At nearly four years old, Sloan exudes imagination, determination, and joy. We are thrilled to celebrate her as our Star of the Month for National Speech-Language-Hearing Month! 

Sloan has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, a condition that affects her muscle tone and control in all four limbs. While this makes daily tasks, such as sitting up, crawling, or speaking, more challenging, Sloan refuses to be held back! She is dedicated to building her strength, coordination, and communication skills so she can engage in play with her twin sister and baby brother. 

In speech therapy, Sloan is blossoming into a confident communicator. She actively explores new sounds, words, phrases, and sentences using her voice and assistive tools. She is also learning to eat safely and try new foods. Born with moderate to severe hearing loss in both ears, Sloan faces additional challenges in communication. However, her hearing aids empower her to hear better and learn to articulate clearly. She can express herself in phrases and sentences, but at times, she struggles to be understood.  

With the guidance of her speech therapist, Sloan is mastering an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device that allows her to communicate through eye gaze. This device enhances her ability to connect both at home and in the community when verbal expression is difficult. Her therapists have observed remarkable progress in her ability to engage in conversations, make decisions, and express herself during play. Sloan articulates her desires and asks questions with enthusiasm. She has also made strides in trying new foods, making mealtime a joyful experience with her family. Her unwavering desire to connect with others is why we proudly celebrate her during National Speech-Language-Hearing Month! 

Sloan is achieving impressive milestones in occupational therapy as well. She now skillfully uses both hands together, such as steadying a toy with her right hand while pressing buttons with her left. This ability marks a significant step towards her independence. Her fine motor skills are improving, and her increasing core strength helps her maintain balance during active play. Sloan’s growing confidence and focus shine brightly in every session. 

In physical therapy, Sloan is learning to navigate her world with increasing independence. She practices sitting up on her own and remains balanced while sitting cross-legged. She focuses on standing and shifting her weight to play in her toy kitchen and kick a soccer ball with her sister, supported by a special device called a LiteGait. Her favorite therapy game? Peek-a-boo on all fours—especially when she pretends to wield magical powers to “freeze” her siblings! Sometimes, her sister challenges her by “freezing” her back, adding an extra layer of fun. 

Sloan’s remarkable progress since joining CRIT just over a year ago speaks volumes about her strength and resilience. Her creativity and playful spirit inspire everyone around her. Each milestone she reaches demonstrates the incredible possibilities available through dedicated care, commitment, and strong support. 

Thanks to your generosity, children like Sloan are making significant strides and discovering joy every single day. Let’s continue to support their journeys! 

Meet Logan, our March Star of the Month! At just 4 years and 5 months old, Logan is already showing the world what strength, perseverance, and joy look like.

Logan was born with a rare genetic condition called Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease, which affects his muscle control, movement, and ability to speak. Everyday tasks—like sitting up, grasping toys, or trying new foods—are more challenging for him. But Logan doesn’t let that stop him.

Since starting therapy at CRIT, Logan has made amazing progress. He receives occupational, physical, and speech therapy—and his team is in awe of how far he’s come.

In Occupational Therapy, Logan is now able to follow toys with his eyes while turning his head, showing better control and focus. He’s also working on using his hands, and can now grasp and let go of toys on purpose—something that used to be very difficult. These skills help him explore his environment and play more independently.

In Physical Therapy, Logan is gaining strength in his legs and improving how he moves his body. He can now lift his hips to help with dressing and is showing better head control while sitting and standing with support. One of his biggest victories? Taking steps in supported standing using an assistive device—an exciting sign of what’s possible for his future mobility.

In Speech Therapy, Logan is exploring new tastes and textures and becoming more comfortable trying different foods. He’s also working on his voice, using a special device called a Passy Muir Speaking Valve to help with vocal sounds. His favorite part? Recording videos for his personal YouTube channel! This fun hobby helps motivate him to keep practicing—and brings out his creative side.

Logan is a curious, motivated, and energetic little boy who loves learning and being part of the action. His big goal right now is to continue improving his strength, communication, and independence. He still faces challenges, but his positive spirit—and the support of his family and therapy team—keep him moving forward.

Every milestone Logan reaches is a reminder of what’s possible when a child receives the care, tools, and encouragement they need to thrive.

Thank you for supporting children like Logan. Your generosity makes stories like his possible—stories filled with hope, courage, and the power of progress.

This milestone reflects our commitment to well-being, inclusion, and excellence.  

Today, we proudly share that the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT) has received the Great Place to Work certification. This recognition highlights our ongoing effort to create a workplace where every team member can grow and feel valued.  

Why is this achievement so exceptional?  

At CRIT, we aim not only to change the lives of children with disabilities, but also to ensure that we care for those who make our mission possible. This recognition is a testament of our team member’s trust, collaboration, and shared commitment.  

More than a workplace: a place of hope  

Every day at CRIT is an opportunity to transform lives. From therapists to administrative staff, we all share the same vision: to provide the best care for the children and families who depend on us.  

“This is more than just a job—it’s a purpose. Every achievement of our patients is a shared accomplishment. Working in a place where your efforts truly change lives is priceless.”  

— Cristina Prieto, Corporate Sponsorship Officer 

This certification inspires us to continue strengthening a culture rooted in respect, inclusion, and teamwork. We understand that caring for those around us positively impacts our care for every child.  

Our gratitude  

Thank you to all of our team members. This accomplishment is yours. Your dedication, energy, and love for our mission make today’s celebration possible.  

What’s next?  

Now more than ever, we continue our commitment to improving our work environment and transforming lives.  

 
🔗 Visit our website to learn more about our work and how you can join this mission. 

A new year brings us the opportunity to reflect and make positive changes in our
lives—and in the lives of others. This 2025, why not embrace a purpose that
transcends? Make supporting children with disabilities your selfless act of love.

At the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT), we witness how small
acts of solidarity can have an extraordinary impact on the lives of our patients and
their families. Here’s how you can make a difference and why this purpose can
transform multiple lives.

Why supporting a cause is a transformative purpose.

When you support a cause, you’re not just helping those in need but nurturing
values like empathy, generosity, and gratitude. You’re also building a more
inclusive world filled with hope for children with disabilities.

Regardless of size, every donation to CRIT becomes a powerful tool to provide
therapies, treatments, and moments of joy to children and families facing immense
challenges every day.

How to turn this purpose into action

Making this purpose a reality is easier than you think. Here are a few ways to get
started:

1. Make a monthly donation:

Commit to a recurring donation to become a TeletonUSA Dream Maker. Your
contribution will fund anything from therapies to specialized equipment.

2. Get involved in activities:

Join our volunteer events, such as food banks or family activities. Every moment of
your time makes a difference.

3. Invite others to join:

Share CRIT’s mission with friends and family. You never know who might want to
join this movement of change.

4. Be a Hero for CRIT:

Create your digital fundraising page to rally your community. Together, you can
allow a child to take steps toward a better quality of life.

Because helping is the greatest act of love.

Including the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA in your resolutions
won’t just transform other lives—you’ll transform your own. Witnessing the impact
of your support will remind you of the power of a simple act of kindness and how,
together, we can build a future full of possibilities.

This 2025, make your purpose one of giving. Give hope, give opportunities, give
love. Visit our website, critusa.org, to learn how you can start this journey with us.

Let’s make this year count—for someone else.

Jameson is a bright and determined 7-year-old boy with a rare neurological condition called
Landau-Kleffner Syndrome. At CRIT, he receives a variety of therapy services, and his team
couldn’t be prouder of his incredible progress and unwavering dedication!
Jameson’s therapy journey began in early 2024 with Recreational Therapy. Together with his
therapist, he has worked tirelessly to improve key skills, including attention to tasks, turn-taking,
social and communication skills with peers and therapists, transitioning between activities, and
emotional regulation. Week after week, Jameson tackles new challenges with a big smile, showing
resilience and enthusiasm every step of the way.
Soon after, Jameson started Speech Therapy to enhance his communication skills and speech
clarity (how well he speaks and is understood). He’s made steady progress, focusing on improving
his breath support and awareness to communicate more effectively.
Most recently, Jameson began Physical Therapy, where he’s working to strengthen his balance and
coordination. His creative spirit shines through as he turns exercises into fun games and activities.
Jameson is a fun-loving, imaginative child with a passion for Super Mario Brothers, playing board
games like Don’t Break the Ice, and memory or flash card games. He loves singing silly songs,
blowing bubbles, and popping them just as quickly!
Since starting his journey at CRIT, Jameson has made remarkable strides, and 2025 promises even
greater growth for this inspiring young star.
This and other success stories are made possible thanks to the support of thousands of generous
individuals—just like you! Your kindness and commitment help children like Jameson achieve their
dreams and reach their full potential.