Developmental disabilites

PT/OT Achieving Optimal Standing Outcomes with the New Rifton Stander August 23, 2023 by Michelle Meier, PT, DPT
A girl stands in a Rifton Size 1 Stander, smiles and waves.
Consider the key features and benefits of the new Rifton stander—and how to maximize these to achieve the best standing outcomes for children with disabilities.
PT/OT APT KENYA – Changing Lives with Postural Management April 26, 2023 by Catherine Barton, Pediatric Physiotherapist
A man building a supportive device for APT Kenya
A successful and innovative postural management program for children with disabilities in Kenya improves their quality of life and daily participation.
Evidence Based Practice Using Prompts to Improve Toilet Training for Children with Physical Disabilities March 30, 2023 by Elena Noble, MPT
A young girl sits on a Rifton HTS (Hygiene & Toileting System) while her therapist helps her position.
For children with multiple disabilities, toilet training is a challenging process. This whitepaper describes the effective use of prompts to shape behaviors and function during the toileting process for successful outcomes in children with physical disabilities.
PT/OT Achieving Optimal Toilet Positioning March 07, 2023 by Elena Noble, MPT
A therapist positioning a girl in a Rifton HTS (Hygiene & Toileting System)
For a child with multiple physical challenges, toileting is often regarded as an interruption to daily activities and an added burden. Continuing initiatives around health and disability, however, recast toileting as a critical intervention.
PT/OT Promoting Fitness, Function and Physical Activity in School-Based Physical Therapy March 14, 2022 by Maggie O’Neil, PT, PhD, MPH
A boy riding on a Rifton Adaptive Tricycle
School-based physical therapists can promote student wellness and health through strategies to improve fitness, function and physical activity.
Evidence Based Practice Updates in Motor Learning February 14, 2022 by Lori Potts, PT
A girl walks in a Rifton Pacer gait trainer, accompanied by a caretaker
Research continues to increase knowledge in the field of motor learning. Understanding the mechanisms of motor learning can contribute to therapist interventions to further promote motor skills.
PT/OT The “How” of Ecological Assessment December 08, 2021 by Sue Cecere, PT, MHS
A girl standing in a Rifton Supine Stander, looking at a card with her caretaker
According to Dr. Bronfenbrenner, ecological assessment involves stakeholders to identify student performance challenges and assist in their analysis.
PT/OT The “What” of Ecological Assessment December 07, 2021 by Sue Cecere, PT, MHS
A boy sitting on a Rifton Compass Chair playing, with his caretaker sitting next to him
Ecological assessment is a comprehensive process of assessment in which data on student performance is collected through observation across different environments and/or settings. It is a collaborative process that involves relevant stakeholders.
PT/OT The “Why” of Ecological Assessment November 22, 2021 by Sue Cecere, PT, MHS
A boy in a Rifton Pacer looks at a communication device with his therapist.
In 2004, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was reauthorized with language supporting participation in the natural environment. This has challenged school-based practitioners to use the natural environment as a basis for assessment.
PT/OT Physical Activity Disability and Health November 30, 2020 by Elena Noble, MPT
A boy riding a Rifton Adaptive Tricycle, with his caretaker standing next to him
Creative mobility initiatives and activity-based strategies can improve health and foster inclusion for children with disabilities.
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