Eliza walking in the Meywalk purchased         Matt using the activity wall in the sensory room .                Hannah using a switch activated toy.              

with the assistance of the South Barwon

Lions Club.

BARWON VALLEY THERAPY WEBSITE INFORMATION

Barwon Valley School provides a comprehensive therapy service.  Currently the school employs   Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and  Speech Pathologists.  A team of assistants support these therapists.

Therapy staff at Barwon Valley School employ a multidisciplinary approach that aims to maximise the child’s  school and daily living experiences.  The team provide students with inclusive individual or group therapy programs across the school.  Supplementary to this, a referral system is used by staff to access extra services for identified problems.  Furthermore, therapists provide additional support for Barwon Valley students in integrated settings.

PHYSIOTHERAPY

Physiotherapy in the school setting is integrated into the student’s timetable, and aims to maximise the child’s functional independence.  Examples of functional independence include; walking, sitting and standing balance, and co-ordination.  Each student that is recognised to have a physiotherapy requirement is assessed individually.  After discussion with the family a program is planned, with the aim of assisting the student to achieve their maximal physical potential and to optimise their educational opportunity.

            Physiotherapy programs often include;

·        Exercises/games to maintain &/or increase range of movement, strength, fitness, balance and co-ordination.

·        Assessment, monitoring and management of postural deformities and orthotic requirements in conjunction with the local orthotist and with advice from an orthopaedic surgeon.

·        Prescription of specialised equipment such as wheelchairs and other seating requirements, standing and walking frames, tricycles, hoists, etc.

      ·        Assisting in sourcing funding for specialised equipment.

·        Rehabilitation following orthopaedic procedures such as Botox &/or multi-level surgery.

Physiotherapy programs are implemented in conjunction with other members of the school team and may include Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, teachers and aides.  At Barwon Valley School, physiotherapy sessions may be individual or part of a group, and can be conducted in the classroom, the hydrotherapy pool, the multi-sensory room, or on a bike in the playground.

            OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

The Occupational Therapy program at Barwon Valley School is aimed at maximising student’s independence.  Students participate in individual and group programs focusing on areas of need that have been identified at home and/or school.  Programs are designed after consultation with the students, parents, therapists and classroom staff.

Areas that the Occupational Therapists are involved with include:

·        Life Skills such as dressing, toileting and cooking programs

·        Eating and Drinking

·        Sensory Programs

·        Fine Motor Programs

·        Strengthening Programs

·        Upper Limb Programs to maintain range of movement, increase strength and abilities

·        Technology and the use of switches

·        Splinting

·        Play Skills

·        Sensory Room

·        Equipment Prescription

·        Equipment Adaptation

·        Funding applications

·        Home modifications/visits 

These programs are implement by the therapists, therapy aides, and classroom staff.

SPEECH PATHOLOGY

The  Speech Pathologists at Barwon Valley School provide innovative programs including conversation, language, pre speech and early communication groups.  They are available for mealtime swallowing management and the provision of oral stimulation and desensitisation programs where appropriate.  The use and classroom integration of Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCA’s) and low-tech communication aids are a high priority at Barwon Valley School, as well as the development of signing skills.  The Speech Pathologists at the school have a commitment to the latest research and available programs, and aim to provide ongoing support and assistance to teachers to modify curriculum.

A Therapy Workroom operates to design, manufacture, modify and maintain aids and equipment for students.  A room is designated for splinting, soft furnishing and small equipment, and a separate room designated for wood and metal work.  There is a charge to cover materials and labour for equipment used either at home or in the integrated school setting. 

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