Since the founding of United Services over 36 years ago, the agency has provided early intervention services to thousands of preschoolers in our region. The financial savings realized by the community at large by providing programs and therapies prior to the student entering kindergarten has been astounding. Part of the savings is realized in a dramatic reduction in the number of students who attend the Boonslick State School, The cost to the state per student at Boonslick ($8,587) versus the cost to educate the same child at United Services ($6,856) is notable. It is evident that United Services is consistently lower in overall cost.
In addition to the financial benefits seen by providing these programs at United Services, the social outcomes have left an even more important benefit. The programs at United Services are provided in an inclusive environment, meaning children with special needs are included in the same classroom as their typically developing peers. Both learn from the other, the child with special needs learns to imitate the social behaviors of their typically developing peers who in turn learn to accept their friends who may act, look or learn differently. The acceptance and compassion that is part and parcel of the agency's core will mean that generations of students will be more accepting and will have a greater understanding of those who are different than themselves... and THAT may be the best lesson we can teach anyone!
To learn more about the REAL impact the agency has had for the families we've served, read below to hear from the parents of those who have benefited from our programs over the years...
Testimonial By Linda Hoppe, mom of Jake
No child comes with an instruction manual, but having a child with special needs is hard to describe without living it. Even experienced parents have nothing to compare a special needs child to, and often feel inadequate or even somehow to blame. United Services has been our support system, Jake?s home away from home and our extended family. They have not only prepared Jake to start on the journey of his life, but they have prepared us for our journey too!
