Therapy Information
Therapy Department
Parkland Special School has a well-resourced Therapy Department where learners who require specific therapy are treated. Presently the school has an Occupational Therapist and a Physiotherapist employed who work together as a team to assist the learners. The Therapy Department consists of two areas which can be separated if necessary. An aquatherapy pool is also situated adjacent to this space.
Physiotherapy
Learners at Parkland Special School may have differing physical needs which the school Physiotherapist is partially responsible for monitoring. Some of the physical disabilities which coexist with learners’ intellectual impairment are for example, Cerebral Palsy (different types), Prader Willi Syndrome, Down Syndrome and/or other genetic and developmental disabilities affecting the physical functioning of the learners. These physical limitations differ from learner to learner and therefore an assessment by the Physiotherapist is required to determine and manage the varying needs and treatment approaches of the individual learners in order to optimise their independence. The therapists at Parkland will also work closely with any personal assistants of the learners who need additional support to ensure that the correct assistance is given to each learner. Training and facilitation of caregivers as well as the overseeing of any assistive devices also falls within the Physiotherapist’s scope.
Aquatherapy
A heated aquatherapy pool is for the use of all learners under strict supervision. The pool is also a therapeutic resource where specifically identified learners requiring additional treatment can be treated in the water by the therapist.
Occupational Therapy
The Occupational Therapy (OT) role at Parkland Special School is to assess and treat learners who are in need of assistance and additional programmes to support the educational process. The Occupational Therapist use modalities and techniques designed to target developmental delays and difficulties with activities of daily living. Occupational Therapy helps to address both physical and mental health needs and focus on components of function like fine and gross motor skills, visual perception, social skills, communication skills, cognition, sensory regulation, emotional intelligence and coping skills. OT intervention also focuses on equipping learners to successfully transition into appropriate post-school employment, further education and/or independent living.
Sensory room
Parkland Special School has a Sensory Room which is a therapeutic space specifically designed and utilised to promote self-organisation and positive change by stimulating the learner’s different senses. The room can be used to promote relaxation, social interaction and/or provide activities affording intense stimulation. A mixture of sensory modulation (neurological function and the organisation of sensory information for ongoing use) and Snoezelen approaches (multi-sensory environment which is a relaxing space that help reduce agitation and anxiety, but also stimulates reactions and communication) are combined. The sensory room is a specifically designed room which combines a range of stimuli to help learners develop and engage their senses. These include lights, colours, sounds, movement, sensory soft play objects and aromas, all within a safe environment that allows the learner to explore and interact without risk. Sensory rooms can help learners who have learning difficulties, developmental disabilities or sensory impairments to learn to interact with the world around them, but in a safe environment that builds up their confidence and their ability.
