Preschool program brings ‘light’ to parents of child with disabilities** El programa preescolar trae "luz" a los padres de niños con discapacidades

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Just a couple of years ago, Angelina Shirley couldn't imagine sending her then two-year-old daughter Sadie to preschool.


Legally blind, deaf, non-verbal and requiring the use of a wheelchair, little Sadie faced significant challenges.


So too did her parents when it came to trying to help their daughter.


"There was no way of communication," explained Shirley, who has three other children, including Sadie's twin sister Ellie.


"It was all just guessing and we were pretty much in the dark, just trying to make our way in this new world," recalled Shirley from her home in Airdrie.


But that was before she discovered and eventually enrolled Sadie in the early education program at Getting Ready for Inclusion Today, or GRIT.


"The GRIT program has totally changed everything for her," said Shirley.


In the two years she's been in school, Sadie has learned to communicate through the use of an Apple iPad and other specialized technology provided through the program.


The specialized technology has given her a voice.


"We've seen a huge change in her frustration and her behavior," said developmental specialist Justine Fehr.


Source: https://globalnews.ca/news/5023313/preschool-program-parents-child-disabilities/

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Hace solo un par de años, Angelina Shirley no podía imaginar enviar a su hija Sadie, de dos años, a la escuela preescolar.


Legalmente ciega, sorda, no verbal y que requiere el uso de una silla de ruedas, la pequeña Sadie enfrentó desafíos significativos.


Sus padres también intentaron ayudar a su hija.


"No había forma de comunicación", explicó Shirley, quien tiene otros tres hijos, incluida la hermana gemela de Sadie, Ellie.


"Todo fue simplemente adivinar y estábamos prácticamente en la oscuridad, tratando de abrirnos camino en este nuevo mundo", recordó Shirley de su casa en Airdrie.


Pero eso fue antes de que ella descubriera y finalmente inscribiera a Sadie en el programa de educación temprana en Getting Ready for Inclusion Today, o GRIT.


"El programa GRIT ha cambiado totalmente todo para ella", dijo Shirley.


En los dos años que ha estado en la escuela, Sadie aprendió a comunicarse a través del uso de un iPad de Apple y otra tecnología especializada provista a través del programa.


La tecnología especializada le ha dado una voz.


"Hemos visto un gran cambio en su frustración y su comportamiento", dijo la especialista en desarrollo Justine Fehr.