Rotary Speaker - Donna Ringholz
This week’s speaker was Ms. Donna Ringholz, the Executive Director of Bornhava in Amherst, NY. Bornhava is an early intervention and preschool program, nurturing and educating children with developmental disabilities in partnership with families to prepare the students for a full and productive life through encouragement and support. Bornhava is a Danish word meaning: "a high-quality early childhood program with a home-like environment."
Bornhava is approved by the NYS Education Department to provide programming for young children with developmental disabilities and to offer support and resources for their caregivers. Established in 1983, Bornhava's intent is to offer a home-like atmosphere where high quality therapeutic and educational interventions are provided for children with special needs from birth to 5-years of age. The focus is not only on the specific needs of these children, but also on family involvement and interaction with typical children.
Currently, Bornhava's staff serves approximately 150 children, with a commitment for personalized attention to address each of their unique strengths and weaknesses. Intervention plans are developed for children with mental and physical challenges, sensory deficits, communication delays, and various developmental disabilities. These comprehensive services to children and their families are made possible through the Departments of Health in Erie and Niagara County, the NYS Education Department, and private donations.
Highlights of Ms. Ringholz’s presentation included:
· Bornhava started in 1983 with 9 children and 6 staff members.
· The school uses developmentally appropriate practices to support, e.g., five-year olds with two-year old capabilities.
· Bornhava serves Erie, Niagara, and Orleans counties.
· The main facility is on Chateau Terrace in Snyder, but the school has other smaller facilities to reduce transportation costs.
· There are 7 major funding sources; parents are not required to pay.
· The school has integrated classrooms where “normal” children are grouped with developmentally disabled children
· School cares for children up to five years old.
· About 125 children attend the school.