We are happy to share with you the latest news regarding events which make SENSE. On Saturday, April 12, the National Conference “Early Intervention for Children with Deafblindness – 20 Years After” took place, an event dedicated to reflecting on the progress made, but also on the current challenges and needs in the field of early intervention in Romania. The event was organised by the Sense International Romania, in partnership with the Special Kindergarten for the Deaf No. 65 Bucharest, the “Vasile Pavelcu” Special Technological High School in Iași, the School Centre for Inclusive Education Cristal Oradea and the School Centre for Inclusive Education “Constantin Pufan” Timișoara.

In the first part of the conference, a panel discussion was held dedicated to analysing the activity of early intervention centres with the directors Laura Bălăngean – Director, School Center for Inclusive Education “Constantin Pufan” Timișoara; Coca Marlena Vasiliu – Director, Special Technological High School “Vasile Pavelcu” Iași; Ramona Vesa – Director, School Center for Inclusive Education Cristal Oradea; and Maria Tansilav – Director, Special Kindergarten for the Deaf no. 65, Bucharest.

The successes and joys of these 20 years were discussed, as well as the challenges encountered, all with an emphasis on collaboration and mutual learning. Among these, the following were mentioned: the small number of early intervention centres in the country, the need to train specialists, but also the legislative obstacles.

The importance of collaboration with other institutions was also emphasized: child welfare and social protection departments, school inspectorates, specialist doctors, CJRAE, etc.

Another important point brought to the fore was the clear idea that early intervention is not the equivalent of a nursery (creche); it is not a place where the child is dropped off and picked up later, but a process in which both the child and the parent work closely together. Early intervention has two direct beneficiaries, the child and the parent, and the earlier the intervention starts, the greater the chances that each child will reach their full potential.

Looking back and into the future

The second part of the conference was dedicated to presentations by representatives of the four early intervention centers: Monica Marin, Carmen Alexandru, special education teachers at the Special Kindergarten for the Deaf no. 65 Bucharest; Eva Oprea and Gyöngyike Lakatos, special education teachers at the School Centre for Inclusive Education Cristal Oradea; Gabriela Jianu, psychologist at the School Centre for Inclusive Education “Constantin Pufan” Timișoara and Mara Apostol, special education teacher and Mihaela Aionesa, physiotherapist at the “Vasile Pavelcu” Special Technological High School in Iași.

The presentations took us on a journey through time, starting in 2007, when the first early intervention centre was opened, until today. The working models developed in each centre, the progress made by the children, the ways of involving parents and siblings in the therapeutic process and the importance of their involvement, the existing needs and future development directions were highlighted.

All the valuable experiences shared during the presentations were crowned by the messages of gratitude sent by the parents that moved us and showed the profound impact that early intervention has.

“For me, as a mother of a special child, it was a real breath of fresh air. I received support, a kind word, I learned that there are other parents with the same fears and anxieties as mine, I found a family where no one is left out.”

“I learned things that helped me and continue to help me and I want to thank you! My life changed radically the moment I discovered you.”

“We always carry you in our hearts with gratitude and love, the centre being for us more than a place for therapy. It was a space of support, understanding and hope. Here, my daughter took her first steps towards progress, and I, as a mother, felt that we were not alone.”

“The time spent at the centre was valuable and full of emotion. I met wonderful, dedicated and passionate people, who knew how to see beyond the difficulties and bring out the potential of my child.”

The event was more than a conference – it was a celebration of the community built around early intervention all these years and a source of inspiration to continue fighting for the best possible start in the life of every child.

Beyond all this valuable information and experiences, we also wanted to convey a message of hope for those who want to open early intervention centres in other cities.

We thank all the guests and speakers who shared their experience and contributed to the depth of this conference. We also thank the over 80 participants present for their interest and active involvement, as well as Ms. Ioana Tufar, who provided interpretation in Romanian sign language.