October was National Physical Therapy Month and Dutchess BOCES took time to recognize the hard work its Physical Therapy team does every day.
Physical Therapists Kelley Carr, Kathleen Jastrzembski and Allyson Paul, as well as Physical Therapy Assistant Deborah Palastra focus on Salt Point Center, Resilience Academy (RA) and in-district classroom students using their larger muscle groups and assuring they are safe in the school environment, as they participate in it. They also provide adaptive equipment, such as walkers and chairs, for students who require them.
“Whether that’s in the gym or getting on and off the bus, we’re here to support them,” Carr said. “It requires you to be creative and adaptable.”
Students have gained confidence because of the sessions where they most enjoy using tools such as swings and scooters. Ultimately, the therapists want to see them become as independent as possible.
“This is a long game and you get to celebrate every little success with the kids,” Paul said. “That’s really joyful.”
Jastrzembski said that while students have fun during the sessions, the exercises are incredibly beneficial. “The swing could help with posture, extension, some weight bearing, pulling on a scooter could have a similar purpose,” Jastrzembski explained. “It could just be coordination, depending if they’re sitting or on their belly … We have a purpose of why they’re doing that.”
Mani Haridevara’s son Rama, an RA student, has benefitted greatly from the services, which she said helped her understand how simple tasks like walking are taken for granted. She praised the therapists for knowing her son’s characteristics well, keeping her updated on his progress and providing exercises to try at home. “We’ve had a wonderful experience and I feel Rama has grown so much,” Haridevara said. “I’m so thankful for every help Rama has ever been given.”
