This summer, 37 children are participating in UCP’s Steps to Independence ®, a unique, integrated intensive therapy approach for children with motor disorders that utilizes a team of physical and occupational therapists to help with muscle strengthening and fine and gross motor coordination.

UCP staff therapists and several school-based therapists have joined in for the June through August sessions and are working with our young clients to enhance strength, endurance, coordination, balance and range to facilitate functional skills such as rolling, sitting, transitions, walking with a device, gait training, activities of daily living, work and play.

UCP’s highly specialized equipment is used to help children accomplish their individual goals. The system of exercises performed in the Universal Exercise Unit contributes to gains in range of motion and improved muscle flexibility and tone. The Therasuit provides joint compression and subsequently stimulates muscle activity, thereby diminishing muscle weakness and loss of bone density. It also generates resistance to body movements, which leads to further maintenance and development of muscle mass. Stretching, resistance, stability and overall body awareness is accomplished through pool therapy.

If you have the opportunity, stop in this summer to see the children who are training like little athletes three to five days a week, two to three hours a day – taking their first steps to independence!

For more information on Steps to Independence ®, please contact Pam Butler at 216.791.8363 extension 250.