issue 1 e-newsletter small steps in speech
DESCRIPTION
Small Steps in Speech is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization awarding grants on behalf of children with speech and language disorders to improve their communication skills.TRANSCRIPT
Small Steps in Speech Inaugural Newsletter! ! ! ! ! www.smallstepsinspeech.org 1
How your support is making a differenceLearn about our cause & read Celina’s StoryPage 3
Our InspirationHonoring Marc SmallPage 1
2010 ASHA ConventionThe American Speech-Language-Hearing Association held their 2010 national convention in Philadelphia and Small Steps in Speech was there!Page 4
Year in Review2010 was a big year for SSIS. Learn about our progress and what is planned for 2011.Page 6
Inaugural Newsletter Issue N˚1 - Spring 2011
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A Message from our FounderAmanda CharneyPage 2
Philadelphia Phillies CharitiesSmall Steps in Speech is awarded a grant and attends the annual holiday celebrationPage 5
Millersville University’s Try for Speech Rugby TournamentLearn how one Philadelphia area University is “Trying for Speech”!Page 4
2011 EventsPage 2
Helping children communicate one Small Step at a time
Pictured Above: Amanda Charney & SSG Marc J. Small
Our InspirationIn our Inaugural Newsletter, we feel it is important to pause and share with you our inspiration for the work we do.
Staff Sgt. Marc J. Small was a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha team medical sergeant assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) in the United States Army. Suddenly, on February 12, 2009 Marc was killed in action serving his country in Afghanistan.Marc deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in January 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan. This was his first deployment in support of the Global War on Terror. Marc was a native of Collegeville, PA and volunteered for military service after being deeply impacted by the tragedy of 9/11. He entered the army in December 2004 as a Special Forces Trainee and worked his way to earning the coveted "Green Beret" in 2007. His
awards and decorations include the Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Overseas Service, Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, and Special Forces Tab.
During his time in Afghanistan, Marc treated up to 50 patients a day, many of whom were children. Marc's love of children is why this non-profit organization is the perfect way to remember his sacrifice.Honoring a HeroMarc planned on marrying Amanda Charney, Founder and Executive Director of Small Steps in Speech, when he returned from Afghanistan. Amanda is a school based speech and language pathologist specializing in early childhood development and developmental disorders within the realm of communication disorders. Marc always had a love of children and supported Amanda’s profession. When the heart breaking news of Marc's passing came, Amanda founded Small Steps in Speech in honor of Marc’s memory. This charitable non-profit foundation is the perfect way to keep Marc Small's memory alive and keep him close to our hearts.
S M A L L S T E P S I N S P E E C H N E W S L E T T E R
2 www.smallstepsinspeech.org !! ! ! ! Small Steps in Speech Inaugural Newsletter
A M E S S A G E F R O M O U R F O U N D E RFor the past ten years, I have been a Speech-‐Language Pathologist and understand the need for an organiza=on such as Small Steps in Speech. Although there are many pediatric founda=ons addressing the varied needs of children with disabili=es, there is nothing quite like Small Steps in Speech. So oDen I have had parents ask, “When will my child be able to tell me about their day at school?” “My child is nine years old, and I s=ll cannot have a conversa=on with him/her.”
The goal of this organiza=on is to help children become beLer communicators. Speech and language therapy goes so much further than a child not being able to say the /r/ sound in words. Speech and language therapy assists children with hearing, feeding/swallowing disorders, or working with children using assis=ve technology as their mode of communica=on because motorically they can not produce intelligible speech. There is a fluency/stuLering aspect of speech in addi=on to therapists working with the cor=cal areas of the brain that affect language comprehension, content, and use. Many families seek private therapy, need addi=onal services or communica=ve devices for their children although many outside therapy providers do not accept health insurance or the health insurance policy does not cover or limits coverage. The out of pocket cost of these services can add up quickly, for instance speech therapy can range anywhere from $50.00 to $280.00 for a half hour session, some=mes needed at least one day a week. This is where Small Steps in Speech can help make a difference by helping families afford these services or treatments.
Before Marc leD for Afghanistan in January of 2009, we expressed our commitment to each other. I am fulfilling my commitment to Marc by making his name live on through this amazing founda=on. When I receive updates from the children we have provided grants to I know I am fulfilling a purpose in my life and it rewards me with hope and happiness.
I am so proud of how far this founda=on has grown over the past two years. I have witnessed first hand the generosity of so many people raising money for our mission of helping children with speech and language issues, and also in remembrance of Marc Small. I would like to specifically recognize the generosity of Mr. Reid and Mr. Holden, who believe in our mission and are strong supporters of this founda=on.
I wish to thank my family and friends who have stayed by my side throughout these first two years. S=ll to this day, they support me as I struggle to navigate this life changing ordeal. I am forever grateful for them.
In closing, I would also like to take a moment to recognize all of the men and women who are currently in the armed services and to all of those who have lost their lives to make this na=on great. I think of you and your families.
Here’s to con=nued growth as a founda=on and to helping change the life of a child and their family in financial need, while honoring SSG Marc Small. Cheers!
Yours in the interest of children with disabili=es,
Amanda Charney, MA, CCC-‐SLP Founder & Execu=ve Director
April 28-29th
New Jersey Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Convention
Visit our booth and learn more about us!Ocean Palace Resort and Spa,
Longbranch, NJ
Saturday, May 7th
MacKenzie & Yates Classic Car ShowAll proceeds from the event support SSIS.
302 White Horse PikeAtco, NJ
10am - 2pm
Sunday, June 5th Take a ride with the South Jer-z Riderz!
All proceeds from the event support SSIS. Check out www.smallstepsinspeech.org
http://southjerzriderz.com/Charity_Sponsorship.html
for more information.
Saturday, August 6th
3rd Annual On Your Marc 5K Run/WalkJoin us and 500 others for the 3rd annual
5K race honoring Marc Small. All proceeds from the event support SSIS.
www.lowerprovidence.org/events.htmEagleville Park,
Lower Providence Twp, PA
Saturday, October 1st
Small Steps in Speech OktoberfestMore details to come.
Check our website for more information or join our email list for updates!
November 17-19th
2011 Annual ASHA ConventionVisit our booth and learn more about us!
San Diego, CA
2011 Events
S M A L L S T E P S I N S P E E C H N E W S L E T T E R
Small Steps in Speech Inaugural Newsletter! ! ! ! ! www.smallstepsinspeech.org 3
Small Steps in Speech awards grants on behalf of children with speech and/or language disorders for a wide range of services aimed at improving their communication skills, as well as to other charitable organizations helping improve the communication skills of children. Many of our grants cover speech therapy and communication devices. People who do not have a child with speech and/or language disorders or who aren’t a speech and language professionals often ask us, “Doesn’t medical insurance or the public schools cover that?” Our response: “Not always.”Governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) public schools are required to provide assistance to qualifying children with speech and language disorders in the school setting. Children must be evaluated according to specific criteria in order to qualify for assistance, but not all children with speech and language disorders meet these criteria. Children must score in a certain range on a standardized test and the speech and/or language impairment must affect their education. Children who have learning problems that are primarily a result of hearing or motor disabilities are generally not classified as having a specific learning disability (SLD) as defined in the IDEA.1 Therefore, these children may need to seek help within a private setting. More than one million children in the U.S. public schools’ special education programs are categorized with having a speech and/or language impairment.2 According to a recent ASHA Schools Survey, 22% of school based speech and language pathologists’ (SLPs’) case loads were considered severely/profoundly impaired. These school based SLP’s also reported a mean case load of 50 children.3 With such a high case load and severity, it is understandable that some of these
children need additional therapy time beyond what is available in the public school setting.Families turning to private practices for their children’s speech and language needs may have to pay out of pocket for these services. Many private and public insurance plans do not cover all speech and language services. For example, many policies will only cover medically necessary treatment resulting from disease, illness, or injury. Many conditions resulting in speech and/or language disorders are the result of what these insurance companies consider developmental conditions and often will not cover services for children with Apraxia, Autism, congenital disorders, stuttering or cognitive impairment. For those families lucky enough to have an insurance policy that does cover speech and language services, insurers may limit the number of therapy sessions per year, place a financial cap on the coverage, may limit services to their in-network providers only or may not include or limit the coverage of communication devices. The lack of these therapies and services can have a life long effect on children with speech and language disorders. Academic performance, social interactions, relationships and self confidence are all impacted and can be compromised by poor communication skills.Small Steps in Speech tries to bridge the gap between school based and private services. Through public support, we provide grants on behalf of children for therapies, treatments, communication devices, and other services to improve their communication. The children we help would go without these services or the services would otherwise present a financial hardship on their family.
Celina is a 2010 Small Steps in Speech grant recipient. Below is an excerpt of the testimonial from Celina’s family. Read how a grant from Small Steps in Speech is having a big impact on their daughter!...What most people don’t see are the tears, the meltdowns, and the frustration from child and parents when something as basic as speaking is a challenge. Looking back, it’s not easy to forget the countless times mom, dad, and daughter would end up on the floor, a heap of exhausted emotion, all because there were no answers to simple questions like, “what’s wrong?”, “does something hurt?”, “did someone hurt you?”, “are you hungry?” “mad?”, “tired?”, or “do you need a hug?”.Speech has been the cornerstone therapy for all of our Celina’s successes. The Autism diagnosis came at the age of 23 months for our 6 year old daughter, and even then, we knew that the diagnosis would not define Celina, but rather the prognosis would be shaped by our determination to retrieve her from the Autism that had taken her from us.
Continued on page 5...
How Your Support is Making a DifferenceSmall Steps, Big Impact...
Celina’s Story
S M A L L S T E P S I N S P E E C H N E W S L E T T E R
4 www.smallstepsinspeech.org !! ! ! ! Small Steps in Speech Inaugural Newsletter
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) 2010 National Convention was held this past November in Philadelphia, PA. Small Steps in Speech (SSIS) Board Members attended the convention and staffed the booth for the event’s three days. Coincidentally the 2010 ASHA convention was held in Philadelphia; Small Steps in Speech is Incorporated in New Jersey with all of its Board members living in the Philly area. The convention was attended by over 10,000 people including; school based and private speech and language pathologists, clinical/medical therapists, academicians, vendors and members of the public.The SSIS booth was very busy with people wanting to learn more about the organization. It was a great opportunity to network and spread word of the services that SSIS can provide to children and families in need, as well as to other charitable organizations. The common message that the board members heard was that there is an overwhelming need for an organization like Small Steps in Speech. We are a unique organization specifically dedicated to funding additional therapies and needs for children with speech and language disorders. This event was not the first debut of Small Steps in Speech within the ASHA community. In November of 2009, the ASHA Leader newsletter published an article spotlighting Small Steps in Speech and the organization’s inspiration and dedication to the needs of children with speech and language disorders. Check out www.smallstepsinspeech.org/ssis-in-the-media for a link to the ASHA 2009 spotlight article.
On the weekend of April 9-10, 2011, Millersville University in Pennsylvania hosted the 4th “Try for Speech” Rugby Tournament, with all proceeds benefiting Small Steps in Speech.The “Try for Speech” Rugby Tournament was first founded by Millersville University student and resident assistant (RA) Chris Schulz in November 2009. Schulz was inspired by the On Your Marc 5k event to create a fundraiser for SSIS. Chris attended Methacton High School, Marc Small’s alma mater.The first Try for Speech tournament was such a success that it has been held four times. The first three rugby tournaments raised approximately $2000 for SSIS!Small Steps in Speech recognizes Chris Schulz’s dedication to the “Try for Speech” tournament and deeply appreciates the support of the participants and the Millersville University community. Check out the “Try for Speech 3” video on YouTube!http://youtu.be/75qUzLpCdP4
GET INVOLVED!Help support Small Steps in Speech
by creating your own fundraiser!
Bake Sales Collection Jars TournamentsCar Wash Staff Jeans Days Yard Sales
Your support, big or small, can help make a difference to the life of a child with speech and/or
language disorders and their family.
Success for SSIS at the 2010 ASHA Convention
Millersville University Tries for Speech!
Pictured Above: SSIS board members at the ASHA Convention in Phila. Pictured Above: “Try for Speech” Tournament Participants
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Small Steps in Speech Inaugural Newsletter! ! ! ! ! www.smallstepsinspeech.org 5
On December 13, 2010, Small Steps in Speech was honored to attend the 9th annual Philadelphia Phillies Holiday Giving Party at Citizens Bank Park. Phillies Charities, Inc. raises dollars to award grants to charitable organizations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and near their spring training facilities and minor league affiliates. Every charitable organization considered must be nominated by a Phillies employee and the worthiest causes are awarded grants. Small Steps in Speech was awarded a grant, which Amanda Charney, Director, and Mary MacFarland, President, were present to accept on behalf of SSIS. There were over 40 charities receiving awards and only 4 were selected to talk about their cause. SSIS was one of the lucky 4.Amanda Charney spoke of her passion for the foundation and how she was inspired to create the organization to honor Marc’s memory. She also shared Marc’s love
of the Phillies and how he was able to attend the World Series parade in 2008, just months before leaving for Afghanistan. Amanda also shared what SSIS has accomplished in less than 2 years, for children and families, local as well as around the country. Amanda ended with thanking John Weber, Phillies V.P. of Sales & Ticket Operations, for nominating SSIS for the grant, as well as the Phillies Charities Board for recognizing the importance of SSIS’s cause and honoring an American hero.It was a very uplifting night for all awardees. Amanda and Mary were happy to be able to spread the word about Small Steps in Speech and to celebrate SSG Marc Small's memory.A huge Thank You to the Phillies Charities, Inc. organization and John Weber, Phillies V.P. of Sales & Ticket Operations.
Go Phillies!
Continued from page 3...
All treatment comes at a price, and for our family, the grant from Small Steps in Speech is truly life altering. It is a great relief to not have to think about what we can give, versus what our Celina needs, and what she needs is to continue her speech therapy. We’ve gone from two to three words used to request the most basic of needs, to having the honor of being able to get to know our daughter. With every passing day, aided by her speech therapy, we see emerging a witty, girly, diva personality, who can now voice her wants, needs, preferences, and love. Just last week, we witnessed Celina’s first unprompted question! She pointed to a flower, and asked “Mommy, what’s that?” Mom responded, “A flower”. She giggled and asked again, “what’s that?” Mom said, “It’s a daisy”, and Celina replied, “Daisies are beautiful, Mommy.”... Thank you and God Bless you, Board of Directors of Small Steps in Speech. Slowly but surely we are getting back the giggly, bright-eyed daughter we thought we’d lost. With your help, our Celina continues to find her voice one Glorious, Small Step at a time.Warmest Wishes,Celina’s FamilyReferences:1 - 34 CFR Parts 300 & 301, IDEA 20062 - National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities, Disability info: Disability Fact Sheet #11, www.nichcy.org/pubs/factshe/FS11txt.htm3 - American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2010 Schools Survey Report: SLP caseload characteristics, www.asha.org/research/memberdata/SchoolSurvey.htm
PH I L A D E L P H I A PH I L L I E S HO L I D AY G I V I N G PA R T Y
Pictured Above: Amanda Charney and Mary MacFarland at the Phillies Charities, Inc. Holiday Giving Party
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6 www.smallstepsinspeech.org !! ! ! ! Small Steps in Speech Inaugural Newsletter
2010 was a year of growth and maturity for Small Steps in Speech (SSIS). We began the year asking “What do we want this organization to accomplish?” Refining goals, fulfilling our mission to assist children with speech and language disorders, while continuing to fundraise best characterizes our efforts in 2010. The organization was founded in memory of my son, SSG Marc J. Small, but it has become more than just a memorial to our hero. In 2010 SSIS began to realize its objective of helping children and families communicate with one another.During the first quarter of 2010 we saw applications arriving. It was so exciting for us that our foundation was starting to get attention! With the assistance of our talented and experienced Board of Directors, Small Steps in Speech awarded over $31,000 in grants in 2010. We were able to help 14 children take those “steps” to better their communication through speech therapy, workshops, augmentative communication devices and other means.Fundraising is an integral component of having funds to award to children! The Board of Directors and friends of SSIS continued to raise money for the foundation. Our two major fundraisers raised over $50,000 in 2010! The Beef and Beer dinner and auction in June raised over $20,000 and the “On Your Marc” 5K Run in August raised over $30,000. We are planning even more successful major fundraisers in 2011: On Your Marc 5K Run will be held on August 6, 2011 and the Oktoberfest will take place October 1, 2011. One of our challenges in 2010 was to get our message of assistance to those who can use it most. We hosted a booth at the National Speech and Hearing Association’s annual meeting which increased our visibility, raised awareness of our cause, and developed community-based partnerships. On behalf of the Board of SSIS, I wish to thank all those who have partnered with us in 2010, for your support and
belief in our mission to provide financial assistance to help children with speech and/or language disorders. We are grateful for the outpouring of public and private support, including financial, in time, and in talents, during this year of growth and maturity. As we look forward to 2011 there is a great deal of excitement and optimism about the future of our foundation and the children and families we serve. Our goals for 2011 include increasing the number of grants awarded to children and to continue to spread awareness of SSIS throughout the country.
Mary MacFarlandPresidentSmall Steps in Speech, Inc.
“The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
201 0 Y E A R I N R E V I E W
Pictured Above: Beef and Beer June 19, 2010, South Jer-z Riderz Charity Ride June 12, 2010, 2nd Annual On Your Marc 5K August 7, 2010
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can earn a donation every time you search the Internet and shop online!!!
S M A L L S T E P S I N S P E E C H N E W S L E T T E R
Small Steps in Speech Inaugural Newsletter! ! ! ! ! www.smallstepsinspeech.org 7
Visit our website
Find us on Network for Good
Create a SSIS Fundraiser online with CrowdRise!
Board of DirectorsAmanda Charney - Founder & Executive DirectorMary MacFarland - PresidentHeather Wellock - Vice PresidentJennifer Lindsey - Treasurer Joyce Tierney - SecretaryWendy ChristieMichelle Barnard
Keith Cormier - Advisory BoardEd Charney - Advisory Board
In Appreciation The Small Steps in Speech Board of Directors would like to recognize and personally thank those who have helped support our work to assist children with communicative disorders.
HO W CA N W E H E L P YO U ?Do you know a child who would benefit from additional services or treatment? Perhaps you know an organization that serves children with communicative disorders? Please share our information with them and consider applying for a grant.
Speech Language Pathologists - if you know of any child who would benefit from financial assistance to help with their communication where insurance does not cover, nominate them today!
HO W CA N YO U H E L P U S ?Small Steps in Speech is publicly funded through individual donations and fundraising activities. Our 100% volunteer staff invites you to support their work with children through either an individual donation, by participating in one of our fundraising activities or by holding your own fundraiser to support Small Steps in Speech. You can change the life of not only a child but also their family with the gift of improved communication.
L E A R N MO R EVisit our website to learn more about our grants; including the full list of eligibility requirements, how our grants work, and the application process.
Read testimonials, find the latest news & events, sign up for our e-newsletter, and donate at: www.smallstepsinspeech.org
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@SSinSpeech
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Contact UsSmall Steps in Speech, Inc.P.O. Box 134Collingswood, NJ 081081-888-5-SPEAK-6 (1-888-577-3256)fax: [email protected]
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S M A L L S T E P S I N S P E E C H N E W S L E T T E R
Small Steps in Speech Inaugural Newsletter Issue N˚1 - Spring 2011
Small Steps in Speech, Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to helping children with speech and language disorders take the steps needed to be better communicators. Through public support, we provide grants on behalf of children for therapies, treatments, communication devices, and other services to improve their communication. The children we help would go without these services or they would otherwise present a financial hardship for their family.
Learn more about Small Steps in Speech inside our Inaugural Newsletter!
Small Steps in Speech, Inc.P.O. Box 134Collingswood, NJ 081081-888-5-SPEAK-6 (1-888-577-3256)fax: 856-632-7741www.smallstepsinspeech.org
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Helping children communicate one Small Step at a time