Melisa Matthews, Author at ConnectCenter

Early Intervention and the “Virtual Home Visit” Service Delivery Model

Posted on January 30, 2023 - 6:48 am by Melisa Matthews

Individual holds baby on lap and looks at a tablet. Graphic reads “APH Hive. Exploring Virtual Home Visits in Early Intervention Services. DeEtte Snyder, Cathy Smyth, Nana Phangia Dewald”

Your young child who is blind or low vision likely has various early intervention services supporting their needs. As service-providing agencies find fewer providers, especially in rural areas, many offer virtual services. Some agencies offer a hybrid of in-person and virtual services, which has its own set of benefits and barriers. Would you like to […]

ParentConnect: Connecting Matters

Posted on January 23, 2023 - 1:48 pm by Melisa Matthews

Graphic of Individual pointing to a network of people

When facing challenges, stressful life changes, and feelings of isolation, ParentConnect can be a space to support you. Support groups offer space to share concerns and successes while providing the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others going through similar situations. Becoming a parent has challenges that other parents can relate to, but what […]

Share Your Insights and Concerns with the Office of Special Education Programs. We’re Listening!

Posted on October 12, 2022 - 12:20 am by Melisa Matthews

Formal headshots of Rebecca Sheffield and Eric Caruso

By Rebecca Sheffield and Eric Caruso As project officers in the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), we work with grant-funded projects and centers across the United States to support the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. We both came to OSEP after working in the field of visual […]

What Is Personal Futures Planning?

Happy mother, father, little daughter and baby son playing with wooden toys at home.

Navigating the Journey from Birth to Graduation For children with special needs, the journey from infancy to adulthood is marked by several key planning stages. These stages are designed to ensure educational success and smooth transitions at different phases of life. From birth until the age of three, infants and toddlers are supported by an […]