Reviewed by: Patience Itson
He’s been coming to The Bell Center his whole life + now he’s graduating!
Reading time: 4 minutes
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Maverick is a spunky three-year-old who loves spending his days at The Bell Center in Homewood.
He’s been at this local early intervention center his entire life, and now he’s gearing up to graduate at the end of this summer!
We sat down with Maverick’s mom and dad to hear how special The Bell Center has been to their family. Here’s what we learned.
Coming to The Bell Center since 2021
Andrea and Matthew Price found out their son Maverick would be born with Down syndrome while Andrea was pregnant. Immediately, the couple began searching for resources, advice and everything in between.
“I learned about The Bell Center from a friend I went to high school with. She was a Bell Runner for her niece who had Down syndrome.
That was my first introduction to the services they provided, so when we got [Maverick’s] diagnosis, I knew this was where I wanted him to be.”
Andrea Price
Getting a diagnosis at any age is scary, and the Prices never denied the uncertainty their family faced while Maverick was an infant.
The Bell Center takes an individualized approach to therapy
As the only transdisciplinary, center-based early intervention provider in the state of Alabama, The Bell Center is dedicated to maximizing the potential of children from birth to three years of age who are at risk for developmental delay.
Each time a child attends therapy, every area of development is addressed by the therapy team a physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist and early childhood educator. Goals are tailored specifically to that child’s needs.
Programs are designed to promote growth in the following skills:
- Cognition
- Gross + fine motor
- Language
- Self-help
- Social
Check out the different programs The Bell Center offers, from one-on-one services for infants to classroom routines.
Support from The Bell Center has been crucial to The Price’s success
The Prices commute 40 minutes twice a week for Maverick’s classes, but as soon as you walk through the doors, you understand why.
“His Bell Center therapists not only provide critical therapy but they are also available for all the questions we have.
Maverick has always loved coming. We’ve been so blessed with the volunteers who work with Maverick. He knows them by name and has little nicknames for them.
As a mom, it means a lot when your child wants to go and participate in therapy.”
Andrea Price
Part of reaching a child’s potential is continuing to work on therapy goals at home.
“The amazing therapists provide us with a personalized therapy plan to do with him at home so we can give him the best possible outcome.”
Andrea Price
From an expert therapy team to an undeniable family atmosphere, The Bell Center is an all-inclusive option for early intervention services.
“I can and I will”
When you visit The Bell Center, you’ll find bricks engraved along the sidewalk leading into the building.
Displayed on Maverick’s brick are the words “I can and I will.”
“When you get any kind of diagnosis, whether while you’re pregnant or in post-delivery, it’s scary. Trying to navigate that world yourself is overwhelming, even with excellent family resources.
When I brought him here as an infant, they became family, and it was home. They made navigating that diagnosis so much easier.
Because from birth, The Bell Center lets families know their children can and will do this.”
Andrea Price
Check out The Bell Center for early intervention services, individualized programs + an exceptional community. Support this mission when you follow their Facebook + Instagram.
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