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January 2012
Volume II, Issue 3 |
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Kyle O'Brien, one of our skilled Occupational Therapists has received numerous compliments from his colleagues at Silvermine School in Norwalk!
We would like to welcome Sneha Gosalia to our school based team!
Over the past few months, the Physical and Occupational Therapists have made great strides in revising our current evaluative forms and methods. Together we have strengthened our skills and broadened our knowledge base! |
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Keep the discussion going with CSBT through social media!
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Apple and other technology providers have developed hundreds of applications for children for drawing, learning and playing games. There are even APPs especially helpful for children with developmental challenges that were never available before!
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A note from the editor:
With advances in technology there are so many wonderful ways to change and enhance the way that we do things. From emails to appointments, from games to Google searches - technology is everywhere! As we all hold our smartphones, iPads, iPods and androids in our eager hands, how can we best use them to maximize our own potential? This Constellation School Based Newsletter is fully committed to wetting your "APP"etite for technology!
Sincerely,
Kate Lavallee, PT  |
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The Question Section
How can APPs be relevant to PT and OT? In this issue of the CSBT Newsletter we hope to answer that! There are so many wonderful programs literally at our fingertips to address therapeutic goals. With so many advances in technology it seems that the possibilities and opportunities available to us are endless! Happily through our therapists experience and knowledge we have found great ways for you to use your latest gadget as an influential tool to enhance and provide carry over in the areas of school-based physical and occupational therapy! |
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An Event Near You!
Constellation is happy to inform you about the following upcoming events:
State of Connecticut is due to release its revised Guidelines for Assistive Technology.
This updated document will provide the latest information on technology within the school setting.
SPED*NET will be hosting a course called "Getting to know iPad APPs for Children with Special Needs: Promoting Your Child's Development"
The course will take place on Tuesday January 10th at the Norwalk City Hall. Visit SPED*NET.com for more information.
On the Constellation website www.constellationhs.com, we can now access live talks on relevant school based topics.
To access a live chat through Talk Shoe, visit: http://www.constellationhs.com/constellation-school-based-therapy/resources/
Constellation is excited to announce the official kick off to the Guidelines Project!
The next Brain Gym with Amy Burton will take place:
March 23, 24, 25th - more information to follow!
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Our Course Resource
On November 5, 2011 at the Norwalk Inn and Conference Center,our therapist Sarina Ussach attended the conference, "APPlying Sensory Integration Principles for Diverse Populations." The conference was presented by an Occupational Therapist, well known in the Sensory Integration world, Susanne Smith Roley. Sarina wrote the following about the conference:
"The conference was very theoretical and Susanne shared some very interesting case studies with the attendees. As a therapist working with the pediatric population, in the public school setting, I have the information fascinating, but unfortunately not so useful in my daily practice. I believe this conference was better aimed at occupational therapists and other practitioners who have more resources and physical space available to them, i.e. a sensory clinic.
Overall though, it was a nice experience, not to mention free for me, as I had won the raffle at Constellation giving me "gratis" attendance. I did leave with a feeling of admiration and respect for Susanne Smith Roley, as she has been afforded the opportunity to study under Jean Ayres, the pioneer and founder of Sensory Integration."
Brain Gym:
Meagen Barton made the following review about her experience at the first Brain Gym:
"Brain gym 101 with Amy Burton was an action and movement based 3-day learning experience that was exceptional! Brain Gym works on the premise that: with decreased stress (externally and internally), learning and output is maximized. Brain gym teaches a series of movements (like therapeutic exercises) that help to access neural pathways otherwise not open in full, that we can use prior to and during many life experiences.
This course provided additional tools for the "therapy tool bag" to utilize as we work with our school children. Amy provided real-life examples based on her many years of experience as a school based OT, making the application of learned knowledge during the course feel so natural! Being with co-workers from Constellation in an intimate learning environment allowed us to share work and life experiences with each other with which to build both personal and professional connections."
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OT for me!
The following APPs are a wonderful resource to enhance an Occupational Therapy session as well as provide a motivating medium for continued practice at home!
Sensory APPs:
Talking Tom - great reinforcer for the younger kids, touch Tom the cat to make him jump, purr, etc.
Pocket Pond - touch the screen to move fish around, able to add thunderstorms and rain
Singing Fingers - finger paint with sound
Drawing/Writing APPs:
Draw Free - allows users to sketch and draw
iWrite words Lite - guided letter tracing, recognition
iDoodlecard - good visual motor and drawing APP for younger children
Visutal Motor/Motor Planning:
Rush Hour Free - free version of rush hour (based on the popular traffic jam game)
Tiny Tower - build towers and manage the businesses within
Scoops - catch the falling ice cream scoops on your cone
Life Skills:
Life Skills Sampler - learn what common signs mean, helpful for children with Asperger Syndrome
Other APPs:
Brainpop - animated movie about science or history, new one every day. Quiz afterwards.
Story Kit - create an electronic storybook about school, ADL, OT/PT routines
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1-2-3 PT
The following APPs have been selected for professional use, as well as for use with a student at home. The following programs are sure to make your PT sessions and ideas for carryover high tech and happening!
Muscle Anatomy - is a basic review for muscle origins, insertions, nerve and blood supply
Goniometer - Here is a new way to measure range of motion, while also providing some motivating feedback!
Motion Doctor - this APP provides 60 videos which demonstrate step by step how to perform each of the highlighted exercises properly.
My Therapy Exercise - this is a home exercise program in an APP, perfect for carryover ideas at home
Physical Therapy Spanish - this APP provides translations relevant to the scope of PT
iPT - this program records and tracks the administration of the Berg, Tinetti, Timed up, Go and 10 meter walk tests
I AM LOVE - kids yoga journey; provides images of children performing a variety of yoga poses.
My First Yoga - Animal Poses for Kids; these yoga flash cards for kids use vibrant illustrations and child friendly narration to lead users through a series of easy to follow animal yoga poses. Learn to become a strong dog, quiet turtle and proud lion - stretching the mind and body to improve focus, balance and concentration.
Super Stretch Yoga HD - a fun, interactive yoga app created for kids, used by the whole family! Move, play and breathe as Super Stretch introduces you to his friends and their yoga poses. |
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Linked In
Evidence Based Resources Online
CSBT therapists can visit DropBox for the latest evidence-based articles! |
Disclaimer: The content of this newsletter is intended to enhance the communication between our school therapists and the children, families and school staff in the districts where they work. In the case that material is derived from a third party, Constellation Health Services will cite the source and cannot certify the accuracy of the material.
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