Patients and doctors take flight at Windham Mtn.
Register-Star featured the HSS Adaptive Sports Academy in an article about a recent ski trip to Windham Mountain Resort with pediatric patients and their families. According to the article, most of the patients who attended have cerebral palsy or other conditions that affect body movement. With the help of their doctors, physical therapists and trained instructors, the children learned how to ski.
Lorene C. Janowski DPS, OTR/L, MS, C/NDT, occupational therapist at HSS, said "participating in the adaptive ski program was an incredible experience for all and came at such an opportune time as we cheer on the United States in the Winter Olympics. Our children work so hard in their weekly therapy sessions, and this is a way to bring those skills to life, in a real and natural setting."
"Children with physical disabilities put a lot of effort and planning into moving their bodies. Adaptive activities, such as skiing, are a way for them to challenge themselves, even if it means making modifications and adaptations to meet their goals," Janowski added.
One mother commented on how the experience improved her son's confidence. "When you offer this to him, it gives him the opportunity to feel like he can do anything. It helps with his self-esteem and his self-confidence and he can take that with him when he leaves here."
Lisa S. Ipp, MD, chief of Pediatric Medicine at HSS, said "the Adaptive Sports Academy gives our patients a chance to develop new skills and interests and it promotes mobility and activity."
HSS pediatric orthopedic surgeon David M. Scher, MD, explained that the experience gives the children an opportunity to use their body in a different way.
This appeared in the February 22, 2018 print issue.
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