Most five year-olds are dashing about, trying dare-devil stunts off walls and beds, and spend every waking moment in a flurry of activity. Michael Byrd is a determined, energetic little boy, but he was born with spina bifida.
He is ambulatory but needs the assistance of leg braces. Michael's main difficulty is poor bladder and bowel control and he needs to be catheterized every few hours.
As a single mother, this schedule had become a challenge for Sara. She wanted her son to be around other five year-olds and Michael needed to be around more children his own age. Upon the recommendation of Michael's therapist, Sara enrolled her son in a daycare with preschool curriculum that specialized in helping children with disabilities. It seemed to be the perfect fit as the daycare and staff were set up and trained to assist children with special needs.
For nine months, Michael thrived and attended daycare with no problems. In November, there were problems with the daycare. Someone suggested Sara call ASK and her parent liaison made suggestions including putting Sara in touch with an inclusion specialist. Things were worked out and Michael is thriving once again.
"I have a lot more knowledge and now I know where to go for help," Sara said about ASK. "My parent liaison is a very good resource… she's a resource that has resources!"
Later this year, Michael is scheduled for surgery. The ASK parent liaison put Sara in contact with a family whose child had already undergone the same surgery. "That was so very helpful to me," Sara said. "I've asked elsewhere for a connection with other parents like this, but ASK is the only one to make that connection possible."
Like many families that face the challenges of finding appropriate help for their child, Sara is relieved to find someone who understands her child and is knowledgeable. "Just knowing that there are resources out there for us is a relief. My parent liaison has been through the same things I'm going through and comes up with ideas that people who don't have a child with special needs, might not think of," Sara said. "I've also learned how to stand up for myself… and it works!"