Many kids who have special needs require occupational or physical therapy. Parents may have a difficult time finding therapists who can provide what their child needs. Another problem is that sometimes, kids find this sort of therapy to be less than fun to do. A Big Blast Project can make occupational and physical therapy fun.
Occupational therapy is defined as: “the therapeutic use of work, self-care, and play activities to increase development and prevent disability. It may include adaptation of task or environment to achieve maximum independence and to enhance the quality of life”.
Physical therapy can be described as a “therapy that uses physical agents” such as exercise and massage. Many children who have special needs require either occupational therapy, or physical therapy, or both. These types of therapy require kids to use their bodies in ways that may not be incredibly comfortable, in order to help strengthen their muscles, and to improve their coordination.
A Big Blast is a project that provides gymnastic therapy and recreational therapy for kids who have special needs. They are located in Illinois, and are a non-profit agency. They provide an alternative kind of occupational and physical therapy for children that is fun. They work with children who have a variety of disabilities, including autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and sensory disorders.
A physical or occupational therapist works with the children. Kids are helped to reach their goals of developing muscle tone and muscle memory, improving core strength, spatial awareness, coordination, balance, and confidence. Children can swing on rings, jump on trampolines, play in a pit filled with foam shapes, and pull themselves up on a parallel bar. The kids feel as though they are playing, which makes them more interested in doing their physical or occupational therapy.
The therapy from A Big Blast is actually something that is covered by health insurance. They are in the network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. That can make it easier for parents to be able to afford for their special needs child to receive this type of therapy.
If you don’t happen to live in Illinois, then you might have to look around to see if there are similar programs in your state. You should also check to see if your health insurance plan will cover this type of innovative, fun, occupational and physical therapy. Kids who are enjoying themselves are going to get more out of the therapy they receive.
Image by Rick McCharles on Flickr