Families waiting for assessments at KidsAbility often experience uncertainty, unsure of how to best support their children during this time. Recognizing these challenges firsthand, social workers Gabby Shiry and Gabby Gazziro took the initiative to better understand families’ concerns and explore ways to improve their early journey with KidsAbility.
Through conversations with parents, they identified a key issue: many felt unsure about what steps they could take while waiting. “One of the biggest stressors families mentioned was not knowing what they could work on,” Gabby G explained. Their research and insights helped inform KidsAbility’s efforts to enhance support for families in the intake phase, ultimately contributing to the development of Launch Groups.
Launch Groups were introduced to provide early, play-based sessions where therapists meet with families and offer strategies tailored to their child’s needs—before formal assessments take place. Since its implementation, nearly 885 children have participated in Launch Groups within nine months. Families who have engaged in these sessions report feeling more confident and informed as they navigate their child’s development.
“That feeling of helplessness as a parent is incredibly difficult,” Gabby S reflected. “Having access to universal supports earlier in the process—it’s truly a game changer.”
This initiative highlights the importance of listening to families and frontline workers, demonstrating how proactive efforts can drive meaningful change. As Gabby S noted, “Never underestimate the power of data or the possibilities that can come out of it.”
By ensuring families receive reassurance and guidance from the very beginning, KidsAbility continues to evolve the ways it supports those in need.