Programs & Services
 Therapy
programs are interwoven into each day at the Anne Carlsen
Center for Children. All residents receive extensive therapy
from certified therapists who work closely with teachers,
medical staff and life skills trainers to ensure therapies
are working to help individuals be as functional as possible.
The Center supports yearly continuing education opportunities
so all therapists stay current with the latest techniques
and technology to provide the best possible care to all students.
- Physical therapy focuses on improving
muscle strength, range of motion, balance, head and trunk
control, coordination, and mobility to facilitate more
independent function in all environments. Physical therapists
also recommend wheelchair, seating and orthodic enhancements,
which may assist with those improvements. Four physical
therapists and two aides work with the Center's students.
- Occupational therapy focuses on fine
and gross motor coordination, daily living activities and
providing sensory information to enhance motor performance
and functional learning. The Center has three occupational
therapists and one certified occupational therapist assistant.
- Speech/language pathology works with
both verbal and nonverbal children who may require alternative
modes of communication including sign language, symbol
boards and electronic communication systems. The Center
has three full-time equivalent speech therapists.
Specialties
- Dysphagia treatments are provided by
a team trained in the unique concerns of children with
feeding and swallowing disorders, along with nutritional
assessments and clinical direction by an on-site dietitian.
- Therapeutic swimming in our specially
designed pool offers therapy in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.
The water temperature hovers around 95 degrees and the
floor of our pool operates on hydraulic lifts to allow
the water depth to be altered from one inch to five feet.
- Sensory integration is especially important
for children with special needs. We are one of only a handful
of facilities in the country to use state-of-the-art technology
in specially designed white and black rooms to engage and
stimulate senses of sight, sound, touch, taste and smell.
- The Anne Carlsen Center for Children uses advanced integration
techniques to enhance traditional therapies for students
with visual and hearing deficits, autism and behavior disorders.
- The White Room and Black Room utilize a multitude of lighting
effects for visual stimulation, relaxation and interaction.
Bubble columns, a vibrating mat, tactical board, and sound
box are just a few of the features found in these rooms.
- The Sensory Motor Center is also home to an accessible indoor
treehouse and water and sand center where children can experience
the freedom and fun of climbing trees, sliding, building
sandcastles and splashing in water.
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