Activities of Daily Living

Therapists evaluate and select equipment to help both child and caregiver gain independence and safety in feeding, dressing, personal hygiene, and other daily care needs. Many high technology and simple devices are available to assist children with disabilities, and their caregivers, gain control of their environment. Therapists evaluate the child to determine the specific design and model of equipment to most appropriately meet their individual needs.

Multi-Sensory Gym

Sensory integration is the theory used to explain the relationship between the brain and behavior and explains why individuals respond in a certain way to sensory input and how it affects behavior.  To help these children at The DIC, our multi-sensory gym may be used in therapy sessions.  The basic foundation for the gym is to begin with a "white area."  A white room, or a room with absence of color, can elicit a calming effect, which is where interaction can begin for children who have difficulties integrating sensory input.  Therapists can modify the stressors for the child with sensory integration dysfunction by introducing a sensory stimulus one at a time.  The gym environment will encourage trust and relaxation by providing the space, time, and access to enjoy the sensations.  These sensory experiences will be created through items such as:  a 60" interactive, multi-colored bubble tube; fiber-optic bundles that a child can lay on, wrap themselves in, or stroke gently; or a soothing Vibromusic wedge. 

Seating and Mobility Clinic

Recommendations are made for the individual child's specific mobility equipment and coordinating seating system. All necessary documentation is provided and on-going mobility training is available to facilitate improved proficiency in operating switches and in maneuvering safely in both indoor and outdoor environments. The Mobility Clinic also evaluates individuals for specialized standing equipment, adapted tricycles and other mobility equipment. The DIC therapists have specialized training and experience in simple to highly complex mobility systems.

Postural, orthopedic and functional abilities are evaluated and then seating components are considered in developing a recommendation for a customized seating system for each individual. Therapists also evaluate for equipment to facilitate a means of mobility. Emphasis is placed on the individual's physical and cognitive ability to operate a power wheelchair/mobility device.