OPENING DOORS CONFERENCE - A re-invention of ISVI's Parent-Infant Institute -- Click on this link for details and information.
 

ISVI recently wrapped up the 25^th Annual Parent Infant Institute held at ISVI. Below is an excerpt from the report that was submitted by co-directors Mary Sies and Janet McGovern. Congratulations to everyone who made this year’s camp another success!

2008 ISVI Parent Infant Institute, June 4-7
25th Anniversary!

This year ISVI served 25 children of 24 families with one family bringing their twins. Ten siblings accompanied their parents as well. There were 38 parents, grandparents, aunts, or other care givers.

Our program included four or five individual evaluations out of seven possible areas chosen by parents: Social Developmental Skills, Gross Motor Skills, Speech and Language Skills, Orientation and Mobility Skills, Low Vision Skills, and Daily Living Skills. While roughly half of the parents were in evaluations, the other half attended sessions which included the following topics: "Parents’ Rights and Program Services" by Jean Osterby, "Preparing for Academics" by Karen Windy, "Your Child’s Best Mobility Instructor: You" by Jim Strader, "Insights into Vision" by Dr. Derrald Taylor, "The Inns and Outs of IFSP’s and the Transition to IEP’s" Jane Redmon, "Physical Therapy for the Young Child" by Dr. Glenda Hooker, "Joyce’s O & E-Odds and Ends" by Joyce Schmidt. Our keynote speakers were Sue Sullivan who presented "E.Y.E.-Exploring Your Environment" and "Literacy for Everyone" and Christine Clark who presented "Impact of Vision Loss-Family Life".

While their parents were busy attending sessions the children went to Structured, Observed, Play Activity (SOPA). These activities were monitored by Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI) teachers, ISVI high school students, and college students, preparing for work in the Special Education and Vision fields. Other highlights were: Parent Group Discussion, Panel Discussion, and our 25^th Anniversary Dinner Dance. This year ISVI was very fortunate to have quilts donated so each child went home with his or her own quilt. It was a very busy and informational time for all!

Sue Neuhalfen of Peoria donated twenty hand made children's quilts to the 25th Parent Infant Institute held at ISVI in June. Ms Neuhalfen, pictured here with ISVI Principal--Janet McGovern, has been making quilts for several years and wanted to share with the families at the Parent Infant Institute this year. The quilts also had a small attached pocket with a "quilt buddy" stuffed animal for each of the children participants. These quilts helped to make the 25th Parent Infant Institute a great success. Thank you Sue!

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