Therapy services @ Kōwhai

Speech-Language Therapist

Our Speech-Language Therapists (SLT) work in all areas of the school to support students who have communication, eating and drinking needs.  

The focus of SLT input is to support the student’s functional communication across the day in a range of environments.  The SLT supports students in all skill areas related to their communication e.g. attention and listening skills, social interaction skills, understanding of language, using words and sounds.  Additional support strategies may include the use of signing, pictures/symbols, and electronic devices for communication.  The SLT may create, apply for, or work in conjunction with Talklink, to provide appropriate AAC tools for students.

The SLT also supports students with their eating and drinking (dysphagia) needs.  This includes liaising with teaching staff, whānau, therapists and outside agencies to administer accurate and thorough dysphagia assessment and intervention.  Ongoing education for relevant support people and monitoring implementation of this intervention is also provided.

The SLT will ensure that best practice is continually strived for at Kōwhai Specialist School by seeking and maintaining a current knowledge base and disseminating this to staff through service-wide education.  

 

Occupational Therapist

Our Occupational Therapists’ main goal in the school environment is to assist the student to overcome barriers and assist them in developing the daily living skills they require to increase their independence and learning.

The Occupational Therapist may assess fine and gross motor skills and facilitate and develop skills through play and curriculum-based activities. Occupational Therapists will develop Sensory Profiles for students to ensure sensory needs are met within the class and sensory programmes created for school and home.  

Occupational Therapists will assess for specialised equipment and provide adaptations to allow the child to access the curriculum, e.g, chairs, desks, and assistive technology.  This will be achieved through the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Health (MOH)  equipment applications and funding. Occupational Therapists work within SESTA guidelines and develop safe travel plans for students. They will assist with the provision of equipment for safe travel in the school Taxi service, e.g, car seats, buckle guards, and harnesses.

Occupational Therapists will address gaps in Self-care skills e.g, toileting, dressing, eating, and grooming, and will develop Toileting programmes and hygiene routines. 

Occupational Therapists work in collaboration with Hawkes Bay District Health Board (HBDHB) Child Development Team, Paediatrician, Specialist and Therapists to provide comprehensive services around our students. 

 

Physiotherapist 

Our Physiotherapists’ role in the school environment is to support students to reach and maintain their full physical potential.  The Physiotherapists assess the gross motor function of individual students and provide treatment and programmes to help the students to develop and maintain their mobility skills, joint range of movement, muscle strength, and motor skills (eg.  balance, coordination, proprioception).   Programmes may also be aimed at improving core stability and posture to assist the student to be actively engaged and ready to learn.  

A student’s physiotherapy programme can include hydrotherapy and group sessions.  The Physiotherapists work collaboratively with other disciplines within the school to meet each student’s goals.  The Physiotherapists will train teaching staff in all aspects of a student’s programme.  This provides the staff with basic therapy skills to ensure students have frequent opportunities to practise physical skills throughout the day and within the class setting.   

Students with physical needs often require special equipment to ensure that they are able to participate in everyday activities and to access the curriculum.  The Physiotherapists assess the need and complete applications for special equipment, including orthotics, standing frames, and walking aids.   There is also continuous monitoring and adjustment of all equipment to ensure that it continues to meet the changing needs of the students as they develop and grow.  

The Physiotherapists are responsible for liaising where appropriate with the student’s Paediatrician, Orthopaedic Consultant, Orthotist, and Community Therapists.    

 

Music Therapist

Our Music Therapist (MT) works across the school satellites to support Kōwhai rangatahi in achieving group (social) or individual goals.  The MT uses music and musical processes in person-centred and goal-oriented ways to promote change and support the learning and development of rangatahi at Kōwhai Specialist School. 

The MT will have a broad knowledge of musical styles that reflect the interests and culture of students. They will also be skilled in playing a variety of percussive and melodic instruments and using these instruments with students during sessions.

The MT uses creative therapeutic methods to support students in achieving social, physical, emotional, and cognitive goals. 

Programmes are created in collaboration with class teachers, teaching staff, and therapy team, and seek to apply the special qualities of music in a shared relationship with students to meet personal goals, support learning, and promote change. 

Music therapy goals are planned through an assessment process that can align with the student’s IEP goals. Music is highly motivating for many young people and is an accessible and enjoyable medium with which to engage students.

 

Psychologist

Our psychologist’s job is to assist in the development of individual programmes to promote the social and academic achievement of students. This typically involves working together with teachers and parents, and other specialist providers. It may also involve assessing student behaviour in a range of situations. Strategies to understand and manage behaviour and support/develop learning are developed through a team process. Our psychologist does a range of work as a community psychologist and attends meetings at Kōwhai Specialist School on an appointment basis.