Pediatric Rehabilitation

A physical therapist, occupational therapist, and/or speech language pathologist will perform a thorough evaluation to assess physical impairments and functional limitations due to strength, mobility, balance, oral-motor function, communication skills, activities of daily living, sensory integration dysfunction, and cognitive/linguistic deficits. Working closely with parents and caregivers, treatment goals will be established. Each child will be assigned a therapist who will work with them one-on-one for the course of treatment, gauging progress and adjusting therapy as needed.

In addition, all pediatric patients have access to specialized services within the physical rehabilitation hospital that may complement their therapeutic program. The Hospital’s Prosthetic Orthotic Center offers infant cranial remolding helmets to correct plagiocephaly. The hospital offers augmentative/alternative communication services, as well as a variety of assistive technology and specialized wheelchair services, which can be tailored to the needs of school children with disabilities. The focus of these services is to identify and provide adaptive interventions that reduce the barriers to academic progress related to a child’s sensory, physical, or learning disability.

The Herbert and Edythe Kurz Accessible Playground: The Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation received a grant from the Kurz Family Foundation to construct an accessible playground on the hospital campus. The Herbert and Edythe Kurz Accessible Playground offers traditional and adapted equipment modified to accommodate children with physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities. The playground incorporates features such as wide spaces and pathways for easier maneuvering and wheelchair access, ADA seating, and safety rubber surfaces. It is important for children of all abilities to be able to benefit from outdoor play and this playground offers our young patients added therapeutic benefits.