Simcoe Resource Centre Launch & Celebration Overview of Demonstrations

PAEDIATRIC THERAPY GYM:
Aydan Graham, a 4-year-old from Angus with Cerebral Palsy is unable to walk, sit or stand without assistance. Aydan is working with physiotherapist Barb Fortuna and occupational therapist Enid Mackle from Professional Rehabilitation Outreach to demonstrate a special chair that he will use in his Junior Kindergarten class at an adjustable height table. Aydan’s special equipment will provid
+e him with the support and stability he needs to allow his arms and hands to move to the best of his ability so he can participate in the classroom alongside his schoolmates.

Louis Pare, a 10-year-old from Tottenham who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2 ½ works on building endurance, strength, and coordination using a therapy ball.  Physiotherapist Cathy Taggart from Professional Rehabilitation Outreach Services helps the Grade 5 student continue to develop the motor skills he needs to participate fully in everyday life.

Dana Lant, a 2 ½-year-old with delays in her gross motor development, works with therapy balls so she can learn to sit, stand and walk independently. Physiotherapist Lucia Neilon from Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital’s Children’s Therapy Services works with Dana on “gait training” at weekly physiotherapy sessions so Dana can reach her goal of keeping up with her twin sister and her new friends at daycare.

TREATMENT ROOM #1:
Emily Currah, a 5-year-old from Alliston with Cerebral Palsy, is demonstrating a customized communication book.  Since CP has affected Emily’s ability to speak clearly, the communication book allows Emily to point to what she wants to do or say. Occupational therapist Julie Chiba Branson and communication disorders assistant Melanie Earl from Bloorview Kids Rehab will also work with Emily on a special computer system that uses a track ball mouse and specialized software to help Emily keep pace with her classmates in Senior Kindergarten.  Kate Henry, an occupational therapist from Professional Rehabilitation Outreach is part of the Augmentative Communication team and is happy to answer questions regarding this service.

ACTIVITY ROOM:
Lennon Archer-Cook is a 4-year-old JK student in Collingwood with Angelman Syndrome, a genetic condition that causes physical and cognitive delays. Occupational therapist Shirley Sutton and physiotherapist Jennifer Phillips from Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Community Therapy Services are working on expanding Lennon’s attention span and ability to focus using a special swing. The swing provides her with the continual movement needed to keep Lennon alert and focused on learning new skills. She is also working with her therapists on learning the motor skills needed to use utensils so she begin to feed herself independently.

CLINIC:
Aaron Sibley, an 8-year-old with Cerebral Palsy is put through his paces by Dr. Nicky Jones-Stokreef from Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital during a Paediatric Developmental Assessment.  The grade three student from Midland receives regular physiotherapy and occupational therapy in school to help him develop mobility and motor skills, working towards more independence. He has also benefited from botox injections that help loosen his tight muscles. As Aaron’s Developmental Paediatrician, “Dr. Nicky” continually checks in on Aaron’s progress and assists in managing the impact of CP by identifying therapies, treatments and supports needed at home and at school.

TREATMENT ROOM #2:
Anthony Fusco from Innisfil is a 4-year-old with developmental delays and has difficulty speaking. He is working with Amber Bartlett and Stephanie Thompson from the Simcoe County Pre-School Speech and Language Program at Royal Victoria Hospital. Anthony is using a Picture Exchange Communication System that allows him to use pictures to communicate while his speech develops. He’s excited to be with new friends and teachers when he starts JK this week.

About the Children’s Treatment Network of Simcoe York
The Children’s Treatment Network is a new not-for-profit service delivery model for children with multiple disabilities and their families in Simcoe County and York Region. This unique integrated network model will build on the strengths of existing service providers, including healthcare, recreational, educational, social and community resources, to create a revolutionary new system that provides a single point of contact and single plan of care for children and youth from birth to 19 who have special physical, developmental, and communication needs. The Children’s Treatment Network is funded by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. For further information, please visit www.ctn-simcoeyork.ca

-30-

Media Inquiries:
Extraordinary Conversations
Anita Boudreau, 416-588-0552, anitaboudreau@sympatico.ca
Ellie Trainer, 905-830-4475, elinor@extraordinary.on.ca