Bainbridge Lions learn about the Milestones Therapy Program

Published 11:54 am Wednesday, April 20, 2022

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Youngsters who reside in Decatur County and need an extra boost have access to a program designed for all around benefit. The Milestones therapy program offers occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy for children, upon referral from health care providers. Ms. Kristen Palmer, occupational therapist, told the Bainbridge Lions Club that Milestones Pediatric Therapy was founded to meet the needs of local children.

For the second year, the program will offer a day camp for local children to enjoy. In 2021, eighty-four (84) participants enjoyed program activities such as a water slide, horseback riding, and exercises at the exercise pad at the boat basin. Twenty-six (26) volunteers, including some college students, provided assistance for the seven weeks of the program.

Campers are children up to about age 10; they are grouped based on age and the severity of impact from their diagnoses. The campers, along with their families, are dealing with a wide range of challenges, including such situations as autism and downs syndrome, as well as rare disorders that are medically complicated and not yet understood. While some campers have noticeable difficulties from early childhood, other difficulties may not show up until later as a student finds it hard to keep up in school. Camp activities are designed to improve balance and motor control over the entire body, as well as speech development, for example.

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The opportunity to interact with various people as they enjoy the pursuits different from routine can help the Campers look forward to new developments in the future. The activities are “fun” first of all, but they are designed to improve the overall quality of life – to “level the playing field” as the youngster develops alongside of peers.