Early Intervention Week

Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, Alabama’s Early Intervention System assists thousands of children from birth to age 3 and their families each year; and

WHEREAS, the six core values of early intervention in Alabama include family-centered services provided in the natural environment and that are developmentally appropriate, individualized services, collaborative services, and training to equip the parent or caregiver; and

WHEREAS, early intervention services can include any of the following: Assistive Technology, Audiology, Family Training, Counseling, and Home Visits, Health Services, Medical Services, Nursing Services, Nutrition, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychological Services, Service Coordination, Sign Language and Cued Language, Social Work Services, Special Instruction Services, Speech-Language Pathology, Transportation and Vision Services; and

WHEREAS, early intervention services enhance the development of infants and toddlers with disabilities, cut educational costs by reducing the need for future special education services, minimize the likelihood of institutionalization and maximize independent living, enhance families’ capacity to meet their child’s needs, and use practices from scientifically-based research:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim April 17th through April 21st, 2017, as

Early Intervention Week

in the State of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 29th day of March 2017.

Robert Bentley

Governor