Your February Newsletter 2020!
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Welcome February!
Share in the love of adaptive sport, recreation, and leisure with these upcoming programs, events, and community events for February 2020 and beyond.
Pre-registration is required. Please complete our electronic 2020 Participant or Volunteer Registration Form attached in this newsletter at your earliest convenience.
This Newsletter is packed with opportunities- be sure to scroll to the end (view entire message) so you don't miss anything!
We welcome your new ideas, ways to make Therapeutic Recreation here in Chattanooga better, and any overall feedback.
Keep in mind, plans may change or get moved around and new programs will continue to be added, so please review each month's newsletter to find potential changes!
Sincerely,
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Elaine Adams Gossett, CTRS
Therapeutic Recreation Program Coordinator
423.643.6607
Michelle Brickey, CTRS
Therapeutic Recreation Program Specialist
423.643.6606
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Program Support Staff
Ryan York
Jacob Jarvis
Grace Stewart
Jessie Steele
Ali Hansford
Office Support
Connor Roberts
UTC Student Intern
Schalles Green
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OUR MISSION:
The Therapeutic Recreation Division of the Chattanooga Youth and Family Development Department seeks to provide leisure and recreation opportunities for citizens of all abilities. We serve both youth and adults with physical, cognitive, and/or emotional disabilities. Through our programs, education and advocacy, individuals can build confidence, improve physical and cognitive abilities, expand support and social networks; and enhance overall quality of life.
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In This Issue:
Registration Forms 2020
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Programs:
Catalyst Climbing Clinic
CHIPS Golf
Chillin' Social Group
Climbing Higher -
FULL
Hiking
Scenic City Adaptive Cycling
Scenic City Adaptive Kayaking
Team River Runner Kayaking
Young Athletes Program
Wheelchair Basketball
Overnighter
Volunteer Opportunities
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Special Events
Sweetheart Dance
Fundraiser - Flying Squirrel
Archery Clinic
Challenge Air Fly Day
Camp ZooAbility
Community Events & Resources
Chattanooga Autism Center
From My Perspective Art Show
TN Family Support Program - OGC
Chattanooga Down Syndrome Society
The Champions by Modern Play
Siskin Support Services
Victory Gym
Training Wheels - Coming Soon!
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Participant and Volunteer Registration Forms 2020:
ACTION NEEDED
Jump start a new year with Therapeutic Recreation Services by taking a few minutes to complete either the Participant or Volunteer Registration Form for 2020 at the links below. This will keep Elaine and Michelle off your case through the year and is necessary for organizing programs and providing appropriate support. Thank you!!!
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Catalyst Climbing Clinic
Monthly clinics for individuals with physical disabilities
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WHAT:
Catalyst Sports is a non-profit organization based out of Atlanta whose mission is as follows: to empower people by providing the highest quality of adaptive sports to the disabled community.
WHO:
Individuals with physical disabilities, ages 5 and up.
WHEN:
The 3rd Thursday of each month
TIME:
5:30-7:30pm
DATES:
2/20, 3/19, 4/16, 5/21, 6/18
*(you must sign up to attend)
WHERE:
High Point Climbing and Fitness Center
COST:
Free!
CONTACT:
To sign up and for more information, questions, dates, times, etc. please contact Elaine at
[email protected]
or
423.643.6607
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CHIPS Golf
Character. Honesty. Independence. Pride. Sportsmanship
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WHAT:
A weekly round and instruction of golf for individuals with disabilities.
WHO:
Participants must be able to play nine holes independently with previous golf experience and able to play with minimal assistance.
TIME:
5:30-7:30pm
DATES:
4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19 (Tuesdays)
WHERE:
Brown Acres Golf Course (406 Brown Road, 37421)
COST:
$5 each game
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Chillin' Like Villains Social Group
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WHO/WHAT:
Chillin' Like Villains is a young adult social group for individuals ages 16 and older who have various disabilities. We meet once a month at different locations around town and do a variety of activities such as attend sporting events, potluck dinners, themed evenings, and much more.
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FEBRUARY
- Mardi Gras Party
A night full of crafts, activities, parade and a whole lot of FUN! We will be serving New Orleans style Cajun food. Come ready for fun celebration with family and friends!
DATE:
Tuesday, 2/18
TIME:
6-8 PM
LOCATION: Walker Pavilion in Coolidge Park (120 River St. 37405)
*location change!
COST:
FREE
MARCH
- Talent Show
Chattanooga's Got Talent!
Come out to perform for family and friends! A pizza dinner will be provided. Sign up with Michelle to showcase your talent or come out and support your peers!
DATE:
Wednesday, 3/18
*date change!
TIME:
6-8 PM
LOCATION: Education Building in the Zoo (301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. Chattanooga TN 37404)
COST:
FREE
APRIL - Chillin' in Coolidge
details to come
DATE: Thursday, 4/23
MAY - Lookouts Baseball Game
details to come
DATE: to be announced
June - Picnic in the Park
details to come
DATE: Tuesday, 6/2
CONTACT: To get on this list for updates or to RSVP for a specific month's event, please contact Michelle at
[email protected] or 423.643.6606
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WHAT:
A 6 week indoor adaptive climbing program
WHO:
Individuals with a variety of intellectual and/or physical disabilities, ages 6 and up
WHEN:
Mondays, 5:30-7:30pm (first hour for younger participants, second hour for older participants)
DATES:
3/23, 3/30, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4
WHERE:
Riverside Highpoint (1007 Appling St.)
COST:
FREE!
CONTACT:
This program is currently full. Please contact Elaine to be added to the wait list:
[email protected]
or
423.643.6607
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Hiking
Monthly Hiking Group
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WHAT/WHO:
A group of individuals with disabilities, their family members and friends who want to explore the beautiful trails in Chattanooga together! All trails are easy to moderate, and the group naturally splits up (with a trail leader) based on desired hiking speed. This program typically runs March - October.
March -
Location to be announced
DATE:
3/24/20
April -
Location to be announced
DATE:
4/14/20
May -
Location to be announced
DATE:
5/7/20
CONTACT:
Michelle to get on the list for updates, or with any questions or hiking suggestions
[email protected]
or 423.643.6606
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Scenic City Adaptive Cycling
This program is Co-Sponsored by SPARC (Sports, Arts and Recreation of Chattanooga -
a local chapter of DSUSA) and Outdoor Chattanooga
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WHAT/WHO:
An adaptive cycling program for individuals with disabilities. Hand cycles and tandem bikes are available for individuals who have physical and visual disabilities. Three wheeled bikes and additional bikes available too! In addition to this, Outdoor Chattanooga brings their bike fleet for additional support and traditional bike are available to check out. Depending on the cycle needed, participants will have to be approved by the group that owns the cycle and fill out liability forms from the specific group you us a cycle form.
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SPARC
is a local 501(c))(3) non-profit organization, which provides competitive and recreational opportunities to persons with disabilities in an integrated setting, i.e., persons with and without disabilities participating together. SPARC is a chapter of Disabled Sports USA, (DSUSA), which was founded by USA military veterans, with a motto of: "If I can do this, I can do anything." For more information about SPARC:
http://www.sparctn.org/
WHEN:
Monday evenings
TIME: 6-8pm
*5:30-7:30 in September & October
DATES: 4/13, 4/27, 5/11, 5/18, 6/8, 6/22, 7/13, 7/27, 9/14, 9/28, 10/12
WHERE:
The Tennessee Riverpark at the Hubert Fry Center
COST:
FREE!
Please note that equipment is limited and pre-registration is REQUIRED!
Minimum Requirements for the Safety of Participants:
1. Must have the cognitive ability to follow directions and instructions.
2. Must be able to apply the brakes and come to a complete stop by the end of the first day of participation.
3. Must be able to ride independently on the path with a volunteer by the third day of participation.
4. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) must be one year post injury.
5. Must not have medical issues which could endanger the participant, including seizures.
6. Approved helmets much be worn by all riders.
7. Participants, or guardians for participants under the age of 18, must sign liability release forms from SPARC, a chapter or DSUSA.
8. Participants must meet weight requirements of equipment requested in order to use said equipment.
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Scenic City Adaptive Kayaking
Flat Water Program will resume in the late Spring! Stay tuned for updates!
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WHAT/WHO:
An adaptive kayaking program for individuals with intellectual and/or physical disabilities. This program runs biweekly at various locations around Chattanooga during the warmer months. The program will start back late May - details to be announced.
New to kayaking and interested in learning?
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Team River Runner
Adaptive Kayaking Program for Veterans
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WHAT/WHO:
Veterans with disabilities and active duty service members who are service connected, and their family members. Sessions are designed for all skill levels with no kayak experience necessary. All equipment and adaptations provided.
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White Water Kayaking
Get Your Roll On!
Weekly Indoor Pool Sessions
DATES: 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/3, 3/10
TIME: 6:15-7:30pm
White Water Outings will resume late spring/early summer!
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Flat Water Kayaking
This program typically runs biweekly at various locations around Chattanooga for the warmer months of May-October.
This program will resume in the spring!
Stay tuned for updates and contact Elaine with any questions or to get on the list!
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Young Athletes Program
Special Olympics Chattanooga
WHAT:
Special Olympics Young Athletes is a sport and play program for children with intellectual disabilities (ID) and siblings, ages 2 to 7 years old. Young Athletes introduces basic sport skills, like running, kicking and throwing. Young Athletes offers the chance to share the joy of sports with all children in a FUN, safe environment!
WHO:
Ages 2-7, children with intellectual disabilities and siblings.
DATES:
Sign up for just one or both four week sessions!
Session 1:
3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26
Session 2:
4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7
TIME:
5:30-6:30pm
LOCATION:
The Fitness Center Caper Room
(1254 E. 3rd St. Chattanooga, TN 37404)
CONTACTS:
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Interested?? Want to learn more, or register your child??
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Overview:
These are "pick-up games", which are designed to encourage skill development, recreational wheelchair basketball play opportunities and community awareness on a monthly basis. The program is designed for individuals with physical disabilities/mobility impairments along with individuals without disabilities that want to encourage inclusive opportunities. All participants must meet the following requirements:
Minimum Requirements for the Safety of Participants:
1. Must have the cognitive ability to follow directions and instructions.
2. Must be able to stop the wheelchair quickly and appropriately maneuver chair safely during participation.
3. Must not have medical issues which could endanger the participant, including seizures.
4. Minimum age for all participants is 15.
5. Participants, or guardians for participants under the age of 18, must sign liability release forms from SPARC, A Chapter of DSUSA.
6. Participants must follow all NWBA rules and regulations in order to facilitate safe and fair play.
7. Must have basic ball control skills (or the ability to develop skills) including: throwing, catching, and passing.
8. Maximum weight of 250 lbs based on chair specifications. *If you do not meet this requirement but have your own wheel chair please bring it to participate with.
TIME:
10am-12:30pm
DATES: 2/8, 3/7
WHERE:
Hixson Community Center (5401 School Dr, Hixson, TN 37343)
COST:
FREE
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Overnighter
Join us for this one night only overnight camp experience at Camp Vesper Point!
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WHAT
: Participants will get a feel for life in the great outdoors while enjoying a fun day filled with games, arts and crafts, fishing, a bonfire and much more!
WHO:
Young adults, ages 16+ who have various disabilities. Participants must be independent in activities of daily living.
WHEN:
Check in: Saturday, March 28th at 10am; Check out: Sunday March 29th at 10am
WHERE
: Camp Vesper Point (in Soddy Daisy, TN)
COST:
$60 per camper
(includes all meals, accommodations and activities).
CONTACT
: A maximum of 30 can attend so please RSVP as soon as possible if you are interested. This will be booked on a first come, first serve basis (more details provided to those who are booked)
Please contact Michelle at
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Interested in Volunteering?
We could not offer all of these programs without our wonderful volunteers! If you want to volunteer and join in the fun please let us know!
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Special Events
With Therapeutic Recreation Services
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WHAT:
An evening of dancing, eating, and enjoying friends and loved ones.
WHO:
Individuals with intellectual and/or physical disabilities, ages 15 and older.
WHEN:
Tuesday, February 11th
WHERE:
Chattanooga Zoo, Education Building (enter at the back gate of the Zoo. This is accessed from the McCallie Avenue entrance to Warner Park).
TIME:
6-8pm
COST:
$5 for anyone who plans to eat
RSVP by Thursday, Feb 6th!
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Fundraiser At the Flying Squirrel
Come Out & Support Therapeutic Recreation!
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February 27th, 2020
TIME: 5pm- 2am
LOCATION: 55 Johnson St. Chattanooga
No RSVP Needed!
Join us at one of Chattanooga's hot spots on Main Street as Chattanooga TR Services holds another fundraiser to support and expand the opportunities within our programs and events! The owners of the Flying Squirrel and the Crash Pad, who are faithful volunteers in our adaptive climbing program, have generously offered a night to support Therapeutic Recreation Services. 10% of all the money generated that evening will go straight to Chattanooga TR Services and
we need YOUR HELP to spread the word! No RSVP needed. Just show up and bring your friends!
They have an excellent food selection with a beautiful atmosphere and decor, providing a perfect opportunity for a great night out with family and friends.
Must be 21 years of age or older.
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Archery Clinic - March 4th
In partnership with Outdoor Chattanooga
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WHAT:
Take aim at Outdoor Chattanooga’s “Try Archery” class. This free indoor clinic offer a hands on opportunity to learn more about the sport of archery. Concentrating on range safety rules and fundamentals of archery, the class is taught using the National Archery in Schools (NASP) equipment and procedures. No prior experience required. All equipment and instruction provided.
Space is limited!
WHO:
Open to ages 6+ with intellectual and/or physical disabilities and siblings. Parents are encouraged to stay and assist.
TIME:
6-7pm
DATE:
Wednesday, March 4th
COST:
FREE! Just RSVP, show up, take aim, and give archery a try!
CONTACT:
Michelle to register or with any questions
[email protected] or 423.643.6606.
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4th Annual Challenge Air Fly Day Chattanooga
Providing children with disabilities in the Chattanooga area the opportunity to take to the sky and leave stigmas and barriers behind!
May 16th, 2020
TIME: 8am-4pm
LOCATION: Wilson Air Center
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THE MISSION
of
Challenge Air for Kids & Friends, Inc.
is to build confidence and self-esteem in children and youth with special needs, ages 7-21, through the gift of flight. Chattanooga Therapeutic Recreation Services is once again partnering to bring the gift of flight to children with disabilities in our community! You can access pictures from our 2019 Fly Day
HERE
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See more about Challenge Air at their website:
https://www.challengeair.com/
What Happens During The Event?
Highlights of the day for participants include: an educational ground school, a 30-minute experiential flight, face painting, activities and entertainment, cool static aircraft, lunch, service animals, and much more!
Interested in Volunteering??
Volunteer opportunities include plane loading crews, activity stations, registration needs, face painting, food service, and more.
How Do I Sign Up??
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Camp ZooAbility - Summer 2020
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WHAT/WHO:
Camp ZooAbiltiy is a week-long Day Camp in June and July for individuals who have intellectual and/or physical disabilties. Daily activities include, but are not limited to: swimming, Arts & Crafts, Animal Enrichment, and much more!
Weeks are divided up by age groups:
- Week 1: (6-12 yrs) June 22-26
- Week 2: (13-21 yrs) June 29- July 3
- Week 3: (22 and up) July 6-10
Mark your calendars!
Registration Opening Day: MARCH 1st!
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Community Events & Resources
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Chattanooga Autism Center
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MISSION:
The Chattanooga Autism Center is a parent and advocate driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides lifespan support and services for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders and for their families. The center also serves as an advocacy resource and builds awareness about autism in our region.
11th Annual Chattanooga Autism Conference
No onsite registration.
Must
register in advance!
When
:
Friday, April 17, 2020
Where
: Chattanooga Convention Center, located at 1150 Carter Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Registration:
Click here to register online
. You must register by the final registration deadline, April 12. There is no onsite registration. Call 423-531-6961, opt. 2 with questions.
For more information, please visit:
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"From My Perspective" - March 26th
An Exhibition for All Artists - Featuring Artists with Disabilities
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Calling all artists! The
2020 “From My Perspective” Art Show
will be held at Trousdale School on
Thursday, March 26
th
, 2020
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“From My Perspective: An Exhibition for All Artists, Featuring Artists with Disabilities” was created in 2016 to provide artists with disabilities in East Tennessee and North Georgia an opportunity to showcase their work alongside the work of their peers. The event is open to any individual who is age 14 or older. It is not limited to artists with disabilities. Each participant may submit three artworks. Participants will be recognized with a certificate at the evening session. A jury will select four artworks of outstanding creativity, expression, or design to receive Silver Easel Awards. The show is free to enter and attend, and 100% of the purchase price of any artworks sold will go to the artists (or organization) that submitted the work.
NEW THIS YEAR:
a one-time special award, the Sue Little “Legacy of Love” Award, will be given to an artwork featuring animals that embodies the theme of “kindness to all living creatures.”
Registration forms and artwork are due at Trousdale School by March 6, 2020
CONTACT: For more information or to submit art work-
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Tennessee Family Support Program
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The Tennessee Family Support Program is now accepting applications for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.
The application deadline is March 31, 2020.
Apply Now!
The Tennessee Family Support Program is a grant program funded by the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Funding is available for eligible applicants of all ages and income levels. Services covered include respite, home modifications, special equipment, health related needs, daycare, and summer camps. Please visit our website for more information.
The primary focus of the Family Support Program is to serve those who:
1) Were born with a severe/developmental disability or acquired it in childhood;
2) Have been severely disabled by injury/trauma (brain injury, spinal cord injury)
3) Have a neurological/neuromuscular disorder (ALS, Muscular Dystrophy, MS)
Applications are available on our
website
or by clicking
here
.
Fiscal year 2020-2021 will begin July 1, 2020 and end June 30, 2021.
Special Note: Individuals receiving services through the Katie Beckett Waiver, ECF Choices Program, TennCare Choices Program, or PACE Program, are not eligible for Family Support Program Funding.
Want information about what the program covers?
Orange Grove Center is a host agency for the Family Support Program and provides funding for Bledsoe, Bradley, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Polk, Rhea, and Sequatchie Counties. If you know of families who may benefit from this program, please forward this email to them!
*Family Support Funding is available in every county within Tennessee. Please visit the State of Tennessee's
website
for a listing of agencies for all counties.
Questions? We are here to help!
Call: 423.664.5120 Kristi
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Chattanooga Down Syndrome Society
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The mission
of the Chattanooga Down Syndrome Society is to enhance the quality of life throughout the life span for all individuals with Down syndrome in the greater Chattanooga area by providing resources, education, awareness, advocacy, community, and support to these individuals, their families, and the professionals serving them.
http://www.chattanoogadownsyndrome.org/
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The Champions
A Program by Modern Play
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WHAT:
This class focuses on dance, gymnastics, and sports skills with something new every week! We work on balance, motor skills, conditioning, and strengthening muscles in a fun and safe environment.
WHO:
School aged children with special needs
TIME:
5-5:55pm
DAY:
Thursdays
WHERE:
8004 East Brainerd Rd. (Chattanooga, TN 37421)
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Siskin Hospital
offers all private patient rooms and has specialized Inpatient treatment programs in brain injury, amputation, stroke, spinal cord injury, orthopedics, neurological disorders, and major multiple trauma, among other illnesses and disorders.
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Siskin Children's Institute
works to improve the quality of life for children with special needs and their families. Through assessment, diagnosis, and early intervention our programs can help your child reach their full potential.
For more information on family workshops, stories, and resources:
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Victory Gym
N. GA Pediatric Therapies
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WHAT:
Victory Gym is a unique wellness program hosted by North Georgia Pediatric Therapies, designed for children with special needs in mind. The purpose of this program is to provide a FUN social exercise opportunity in a group setting. The overall goal of this program is to promote independence with social skills, improved motor skills, and self-regulation. Must sign up to attend. Spaces are limited.
WHO:
Individuals with special needs, ages 4-15.
WHEN:
Monday evenings, ongoing
WHERE:
North Georgia Pediatric Therapies.
COST:
$90 covers the cost of the 6-week program plus a one-time $10 registration fee. T-shirt included.
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Training Wheels
coming soon!
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Check out the website links below for more information on a very unique resource coming soon to Chattanooga!
"Get the cereal out of your hair (or don’t) & come visit us for a play date. Whether you need a space for a meeting while your kids enjoy our art, music, or play areas or you just want an amazing spot outside the house to hang out with family & friends…
we all need training wheels at some point - let us help."
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Check us out on Social Media!
Like, Comment, and Share!
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