All therapy appointments are scheduled on the hour for 53 min. In the event a therapist sees you after the hour has begun, you will still receive the full 53 min treatment session.
“The sooner you’re able to do a high intensity program like what we have at Ability KC, the sooner you’re going to achieve your goals.”
– Allison Carr, Ability KC Physical Therapist
Exceptional Care for People of All Ages
In addition to traditional outpatient medical rehabilitation services, Ability KC offers an intensive day program for individuals who need more comprehensive therapy services after being discharged from an inpatient facility or while recovering from a complex injury or illness.
With the day program, individuals will go home at the end of the day, but they receive the benefit of an inpatient program by being with a team of therapists for around five hours a day, for three to five days of individual or group therapy per week. The average length of therapy in our day program is four to six weeks.
Ability KC’s day program utilizes the principles of neuroplasticity of practice, repetition, and intensity to design an expert-driven, comprehensive, individualized program for each person served.
The integrated team can include the patient, family, physical therapists, speech therapist, occupational therapist, case manager, social worker, registered nurse, certified nurse aid, educator (for school age children), rehabilitation psychologist and neuropsychologist. Ability KC team members are experts in care for neurological diagnoses, and our programs are accredited in outpatient medical rehabilitation, pediatric specialty, brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, and amputations. We value ongoing professional development and expertise, with many of our team members being asked to present locally, regionally, and nationally as experts in care.
Ability KC understands that navigating health care and rehabilitation needs can be challenging. Our team assists the patient and their family throughout the entire journey, from admission to discharge, back to their home and community, to integrate new skills, techniques and strategies for real life. Our community liaison and admissions teams will help with the transition from inpatient rehabilitation, acute care hospital, home health, or home and community to our outpatient day rehab model.
In addition to traditional therapy (PT, OT and SLP) the intensive day rehabilitation team may recommend additional programming to include:
- Cardiovascular fitness groups
- Fine motor and visual skills practice group session
- Educational programs about brain injury, stroke and spinal cord injury
- Communication and language groups
- Aquatic therapy
- Assistive technology training
- Individual counseling
- Group resilience training, education, and support
- Leisure activities
- Yoga
- Shopping and meal prep
- Return to work navigation
- Tutoring and school transition planning
5%
Re-hospitalization rate (11% below the national average)
3,000
Over 3,000 patients and families served annually
$5 Million
$5 million in uncompensated, at-cost services for under-resourced individuals and families.
250
Medical and vocational professionals
Program Handbook
Get more details about the program and other services offered through Ability KC by reading through one of our available program handbooks.
Our Process
What You Can Expect
Our Day Rehabilitation Program in Kansas City
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The first step to receiving care through Ability KC is to connect with a community liaison or member of our admissions team. Our community liaisons and admission teams are here to help you navigate based on your specific needs and assist with your questions about our programs. They’ll be able to connect you with the appropriate care team based on your challenges and individual goals.
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Ability KC will work collaboratively with patients to develop a treatment plan through our intensive CARF-accredited outpatient medical rehabilitation program. All services will be tailored to help patients successfully work through their specific challenges and meet their individual goals.
Under the direction of the treating physician’s prescription, a complete evaluation will be performed during initial therapy sessions. The evaluations help to determine the nature and extent of the problem and identify the best treatment approach to improve function. Goals are set for the therapy program in consultation with you and your family/caregiver after the evaluations are complete. The involvement of family members, friends and other community supports can be a critical factor in your success. At your request, these individuals will be included in planning meetings and conferences related to your intensive day rehabilitation program.
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Our services don’t end once a person completes their treatment program. Even when patients and families accomplish all of their care goals and reach their desired milestones, we’ll always be here as a resource to help guide them through the next phases of their lives.
Our Approach
Ability KC takes an integrated approach to our care services.
Our team will work with individuals to develop a customized care plan that can include intensive outpatient rehabilitation services, goal-based group therapies, and interest-based resources.
People We Serve
Children
Ability KC offers pediatric disability services for young children with congenital and acquired disabilities, while also working closely with their families. Services include our outpatient medical rehabilitation program, therapeutic preschool, seasonal programming, and much more.
Adolescents
Adolescent teens and young adults have needs that differ from those of younger children, and Ability KC offers a number of unique services to help them as they transition into and prepare for adulthood.
Adults
A broad range of adult outpatient medical rehabilitation services are available through Ability KC, including traditional outpatient therapy services and our adult day program. All of our care plans are tailored to the individual’s unique needs and goals and can include intensive rehab, goal-based group therapies, and interest-based services.
Seniors
Senior services at Ability KC take a comprehensive approach to support aging adults—helping them remain actively engaged in both their personal and professional lives, as well as within their communities.
A Brighter Future Starts Here
Start your journey with Ability KC by using our online therapy planning tool, or feel free to reach out to our team regarding any questions or comments you may have.
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Case Study
Geni
Fifteen years ago, Geni began a lifelong partnership with the experts at Ability KC.
At 5 years old she was bitten by a tick which rapidly and unexpectedly became septic and led to encephalitis, an inflammation in her brain. After graduating from Ability KC’s Pediatric Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation program, she continued to return to services each year for outpatient therapies and specialized summer programming.
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Case Study
Sadie
After having more than 100 seizures each day, Sadie was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called Rasmussen’s Encephalitis.
Sadie then began physical, occupational, and speech therapy at Ability KC and developed new goals that include crawling, walking, eating, and communicating.
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Case Study
Onna
After suffering from a virus that left her in a coma, Onna came to Ability KC for outpatient medical rehabilitation services in order to relearn to walk, talk and read.
After progressing and reaching every goal and milestone from therapy, Onna started working with the Ability KC employment services team to help her build skills.
Benefits of Our Day Rehabilitation Program
Treatments For All Ages
Nowhere else in the region offers the ability to provide outpatient medical rehabilitative services for patients ranging from preschool to senior age.
Wide-Ranging Services
Ability KC offers a highly trained team of passionate experts, capable of utilizing a variety of different programs and techniques to help patients accomplish their goals.
Personalized Treatments
We strive to provide all patients with treatment environments that are completely tailored to individual needs throughout their continuum of care.
Meet the Ability KC Leadership Team
The staff at Ability KC are highly qualified professionals who are passionate about helping people of all ages achieve their unique goals.
Each member of our team is committed to providing the highest level of care and to helping patients reach their full potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
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If you arrive late for your therapy session, you may not receive the full 53 minutes of the allotted time.
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The first day of your therapy program is spent getting to know more about you and your abilities. Based on your needs, you will meet with different members of your care team.
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Caregivers are welcome to visit on the first day to address questions or concerns and discuss goals. After the first day, caregivers are always welcome, but are not required to attend.
Learn More About Ability KC
With a rich history that spans over 75 years, Ability KC has provided services that have helped change and shape the lives of thousands.
Our organization is proud to serve over 3,000 individuals with disabilities and their families annually, and we’ll continue to work tirelessly to help the members of our community reach their greatest potential.
