Easter Seals Disability Services

Children's Therapy Services
Preventing, Diagnosing and Treating Disabilities

Pediatric rehabilitation therapies focus on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disabilities to help individuals live with greater independence. Easter Seals medical professionals work together to restore or develop function lost due to either temporary conditions (such as injury) or permanent disabilities. Easter Seals also promotes quality of life for individuals with disabilities through education and prevention programs.

Easter Seals' Children’s Therapy Center in Salem provides a full range of therapy services to children from birth to age 18, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy and mental health services. To assist in the diagnosis and treatment of a child suspected of having developmental problems, a physician might make a referral to the center’s multidisciplinary team, consisting of therapists from each discipline. Based on recommendations from the evaluation, therapists provide individual and/or group therapy services, generally on a weekly basis.

Physical Therapy
Physical therapy addresses deficiencies and problems in gross motor function and sensory motor development. The goals are to maximize motor function by enhancing musculoskeletal alignments and promoting normal movement. Our physical therapy staff works on facilitation of eye-hand coordination, adaptive motor responses to movement, and functional mobilities (i.e. use of electric wheelchair) in addition to providing casting services.

Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy addresses deficiencies in fine motor development and sensory motor development. Goals include the use of upper limbs for self-help activities such as feeding, dressing and writing. Other goals may include increased eye-hand coordination, integration of balance with position in space or appropriate response to touch and texture (sensory integration). Our occupational therapists also provide hand splinting services.

Speech/Language Therapy
Speech/language therapy typically addresses deficiencies in communication, but can also include oral-motor and feeding therapy to assist with chewing and swallowing. Speech/language therapy can help children acquire the ability to freely express ideas (expressive language development). A significant outcome is a positive self-image that can help minimize development of behavior-related problems. Easter Seals also provides specialized augmentative communication evaluations and services.

Mental Health Services
Counseling services are provided for children and adolescents with emotional or behavioral needs, including ADHD, autism and anger management. Sessions can be individual, family or small group. Parent training classes are also available. Counselors work closely with parents, schools and physicians to help families cope with challenges.

Resources
Parenting classes are offered in Spanish and English through the Easter Seals Oregon Children's Therapy Center.

For a better idea of how Easter Seals Oregon Children's Therapy Center can make a difference, please view this heart-warming short video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yyTDz67F8I