First on the agenda, today Emmalin and myself headed to Columbia to get her evaluated by a speech therapist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist. We did these evaluations so that Emmalin could officially go on the list to be able to do an intensive therapy session (for OT session and a separate PT session) here at therapy services at the children's hospital here in Columbia.
Back in 2011 Emmalin had the chance to do a PT intensive at the Kenny Rogers Childrens Center in Sikeston, MO. We saw SUCH amazing progress within that time, but because of how much an intensive therapy session costs, we have not been able to get Emmalin back. The Kenny Rogers Center has amazing equipment and amazing toys and equipment for individuals with vision impairments like Emmalin (which are hard to find sometimes).
Although the Therapy Services department in Columbia doesn't have all of the "fancy" toys, it is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper and that is what has made it possible for us to get Emmalin on the waiting list. We are SO grateful because Emmalin needs these intensive a to try to help her gain back some of her head and trunk control.
For those of you that don't know what an intensive therapy session is...an intensive therapy session is 3 consecutive weeks. Each week it is Monday through Friday and it is 3 hours (in a row) each day. The idea is that you focus on 1 skill the entire intensive therapy session. By the consistency and repetition of practicing that skill for 3 weeks, it is supposed to allow a person to gain the amount of strength (progress) within those 3 weeks that would normally take 6 months to accomplish.
We have been told that tentatively Emmalin will be scheduled for her OT intensive in October and her PT intensive in March of next year. Like I said earlier, now that the evaluations have been done they will be calling us soon with our official dates. We can't wait!!
Our other major adventure that we will be doing in a couple weeks is something that we never thought was possible. Emmalin has been given the opportunity to trial a power wheelchair. Yes, I know this sounds crazy! Our OT at the St Louis children's hospital (in therapy Servies) approached me and asked if we would ever consider doing a power wheelchair trial because she thinks Emmalin would do well and that it would give her independence and mobility (which is huge for a person that has to depend on others for SO many things)! So the first week of September, Emmalin and I will be in St Louis to give her the opportunity to trial this power wheelchair. Honestly, we are not exactly sure how it's going to go, but we are grateful for Emmalin to have the opportunity to try it.
Oh and I forgot to mention that our OT has mentioned that Emmalin will be activating the power wheelchair with her her head...at least that's the first way we will attempt the trial. As the trial happens, I plan on posting the progress each day. So stay tuned ;)
Between these evaluations today, the power wheelchair trial, the 2 intensive therapy sessions,
and the upcoming holidays (and Emmalins birthday) it is DEFINITELY going to be busy!! Of course one of the main goals during all of this will be to keep Emmalin (and myself) healthy! We are excited for a of these amazing opportunities and look forward to all of the possibilities that have the potential of making Emmalin's life better!!
As all of these adventures unfold, I will keep you posted!
God is good!!
This is Emmalin in the hotel asleep here in Columbia. She did great today during the evaluations :)
-Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Columbia, Missouri
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