Highland County Board of Developmental Disabilities

09/08/2026

Did you know that Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), also called Cerebral Visual Impairment, is the leading cause of childhood vision loss in the United States?

Unlike eye conditions that affect the structure of the eye, CVI is a brain-based visual disorder. Children with CVI may have healthy eyes, but their brains have difficulty processing and interpreting the visual information they receive.

Signs of CVI may include:
✅ Difficulty recognizing faces, objects, or familiar places
✅ Responding better to moving objects than stationary ones
✅ Using peripheral vision rather than looking directly at objects
✅ Unusual responses to light, such as light gazing or sensitivity to light
✅ Inconsistent visual responses or difficulty seeing in busy, cluttered environments

CVI can result from:
• Lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain
• Complications related to premature birth
• Hydrocephalus
• Infections
• Traumatic brain injury
• Certain genetic conditions
CVI often occurs alongside:
• Cerebral palsy
• Developmental delays
• Epilepsy
• Hearing loss
• Down syndrome
• Autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions

💡 Did you know? Children diagnosed with blindness or significant visual impairment, including CVI, are automatically eligible for Ohio's Early Intervention (EI) Program.

🏠 Early Intervention is a FREE statewide program for children birth to age 3. EI Providers help to empower families by offering sensory-rich, evidence-based strategies that address how vision loss impacts a child’s development.

📞 Do you have concerns for your child's vision or development? To make a referral or learn more: • Call our office: (937) 393-4237 • Ask your child's healthcare provider or home visitor • Visit https://ochids.childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/public/refer • Call 1-800-755-GROW (4769)

Early identification and support can make a world of difference for children with CVI and their families. 💙

09/02/2026

09/01/2026

💤 Safe Sleep Saves Lives 💙

In Ohio, sleep-related deaths remain the leading cause of post-neonatal mortality, with more than 600 infant deaths in the past five years. Unsafe sleep is the third leading cause of infant mortality in our state, and tragically, 3 Ohio infants die each week from sleep-related causes.

The good news? Safe sleep practices can significantly reduce preventable infant deaths.

If your baby is having trouble sleeping and it is affecting their development or daily life, Early Intervention (EI) may be able to help. EI is a support program for children (birth to age 3) who may be experiencing developmental challenges, including sleep issues that could be connected to communication, movement, learning, or emotional regulation needs.

✅ Early Intervention providers can: • Assess your child's developmental needs and determine if sleep concerns may be linked to a broader developmental delay or condition. • Provide strategies to help establish healthy sleep habits, consistent routines, and self-soothing skills. • Coordinate with pediatric care providers, therapists, and family support services when additional needs are identified.

💡 Early Intervention is a FREE statewide program for children birth to age 3, and services can be provided right in your home.

📞 To make a referral or learn more: • Call our office: (937) 393-4237 • Ask your child's healthcare provider or home visitor • Visit https://ochids.childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/public/refer • Call 1-800-755-GROW (4769)

Every baby deserves a safe start and healthy sleep. ❤️

08/31/2026

🌟🚀 Ages 2 & 3: Talking, Playing, and Growing in Big Ways! 🚀🌟

The toddler and preschool years are full of exciting growth! Between ages 2 and 3, children become more independent, communicate more clearly, and develop new social and problem-solving skills every day. 🌈

By Age 2, many children: ✅ Say two-word phrases like "more milk"
✅ Point to things in books and body parts when named
✅ Show concern when others are hurt or upset
✅ Run, kick a ball, and walk up a few stairs
✅ Use gestures beyond waving, such as blowing a kiss
✅ Eat with a spoon and play with multiple toys at once [cdc.gov]
By Age 3, many children: ✅ Have simple back-and-forth conversation
✅ Ask "who," "what," "where," and "why" questions
✅ Play with other children and join in activities
✅ Tell you their first name
✅ Draw simple shapes like a circle
✅ Put on some clothing independently and use a fork during meals [cdc.gov]

Every child develops at their own pace, but developmental milestones can help families celebrate new skills and recognize when extra support may be helpful. If your child is not meeting milestones, has lost skills they once had, or you have concerns about their development, don't wait. Early Intervention can help children build important skills during these critical years.

💙 HCBDD Early Intervention is here to support children and families every step of the way.

Learn more about developmental milestones: 🔗 https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones/2-years.html

🔗 https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones/3-years.html

08/28/2026

Are you looking for a place where your children can socialize with other peers his/her age? Join our playgroup! This is open to all families with children prenatal-5 years of age regardless of if you are enrolled in Help Me Grow or Early Intervention. We would love to see you there!

08/27/2026

Community First calendar of activities for September 2026

08/26/2026

🌱 Premature Babies & Early Intervention: Support Starts Early

Having a baby arrive early can bring lots of questions. You may wonder, “Is my baby developing the way they should?” or “What should I be watching for?”

That’s where Early Intervention (EI) can help. 💛

Early Intervention supports babies and toddlers from birth to age 3 who may need a little extra help with development. For babies born prematurely, EI can be an especially helpful partner as your baby grows.

👶 How can Early Intervention help?

✨ Monitor development & milestones
Your EI team can help you understand your baby’s development, including communication, movement, feeding, play, learning, and social-emotional skills. They can help you know what to expect and when to seek additional support.

🍼 Feeding & breastfeeding support
Premature babies may have challenges with sucking, swallowing, positioning, or transitioning to new foods. Our EI team consists of therapists, nurses, and other professionals that can work with you on feeding skills and nutrition. We can help bridge any gaps between you and your child's medical team in between appointments.

🏡 Support right where you live
EI services are provided in your home or other familiar settings. This allows professionals to work with your baby during everyday routines and help you find strategies that fit your family.

💬 Communication & interaction
Your EI provider can help you recognize your baby’s early communication cues and build language and social skills through everyday interactions like talking, singing, reading, and playing.

🧩 Motor development
If your baby is having difficulty with movement, positioning, tummy time, sitting, crawling, or other motor skills, EI can help you learn activities and strategies to encourage development.

🤝 Connecting families with resources
Sometimes the biggest help is knowing where to turn. EI can help families connect with community resources, medical providers, specialists, support programs, and other services that may benefit their child.

❤️ And perhaps most importantly… you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Being referred to Early Intervention does not mean something is “wrong” with your baby. It means you have another team in your corner while your little one grows and develops.

If your baby was born prematurely and you have questions or concerns about development, don't wait. Early support matters. You don’t have to wait until you’re worried about a missed milestone.

✅ FREE services for eligible children from birth to age 3
✅ Services provided in your home or your child's daycare
✅ Support for developmental delays and diagnosed disabilities
✅ Guidance and resources for the whole family

A simple phone call could be the first step toward helping your child thrive.

📞 Call us today at 937-393-4237 or 800-755-4769
💻 Make a referral online at Early Intervention Referral Link
👩‍⚕️ You can also talk with your child's medical provider about a referral.

🌱 Early support. Everyday routines. Stronger foundations.
Every baby develops at their own pace. Your child’s healthcare provider and Early Intervention team can help you understand what is appropriate for your individual baby.

08/25/2026

Congratulations to Kennedy, our newest EI graduate! Here is what Kennedy's mom said about the Early Intervention program:

“Highland County Early Intervention has made such a meaningful difference in Kennedy's life and in our family. Through their support, Kennedy has started communicating more, learning to sign, and becoming more engaged in playing and interacting with others. They have also provided us with valuable resources and support to help us navigate her autism, including safety resources. We are incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported Kennedy, believed in her, and helped her grow into the amazing little girl she is today.”

08/24/2026

🚶‍♂️🎨 18 Months: Exploring, Learning, and Growing More Independent! 🎨🚶‍♂️

Your toddler is becoming more confident, curious, and independent every day! At 18 months, children are learning through exploration, play, and everyday routines.

Many children at this age:
✅ Point to show you something interesting
✅ Look to make sure you're nearby while exploring
✅ Help with dressing by pushing an arm through a sleeve or lifting a foot
✅ Try to say three or more words besides "mama" or "dada"
✅ Follow simple one-step directions
✅ Copy everyday chores like sweeping
✅ Play with toys in simple ways, such as pushing a toy car
✅ Walk without holding on to anyone or anything
✅ Scribble with crayons or markers
✅ Feed themselves with their fingers and try using a spoon
✅ Climb on and off furniture without help

Every child develops at their own pace, but developmental milestones can help families celebrate progress and identify when additional support may be helpful. If your child is not meeting milestones, has lost skills they once had, or if you have concerns about their development, don't wait. Talk with your child's doctor and ask about developmental screening. Early support can make a big difference.

💙 HCBDD Early Intervention is here to support children and families as they learn, grow, and thrive.

Learn more about 18-month milestones: 🔗 https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones/18-months.html

08/21/2026

🎉 A Community Effort Making a Lasting Impact! 🎉

The Mobile-Changing Trailer is now possible because of the incredible support of our community partners. Their investment in accessibility and inclusion ensures that individuals with complex needs can participate more fully in community life with comfort, dignity, and independence.

Thank you for helping us turn this vision into reality and making our community stronger and more inclusive.

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