"A Special Place for Special Children"
Listed here are a few of the common questions we receive at St. Mary’s.
We have 4 physical therapists and 5 physical therapy assistants in St. Mary’s Physical Therapy department.
Physical therapy staff is available from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and some evenings as late as 9 p.m. Staff is also available on an "as needed" basis on the weekends.
Physical therapy treatment/intervention is determined by the physical therapy evaluation at the time of admission, as well as annually with a physical therapy re-evaluation. Each child receives at least a weekly direct/consult intervention by the physical therapist and/or physical therapy assistant. Working within a ‘transdisciplinary team’ approach, staff regularly receives in-service training on daily activities that will enhance the child’s physical therapy program.
The social worker for the Home works with parents and guardians on a placement plan beginning a few years before the resident reaches 21. The plan involves the Community Services Board from the child’s place of residency and takes into account what resources are available in that area. Adult care facilities and group homes are possibilities.
7 to 9 years.
St. Mary’s Home partners with the Southeastern Cooperative Educational Program (SECEP) to provide specialized education to residents. SECEP functions as a regional public school serving the Hampton Roads cities of Chesapeake, Franklin, Isle of Wight, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Southampton, Suffolk and Virginia Beach. Through the REACH Program – Raising Expectations and Abilities for Children with Complex Health Needs – children at St. Mary’s receive high quality education. The school principal, licensed special education teachers and teacher’s assistants have offices at the Home and teach children in classrooms on site. Twenty-five percent of the children actually ride school buses out to school in the Virginia Beach and Norfolk public school systems.
Hospital discharge planners, physicians, Community Service Boards and current residents’ families are all sources of referrals for the Home. Additionally, families can self-refer to St. Mary’s.
The level of involvement of families and guardians varies according to the individual resident. Some families are very involved with the child and the Home, making frequent visits and participating in various activities. Some families are not able to visit as frequently due to the proximity of the Home to where they live and travel greater than a four-hour distance to visit. Fewer than 20% of the residents remain in the care of Social Services.
If you have further questions please contact us directly.
St. Mary's Home for Disabled Children Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.