Being able to communicate effectively is an essential skill, one we depend upon to foster understanding and develop our communities.
But the everyday reality for a child with a learning disability is one of frustration, a lack of self-confidence and the fear of an uncertain future.
Eight-year-old Alex lives in Richmond with his mom, dad and little sister Alyson. At the age of five Alex’s kindergarten teacher noticed he was struggling in school. Mastering vocabulary, understanding instructions, organizing his thoughts and communicating effectively with his peers were among the challenges.
An assessment by two speech and language pathologists determined Alex had receptive and expressive language delays and needed therapy to help him overcome his challenges.
Alex’s mom Susana shares the concern of many parents with children who have special needs, who are often overwhelmed by the costs of providing support: “When you know that your child is struggling, you want to provide him with the tools, therapy and all the help he needs to succeed and be a happy, confident kid. But it’s hard because therapy, tutoring and other support needed to help your child are very expensive”.
Variety - The Children’s Charity was able to help Alex by providing funding for speech and language therapy over the past two years, and the results have been remarkable. He is now able to more effectively communicate his thoughts, has learned to read and each year gets better grades in school. Even more exciting is that Alex now has the confidence to be a leader with his peers. Susana says that in school, Alex loves to help the younger students in his grade 2/3 combined class.
“Variety made it possible for Alex to get the therapy he needs,” says Susanna. “It’s a great organization that makes every effort to help children and their families. But most importantly, Variety gives the most precious gift, and that is changing the life of kids and providing them with the support they need to shine.”
Variety sees each child who has special needs as a champion, and is thrilled to celebrate their little victories with them every day.
You can create more little victories this holiday season by supporting Variety’s Tree of Hearts campaign. Make an online donation at variety.bc.ca and Variety will place a heart ornament on its Tree of Hearts at the Global BC studio in tribute of your generosity. Thank you for showing your heart to children who have special needs.
