Maddie - Exploring the World with Her Hands

 Maddie has blossomed! She’s a totally different kid since she started at Mary Cariola and we can’t believe how well has done,” exclaims her mother, Tracy Camelio.

This small child who cannot hear and does not see has touched the lives of those who work with her. Staff members have rallied to learn new strategies to reach the three-year-old who depends on her hands to interact with the world.

A set of object cues has been developed for her. Staff members gently guide her hands to touch the watch band cue that lets her know she will now be working with Joan Smith the vision teacher who coordinates the team. Maddie is beginning to understand the cues and she is consistently exploring more objects. This is definitely progress.

“She has a great spirit – there is something about her that shows she has a lot of potential,” Joan said. “She is much happier and content – occasionally smiling and laughing.”

The team’s goal is to help her communicate what she needs and wants. It is a collaborative effort with a consultant from the New York State Deaf-Blind Collaborative, a teacher of the deaf at home and the classroom staff at Mary Cariola. Joan says the classroom staff has been amazing and is truly making progress.

Every little change is celebrated by her family. “Mary Cariola is the best school ever and a life saver for me,” her mother says. “It really makes me happy that she is exploring more with her hands. We love her so much and we wouldn’t trade her for anything.”