Early Childhood Intervention Family Stories Project

Authors: Chloe Arevalo, Early Childhood Information Specialist, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC

The Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) partners with the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) to increase awareness of early intervention for families and professionals, including those seeking support for visual impairment and deafblind services. As part of its awareness efforts, ECI recently launched the Family Stories Project to collect and share real stories from families who have experienced the benefits of ECI services. ECI is currently seeking families connected to TSBVI who are interested in participating in this project. 

ECI has already gathered inspiring stories from families in the program. Over the past few months, eight families have participated in the project, each with their own unique and impactful success stories. Topics have included parent empowerment, family self-sufficiency, service transition, staff support, and the ECI coaching approach.

One way ECI used these family stories was during an ECI provider webinar focused on transition from ECI to early childhood special education. Two families shared their experiences working with ECI during the transition process. Their perspectives helped illustrate the importance of smooth, well-supported transitions and the positive impact they can have on families enrolled in ECI. 

“When we first started talking about the transition process, it felt overwhelming,” one mother said. “However, our ECI team was helpful in making sure that I understood what was going on. I felt very supported and that we made the right decisions in trusting ECI.”

Another mom shared how the Family Stories Project can inspire other families to participate in ECI through learning about other success stories. 

“As a parent, sometimes you feel like no one knows what you’re going through,” the mom said. “Then you hear from another parent about their ECI story, and you think, ‘There are more of us?’ That’s why it’s so important to hear a parent’s perspective. ECI encouraged me to connect with other parents and my community again.”

ECI is excited to continue sharing these family stories to ensure staff and stakeholders understand families’ perspectives and to foster deeper engagement with ECI programs.

If you or someone you know would like to share your family’s ECI story, email HHSC ECI Outreach at [email protected]. See the Family Stories Project flyer to learn how you can participate. Visit the ECI website to learn more about ECI.