Testimonies
HAHN~HUFFORD CENTER OF HOPE
Rehabilitation Center for Neurological Development
Nicholas School
The Brain Wellness Center
Aquatic Therapy & Wellness Center
1306 Garbry Road Piqua, OH 45356
937-773-7630 Center 937-773-6979 School
April 2010
I am writing to tell you how thrilled we have been with the progress of our two neurologically disabled daughters, Mia and Dasha since they began attending Nicholas School in 2008. They have grown in ways that we were concerned were never possible.
When the girls started school, they tested well below their age group in multiple areas. They are challenged not just with physical developmental delays but also mental and emotional ones. Both have visual issues with nystagmus and poor depth perception. When starting school we feared Mia in particular would never be able to draw a circle, let alone write her name or learn her colors. Both girls were having difficulty with balance, coordination, concentration, speech and general motor skills. After being in the Nicholas School for two years as well as being a participant in the pre-kindergarten summer program, both girls are writing and are learning their letters and numbers very well. Mia is skipping, running and climbing. To see Dasha doing these things as well is extraordinary as she has always been timid about moving. Dasha's depth perception and poor muscle strength as well as poor coordination have always been a concern for us. To see her laughing and skipping with confidence is such a pleasure. Dasha in particular has really come out of her shell. I believe that Nicholas School has encouraged her immensely with the result of Dasha is now able to freely express her personality without fear of gettting something wrong or the shame of not doing everything as well as everyone else. She would not have the same safe, encouraging and accepting environment if she had been forced to attend one of the public schools in our area.
The girls absolutely love going to school. I feel their progress is largely due to the excellent neurological programs available at the Nicholas School. You see, when they attended (other programs) very little progress was made. It was just not enough time as well as too little of the type of intervention needed. Additionally, the girls had received one on one therapy with physical therapists and occupational therapists in our home as well as private speech instruction. Again, the improvements we have seen in the girls have come as a result of their attending Nicholas School.
The girls' growth and improvement continues as with Nicholas School it is truly an intense comprehensive approach. The staff cares about my girls and has done an excellent job of identifying their needs and tailoring their approach to suit them. I don't know of too many places which can honestly accomplish this. It may be in their writing of IEP's and such, but Nicholas School is unique in that they actually deliver results. The low teacher to student ratio as well as the caring and knowledgeable staff brings the desired results to fruition.
Lastly, due to the scholarships available to us, we have been able to send our girls to Nicholas School. Had those finances not been available I know that they would not have been able to attend, and I am confident that they also would have in no way made the amount of considerable progress we have seen. I sincerely wish there were more opportunities available for families who have children with special needs. Medical costs often get in the way of being able to choose between sending your kids to a school that works for everyone else versus to a school that is tailored especially for them. The financial restraints simply remove the option. I am confident that the girls will grow to be active members of their community and show people that with the right resources, such as Nicholas School, a huge difference can be made in the lives of many families, and ultimately, many communities,
Sincerely,
Marcie
Mother of Mia and Dasha
