The Heuser Early Intervention Program offers a range of services to ensure the individual needs of the child and the family are met. Services are provided in the family’s home, the child care provider’s home or the child’s daycare. We serve children in Kentucky in the counties surrounding Louisville (Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Bullitt, Henry and Trimble) as well as several counties in Southern Indiana (Clark, Floyd, Washington, Harrison, Scott, Crawford and Orange). The primary goal is to equip the child and family with skills and strategies for developing communication skills that are equivalent to those of their same-aged peers.
For families in Kentucky, our Early Intervention Program offers:
- Speech-language therapy
- Audiology
- Developmental intervention (which includes services from a teacher of the deaf/hard of hearing)
- Occupational therapy
- Developmental play group
For families in Indiana, our Early Intervention Program offers:
- Speech-language therapy
- Audiology
- Developmental play group
In addition to our speech pathology and audiology staff, Heuser employs individuals who provide developmental intervention and occupational therapy. Developmental intervention is usually provided by a certified early childhood specialist and addresses the overall development of the child. Occupational therapy is provided by a licensed occupational therapist and addresses needs related to fine motor skills, self-help skills and sensory issues.
During therapy sessions, your provider will demonstrate and coach the primary caregiver on ways to promote your child’s development. The primary caregiver is an important partner in this process. You’ll also learn more about what to expect as your child gets older and strategies you can use to help along the way. Our therapy programs aim to build strong parent-child relationships and strengthen your family’s advocacy skills. We want to help you give your child and family the care and guidance you need for living a happy, healthy life!
What is Early Intervention?
Early intervention programs have been established to meet the specific developmental needs of infants and toddlers age birth to three years who have medical conditions or other factors that result in delays in development. These services have been proven to have a significant impact on the child’s ability to overcome challenges, learn new skills and experience increased success in school and life. Programs are available in every state and territory. These publicly funded programs provide services for free or at a reduced cost for any child who is eligible. In both Kentucky and Indiana, these programs are known as “First Steps.”
Speech-language pathologists and audiologists at Heuser Hearing Institute participate as service providers in Kentucky and Indiana. Children are eligible for First Steps if they have a diagnosed medical condition or developmental delay that impacts one of the following areas:
- Communication
- Motor Development
- Cognition
- Self-Help/Adaptive Skills
- Social/Emotional Development
Learn more about the eligibility criteria on the websites of each state. Visit CHFS or FSSA for more information.
If you have questions about your child’s development or need assistance through this process, call Heuser Hearing Institute at (502) 563-1645.
If you have concerns about your child’s development or are interested in our services, call Heuser Hearing Institute at (502) 563-1645 for more information.