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Tried & True Tips from a Therapist
by Robin Diamond, MA Ed, EIS, SC
Parents, Enjoy Storytime Routines Daily with your Children:
Ways to Promote Literacy and Language in the Home
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Many parents feel that if a book has words then they need to be reading those words to their kids. The truth is, long stories can be overwhelming to little ones and parents should just sit and talk about the pictures to their children. It is true stories can be fun, too, so a little bit of both will prompt a fun daily routine that will foster a love of books in your children.
There are books out there for everything from a child's first day of daycare to bringing a new sibling into the world. This book list will help you understand ways to better assist your child with language and literacy and it will act as a guide to educate you on the different kinds of books out there for them. I suggest checking books out at your local library.
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Let your child pick a book by holding two up and having them choose one as this promotes language. If you have more than one child, let each pick one book. Sit with them and point to the pictures in the book while labeling what your child is looking at. If the page has a big spider, label it. Tell them it is scary, say "ouch" and just have fun. Looking at books and print around the home will provide meaningful experiences and foster language learning and a love for books and print.
Developing a love for books starts from day one. Sitting with your children to label what they see over and over again in these amazing books will help them learn actions, animals, and things beyond their imagination. Children learn language through hearing words over and over again, so pointing to the fish while labeling it, and asking them where the fish is to see if they know what it is will help you know if they have learned vocabulary through these wonderful pictures.
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Kids learn by repetition. Repetitive books are fun, too. Soon your child will start singing or saying the repetitive words with you. Some suggestions for repetitive language in books are Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. There are even books of popular nursery rhymes and songs such as Row Row Row Your Boat, The Wheels on the Bus, and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
Simple board books for learning language are a fun activity and there are books with one picture per page. Touch and feel books offer inviting textures for little ones to explore. The First 100 series uss real pictures and objects for your little ones to learn. The possibilities are endless so next time you are debating whether to pick up that book and show it to your child, just grab it, TALK, and have fun. I know you will enjoy the quality time together and will be even happier when they talk and point to pictures and imitate what you say.
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Click here for books with repetitive and predictive text.
| | Click here for nursery rhyme and song books. | | Click here for all the books in the First 100 series. | | |
Spotlight Story -
Caroline Gorena
by Rebecca Gorena
On January 13th, our daughter Caroline came into this world in a way that turned our lives upside down. What was supposed to be a joyful day quickly became one of the scariest of our lives. Caroline was delivered by emergency C-section, and when she was born her Apgar scores were 0, 4, and 4. She did not cry. She did not move. Her little body was immediately intubated and rushed to the NICU to begin hypothermic cooling therapy, a desperate attempt to protect her brain from further damage.
We were told Caroline had aspirated meconium and that the umbilical cord had been wrapped around her neck. She was connected to five machines just to keep her alive, and her blood gases — the very thing that measured how much oxygen she had in her body — were described as “the worst they had ever seen.” Doctors gave us the worst prognosis possible. We were told to prepare for outcomes no parent ever wants to hear. We could not hold her. We could barely touch her. We were not able to feed her for two weeks. When that moment finally came, we feared she would not have the strength or ability to eat — but then, Caroline showed us she could suck, swallow, and breathe. Even in her weakness, she began to reveal the strength God had given her.
In her first days of life, she experienced seizures, and every monitor alarm in the NICU filled us with fear. Then one day, a physical therapist came to us with a bag of information on HIE (hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy) — brain injury caused by lack of oxygen. We had never heard those words before, and it felt like another crushing weight. After a perfectly normal pregnancy, how could this be happening? The doctors told us Caroline’s MRI, scheduled for day seven, would show the full picture. Based on her blood gases, they expected severe damage. We prayed with everything in us as we waited for the results. The next day, the doctors came in — and instead of bad news, we were told: Caroline’s MRI was clean. Completely clean. They cautioned that this didn’t mean there wouldn’t be challenges ahead, but it was the best news we could have possibly received. We knew right then it was nothing short of God’s hand over her life.
From that day forward, Caroline kept progressing. Machines were removed, medications lowered. After almost a month in the NICU, we finally got to bring our miracle girl home. Immediately, we called Early Childhood Intervention (ECI). God placed the right people in our path. Our speech therapist, Mrs. Erika, helped Caroline overcome feeding difficulties. Today she is learning new textures and practicing drinking water from a cup. Our occupational therapist, Ms. Monique, has helped Caroline strengthen her body to sit, crawl, and even pull herself up to stand by 7 months old.
Today, Caroline is still on oxygen due to laryngomalacia, which has caused severe obstructive sleep apnea. This has been another mountain to climb — but we hold onto hope that soon she will breathe freely on her own. Every day, she grows stronger, and we believe that just as God has carried her this far, He will carry her through this as well. Looking back, every single detail shows us that Caroline’s story is not just a medical journey — it is a testimony of God’s faithfulness. From the machines that once kept her alive, to the clean MRI when none was expected, to the milestones she continues to reach — Caroline’s life is proof that when doctors give the worst prognosis, God has the final word. Caroline is our miracle, our reminder of hope, and our daily testimony that God is still in the business of healing and restoring.
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Is Your Child the Next ECI Spotlight Story? | | | | |
Your Story Matters
We’d love to hear your journey. Whether it’s a small milestone or a life-changing moment, your story can inspire others and help us show the power of possibility.
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Introducing The Heart of ECI
At Easterseals ECI, our work is driven by people with big hearts—those who go above and beyond to support children, families, and one another every single day. To celebrate that spirit, we’re introducing a new monthly feature called “The Heart of ECI.” Each month, we’ll spotlight one of our incredible team members who embodies the compassion, dedication, and teamwork that make our mission come alive. These individuals are nominated by their peers—the people who see their kindness, commitment, and impact in action every day.
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Kristi Denkeler, EIS, SC
Serving Easterseals since 2005
We are thrilled to announce Kristi Denkeler as the very first recipient of The Heart of ECI! Kristi was the only team member nominated by multiple colleagues this month—a reflection of how deeply she is admired and appreciated by everyone around her.
Kristi is known for her unwavering teamwork, positivity, and willingness to step in wherever she’s needed. Whether she’s volunteering to take on extra responsibilities, adjusting her schedule to help a coworker, or cheering on her teammates, Kristi leads with kindness and integrity. Her colleagues describe her as someone who lifts others up and celebrates their successes—“the queen who lifts up other queens,” as one person put it.
Families feel that same warmth and dedication in every interaction. Kristi is known for her compassionate, “child-first” approach and her ability to meet families exactly where they are—with understanding, patience, and without judgment. She listens carefully, works collaboratively, and brings positivity to every home she visits. One colleague summed it up perfectly: “Kristi IS Easterseals ECI.”
Kristi reminds us all that the heart of Easterseals ECI is found in the people who serve with love, purpose, and joy. Congratulations, Kristi, on being our very first Heart of ECI—You remind us all that the true heart of our mission lives within the people who show up every day with kindness, dedication, and love for the work we do.
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Heart & Voice: Advocating for Tomorrow, is a monthly segment in our newsletter dedicated to highlighting advocacy opportunities for young children with special healthcare needs. This feature will educate and inform parents about current issues, policies, and initiatives that directly impact their children’s care and well-being. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to stay engaged, Heart & Voice will empower you with the knowledge and tools to make your voice heard and help shape a better future for your child.
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Texas Parent to Parent (TxP2P) is a statewide non-profit organization that provides resources, support, and education to families of children with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and special healthcare needs. Its core mission is to empower these families to become strong advocates for their children. The organization operates on a peer-support model, connecting families with experienced "mentor parents" who have navigated similar challenges. Learn more here.
Key services and programs
- Peer-to-peer mentoring: The heart of the organization is its Peer Parent Mentor Program, which matches new parents with trained volunteers for emotional support, problem-solving, and guidance.
- Information and referral: TxP2P offers resources and information to help families navigate complex healthcare, education, and social service systems.
- Education and training: The organization conducts trainings and conferences on a variety of topics, including transition planning for adulthood, legislative advocacy, and how to work with healthcare professionals.
- Pathways to Adulthood Program: This program helps families plan for their children's future after they leave public school, providing information on services, funding, and personal support networks.
- Advocacy network: TxP2P trains families and advocates to work with state agencies and legislators to create positive change for people with disabilities.
- Medical education: The Medical Education Program (MEd.) trains pediatric and family practice medical residents by having them learn from "Family Faculty"—parents who share their first-hand experiences.
- Partnerships: TxP2P collaborates with various organizations, including state agencies like the Department of State Health Services and private companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, to expand its reach and improve services.
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Our New Website is Live! Take a Look!
Don't forget to visit our new website. It's updated, user-friendly. and ready for you to explore!
Go Now
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When to Cancel Therapy
Covid and many other contagious illnesses are going around in the San Antonio Community.
We want every child to get the most out of therapy. Sometimes the best way to help them (and keep everyone else healthy) is to take a rest day. Please inform your team and cancel if:
- They have a fever of 100.4°F or higher.
- They’ve had vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours.
- They’re coughing a lot, have a very sore throat, or a runny nose that makes it hard to participate.
- They’ve been diagnosed with something contagious (like the flu, strep throat, pink eye, or COVID-19).
- They have a rash and you’re not sure what’s causing it.
- They’re just not feeling well enough to join in and benefit from therapy.
Telehealth is available at your discretion if your child is well enough for therapy, but experiencing symptoms where it's best to keep therapists from entering the home.
If your child is not well enough for any type of therapy, please cancel with your therapist. Remember, when we leave your home, we go to see other children and families.
Let's all work together to keep everyone as healthy as possible.
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October Awareness Observations | | |
Raise Awareness and Celebrate the Profession
Every October, we celebrate National Physical Therapy Month to raise consumer awareness about the many benefits of physical therapy. It's also a great opportunity to appreciate what PTs, PTAs, and students do to transform lives. Learn more. Don't forget to thank your PTs!
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Month-Long
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- Disability Employment
- Diversity
- Down Syndrome
- Fire Prevention Month
- Infant Loss and Miscarriage
- Lupus
- Pharmacy Month
- Physical Therapy Month
- Raynaud's
- Rett Syndrome
- Selective Mutism
- Spina bifida awareness month
Days
- October 6 - World Cerebral Palsy Day
- October 9 - PANDAS / PANS
- October 10 - World Hospice and Palliative Care Day
- October 10 - World Mental Health Day
- October 13 - Metastatic Breast Cancer
- October 15 - World Blind Day / World Sight Day
- October 15 - Global Hand-washing Day
- October 15 - National White Cane Safety Day
- October 15 - Blind Americans Equality Day
- October 15 - Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
- October 22 - International Stuttering
- October 23 - Kabuki Syndrome
- October 24 - United Nations Day
- October 25 - Spina Bifida
- October 25 - Hydrocephalus Day
- October 25 - 31 - International Epidermolysis Bullosa Awareness Week
- October 29 - World Stroke Day
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2203 Babcock Road
San Antonio, TX 78229
phone: 210.614.3911
fax: 210.625.3162
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Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center
is a subrecipient of
Texas Early Childhood Intervention Services and partially funded by
Texas Health and Human Services.
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