News

“A valuable course for me, as a parent and educator”

Published 8 April 2026 | By surdocecitate.ro

Between March 27th–April 3rd, 2026, we organized the sixth edition of the online training course Introduction in Deafblindness.

On the occasion of our 25th anniversary, we offered the course free of charge to everyone interested this complex disability.

Together with 62 participants from across the country, we explored the causes of deafblindness, revisited the stories of remarkable personalities such as Helen Keller and Vasile Adamescu, and discussed assessment and intervention, the importance of collaborating with families, communication systems, as well as elements of orientation and mobility.

The participants, teachers in special education schools, students, and other specialists, approached the course topics with great curiosity, seeking solutions and ideas to better support children with deafblindness or sensory disabilities.

As with every edition, we were joined by a dedicated team of trainers, who shared valuable information and practical examples from their work: psychopedagogue professor Mara Apostol, psychologist Gabriela Jianu, psychopedagogue professor Eva Oprea, assis univ. dr. Ioana Tufar.

At the end of the course, we challenged participants with a reflection exercise: “If you were to face the simultaneous loss of hearing and sight, what do you think you would miss the most?”

Their answers captured the profound impact that deafblindness can have:

“If I were to face the simultaneous loss of hearing and sight, I would miss most the direct connection with people and the world around me. Communication would become much more difficult, and the lack of quick access to information, facial expressions, tone of voice, or environmental sounds would create a strong sense of isolation. I would also miss independence in daily activities, spatial orientation, and the safety of moving around. Beyond the practical aspects, I believe the hardest thing to bear would be the loss of spontaneous interactions and sensory experiences that give meaning and color to everyday life.”

“I would miss music, because it is part of my life. I would feel saddened not to be able to see the faces of my loved ones or hear the voices of those close to me. Sounds can sometimes express what words cannot, so I would miss the joy of attending a concert or listening to my favorite song.”

“If I were to face the simultaneous loss of hearing and sight, I would miss eye contact the most, as it represents the fastest and most genuine way of connecting with others. Without the ability to see someone’s facial expression or the sparkle in a loved one’s eyes, I would feel isolated in a space where emotions become difficult to interpret. Eye contact provides reassurance and immediate confirmation, and its absence would turn communication from a natural exchange of energy into a technical and tactile process, much slower, depriving me of that invisible yet essential connection that is born from a simple glance.”

“I appreciate the trainers’ professionalism, the clarity of the information, their warmth, and their love for the children they work with. It was an engaging course, full of practical, clear, and useful information.” – S.B.
“Thank you, it was a wonderful experience! I am glad I met kind, empathetic, and courageous people dealing with complex cases and life situations faced by some children and individuals.” – I.M.
“The information and advice provided are extremely valuable to me, both as a parent and as an educator. The course gave me a clearer perspective on the field and helped me better understand certain important aspects.” – N.C.

I Too Sense Music! 2nd Edition

Published 4 March 2026 | By surdocecitate.ro

The campaign “I Too Sense Music! – Music Therapy for Children with Deafblindness and Multisensory Impairments,” now in its second edition, once again brought joy, vibration, and connection to partner schools across the country.

As every year, it was dedicated to the memory of Vasile Adamescu, teacher, artist, writer, and advocate for the rights of people with deafblindness.

Among the campaign’s objectives are the multisensory stimulation of children with deafblindness and multisensory impairments, the development of their socio-emotional skills, and the creation of a safe and stimulating environment where they can explore, experiment, and express emotions through music.

In the second edition, 626 children participated in music therapy activities, alongside 294 teachers, parents, siblings, and volunteers.

Preschoolers and pupils took part in musical games, rhythm and movement exercises, music listening sessions, and sound exploration activities using musical instrument kits donated by Sense Internațional România, being encouraged to perceive music not only through hearing but also through vibrations, movement, and tactile contact.

Under titles such as “I Feel the Music in My Hands,” “Rhythms of Friendship,” “Instruments That Speak,” and “The Dance of Vibrations,” the children explored instruments with strong vibrations – drums, ocean drums, angogo bells, kalimba, vibraslap, cajon, vibrating xylophone, or handbells – guided through tactile contact and vibratory signals.

Activities of this kind contribute significantly to the development of communication skills in children with deafblindness and multisensory impairments, providing them with alternative ways to express themselves through vibration, rhythm, and tactile interaction. Although the campaign took place in December and January, its impact does not stop there. Both the musical instruments from this edition and those from the first edition continue to be used in individual therapy sessions, group games, or simply as moments of relaxation, becoming an integral part of the educational and therapeutic process.

The campaign “I Too Sense Music!” demonstrates that music therapy is an effective method for stimulation and communication, creating a safe, expressive, and inclusive environment where children can feel the music and interact with others, contributing to their emotional, social, and sensory development.

On 3 December, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the campaign included the online workshop “I Too Sense Music – Music Therapy for Children with Deafblindness and Sensory Impairments.”

The workshop was led by Russ Palmer, an international music therapist and vibroacoustic therapy practitioner, born deaf and diagnosed with Usher syndrome, making him a person with deafblindness. Russ uses two cochlear implants and, together with his wife Riitta, developed socio-haptic communication, applying tactile messages and musical vibrations to stimulate sensory perception in people with multisensory impairments.

“Beyond Senses” – When the Community Writes Its Own Future

Published 13 February 2026 | By surdocecitate.ro

From 5 to 8 February 2026, in Predeal, we organized the workshop “Beyond Senses”, a gathering that brought together young people with deafblindness, members of their families, and the Sense Internațional România team. The event was part of the Global Inclusive Education Project (August 2023 – July 2026), funded by the Nelumbo Foundation and Sense International UK.

Beyond the winter landscapes and moments of shared joy, the meeting had a clear objective: to listen, to understand, and to build together the strategic directions for the coming years.

We organized two focus groups – one with young people with deafblindness and one with members of their families. The discussions were authentic, emotional, and truly helpful in shaping the foundation’s strategic lines for the years ahead.

The young people spoke about their desire for autonomy, communication barriers, difficulties accessing adapted workplaces, and the need for updated assistive technologies. They also discussed prejudices – the constant effort to prove that they can, that they know, that they deserve. As one young participant shared with us: “Sometimes it was very hard for me to make new connections or relationships with people. Now I have overcome this, I managed to solve it. And now I feel very good when I go to new places, when I meet new people. If I want, I speak; if not, I don’t.”

Families highlighted the pressure of continuous responsibility, the fear of isolation after finishing studies, and the lack of real opportunities for professional integration for their children.

The shared message was clear: accessibility is not a privilege, it is a right, and accessible communication, interpreters, assistive technologies, and adapted employment opportunities are essential conditions for a dignified life.

An important part of the meeting was dedicated to developing the Deafblindness Resource Hub, which our colleagues in the UK are working on intensively. The Hub is designed to support people with deafblindness, their families, and professionals in the field. Participants came with concrete suggestions, which we will review and implement so that the Hub becomes as useful a tool as possible for all interested parties.

We invite you to explore the resources already available at https://deafblindness.info/. These include materials from Romania, as well as from countries such as Peru, India, Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Alongside work-focused moments, we also enjoyed fun activities, both outdoors and indoors. These recreational moments were full of energy and good spirits, giving participants the opportunity to relax and have fun.

From the train ride to Azuga and the walk to the ski slope, followed by the ride with the gondola witcht inspired admiration for the spectacular scenery, to the evening spent in the guesthouse game room, where many tried bowling for the first time, every activity sparked laughter, enthusiasm, and playful challenges.

A training course for both the mind and soul

Published 5 December 2025 | By surdocecitate.ro

Between November 3–28, 2025, we organized the second edition of the in-depth training program Addressing Deafblindness and Multiple Sensory Disabilities in the Educational Context, accredited by the Ministry of Education, with 18–20 transferable professional credits.

Considering the challenging times we are facing, Sense International Romania supported teachers by offering them the opportunity to attend the training program free of charge, through the Vasile Adamescu scholarships.

Out of 41 applications received, 25 teachers were selected, professionals who expressed a strong interest and desire to learn new methods and techniques to better support students with deafblindness and multiple sensory disabilities.

The participants explored educational and therapeutic approaches specially designed to meet the unique needs of children with deafblindness. They had access to structured theoretical content, case studies, and numerous practical examples of activities that can be applied in their daily classroom work.

We had the privilege of meeting passionate colleagues, and we would like to thank them for their commitment!

We are also deeply grateful to our dedicated trainers: psychopedagogue professor Mara Apostol, psychologist Gabriela Jianu, psychopedagogue professor Eva Oprea, assis univ. dr. Ioana Tufar.

“We had a team of professional trainers, who shared their knowledge with us with great professionalism and dedication. We thank them for each meeting, all of them were valuable and contributed to enriching our knowledge in the field of deafblindness and multisensory impairments.”

“I really appreciate that accessibility adaptations have been made for the visually impaired. I am very pleased to see that there are still people who think about the needs of blind people, who are not asking for favours, but just a little adaptation and accessibility of information. I say this because I have participated in other courses, which were not accessible to us at all. For this, thank you.”
"I highly recommend the course to anyone interested in the field of deafblindness and multisensory disabilities. The course provides valuable information, tools, and working techniques that offer an extremely solid foundation for working with children with deafblindness or multiple sensory impairments."
"Professionalism, dedication, excellent organization, and a warm atmosphere… Thank you so much for the opportunity to take part in this course!"

Deafblindness… still without criteria

Published 12 November 2025 | By surdocecitate.ro

We, Sense International Romania and the Association Beyond Senses – the association of deafblind people in Romania, feel a deep disappointment and sadness that deafblindness has once again been left orphaned by any type of criterion that would lead to a correct identification of people who have both senses affected – both sight and hearing.

We have taken note of the appearance of the joint order of the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Health no. 2300/1457/2025 published on Thursday, November 6, 2025, in the Official Gazette of Romania, Part 1, no. 1027 Bis.

The letters we submitted to the Ministry of Labor (S.I.R. 136/12.09.2025, A.N.P.D.P.D. no. 041964/12.09.2025), respectively the Ministry of Health (137/22.09.2025) during the period in which these criteria were in public debate – lacking an official response, our participation in numerous debates and meetings on this topic, all remained completely without echo.

It is difficult for us to understand why people with deafblindness, as well as their rights, are ignored, as long as they exist, and the difficulties they face are real. In the public sector, topics such as the rights of people with disabilities, accessibility and inclusion are constantly debated, but when it is time for concrete measures, everything remains, once again, only at a declarative level.

Beyond any official formulations, letters and bureaucratic aspects, our approach is about PEOPLE. Deafblind people already have a status in the legislation conferred by Law 448/2006, deafblindness being recognized as a distinct disability, code 10. However, in the absence of criteria, these people do not benefit from the rights they are entitled to nor the support they so badly need.

We request the Ministry of Labor, Family, Youth and Social Solidarity, the National Authority for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Ministry of Health to provide a point of view and a detailed description of the reasons behind the complete ignoring of our approaches so that, depending on the responses received, we can take our approach further involving the national authorities, the relevant European and international forums.

Why does the new legislative act not include a clear definition of deafblindness, namely a set of criteria related to this distinct type of disability (deafblindness - code 10)?

Beyond Senses, by the sea

Published 16 September 2025 | By surdocecitate.ro

Between August 31 – September 4, 2025, Sense International Romania and The Association Beyond Senses —the association of people with deafblindness in Romania—organized in Constanța a summer camp for 18 people with deafblindness and their family members: parents, brothers, sisters, a husband, a daughter, and even a cat!

We enjoyed five wonderful days together, filled with joy, new friendships, visits to the dolphinarium and the Constanța Casino, as well as valuable discussions. The energy of each participant and the happiness of being part of a community where everyone is valued and respected made this camp a truly memorable moment.

We started the camp with an icebreaker: each participant spoke about their favorite object, revealing new things about their passions and talents.

Then, we revisited together the priorities of the Association Beyond Senses, identified in previous meetings. Among these, participants showed the greatest interest in the topic of personal autonomy and proposed ideas for future activities: monthly online meetings, socialization workshops, personal development activities, and even social economy initiatives to showcase their talents.

One of the most emotional parts of the camp was a role-play activity, where young participants staged situations which can occur at work, addressing themes such as discrimination, the importance of sign language interpreters in facilitating communication with colleagues, teamwork, and taking responsibility.

Meanwhile, parents brought their own perspective: the need for safety and autonomy for their children, along with the desire to support the association in the future.

“I saw the young people, our children, being courageous, strong, eager to be seen and respected as they deserve. It is something wonderful in this context! People who cannot see or hear, yet who can feel and understand each other so deeply. Thank you!” — S.T., parent

At the end of the camp, participants organized a special moment: a flashmob, where they expressed—through signs and spoken words—a message that touched everyone’s hearts:

“We are Beyond Senses. We are the Association… Butterfly (the association’s symbol).”

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Rodica Haluș and Monica Cătuțoiu (Coda Association) for their support in communication, as well as to the team at Hotel Continental Forum Constanța, who welcomed us with hospitality and openness!

This activity was carried out with the support of the Nelumbo Foundation, as part of the “Global Inclusive Education Project” (August 2023 – July 2026).

Criteria for deafblindness – a necessity

Published 12 September 2025 | By surdocecitate.ro

Deafblindness is a severe multisensory disability, often associated with other types of disabilities. Deafblindness causes major difficulties in communication, access to information, orientation and mobility. Deafblindness can be congenital or acquired, the problem being equally complex in both cases. In the case of congenital deafblindness, vision problems may be evident from birth, while hearing problems may be observed later. Acquired or accidental deafblindness occurs after birth, due to illness or trauma, or as a result of the aging process.

We note that deafblindness is recognized by Law 448/2006 as a distinct disability, being assigned code 10. However, there are no criteria based on which complex assessment services can correctly classify deafblind people in the type of deafblindness disability – code 10. For this reason, at the level of the entire country, there is a very small number of people with deafblindness identified – 80 people with deafblindness, of which 8 children and 72 adults.

We emphasise the fact that vision and hearing losses do not add up, but multiply, the combined impact of the two deficiencies is profound and generates a distinct disability, with specific support needs.

We come to you with the request to clarify the situation of people with deafblindness in our country and to use this opportunity to revise the criteria in order to include in the revised legislation the criteria related to deafblindness.

Based on the existing criteria in the proposed order, we propose to supplement Chapter 2 – Sensory functions, with point IV, as follows:

IV. Evaluation of persons with deafblindness (simultaneous impairment of visual and auditory functions) for classification as a disability

Deafblindness is a complex multisensory disability that simultaneously affects both the visual function and the auditory function of a person. This type of disability generates significant difficulties in communication, access to information, spatial orientation and mobility;
In the evaluation of visual functions in a person with deafblindness, the indicators, parameters, table with activities/limitations, respectively participation/needs from point I – Evaluation of persons with visual impairment for classification as a disability will be used;
In the assessment of auditory functions in a person with deafblindness, the indicators, parameters, the table with activities/limitations, respectively participation/needs from point II – Evaluation of persons with impaired auditory functions for the purpose of classification in disability will be used;
In the complex assessment of a person with deafblindness, both medical documents attesting to the impairment of visual functions and medical documents attesting to the impairment of auditory functions will be taken into account.
In the event that only one of the two sensory functions is classified as a disability, the other being also affected but at the limit of classification, proven by medical documents, the person will be classified as a type of disability Deafblindness (code 10), medium disability.

Classification criteria

DEAFBLINDNESS (CODE 10) MODERATE DISABILITY

Moderate visual impairment + Auditory function at the limit of classification = Moderate deafblindness
Visual function at the limit of classification + Moderate auditory impairment = Moderate deafblindness

DEAFBLINDNESS (CODE 10) SEVERE DISABILITY

Moderate visual impairment + Moderate auditory impairment = Severe deafblindness
Visual function at the limit of classification + Severe auditory impairment = Severe deafblindness
Severe visual impairment + Auditory function at the limit of classification = Severe deafblindness

DEAFBLINDNESS (CODE 10) PROFOUND DISABILITY

Moderate visual impairment + Severe auditory impairment = Profound deafblindness
Severe visual impairment + Moderate auditory impairment = Profound deafblindness
Severe visual impairment + Severe auditory impairment = Profound deafblindness

DEAFBLINDNESS (CODE 10) PROFOUND DISABILITY (with or without caregiver)

Profound visual impairment (with or without caregiver) + Auditory function at the limit of classification = Profound deafblindness (with or without caregiver)
Profound visual impairment (with or without caregiver) + Moderate auditory impairment = Profound deafblindness (with or without caregiver)
Profound visual impairment (with or without caregiver) + Severe auditory impairment = Profound deafblindness (with or without caregiver)

In March 2025, Deafblind International published the Deafblindness Core Set in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The study was extremely comprehensive and included data collected from 54 countries using the ICF coding system, then combined and presented at an international consensus conference in Spain in 2024. The process resulted in the first version of the comprehensive Deafblindness Core Set.

In 2023, the World Federation of the Deafblind published the Global Report on Deafblindness, according to which “deafblind people represent between 0.2% and 2% of the population, are a very diverse but hidden group, and deafblind people are more likely to be poor, unemployed and have low educational outcomes”. There is therefore a very large difference between the number of deafblind people identified in Romania and the prevalence of this distinct type of disability globally.

We thank everyone who was involved in the creation of this document, the deafblind group, our colleagues in the Sense International family, Deafblind International and the World Federation of the Deafblind. Below you can download the document sent today to the Ministry of Labor, Family, Youth and Social Solidarity (in Romanian).

Beyond Senses

Published 29 July 2025 | By surdocecitate.ro

On July 26, the Association Beyond Senses, the association of people with deafblindness in Romania, was launched in Bucharest, in the presence of a group of young people with deafblindness, their families and those who have been and still are by their side in this endeavour.

It was an event full of emotions, with a lot of warmth in everyone's souls. The three founding members, Oana Ene – president, along with Crina Gherghel and Iulian Duluman – vice-presidents, told those present why they felt the need to establish this new association, as well as what their plans for the future are.

"We want this association to bring real support, visibility and a strong voice for our community. It is an important step towards more acceptance, accessibility and representation. When the senses are silent, the soul begins to speak. And today, we speak with confidence and courage!", Oana conveyed to everyone present.

We were delighted to have special guests who promised to support the group in this endeavour: Mr. Romi Mihăescu, Secretary General of the National Authority for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity; Mr. Daniel Lolici, President of the National Association of the Deaf in Romania; Ms. Kavita Prasad, CEO of Sense International UK; Ms. Gina Chiriac, President of the Romanian Association of Integrative Psychotherapy. Representatives of the Nelumbo Foundation and the Foundation for the Development of Civil Society (Active Citizens Fund programme) were also present, without whom this association would not have been possible.

In the sensory tent set up at the event, the guests had the opportunity to experience for a few moments what deafblindness means and how the loss of sight and hearing brings a new perspective on life. In the presence of Viorel Micu, former interpreter and communication guide of Professor Vasile Adamescu (1944-2018), the guests were able to admire sculptures made by him, telling stories about the man who was a true promoter of the rights of deafblind people in Romania.

The group of deafblind youth and family members visited the Museum of Senses, stepping into a world where the senses come to life through over 50 captivating installations and interactive attractions. We thank the museum for their generosity in offering free access to everyone in our group, and for their guidance.

The group also visited Cotroceni Palace, the seat of the Presidential Administration, a historic site with a tradition of almost 350 years. We are grateful for the opportunity to visit this place full of history and for the kind words received from Mrs. Cătălina Galer, State Counselor within the Presidential Administration, Department of Administration, Public Policies and Civil Society:

"We extend our congratulations and appreciation for the launch of the Association Beyond Senses and for the initiative to include the Cotroceni Palace in the visit occasioned by this remarkable event. We convey to you, to the same extent, our sincere appreciation for the commitment and constant effort you make in supporting people with deafblindness and promoting their rights."

The event ended with a working meeting, where the members of the group of young people with deafblindness discussed what they want from this association and how each one can contribute to achieving the purpose and objectives of the Association Beyond Senses, as described in the founding documents.

The purpose is social inclusion and improving the quality of life of people with deafblindness in Romania.

The objectives of the Association Beyond Senses are:

To carry out programmes, projects and activities that lead to social inclusion and improving the quality of life of people with deafblindness in Romania;
To support the social inclusion of people with deafblindness and fight discrimination;
To collaborate with other governmental and non-governmental institutions and organisations in the country and abroad, in order to support people with deafblindness in Romania;
To organise training courses, conferences and other events to promote the inclusion of people with deafblindness in Romania;
Draw the community's attention to the uniqueness of this disability and change people's mindsets towards the rights and responsibilities of people with deafblindness and multiple disabilities.

Warm thanks to the team of interpreters who facilitated the communication: Monica Cătuțoiu (Coda Association), Mihaela Dascăl and George Weiner. We also thank the members of the Board of Directors of Sense International Romania who were with us: Adina Ciulei – president, Alina Bugean, Steluța Tudose, Kavita Prasad, Raluca Ochișor and Viorel Micu. Warm thanks also to Mrs. Sandra Tone, MyCONTINENTAL Bucharest, for her availability and professionalism.

But most of all, we thank the group of young people and parents who instill in us, Sense International Romania team, the strength and courage to move forward, beyond senses...

“The Wonder Within” Campaign

Published 23 July 2025 | By surdocecitate.ro

Every year, the month of June is an opportunity for Sense Internațional România to celebrate deafblindness and to honor the legacy of Helen Keller – one of the most well-known individuals with deafblindness and a true ambassador for the rights of persons with disabilities, a remarkable figure whose story continues to inspire generations.

This year, the joy of celebration was even greater, as for the first time, June 27 was officially recognized as International Deafblind Awareness Day, an important global acknowledgment.

On this occasion, together with over 600 children and more than 400 adults – including teachers, parents, and volunteers – from 20 partner schools across Arad, Bucharest, Craiova, Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, Galați, Iași, Oradea, Focșani, Fălticeni, Tg. Frumos, and Timișoara, we carried out the campaign “The Wonder Within”.

Among the activities organized in schools were therapeutic stories, creative workshops, sensory dance, music therapy, hippotherapy, sensory games, theater, painting, gardening, nature excursions, sports activities, visits to sensory centers, educational competitions, social and awareness-raising events, as well as festive meals. All of these were joyfully experienced by the students, their teachers, and their parents alike.

As part of the campaign, we promoted the Global Deafblindness Resource Hub, developed by our colleagues in England. This platform aims to provide persons with deafblindness and their supporters with access to content, information, best practices, and educational materials available in seven languages, including Romanian. Over time, we hope this platform will grow and offer as many useful resources and solutions as possible to everyone in need.

Additionally, we launched a new project – the bi-annual magazine “The Wonder Within”, a publication dedicated to teachers, parents, and persons with deafblindness. It will include articles with resources and practical activities to support the development of children and will be published on the Global Deafblindness Resource Hub. Teachers from partner schools – and beyond – will have the opportunity to contribute relevant materials.

„A heart-to-heart course”

Published 11 June 2025 | By surdocecitate.ro

20 years after the launch of the early intervention program, Sense International Romania organized the first online training course titled Introduction to Early Intervention for Children with Deafblindness.

12 teachers, one social worker, and three parents attended this first edition, held between May 30 and June 6, 2025. The course featured both a synchronous component via Zoom and an asynchronous one on the organization’s e-learning platform, cursuri.surdocecitate.ro, totaling 16 hours of study.

During the live sessions, we discussed the difference between early education and early intervention, how we can stimulate and develop a child’s senses, and then moved on to topics such as environmental adaptations, neuromotor stimulation, communication in children with deafblindness, elements of orientation and mobility, as well as support for their emotional development.

The course was a space for learning and connection for participants, trainers, and organizers alike. Theoretical information was reinforced with numerous examples from the practical experience of the five trainers, who wholeheartedly shared their expertise.

We had the joy of once again collaborating with an extraordinary team of trainers, including physiotherapy teacher Mihaela Aioneasă, special education teacher Mara Apostol, psychologist Gabriela Jianu, special education teacher Eva Oprea, and university lecturer Dr. Ioana Tufar. We thank them for their warmth, dedication, and professionalism!

“You won me over with this well-structured course, rich in concrete and useful information. What stuck with me most was the humanity, love, and respect with which you presented the children and their parents”, Cristina
“I appreciated the openness and authenticity of the trainers in sharing information. The use of videos from therapy sessions greatly helped in consolidating the theoretical knowledge. The trainers continuously blended theory and practice throughout the course”, Corina
"A course from soul to soul and from professional to professional! I felt that everything came from rich experience, complete dedication, and genuine care not only for the children, but also for the parents and professionals", Nicu