People who have limited mobility or cannot avoid close contact with others, people who have trouble understanding information or practicing preventive measures, people who may not be able to communicate, and those with underlying medical conditions may be at higher risks of infection during the current world crisis.
We're excited to test a collaborative virtual program with residents of a full-care group home in Jefferson County, MO. The residents are non-ambulatory and have severe cognitive and or physical disabilities. The average age of participants is 40 years old with ages ranging from 25 to 67. Diagnoses included MR, paralysis, seizure disorder, cerebral palsy, osteoarthritis, vision/hearing impairment, depression, reactive airway disease, spastic quadriplegia, congestive heart failure, hypokalemia, neuromuscular scoliosis, optic atrophy, microcephalus, hydrocephalus, neurogenic dysphasia, anoxic brain damage, spasticity, developmental coordination disorder, PTSD, cerebral cysts, developmental delay, encephalitis, epilepsy not otherwise specified (NOS), encephalopathy, anxiety, mood disorder NOS, and shaken baby syndrome.
This virtual program aims to provide opportunity for communication, self-discovery, and revitalization of the mind and body to increase quality of life. Physical and mental activity are important for the health of nearly everyone, and extra important for people with disabilities. Lesson plans are crafted to address specific objectives, fulfill needs and outlines inputs, activities, outcomes, and goals. Staff considers effectiveness, alternatives, unintended outcomes and the needs and personal goals of each client, caregiver and family. Participants may be sent resources, and are encouraged to relate lessons to everyday tasks and challenges, recall fond memories, practice skills and carry over perception, behavior, attitude and spiritual health to their everyday activities, tasks and challenges. Expected outcomes include increased levels of happiness or quality of life and increased functionality that may transfer to activities such as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting and/or transferring.
The pilot is scheduled to test on August 25th and is anticipated to deliver 15 hours of virtual learning and enrichment experiences for up to 46 people who are non-ambulatory with mild to severe developmental disabilities. The program is funded through Ride On St. Louis's fundraising and grant writing efforts as well as individual donations, and is no cost for the program participants.
If you would like to become a supporter of this program please consider becoming a sustaining member of the Crusader Circle.