The therapy program at Easterseals offers an interdisciplinary team approach to treating the whole child. Our staff of certified speech-language pathologists and physical and occupational therapists specialize in the treatment of various children’s disabilities providing medical rehabilitation to children ages 0-21 regardless regardless of their ability to pay.
Speech-Language Therapy
Speech-language pathologists address comprehension and expressive language impairments, articulation disorders, fluency disorders, voice/resonance disorders, oral motor impairments, as well as feeding difficulties. Our SLPs provide evaluation, treatment, and caregiver training to address the unique needs of each child and family. Using structured play, interesting toys, and fun activities, the speech-language pathologist takes skills that are difficult for your child to perform and breaks them into smaller steps that are easier to master.
Pediatric Feeding Therapy
Pediatric feeding therapy at Easterseals is designed for infants, toddlers, and adolescents who have a variety of feeding and swallowing difficulties, including dysphagia, Failure to Thrive, feeding-tube dependency, oral motor difficulties, and food/oral aversion. We work with the child’s medical professionals to ensure an interdisciplinary approach to the feeding disorder. We provide the following services:
- Feeding evaluations
- Feeding Therapy
- Caregiver training
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy addresses a wide range of developmental gross motor delays (e.g. walking, climbing stairs), positioning, and mobility needs. Therapy may target improved motor coordination or increased range-of-motion for functional, motor skills. When a child receives physical therapy at Easterseals, the therapist will also assist with referrals for orthotics/braces, wheelchair fittings, and other orthopedic concerns. Our Physical Therapist provides additional specialty care such as treatment of torticollis and brachial plexus injuries, movement disorders, and orthopedic injuries. We offer a Rehabilitation Clinic with a Physiatrist and Orthotist to offer a comprehensive evaluation of physical skills and equipment needs.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy focuses on improving a child’s fine motor skills including grasp, handwriting, hand strength, bilateral hand strength, and coordination. Occupational Therapists also address sensory disorders which include difficulties with itchy clothing, loud noises, food aversions, attention and difficulty sitting still. We assist children with developing the self-help skills they need for everyday activities, such as dressing, grooming, or self-feeding. The Occupational Therapists at Easterseals offer detailed assistance, support, and education regarding alternative techniques to help children function better in difficult situations in the community.
Sensory Room
Our Sensory Room is used to help children with a variety of needs and conditions, including but not limited to: sensory, visual, tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular issues. Lighting is adjusted to facilitate a calming effect during the therapy session. The room offers a sensory wall, ball pit, and sensory swings along with other equipment and activities.
Easter Seals of the Birmingham Area’s mission is to create solutions that change the lives of children and adults with disabilities or other special needs and their families.