SKILLED INTERVENTIONS
“There is no medicine like HOPE, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow.”
- Orison Marden
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Occupational therapy is the therapeutic use of purposeful and meaningful occupations (goal-directed activities) to evaluate and treat individuals who have a disease or disorder, impairment, activity limitation, or participation restriction which interferes with their ability to function independently in daily life roles, and to promote health and wellness.
Physical Therapy (PT)
Physical therapy is a dynamic profession with an established theoretical base
and widespread clinical applications in the preservation, development,
and restoration of optimal physical function.
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)
Speech-language pathology is the treatment for the improvement or cure of communication disorders, including speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Speech-language pathologists are trained to make and or assist in diagnosing communication and swallowing disorders in conjunction with treating them.
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SPECIAL TOOLS OF OT, PT, & SLP
Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT)
Equine Assisted Therapy is a goal oriented intervention in which specially trained horses are an integral part of the treatment process. Directed by a licensed therapist in the scope of his or her profession, EAT is designed to promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning. “Hippotherapy” is a specific discipline of EAT and is a term that describes occupational, physical, or speech-language therapy using the movement of the horse to achieve improvement on functional goals within each child’s plan of care.
Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic Therapy is the practice of occupational, physical, or speech-language therapy by a licensed therapist or therapy assistant in the environment of a water-filled pool.
Therapy using Massage
Therapy using massage is the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues
of the body, consisting primarily of manual (hands-on) techniques such as applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, and moving muscles and body tissues for the following purposes:
• reducing muscle tension and stiffness
• increasing joint and limb flexibility and range of motion
• increasing ease and efficiency of movement
• promoting deeper and easier breathing
• relieving tension-related headaches and eyestrain
• improving posture by changing tension patterns that affect posture
• reducing emotional or physical stress and reducing anxiety
• increasing awareness of the mind-body connection and improving mental
awareness and alertness
Summer Camp
Focus camps are held throughout the summer on a weekly basis and directed by the therapy staff. Children are paired with a volunteer (their very own “buddy”) and enjoy learning about themselves and their world in an atmosphere that is challenging, safe, and fun. Camps are designed to target specific skills and goals through age-appropriate activities and therapeutic strategies in a social environment.
Drama
Hope Landing has partnered with the South Arkansas Arts Center to bring
performing arts to children with cognitive and physical disabilities
within a therapeutic approach. “The Nativity” was adapted and is directed by one of Hope Landing’s parents who is also a professional artist.
In collaboration with other area artists and the help of the staff and many volunteers, “The Nativity” is performed in December on stage at the SAAC. Therapeutic goals are targeted throughout the entire process in preparation of the performance.
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Equine-Assisted Activities (EAA)
EAA is a term used to describe programs that offer opportunities for recreational, educational, and/or motivational benefits to enhance quality of life.
These programs are designed to target equine-related goals by teaching
children with disabilities actual riding, driving, vaulting, ground work, and
team sports skills while challenging them in areas of weakness for functional improvement in leisure/social skills, self-accomplishment, and animal-human interaction. All sessions are led by a NARHA certified riding instructor.
Potentially Affected Systems and/or Functionsby
Equine Assisted Therapies and Activities:
- Physical
balance
coordination
endurance/fitness
mobility
motor control –gross/fine
oral motor control
postural control
respiratory control
rhythm/timing
sensory registration
sensory integration
visual/spatial orientation
Cognitive
attention
body schema
communication
decision-making
executive functioning
following directions
problem solving
memory
judgment
patience
sequencing
task completion
Social-Emotional
care giving
cooperation
empathy
leadership
responsibility
respect/trust
team building
hopefulness/motivation
mood regulation
safety awareness
self confidence
self esteem
Behavioral
arousal
impulse control
limit-setting
relaxation
self-discipline
Spiritual
participation with nature
connection with animals/people
mindfulness/presence
connection to Almighty God, Creator
Therapeutic Riding (TR) falls under Equine Assisted Activities and focuses on recreational riding for individuals with disabilities. Children are evaluated by a certified riding instructor in collaboration with a licensed occupational, physical, and/or speech-language pathologist when needed and given a plan of care that focuses on goals that are riding-oriented. Children learn the parts of a horse, how to tack up and untack, how to lead, longe (“lunge”), groom, and ride. Horse handlers and side-walkers are provided according to individual needs. Classes are held weekly for 60-90 minutes and led by a NARHA certified riding instructor.
Educational Tutoring
Individual and group tutoring services are available for children with learning disabilities who need the added attention for optimal learning and academic performance. This program is directed by a licensed special educator in the state of Arkansas and allows for 1-12 hours of tutoring per week that includes the option of Therapeutic Riding for a broader educational approach.
Educational Advocacy and Parent Education
As a part of our plan to support children, families, and the community, HOPE Landing offers the assistance of an advocate to act as a neutral third party during IEP meetings with the goal being to aid in and facilitate healthy communications between families and schools for the betterment of the child.
This program is designed to help parents, teachers, and all those participating in a child’s development to understand legal rights and responsibilities as well as available resources and options for the best care of the child, and how parties can work together to make this happen.
RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS
“Consult not your fears but your HOPEs and your dreams.
Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what is still possible for you to do.”
- Pope John XXIII
Sports
HOPE Landing partners with the El Dorado Boys and Girls Club to
bring several sporting after-school programs to children with cognitive and physical disabilities. From soccer to baseball to basketball to bowling, children with disabilities can participate in physical activities that are fun, competitive, and good exercise for the body and mind.
All sports programs are directed by the El Dorado Boys and Girls Club and supported by HOPE Landing through administrative assistance, family contacts, and coordination and training of volunteers.
Art
Art classes are available for children with cognitive or physical disabilities
through the South Arkansas Arts Center.
Classes are led and directed by professional art instructors and include a variety of venues for artistic exploration and expression.
Horseback Riding for Children Without Disabilities
Although HOPE Landing’s mission is to serve children with disabilities, it is believed a large part of that service is preparing and educating others – especially their peers. Weekly classes are, therefore, provided for children without disabilities to promote awareness and inclusion, as well as build future volunteers and professionals. Sessions are led by competent riding instructors and focus on proper care of the horse, selecting and securing tack and equipment, safety, and proper riding techniques for healthy and natural horse-human relationships.
MINISTRY PROGRAMS
“Don’t lose HOPE.
When it gets darkest the stars come out.”
- Unknown
Prayer
“Intercession” means “a prayer or petition to God in behalf of another”.
Because HOPE Landing believes in intercession and that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective, our prayer ministry is recognized as the foundation of all that we do. Through the utmost confidentiality and integrity, HOPE Landing’s prayer intercessors are diligent and dedicated to covering children in prayer according to name and specific needs. Parents/legal guardians must authorize release of information before children can be added to the prayer ministry. Our prayer volunteers come from several different churches and denominations within our community and uphold all information in the strictest of confidence.
G.R.A.C.E. (God Reaches All Children Everywhere)
This is a special time for members of the entire family.
Children and their siblings are cared for by loving, devoted members of the community while parents enjoy some time alone. The volunteer staff is coordinated by HOPE Landing staff and includes professionals, teachers, and friends. Children are placed in groups according to age and need and given lots of love and attention through planned activities that are fun, challenging, and safe. Adult to child ratio differs in range depending on age and need but is always appropriate and designed for ultimate safety.
Shepherding
HOPE Landing believes real support comes through healthy one-on-one relationships built on trust. Our Shepherding program is comprised of volunteer men and women who understand the needs of families with disabilities through experience and education and want to simply be a presence that cares and listens. All of HOPE’s Shepherds volunteer under corporate guidelines and meet compliance under confidentiality laws.
Family Weekends
Weekend events are scheduled periodically and are designed for
recreational and social wellness of the entire family. Families are provided a time of relaxation and opportunities to network and form lasting friendships. Activities for the children, fishing at the pond, live music, and cooking-out make up these special days for our families. All members of the family are welcome to enjoy organized activities or to just do their own thing and enjoy the day.
Family/Adult Counseling
Family/Adult counseling for mental and emotional support is provided by trained professionals and led by Dr. Lynn Worthen of First Baptist Church for those who need this added intervention for family wellness.
Small Group Book or Bible Studies
Small groups are designed for spiritual wellness in the small group setting so that individuals or couples can enjoy interaction, feedback, and relationships with others while growing in Christian knowledge and faith.
Educational Library and Seminars
At HOPE Landing, we believe hope is shared through knowledge and understanding. Without those two things, we can be easily discouraged and
left feeling defeated. As a part of the ministry support program, professional educational seminars will be offered periodically to bring the latest and most needed information to professionals, educators, and families in the community. All seminars will be conducted by professionals in each field and made affordable and accessible for everyone.
A resource library will also be available soon on-site for families to research and study in a quiet and relaxing atmosphere.