By Rebecca Weinfield / September 28, 2026
Physical Therapy with Amelia
Screening for Mobility Changes
Following summer camps and breaks, I am screening members for mobility changes and determining whether new mobility supports may be needed. These supports may include rolling walkers, rollators, or gait trainers to improve safety, independence, and energy conservation for our aging member population.
Training for Safety and Independence
When a mobility device is introduced, training focuses on practical skills members need throughout the day, including:
- navigating obstacles
- practicing curb and ramp use
- moving safely outdoors across changing surfaces
- managing assistive devices with confidence
Evaluating Balance, Endurance, and Equipment Needs
Balance and endurance continue to be evaluated for these members. Both factors help determine the most appropriate assistive device, as well as any attachments or modifications that may be needed to support safe and effective mobility.
Supporting Overall Health Through Walking
A walking program is also important for this population to help prevent deconditioning and support overall health and well-being. Although simple, walking is a meaningful activity to include alongside strength training, particularly for aging members who may become more sedentary and experience reduced musculoskeletal strength, activity tolerance, and daily-life function.
Occupational Therapy with Sharon
Promoting Independence Through Meaningful Activities
The Occupational Therapy department at the WAE Center is currently focused on increasing independence, functional participation, and self-confidence through individualized, meaningful, and enjoyable leisure activities. These therapy experiences are designed to be purposeful while also keeping members engaged and motivated.
Building Feeding Independence
One exciting area of progress involves “P,” a young man with cerebral palsy who is developing greater independence with feeding. He is using the Obi robotic feeding device, which allows him to activate a switch that directs a robotic arm to scoop food and bring the spoon to his mouth. At the same time, he is developing manual feeding skills and is now successfully bringing a fork to his mouth after the therapist places food on it—something he had not previously been able to do independently. We are continuing to explore adaptations that may eventually allow him to place food on the fork himself.
Strengthening Functional and Pre-Vocational Skills
Other current OT activities address fine motor coordination, visual-perceptual skills, attention, executive functioning, informal educational skills, and pre-vocational skills through engaging, age-appropriate tasks. Members complete detailed sticker mosaics that require letter and number matching, peeling, and precise placement; sort small, colorful resin objects by type and color; and sort functional items such as jewelry and clothing in activities that simulate everyday and workplace tasks. We also address the psychosocial aspects of occupational performance by practicing social skills, appropriate manners, communication, and positive interaction with others.
Using Music and Rhythm to Support Participation
Music, singing, and rhythm are frequently incorporated into therapy to increase motivation, participation, motor planning, and auditory processing. Using principles from the In-Time Rhythm Program and The Listening Program, in which I am certified, members participate in music-based activities and therapeutic exercise. Examples include shaking rhythm bottles while exercising and working to maintain movement in time with the musical beat, which supports neurological processing.
Creating Purposeful, Enjoyable Therapy Experiences
Sensory processing and executive functioning are incorporated throughout our programming. The overall goal is to provide therapeutic experiences that are functional and purposeful while also being enjoyable, motivating, and meaningful to each individual.
Speech Therapy with Shelby
Expanding Support Beyond Individual Sessions
Speech support has grown to include specialty classes in addition to individualized services. While many members receive speech therapy one-on-one, I recognized that they also benefit from support throughout the program day, especially in the shared spaces where communication and participation naturally happen.
Supporting Participation in Classes
I have begun joining select classes to encourage members to demonstrate their abilities and participate more fully. Facilitators and teachers have appreciated the added insight into how they can better support each member’s communication, engagement, and independence.
Member Strengths in Action
Aaron actively participates in theater class, Jill shares her opinions during music, Eve contributes meaningfully in gardening, and Michelle stays right on beat during choreography.
A Holistic Approach
This shift reflects our holistic philosophy in action: each person’s communication, participation, and strengths are connected to the whole. By bringing speech support into shared spaces, the community gains a deeper understanding of each member’s talents, abilities, and needs.