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M e d i c a l R e h a b i l i t a t i o n C l i n i c
The Abilities First Medical Rehabilitation Clinic is a highly regarded NYS-approved diagnostic and treatment center serving over 700 Hudson Valley children and adults with disabilities. Focusing on interventions that foster increased independence, our caring, competent staff continuously strives to help each person we serve achieve full access to participation in home, school, work, and community activities. Whether treating a developmental or acquired disability, we pride ourselves in using client-centered, innovative approaches that focus on the unique needs of each person we serve.
The Clinic uses a collaborative, team-approach that includes patients, family members, health care providers, teachers, and other community resources. Our compassionate, experienced clinicians provide the therapies and support needed to help each individual achieve the highest level of functioning possible. In addition, we recognize the challenges of living with a disability, and seek to meet the emotional and service coordination needs of our patients and their families through referrals to appropriate community resources and service providers.
The Clinic serves clients from birth through the geriatric years in a wide variety of programs and services:
At Sensory Adventure, our therapists guide the child through a variety of sensory activities utilizing specialized equipment. These activities allow the child to swing, spin, jump, and climb, while learning how to channel their energy and how to process sensory input. Developed with strong community support, our Sensory Adventure program offers innovative, fun, and effective treatment that addresses the frequently under treated problem of sensory integration dysfunction.
PACE evaluations for infants, children, and adults are conducted by Speech-Language Pathologists who have specialized training in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Working with the entire Abilities First team, they evaluate the specific needs of the individual and recommend the most appropriate technique or device to enhance communication. Methods used could be as simple as pointing to pictures or words in a book, or as sophisticated as using an electronic, voice-output communication device. Adaptive switches are sometimes used for accessing communication devices, or for interacting with toys or environmental controls (e.g., access to lights, TV, music, appliances, telephone, or computer). In addition to evaluations, PACE assists individuals in obtaining funding for recommended equipment, and provides training to maximize effective use of the communication system in all aspects of daily living.
For additional information regarding programs and services at the Medical Rehabilitation Clinic, see our Frequently Asked Questions or contact Janet Graves- Wright at (845) 452-0774 ext. 515.
The Clinic uses a collaborative, team-approach that includes patients, family members, health care providers, teachers, and other community resources. Our compassionate, experienced clinicians provide the therapies and support needed to help each individual achieve the highest level of functioning possible. In addition, we recognize the challenges of living with a disability, and seek to meet the emotional and service coordination needs of our patients and their families through referrals to appropriate community resources and service providers.The Clinic serves clients from birth through the geriatric years in a wide variety of programs and services:
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Speech Therapy
- Physiatry
- Social Work & Service Coordination
- Sensory Therapy
- Early Intervention
- Equipment Assessment
- Brace Clinic
Sensory Adventure
One of the newest and most exciting developments at our Clinic is the Sensory Adventure program. Parents have shared remarkable stories of achievement as their children move through this specialized program designed to address sensory processing problems. Deficits in sensory processing are marked by impaired ability to integrate sensory information, and can make it difficult or impossible for affected children to respond appropriately to touch, sound, smell, and interaction with people around them. This often causes them to be labeled as “difficult” in school, and puts them at high risk for educational and social problems.
At Sensory Adventure, our therapists guide the child through a variety of sensory activities utilizing specialized equipment. These activities allow the child to swing, spin, jump, and climb, while learning how to channel their energy and how to process sensory input. Developed with strong community support, our Sensory Adventure program offers innovative, fun, and effective treatment that addresses the frequently under treated problem of sensory integration dysfunction.
Program For Augmentative Communication Enhancement (PACE)
People who are unable to communicate effectively often feel isolated from others and left out of everyday activities that most of us take for granted. PACE provides individuals with severely impaired or absent speech the opportunity to connect with others by sharing thoughts, needs, and feelings.PACE evaluations for infants, children, and adults are conducted by Speech-Language Pathologists who have specialized training in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Working with the entire Abilities First team, they evaluate the specific needs of the individual and recommend the most appropriate technique or device to enhance communication. Methods used could be as simple as pointing to pictures or words in a book, or as sophisticated as using an electronic, voice-output communication device. Adaptive switches are sometimes used for accessing communication devices, or for interacting with toys or environmental controls (e.g., access to lights, TV, music, appliances, telephone, or computer). In addition to evaluations, PACE assists individuals in obtaining funding for recommended equipment, and provides training to maximize effective use of the communication system in all aspects of daily living.
Early Intervention
At the Medical Rehabilitation Clinic, we are keenly aware of the importance of early intervention for children with disabilities or developmental delays. We are approved by the New York State Department of Health to provide pediatric therapy services through the Early Intervention Program, and are proud of our history of working to ensure the maximum possible productivity and independence of children with special needs. Our work with Vassar Brothers Hospital to provide evaluation and developmental follow-up services is a perfect example of our commitment to early intervention: through this partnership, the Abilities First Clinic tracks the developmental progress of children with special needs, beginning in Vassar's neonatal unit and continuing through age 5. The goals of the program are to enhance the overall long-term success of each child by providing information to families of at-risk children and by making referrals for services when needed, while also providing information to neonatologists that may enhance medical practices within the neonatal unit.Equipment Team
Our Clinic Equipment Team supports Abilities First's mission of assisting people with disabilities to achieve community access. By evaluating the need for and recommending the most appropriate adaptive equipment, we help our clients maximize their independence. Our team of occupational and physical therapists has extensive expertise in adaptive equipment for seating, positioning, and mobility. In addition to evaluating the need for specialized equipment and making recommendations to meet the client’s needs, our team coordinates vendor services to assist Abilities First clients and their families in obtaining necessary equipment. Examples of adaptive equipment include- Durable Medical Equipment (DME) — Walkers, canes, wheelchairs, standers, strollers, adaptive seating systems, and high chairs
- Home Medical Equipment (HME) — Lifts, ramps, hospital beds, bath seats, commodes, and grab bars
Brace Clinic
Our Brace Clinic is attended by an experienced pediatric physiatrist, and a certified prosthetist-orthotist (a trained professional who provides custom-fitted braces). The physiatrist conducts an initial evaluation to determine whether a brace is needed, and if so, the type of brace required. The physiatrist also assesses fit and functional use of the braces after delivery.For additional information regarding programs and services at the Medical Rehabilitation Clinic, see our Frequently Asked Questions or contact Janet Graves- Wright at (845) 452-0774 ext. 515.