For adults with disabilities, having the right support can make a big difference. The right programs can help with building strength, learning new skills, finding a job and becoming more independent. Whether someone is recovering from a spinal cord injury, trying to stay active or looking for employment, getting the right help can lead to a more confident and successful future.
At Ability KC, we offer many important programs that help adults with disabilities reach their goals. These programs focus on therapy, job training, fitness and independent living skills. Each one is designed to give people the tools they need to live life to the fullest. Getting in-depth information on some of our essential programs can highlight the benefits of our comprehensive care.
5 essential programs for adults with disabilities
- Outpatient medical rehabilitation
Many adults need therapy to recover from an injury, illness or medical condition. Some may have had a stroke, brain injury or surgery that makes daily tasks harder. Others may have a long-term disability that affects movement or communication. Whether you’re managing a disability or recovering from a major injury, outpatient medical rehabilitation may help you work toward your goals.
Outpatient medical rehabilitation means that you get therapy during the day but return home afterward. It allows you to continue to work on strength, movement, communication or any goals you may have while still being able to live at home.
Outpatient rehabilitation is tailored to the needs of each individual. Some therapies and services that might be included in your care plan include:
- Balance training
- Strength training
- Aquatic therapy
- Education
- Home programming
- Specialty programming (CIMT, serial casting, vital stimulation, ICAP)
- Intensive day rehabilitation
People who have experienced stroke, brain or amputation may need more therapy than traditional outpatient care offers. Ability KC’s intensive day rehabilitation program provides full-day therapy for people recovering from major medical events, like a stroke or brain injury.
In this program, therapy sessions are scheduled throughout the day. This enables people to focus on recovery while still returning home in the evenings. A combination of therapies (physical, occupational and speech therapy along with groups) may be provided in one structured program. You can also benefit from practical programming like shopping and meal prep or guidance navigating your return to work.
- Employment programs
Many adults with disabilities want to work. However, some may face challenges in finding or keeping a job. In 2022, the Census Bureau found that over 40 million U.S. civilians had some form of disability. At the same time, only 9.8 million people aged 18 to 64 with a disability were employed. Ability KC’s employment program is designed to help adults prepare for, find and succeed in a job that matches their skills and abilities.
We offer a range of employment services to accommodate a variety of needs. We have partnered with local companies and the Missouri and Kansas Vocational Rehabilitation Offices to expand career prospects for adults with disabilities. Our team can help you through each step of the job searching process, from building a résumé to practicing for interviews. We also offer some job task training to help people practice specific job-related skills.
- Fitness & wellness programs
Staying active is important for physical and mental health. For people with disabilities, though, getting exercise can be a challenge. Some may need extra support to exercise safely. Ability KC’s EXCEL program helps people improve strength, endurance and flexibility while working within their abilities. It’s an after-hours wellness program where patients can pay to use our facility.
The EXCEL program offers a range of fitness and wellness-related services, including:
- Fitness assessment — Evaluates strength, balance and movement to create a customized plan
- Cardiovascular conditioning — Helps improve heart health through activities like walking or cycling
- Strength and flexibility training — Focuses on building muscle and increasing range of motion
These services are designed to benefit adults who want to stay active but need guidance. We help people recovering from injuries, strokes, surgeries and more.
We offer a safe, welcoming environment with adapted exercise options and a focus on personalized progress.
- Driving evaluation and training
Driving is an important part of being independent. Some adults with disabilities need extra training or adaptive equipment to drive safely. Ability KC’s driving evaluation and training program helps people learn to drive or return to driving after an injury or disability.
Our driving program involves evaluations and training with modified controls. We help people who need adaptive driving equipment, as well as anyone with a disability who wants to gain or regain independence through driving.
See these essential programs at work at Ability KC
At Ability KC, we offer a range of top-notch services for people with disabilities. We are a designated Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF). We’re also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). With our help, you can get the comprehensive care you need while you work to recover or manage your disability.
Contact our team today to learn more or schedule an initial appointment. You can also fill out our Build Your Plan questions designed to help our team better understand your needs and assist you in figuring out your next steps with us.