Therapy Clients

Jason then - at Heartspring

Jason now - with parents

In 1977 Jason was two years old. Two years and two months to be exact, an age when most children are starting to talk. But Jason had not. A pediatric neurologist suggested that Jason's parents, Nikki and John, take him to Heartspring, known then as the Institute of Logopedics. Jason immediately started in the Clinical Infant Stimulation Program (CISP) and received occupational, physical and speech therapy each week. Diagnosed with developmental delay, Jason completed the CISP and then enrolled in the Preschool Program at the Institute until he was six years old. After graduating from the preschool Jason attended public school, but continued to return to the Institute for their summer programs for several years.

According to Nikki, Jason's life "would not be the same if it were not for the Institute of Logopedics." During his time in the Preschool Program, Jason's Program Coordinators explained to Nikki that they wanted to try to teach him sign language as a way of facilitating his communication. Because Jason was not deaf, this was a very innovative approach at the time. "It changed his and our lives," said Nikki. Without any verbal communication skills Nikki often found herself saying, "I'm sorry Jason, I just don't understand what you're trying to tell me." She recalls one very special day when, as she was driving home from the Institute with Jason in the backseat, he was trying to tell her something using sign language. "I remember distinctly looking up in to the rear-view mirror and telling him, "Jason, you're going to have to wait until I can see you." At that moment, it struck her that thanks to the services at the Institute she was able to communicate with her son. Something that was once a frustration, no longer was. "I'm sure I shed several tears the rest of the way home."

In addition to being the mother of a child who received services from Heartspring, Nikki is also a member of the Heartspring family and has been an employee since 1979. "Because I was there so much with Jason, I decided I might as well work there," she said. Working part-time in the beginning of her career enabled her to work around Jason's schedule. Today, Nikki works in the human resources department.

Jason continues to do well, living at home with his parents and working at KETCH, an organization that employs adults with disabilities in Wichita. While at work Jason completes jobs such as counting items and putting them in boxes or bags, shredding paper, etc. One of his favorite jobs at work is getting the mail.

Active in Special Olympics, Jason enjoys participating in bowling, track and field and basketball competitions.

Nikki and John are grateful to have had the help of the Institute of Logopedics. "IOL worked on delivering every kind of service Jason could possibly need," said Nikki.

Content published January, 2009.