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.

sitting up from hands and knees

it was only two days after the physical therapist was showing maya how to sit up on her own when she surprised the heck out of me and did it in her crib. i had just put her down on her belly and within a minute i turned to find my daughter sitting up. she seemed as surprised as i did. that same day, she sat up on her own on the floor. and then again the next day. all these times i didn't see the actual transition so i don't know how she did it, only that she did.

that was last week. now this week it seems she hasn't been able to master the same skill. the therapist said that, that happens sometimes but that she will get it again. only minutes after the pt left she was on the floor on her own. i heard a thud and found that she was on her back. after a second she let our a loud wail. i felt so bad for her. i'm sure she had tried to sit up like she was learning with her pt, but failed. oh the pain in my heart. i can't believe i'm such a softy! it only took seconds to calm her down but i just felt so sorry for her. i wish she didn't have to struggle so much. i wish she was already crawling like i see other kids younger than her do. for the first time in a long time i started to see that my daughter has down syndrome. i knew it would happen, the statistics say that she will be behind on her milestones but now i am certainly seeing them loud and clear. before it didn't seem so drastic. but now people are starting to ask, is she walking?...is she using the furniture to stand up? i have to tell them no. not yet.

well i never finished this entry. i'm not sure why i never posted it. so another week has gone by and i'm discovering that my little girl never gives up. she has decided that she will sit up again even if it's on her own terms. today her father was playing with her on the floor and he was so excited to tell me that she sat up twice. so there you have it. sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. it seems ok to me...as long as she just keeps trying. and from what i can see my little girl doesn't stop trying.