How Birmingham moms of kids with disabilities found a strong + loving community

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Being the parent of a child with disabilities is an ongoing journey that can feel incredibly isolating. But there’s good news: The Bell Center offers a close-knit community that parents can lean on for anything, from encouragement to a listening ear.

I sat down with a few Birmingham moms to learn all about the unrivaled support they found at The Bell Center.

Meet Jessica, Kelsey + Kara

(L-R) Sophie + Scarlet, Mathis, Vincent (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

At The Bell Center in Homewood, parents and caregivers can watch their children during class from an observation room.

Last week, during the “Explore Every Day” class, I sat down with three moms as they watched their children reach developmental milestones through therapeutic play.

Get to know them:

• Jessica: Sophie + Scarlet’s mom
  • How she found TBC: Sophie was not crawling or standing by 6 months old, and Jessica’s other daughter, Scarlet, started coming for speech + behavioral reasons.
• Kelsey: Vincent’s mom
  • How she found TBC: Vincent was born with Crouzon syndrome, a rare + complex condition that required multiple surgeries within his first year of life. After Vincent endured so much so early, Kelsey turned to The Bell Center.
• Kara: Mathis’ mom
  • How she found TBC: Mathis started early intervention for low muscle tone, and continued therapy after she was diagnosed with Noonan syndrome at 18 months old.

While their journeys brought them to The Bell Center in different ways, they were all embraced by the same supportive community. And it started from day one.

“I remember the first class with Sophie. We were going through all these scary things, and I would just cry. The other mothers hugged me and said, ‘Everything’s gonna be okay. We’re gonna get through this.‘

It’s so nice having other mothers cheer on your children.”

Jessica, Sophie and Scarlet’s mom

Finding family at The Bell Center

What makes The Bell Center unique is that it’s the only transdisciplinary, center-based early intervention provider in Alabama.

This means that kids from 0-3 years old who are at risk for developmental delay come to The Bell Center and every area of development is addressed by the therapy team—a physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech language pathologist and special education teacher.

“Out in the community, you’re with people who don’t understand and see your child as different. But I walk in here and I feel normal. All of my problems don’t feel like problems.”

Kara, Mathis’ mom

Even though these moms (and countless others) are going through difficult seasons of life, it’s encouraging to look back at the growth that their children have made.

“I wish I could take every single moment we’ve had here at The Bell Center and show it to myself while Vincent was in the NICU.”

Kelsey, Vincent’s mom

The Bell Center offers an individualized approach to early intervention

(L-R) Benjamin, Matthew and Mills in the Bright Beginnings class (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

While Jessica, Kelsey and Kara’s kiddos are gearing up to graduate, another cohort of moms at The Bell Center are just a few months in.

When Jill, Anna and Rachel found out their babies had a diagnosis of Down syndrome, they each heard the same thing: Go to The Bell Center!

“Being able to meet other parents in similar situations is huge, and the team approach is great.”

Jill, Benjamin’s mom

I watched as their kids played with bubbles and worked towards their individual therapy goals, and I love knowing they’ll get unbelievable care at The Bell Center throughout the next two years.

Get involved with The Bell Center for early intervention services, individualized programs + an exceptional community.

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