often I am worried that I'm not doing enough, but I also have to remember to see it in a different light.  Perhaps it's all about play.  She is discovers things through play.  Sometimes she needs a little help learning to play but other times she shows me how to play.  It's a collaboration.  We were doing pillow fighting even before the OT told us it was good for her.  If she is laughing it's gotta be a good thing... for her and me.  It's good all the way around.

budget cuts effecting maya

I received horrible news this last week about Maya's early intervention program. I was told that AZ plans to eliminate all services provided through DDD (Division of Developmental Disabilities). This means that Maya will no longer receive any therapy through the state. They are basically eliminating all services for 0-3 year old children who are at risk of developmental delays. I haven't received official word in writing but so far Maya's coordinator though DDD has confirmed this information.

Everyone I speak to is outraged because studies have proven that early intervention is essential in helping children with developmental delays. The first 3 years is a crucial time for the development of gross, speech and fine motor skills. Even though Maya is still below the typical learning curve we have seen great strides made because of the ongoing therapy she has received. Now we all will be forced to pay out of pocket since most insurances are limited in covering these therapies. Worse yet, many families may not be able to afford these therapies for their children.

I'm sending the word out and asking if you can take the time to write the Governor and voice your concerns on this issue. I was also told to write our legislators. Whether it's a quick email or a formal letter our voice must be heard.

Jan Brewer, Governor
http://azgovernor.gov/Contact.asp

http://azleg.gov/MemberRoster.asp?Body=H&SortBy=1

Below are some links describing the budget cuts:
https://egov.azdes.gov/cmsinternet/default.aspx?id=3460&menu=12\

https://egov.azdes.gov/cmsinternet/uploadedFiles/Office_of_Communications/FISCAL_YEAR_2009_BUDGET_REDUCTIONSl.pdf


a friend of mine also mentioned the two below organizations that are hopefully going to lead the fight in this battle.

The Childrens Action Alliance (CAA) is a major player at the Capitol, and they have a page where they're asking parents to share their stories to compile for the legislature.

The Protecting Arizona's Families Coalition (PAFCO) They're posting weekly website updates on the actions they're organizing.