PT/OT

Focusing on Participation for Children with Autism

April 27, 2022 by Karen Tartick, PT
A child with autism sits in a Rifton compass chair to participate in music class

When I first graduated in 1984 and worked with children in the schools, physical therapists typically did not work with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

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.
Stories Death of a Father and a Founder December 14, 2021 by Joe Keiderling
Jerry and Nancy Voll in New York City, October 2016
Last month saw the death of one of Rifton’s founding fathers. Jerry Voll grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, and studied for the ministry at Lancaster Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania.
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.
Evidence Based Practice A New Clinical Practice Guideline for Functional Interventions for Children with CP November 09, 2021 by Elena Noble, MPT
A girl walking in a Rifton E-Pacer, with the help of a therapist
This excellent new study provides clinical practice guidelines at the activities and participation level of the ICF to families and therapists, addressing which interventions are effective and evidence-based.
Evidence Based Practice Evidence Update: The Effects of Inclination, Hip Abduction, Orientation and Tone on Weight-Bearing in Adaptive Standers September 06, 2021 by Elena Noble, MPT
A young girl wheeling down a hallway in a green Rifton Mobile Stander, with a caretaker next to her
This new exploratory and descriptive study is the first to measure weight-bearing during standing in different degrees of hip abduction, stander inclination and stander orientation.
Tips & Advice Addressing Insurance Denials of Standing Devices August 04, 2021 by Lori Potts, PT
A young woman stands in a Rifton Supine stander, smiling at her caregiver.
NCART recently published this excellent resource providing clinicians with evidence-based guidance in responding to insurance denials for standing devices.
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