From Receiving to Giving Services
An educator for Goddard School District for more than 18 years, Amie Ozbun came to Rainbows with experience working with children with special needs. She and her family also received services when their daughters were first born. “Rainbows has a special place in my heart,” said Amie. “The therapist who came to our home when […]
Sensory Holiday Activities Delight Children
The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate and incorporate the sights, sounds, tastes, and textures of the season into the children’s many activities. In the ABA program classroom, the sensory table is one of the favorite centers. Turning the table into a holiday sensory table, complete with tinsel, jingle bells and tiny, textured Christmas […]
Alice Boutz Honored With Prism Award
The Prism Award was established in 2013 to recognize an outstanding staff member who demonstrates excellence in many of Rainbows’ Guiding Principles; is an example in the role they fulfill for Rainbows; demonstrates leadership; makes children and families their highest priority; and represents Rainbows in a way that reflects positively on the entire organization. The […]
Patient Adults=Happier Children
Patience is a very important part of our daily lives as we work with children and families; especially for those of us who work with children in classrooms. Sometimes it’s not easy, but we must remember to always slow down. Moving too fast through an activity or through a transition will not help but instead […]
The Naughty List Negatives
I am not ashamed to say that I love Santa. The magic that Santa brings to the holiday season for kids is unmatched. I even did a research-based persuasive speech in college about the benefits of believing in Santa Claus for kids. As I’ve become a parent and a mental health specialist, I’ve become more […]
Translators Available: Communication is Clear
Leer en Español Having a child with special needs is a new normal for the entire family. Juan and Sonia Martinez know this firsthand. They have two children with special needs: Uriel is 14 and Isabella is 6. Both children got connected to Rainbows’ services at an early age and received in-home Infant/Toddler Services. As […]
How has the community influenced my life?
It’s a Wednesday afternoon after a big exam and I walk into Rainbows’ Classroom 7, where a dozen heads turn to watch excitedly as I enter through the crayon covered door. I plaster a smile on my face, despite the physical and mental exhaustion of it being the third consecutive week of exams as a […]
Stop and Smell the Roses
Having a child with special needs is no walk in the park. There’s a level of care that comes with such a life that occupies time, energy, money, and emotions. There’s the stares from strangers who want to know what’s “wrong” with your child. There’s frustrations that come with delays and grief that comes with […]
Trust Your Parent Gut
My husband and I had our first child in December of 2021. Shortly after Ellie was born, we started having concerns about feeding her. She was not able to latch to breastfeed and seemed to struggle to drink out of a bottle. We asked questions while we were at the hospital, but these were dismissed […]
Lamont honored with statewide award
Congratulations to this year’s 2023 InterHab Outstanding Youth: Lamont McIntosh. Lamont was honored Friday, October 13 at the InterHab Art and Awards event. His family and Rainbows’ supporters were there to cheer him on. We’re so proud of you! Born at 23 weeks, weighing in at 1 pound 3.5 ounces, Lamont has had an uphill […]
