Thursday, March 3, 2016

Day 4: Physical Therapy and Prosthetics

Today was wonderful!!  A dear friend and physical therapist came and shared with the kids.  Her son was in my class four years ago and she has shared her time and talents with us ever since.  I love her heart and compassion.

Mrs. Dorr shared some pictures with us of a variety of children with a physical disability and then explained some of the equipment they use to strengthen their bodies and help them improve their mobility.  The kids were very interested in the water therapy and hippo therapy.  One of my students has a sweet brother that has a variety of therapies so he was able to add to the presentation.  The children were also able to watch a basketball game played from wheelchairs.

Mrs. Dorr gave all of the children an opportunity to experience a therapy ball.  They loved bouncing, flying with their arms and legs stretched out, as well as floating on the top of the ball.  I think they could have spent the rest of the day with Mrs. Dorr and would have been very happy!

A little later some friends of mine came in to visit with the children.  Mr. Beatty lost an arm after he climbed a 65 pole to clear some trees.  He was shocked and fell about 60 feet.  Unfortunately he lost his arm and suffered other injuries.  Mr. Beatty and his wife have such positive attitudes and as Mr. Beatty kept saying, "You just have to keep moving forward."

Mr. Beatty showed the children his prosthetic arm.  The boys were especially impressed with the hook at the end and instantly they all became "Captain Hook."  When he brought out his prosthetic and robotic hand, the children were quite surprised! I was impressed with how real it looked and the dexterity the hand had.  The kids were uncomfortable at first but quickly realized that it is just a tool and it was pretty cool!  Mr. and Mrs. Beatty made everyone feel comfortable and were very inspiring.  We are only on week one and the kids have already met some amazing people.

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