There are many things that make a therapeutic preschool different from a traditional preschool. Children receive individual treatment plans with different types of interventions to support their development. There are more providers present to help children interact. At Ability KC, we also use adaptive equipment in our classrooms. “Adaptive equipment” describes a wide variety of tools that help children with developmental delays and disabilities.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about seven types of adaptive equipment we use in our therapeutic preschool and how they benefit students.
7 types of adaptive equipment in a therapeutic preschool and key benefits
We use a variety of devices to help children at different developmental stages participate in age-appropriate activities. Many of these devices have therapeutic benefits that help them build strength and skills in different areas. Some children need devices to help with physical strength and movement. Some need devices for communication, sensory needs, or play. In most cases, adaptive equipment needs to be personalized for the child who’s using it. Devices may adjust to fit different body shapes and sizes, or we may use attachments to add more support when needed.
The following are seven types of adaptive equipment we use in a therapeutic preschool and their benefits:
- Communication technology — We use different kinds of communication devices and techniques to support students who have difficulties in this area. Our speech therapists help children learn to use adaptive strategies while they work on their skills. This helps them participate in class activities and play with other kids. Some examples include communication boards and sign language. Providers in our classrooms also have experience using these tools.
- Gait trainers — These devices are like walkers or wheelchairs with added stability. They help children develop the strength, balance and movement skills they need to walk. They also help children get around more independently.
- Positioning chairs or standers — Standers are similar to gait trainers. They tend to have more support for the upper body, and they may not allow for as much movement. Standers and positioning chairs help children develop the strength and posture to stand upright. They might start out using a stander for 10 or 15 minutes and then gradually increase the amount of time. Some children use a stander during lessons that don’t require much movement. Then they transition to another device or go without one during playtime.
- Puma harness system — A Puma harness is used in climbing gyms and as a mobility aid. It wraps around the child’s lower torso and legs, suspending them from a canopy. This allows for free movement while protecting from falls. It provides a different experience for developing balance than other devices.
- Swing systems with various attachments — Swing systems can help children with sensory integration and vestibular function. As the swing responds to their movements, they develop spatial awareness and control. Different attachments can provide more or less support for different parts of the body.
- Therapeutic bike — Adaptive bikes help children develop strength and control in their lower body even if they can’t stand on their own. We use both stationary bikes with pedals and bikes that kids propel with their feet. These come with different benefits for balance, support, coordination and mobility.
- Switch adapted toys — Some children don’t have the fine motor skills or cognitive abilities to play with electronic toys. Our preschool has switch adapted toys, which are wired to a large button that’s easier to operate. This makes the toys more accessible to more kids. Children can also observe what happens when they push the button to learn about cause and effect.
Learn more about the adaptive equipment we use at our therapeutic preschool
Children develop skills for movement, communication and other life activities at their own pace. Having a medical condition or a disability can sometimes be an isolating experience. Going to a preschool that’s truly equipped to work with all children makes a big difference. Therapeutic preschools provide access to therapies during the day without disrupting their routine. Providers are experienced with adaptive equipment that allows children to fully participate, and kids feel included with their classmates regardless of their challenges.
At Ability KC, the Mary Shaw Branton Therapeutic Preschool provides a seamless experience for all children. Those who need extra support receive it from experienced professionals without being singled out. Ability KC is a designated Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF). We’re also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and are accredited with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Are you looking for a preschool with certain adaptive equipment for your child? Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
Want to help support the work we’re doing at Ability KC? Check out our Groundhog Run event page to learn about this awesome event and how it supports what we do.