At our Helping Hands programs we have had children with hemiplegia come from around the world. We run the program in a group, as a camp, so it can actually be a FUN experience. Kids seeing other kids with similar issues is often a unifying experience and can be more motivating to participate in therapeutic activities than individual therapy experiences. Wearing a cast for 6 hours a day isn’t a battle because all of the other kids are doing it . . .  it is just what you do.

Helping Hands uses carefully designed activities to drive therapeutic gains. For parents who choose to combine disciplines, activities specifically designed to integrate 1, 2 or 3 therapy services will be built into the camp day. The exciting part of this unique integration of OT, PT and speech goals within a single activity allows a child a full-body, “real world” experience.  For example, if balloon volleyball is the camp activity, OT, PT and speech goals can all be met through the strategic emphasis and sequencing of jumping, running, hitting a balloon back and forth, as well as verbal communication with peers. Therapists will seamlessly collaborate to create these ideal therapeutic scenarios and help maximize each moment of the camp day.

We also have weekly education sessions for the parents during the camp, so questions can be answered and information about activities and treatment can be conveyed.