Carlson School employs physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech language therapists and music therapists. Each student’s therapy needs are individually assessed and catered for. We endeavour to integrate therapy programmes within the regular classroom programmes to ensure that every aspect of the school day has both therapeutic and educational benefit.Programmes are developed in consultation with families/whanau and staff, and aim to help students achieve their maximum potential and enjoy optimal quality of life.
Therapists also provide education and training for all staff working with the student and strive to establish strong links with families to provide a holistic view of the child.
Therapists liaise with specialists (orthopaedic surgeons, paediatricians, dieticians, neurologists), and community, health and ACC therapists to ensure consistency of care. These links are considered to be especially important pre and post interventions such as surgery, botox, and during equipment trials and provision.
Physiotherapists work with our students to help them move and participate in school life. They also work to maintain respiratory function, musculoskeletal integrity and to provide comfortable and supportive positioning options throughout the day.
Physiotherapy is delivered using a range of treatment approaches in both group and individual sessions. Most of our physiotherapists have completed paediatric Bobath training and with this base we utilize aspects of many different treatment approaches
Occupational therapists work with students to develop their fine motor and life skills; to provide their equipment needs and adaptations for personal cares; provide sensory programmes and access technology for the curriculum. Occupational therapists liaise with community therapists and those from other agencies to resolve home/ community issues.
Occupational therapy is delivered within classroom groups, or through an individualized programme if required, for example for switching skills or specialised powered mobility training.
Speech Language Therapists work with our students to help them with their speech and language development, communicate more effectively, eat and drink safely and for some students, to provide alternative and augmentative communication options such as communication books and devices.
Speech Language Therapy is delivered in ways which include individual and small group or class sessions, either within the classroom setting or in a withdrawal space.
The music therapist works with individuals or small groups of students to build bridges of communication through music and actively engage individuals in potential growth, development and change through the power of music. Music therapy can develop new skills, which can be transferred to other aspects of life. For many people, music helps reduce a sense of isolation and creates new possibilities for participation in the world and a more creative life.
