Hampshire County Human Service Provider Database

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Telephone Numbers and Contact information
Phone #:(413) 529-1764 Nancy Kirk
Phone #:(413) 739-3954
Phone #:(413) 788-9695
Phone #:
Phone #:
Fax Number:(413) 785-1728

Web Page:  www.cfs.org
E-mail to:   rec135@cfs.org

Program Details:
Operating Agency: Child and Family Services (Private, Non-Profit)
Person In Charge: :
Hours: Monday - Friday 9-7
Eligibility:
Fees:
Intake Process:
Program Licenses:
Staff Qualifications:
Service Area:
Handicap Accessibility:

Program/Service Notes:
Our Early Intervention program is known as Valley Infant Development Service(VIDS). The program helps infants and toddlers from birth to three years of age who have or are at risk of developmental delays due to a medical diagnosis or an environmental condition. VIDS can help children with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Downs Syndrome, blindness, hearing impairments or any other disability that may alter a child’s learning and development. The VIDS staff consists of social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech/language pathologists, special educators, and nurses and in some cases vision teachers, nutritionists, teachers of the blind and teachers of the deaf. A VIDS team will assess each child’s abilities and will develop an individualized plan to promote the development of play, movement, social, communication, eating, dressing and toileting skills. The staff of VIDS works with families to meet their child’s needs by providing guidance and support in the most natural environments for the child & family. Services are provided in the home or in day cares where a child is familiar with his/her surroundings. This helps to de-stigmatize therapeutic services and overcomes the barriers of transportation and child care for parents with other young children. Support services are also available for parents as they cope with their feelings and adjust to the needs of their child. All services are provided in the family's primary language including Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Chinese and American Sign Language. The VIDS program was started in 1978 and was the first early intervention program to help families in the Greater Springfield community. On average 400 families per year go through the program, which makes Child & Family the largest provider of early intervention services in the area. Pediatricians, hospitals or social workers most often make referrals, but anyone can refer a child with the permission of the parents. Developmental screening and evaluations are available to any family concerned about their infant or toddler's development. When a toddler leaves the VIDS program, Child & Family’s Disability Resource program is available to offer parents resources and support raising a child with a disability. The adaptive sports and activities program offers recreational, educational and competitive opportunities for children and adults with physical disabilities. In addition, adaptive sporting equipment is available for loan for a nominal fee. The participants range in age from four to eighty four! The program is also an information and referral resource for any questions pertaining to physical disabilities. Our goal is to offer a continuum of services that will support and cultivate strong people to contribute to a strong community.

This information was last updated on 08/06/2003

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