ACHIEVA CONTACT:
Lisa Razza, Director of Communications
412-995-5000 x410
lrazza@achieva.info
WQED CONTACT:
George Hazimanolis
412-622-1366
ghaziman@wqed.org
For Immediate Release
Pittsburgh, PA (February 8, 2021) - Infant massage can help calm and soothe fussy babies, ease digestive issues such as colic, gas, and indigestion, induce a more restful sleep, in addition to enhancing the bond between baby and their parent/caregiver.
WQED Education is excited to collaborate with Achieva Early Intervention on a groundbreaking Infant Massage series. The Infant Massage video, produced by WQED, will be launched and open for registrations on Monday, February 15 at www.achievaearlyintervention.org. Follow on social media for registration information and opportunities to win prizes. After registering, families will be sent a link to the video to watch and practice at a time most convenient for their baby.
Infant Massage is a tool that many Achieva Early Intervention therapists use with their families, in addition to instructional classes being offered in the community prior to COVID-19.
Given the lack of community opportunities to teach Infant Massage due to the pandemic, the opportunity to provide this service virtually, in partnership with WQED Education, is an opportunity to reach many families who can add infant massage to their parenting tool box.
Achieva Early Intervention has over 20 certified Infant Massage instructors. Christy Shaffer, Occupational Therapist with Achieva Early Intervention, is featured in the video collaboration and does an exceptional job of demonstrating all of the various strokes and their specific benefits.
“This collaboration is an amazing opportunity, and we are looking forward to bringing infant massage instruction to so many families,” said Sharon Richards, Vice President of Early Intervention at Achieva. “There are so many benefits to incorporating infant massage into your baby's daily routine and Christy expertly demonstrates each technique so viewers can practice and refine their methods to best benefit their baby."
Also featured in the collaboration is a curated classical music playlist to accompany infant massage. Set as background music in the video, but also available as a separate link, the exclusive Infant Massage playlist was created by WQED-FM 89.3 and features selections designed to support a relaxing and calm environment.
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About Achieva
Achieva is a non-profit organization located in southwestern Pennsylvania providing lifelong supports to people with disabilities and their families. Achieva envisions a community where all people with disabilities lead lives of personal significance. Our services range from early intervention therapies and employment supports to special needs trusts and supports in the home and community. Achieva advocates for, empowers, and supports people with disabilities and their families throughout their lives. Visit online at www.achieva.info or see www.achievaearlyintervention.org to learn about Achieva Early Intervention’s therapeutic services for children who have developmental disabilities or delays.
About WQED
WQED was an experiment in educational community-supported television that was the forerunner to PBS. Today, WQED is a multimedia powerhouse that is as much a part of Pittsburgh as the three rivers. WQED is WQED-TV (PBS); WQED World; WQED Create; WQED Showcase; WQED PBS KIDS Channel; Classical WQED-FM 89.3/Pittsburgh; Classical WQEJ-FM 89.7/Johnstown; the Pittsburgh Concert Channel at WQED-HD2 (89.3-2FM) and online at www.wqed.org/fm; local and national television and radio productions; WQED Interactive (www.wqed.org) and WQED Education (www.wqed.org/edu).