[ Browse by Service Category : Health Care : Sub-Topics of Rehabilitation/Habilitation Services (39) ]

Autism Therapy

Programs that offer any of a variety of therapeutic interventions, which may be used singly or in combination, to address the range of social, language, sensory and behavioural difficulties experienced by children and adults with autism and related disorders. Because of the spectrum nature of autism and the many behaviour combinations that can occur, treatment approaches must be tailored to meet the individual needs of each person. Included are behavioural and communication development approaches, specialized curricula and sensory integration; biomedical and dietary treatments including psychiatric medications, vitamins and minerals (such as Vitamin B6, magnesium and essential fatty acids), treatment using the hormone secretin and special diets; and various complementary therapies such as music, art or equestrian, speech, physical or occupational which may be used on an individual basis or integrated into an educational program.

[ View Programs and Services (10) ]

Centres for Independent Living

Consumer controlled, community based, cross disability, nonresidential agencies designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities that provide an array of independent living services. All CILs provide five core services: information and referral, independent living skills training, peer counselling, individual and systems advocacy and transition. In addition, many CILs also offer transportation services, mobility training, personal assistance, housing and home modifications, recreation services, vocational programs, assistance in obtaining assistive technology equipment and other individualized services designed to increase and maintain independence.

[ View Programs and Services (3) | Related Topics ]

Condition Specific Rehabilitation Services

Programs that provide comprehensive rehabilitation services that help people who have specific types of injuries or other impairments to achieve their maximum level of functioning.

[ View Programs and Services (5) ]

Day Rehabilitation

Programs that provide intensive rehabilitation services for medically stable patients who have sustained a significant loss of independent living skills a result of stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple trauma, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, ALS or other physical or neurological conditions; and require coordinated care and multiple therapies to address their extensive rehabilitation needs. Services include an evaluation of the person's abilities and disabilities and the development and implementation of a rehabilitation plan that may incorporate physical, occupational, speech and/or other types of therapies; education about modifications in lifestyle that may be necessary including information about diet, exercise and stress reduction; guidance in using adaptive devices which maximize the individual's functional abilities; and counselling for the person and/or significant others to facilitate a positive adjustment to the person's current condition. Patients receive therapy for several hours a day, up to five days a week and return to their communities each evening to integrate skills learned in therapy into their daily activities. Treatment teams may include physiatrists, physical and occupational therapists, rehabilitation nurses, speech and language pathologists, psychologists, vocational rehabilitation specialists, counsellors and case managers. Day rehabilitation services may be provided by general acute care hospitals or skilled nursing facilities.

[ View Programs and Services (1) ]

Early Intervention for Children with Disabilities/Delays

Programs that identify infants, toddlers and in some cases, preschoolers who show evidence of or are at risk for lags in physical development, cognitive development, language and speech development, psychosocial development or self-help skills, and provide or coordinate the delivery of an enrichment program in order to minimize the potential for a developmental delay and to meet their current developmental needs. The program may include early identification activities (child find); a developmental evaluation; a review of family concerns, priorities and resources; meetings with the family to develop an individualized family service plan; service coordination to ensure that the individual and his or her family receive needed services which may include but are not limited to physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, health/medical services, nursing services, nutrition services, psychological services including specialized play groups or therapy sessions, counselling, speech and language assistance, special instructional services, transportation, and parenting skills development; and ongoing evaluation of the child's progress and his or her changing enrichment needs. Included are "birth to three" programs and federal, provincial or local programs that address the needs of slightly older children or children not otherwise eligible for "birth to three" programs.

[ View Programs and Services (9) | Related Topics ]

Home/Community Based Developmental Disabilities Programs

Programs for individuals with developmental disabilities that focus on enabling the individual to attain his or her maximum functional level and which may serve to reinforce skills or lessons taught in school, therapy or other settings. Services may be provided in the individual's home or outside the home in community-based settings.

[ Sub-Topics | View Programs and Services (8) | Related Topics ]

Independent Living Skills Instruction

Programs that assist people who have disabilities to learn the basic skills of daily living through individual and group counselling and instruction, experience and practice in coping with real or simulated life situational demands; or through the use of assistive devices, special equipment and specialized assistants. Services include but are not limited to training in the ability to travel about the community alone; to live independently in a private residence; to maintain health through self-care and use of medical services; to live within personal income; to maintain acceptable grooming and appearance; to deal with legal, family or social problems; and to cope with other requirements for successful independent living.

[ View Programs and Services (8) | Related Topics ]

Multisensory Environments

Dedicated spaces or rooms where sensory stimulation can be controlled (intensified or reduced), presented in isolation or combination, packaged for active or passive interaction, and matched to fit the perceived motivation, interests, leisure, relaxation, therapeutic and/or educational needs of the user. Included may be lighting effects, sensory activities (e.g., blowing bubbles or finger painting), tactile experiences, sound effects, rhythmical music, tasting experiences and more. MSEs offer people with sensory processing disorders such as autism, brain injuries, dementia and other challenging conditions the opportunity to enjoy and control a variety of sensory experiences.

[ View Programs and Services (3) | Related Topics ]

Occupational Therapy

Programs that evaluate the task performance skills of individuals who may be having difficulty engaging in self-care, work, play or leisure time activities and help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Occupational therapy services typically include an individualized evaluation, during which the individual/family and occupational therapist agree on the person's goals; customized intervention to improve the person's ability to perform daily activities and reach their goals; and an outcomes evaluation to ensure that the goals are being met. Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.

[ View Programs and Services (4) | Related Topics ]

Orientation and Mobility Training

Programs that help people who are blind or who have visual impairments develop the fundamental spatial concepts and skills that are necessary for maximum mobility and independent living. Instruction focuses on moving safely and purposefully in the school, home or community environment; and usually includes procedures for street crossings, travel in unfamiliar areas, utilization of public transportation, and appropriate use of aids such as sighted guides or canes. Training for persons who want to acquire the skills to be a sighted guide may also be provided.

[ View Programs and Services (3) | Related Topics ]

Physical Therapy

Programs that evaluate joint motion, muscle strength and endurance, heart and lung function and the ability of people to perform activities of daily living; and utilize the therapeutic properties of exercise, heat, cold, electricity, ultraviolet, water, manipulation and massage to improve circulation, strengthen muscles, reduce pain and restore mobility to people who have been disabled by a stroke, arthritis, back or spinal cord injuries or other debilitating conditions. Physical therapists practice in a variety of settings including hospitals, private offices, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centres, developmental centres, home health agencies, schools and pediatric centres.

[ View Programs and Services (4) | Related Topics ]

Service Animal Purchase Assistance

Programs that provide financial assistance to help people with disabilities obtain a dog guide, autism service animal, mobility assistance service animal, psychiatric service dog, seizure dog, signal dog or other type of animal who has been trained to provide specific forms of support. The assistance may help cover the purchase and transport of the animal, transportation for the new owner to travel for required training sessions (with a guardian or caregiver if necessary), as well as necessary accessories such as backpacks and harnesses.

[ View Programs and Services (1) | Related Topics ]

Speech and Hearing

Programs that provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for individuals who have speech and/or language problems, neurological disorders or diseases or disorders of the middle, inner and outer ear; larynx; tongue; mouth; or other structures whose coordination and appropriate functioning are necessary for speech and/or hearing.

[ Sub-Topics | View Programs and Services (11) | Related Topics ]

Therapeutic Exercise

Rehabilitation oriented fitness programs that develop individualized exercise routines and other fitness activities for people with acute or chronic health conditions such as arthritis, congestive heart failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, physical disabilities or other problems which affect their physical functioning with the objective of mitigating the effects of their condition; improving muscle strength and endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health; losing weight, if desirable; and reducing the risk of health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and depression. Included are gym and home based therapeutic exercise programs and aquatic therapy.

[ View Programs and Services (1) | Related Topics ]

Travel Training for Older Adults/People with Disabilities

Programs that provide comprehensive, intensive instruction that is designed to teach older adults and individuals with disabilities how to travel independently and safely using accessible public transportation. Skills include crossing streets safely with and without traffic signals, boarding the correct bus or subway, recognizing and disembarking at the correct destination, following directions, recognizing and avoiding dangerous situations and obstacles, dealing appropriately with strangers, handling unexpected situations such as re-routed buses or subways or getting lost, maintaining appropriate behaviour, using specialized equipment and/or devices, and recognizing the need for assistance and requesting help from appropriate sources.

[ View Programs and Services (1) | Related Topics ]

The above terms and definitions are part of the Taxonomy of Human Services, used here by permission of INFO LINE of Los Angeles.


Any omissions are unintentional and HIP disclaims any liability for unauthorized use or reproduction of any portion of this site. For a complete copyright and license statement please refer to our Terms of Use.