School System PT: Question about Eligibility for Therapy

Liz Posts:

DEAR ERI COMMUNITY: I am a physical therapist (4 years) and on my 2nd in the schools. I am finding that more and more of my referrals are for kids that are falling behind their peers, not for coordination and understanding of tasks rather obesity. My question is ethically… should weight be a deciding factor for eligibility/ dismissal if they demonstrate all areas of coordination, average strength/ROM etc, but when trying to hop or do sit ups/push ups they can go thru the motions, but are unable to clear the floor resulting in low testing scores. Also, what might be the best politically correct way to state weight is a contributing factor to students limitations?

Thank you!
Liz,  PT

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Education Resources New Course – Cancer Rehabilitation

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We are pleased to announce our new evidence based course, by our new faculty member; Lisa VanHoose. PhD, PR, CLT-LANA, CKTP

Evidence Based Cancer Rehabilitation and it’s Role in Cancer Survivorship
Advances in the medical management of cancer have steadily increased survival rates. Research shows that most cancer survivors will have at least one physical side effect of cancer treatment, including fatigue, neuropathy, muscle weakness, and balance deficits. This interactive course will provide evidence-based tools and strategies for the care of patients with diverse cancer types across the cancer continuum. The course will also address functional outcome measures and reimbursement concerns. Participants will apply the latest knowledge about pathology and medical management of cancer to the therapy program. Participants will also learn to efficiently utilize the multiple internet resources to develop an evidence-based rehabilitation plan, while addressing current reimbursement requirements from Medicare and private insurance companies. 

 

March 29-30, 2014 – Newington, CT
July 18-19, 2014 – Kansas City, MO
October 18-19, 2014 – Freehold, NJ 

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ICU Mobility Scores

Ann, PT posts: 

DEAR ERI COMMUNITY: How are people documenting mobility in the ICU? Has anyone used the Perme ICU Mobility Score? I heard it is now being tested for validity and inter-observer reliability, and Chris Perme is presenting it at the 2014 CSM of APTA. 

Are there other ways you document mobility in the ICU?

Thanks! Ann 

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Faculty Feature: Robin Harwell – Dynamic Instructor

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Robin Harwell, M.A., CCC-SLP is a dynamic instructor and clinician who takes complex information and easily applies it clinically. She has extensive experience in a variety of settings, including hospital, clinic, nursing home, home health, private practice and public schools. She has a thriving private practice and also consults to facilities on brain building programs. She utilizes a theoretical framework that is based on neurogenesis, neuroplasticity and neurodevelopment for assessment and treatment of her patients. Her workshops provide the latest in the neuroscientific research and its application to rehabilitation and development. She uses tools that support the brain’s ability to rewire itself versus teaching a skill. She is a sought after speaker throughout the US.

Robins Popular Course:

Building the Brain: A Neurobiological Approach to Assessment and Treatment 

February 8-9, 2014 – Miami, FL
April 26-27, 2014 – Gainsville, TX
May 9-10, 2014 – Alexandria, VA
July 26-27, 2014 – Denver, CO
August 22-23, 2014 – Glenview, IL
October 10-11, 2014 – Wallingford, CT
 

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Posted in: News

 

Technology… Friend or Foe for The Therapist

Education Resources TechnologyAt our annual “Therapy in the Schools” conference this fall, our distinguished technology speaker,Kelly Charlebois admitted that she was put “off balance” when she downloaded iOS 7 on her iPad and iPhone and saw a whole new screen and then realized that she did not know how to close open programs anymore, as that was one of the changes that came with the new software.

Besides that fact that she made me feel better (I had to call my son to figure out how to close the programs!), imagine how the kids we work with (and the adults) who use the iPad to assist them with a myriad of challenges will view these seemingly random changes. 

Assistive and educational technologies are changing the way students learn in the 21st century classroom. New apps and accommodations that help keep students focused and moving forward on their goals are constantly being developed for the iPad. However, the sudden “changes” and “upgrades” may be frustrating to some.

Kelly ended with this quote:
“For Americans without disabilities, technology makes things easier.  For Americans with disabilities, technology makes things possible.”      Mary Pat Radabaugh

What strategies have you used in the classroom with students? What apps and programs have you found useful? Are you frustrated or delighted by the upgrades and changes that occur every few years?

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