Success Stories & Testimonials

Hailey is a four-year-old child who is currently enrolled in the Evansville ARC Child Life Center’s inclusive preschool program. Hailey has attended the program for the past two school years. She was diagnosed at birth with Down syndrome and dysphagia (difficulty with swallowing). Over the past few years, her developmental achievements have been astonishing. Her teacher reports that initially Hailey needed one-on-one support to move from one area to another within the classroom.  Her physical therapist soon introduced using a walker to assist her mobility. Presently, she has progressed from using a walker to walking independently without the use of any therapeutic equipment. In addition, Hailey has transitioned from consuming most foods using a feeding tube, to now eating most of her meals without one. Due to her developmental strides, she has transitioned from a therapeutic class to an inclusive class. This allows her greater access to other children her age who have typical development.  In addition to the preschool, she also receives physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to further her developmental progress.

Hailey loves school. She has made friends and is well liked among her peers. Although Hailey does not have a large expressive vocabulary, she communicates with her teachers, therapists and friends using basic sign language. Her teacher reports that her favorite activities involve music, dancing, and playing with her dolls in the house area.