Love for niece inspires Development Coordinator
“My niece Claire was born prematurely at 29 weeks and weighed only 2 lbs. and 6 oz.,” said Kelsi Hinshaw, Development Coordinator. “It was such a scary time for my brother and sister in-law. Rainbows came to the NICU to visit them and explained all of the services that would be available to them if […]
Navigating Motherhood and Work
There is no question that becoming a parent induces a complete lifestyle shift. Even after spending months preparing for baby’s arrival and impending changes, I personally did not feel prepared for the return to work and motherhood balance. New mothers are expected to navigate the hormonal changes, finding childcare, figuring out new schedules, and exhaustion […]
Speech Therapy and Hearing Correction Impact Behavior
Twelve years ago, 2-year-old Zane was referred to Rainbows in Butler County with developmental delays, including speech delay and hearing impairment. Zane’s day care provider had just taken a class for continued education for her day care license and had learned about children’s behaviors and the causes, and she thought by watching him and paying […]
Person-first Language = Dignity and Respect
Person-first Language is a form of speaking and writing that puts the person before their disability or diagnosis. It provides the understanding that they are multifaceted and that their diagnosis or disability is just one aspect of them that contributes to their identity. Person-first language, also referred to as people-first language, is about dignity and […]
Dreams expand as son with Autism grows
When a child is diagnosed with a special need, it affects not only the child, but the entire family. Rainbows’ Targeted Case Management Program (TCM) provides personal assistance to families in finding and securing programs, services and financial aid their child needs. The youngest of four children, 10-year-old Nhygel has Autism. His family began receiving […]
Connecting Families to Resources
Rainbows’ Blarney Breakfast proceeds go directly to Rainbows’ Targeted Case Management (TCM) Program, but what exactly happens with TCM? “Rainbows United Targeted Case Managers enjoy connecting families and their children to resources and advocating for funding for items, supplies, or supportive care,” said Lynlea Southards, Targeted Case Management and Autism Services Coordinator. “For example, when […]
A Solid Foundation to Grow
Do you remember this little curly-haired girl with the winning smile? Diagnosed with Chromosome 16P11-2 Micro-deletion Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder in May 2013, her parents were first told that she may not really talk and have a lot of difficulty expressing herself. “Now ten-years-old, she enjoys talking A LOT,” said Kim, Sophia’s mom. “Sophia […]
Remember the Why
Fostering children with special needs has always been a thought in the back of my mind because my husband’s sister has been doing it almost 20 years. Her kiddos became family. We also felt called to foster children because we believe that it’s right to take care of widows and orphans. When we received our […]
We can do things we never thought possible if we just try
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic love. It’s also a time to appreciate ALL the love in your life. A small gift, a hug or a handmade card are simple ways that we express our appreciation for the people that fill our hearts with joy. As children, we wanted nothing more than to express our […]
Future Golf Pro is Thriving
At 6-months-old Jack, who was born 8 weeks early due to preeclampsia complications, was developmentally behind. After a referral from his doctor, the family got connected to Rainbows. For the next 2 ½ years, Jack received home or tele therapy visits with Diane Porter, Occupational Therapy Assistant. Diane saw Jack onscreen with his mom, Christina […]
