HORSIN' AROUND FOR SPEECH This camp provides an enjoyable experience complete with music, art, movement exercises and other activities to improve language and motor skills. It provides each child with equine assisted therapy which will provide a rich sensori-motor experience. Each day of camp will highlight a specific theme, and activities will be designed and guided by two licensed Speech/Language Therapists.
What is Equine Assisted Therapy? Equine Assisted Therapy, a.k.a. Hippotherapy is a wonderful way to provide speech therapy while exposing a child or adult to the experience of riding a horse. The walking motion of the horse provides sensory input effecting muscle tone and function, respiratory control, timing and posture, which is used in combination with traditional clinical methods to achieve desired results. Communication disorders and sensory processing difficulties are usually two frequently addressed areas of need for children with developmental delays/disorders. It has been documented that intense vestibular stimulation improves processing in the brain. Speech and Language goals can be addressed both on and off the horse. Some of the benefits of using Equine Assisted Therapy to facilitate Speech and Language development include: * Respiratory and oral motor function * Attention and arousal * More normalized muscle tone and postural support * Increased verbal output * Cognitive-linguistic functioning * Pragmatic skills * Receptive and expressive language * Increased response time * Improved articulation, intonation and voice quality * Decreased drooling Most importantly, children are more likely to participate and work toward achieving their speech and language goals, when the goals are combined with a motivating activity.
Goals and Objectives Your child will be given the opportunity to work on social skills, vocabulary, syntax, turn taking, sensory integration, sequencing, direction following and receptive and expressive language skills. Oral motor skills can be addressed. Your child's individual needs will be assessed. A recent copy of your child's speech and language report and/or IEP will help with establishing appropriate goals/objectives. Goals and objectives will be achieved through a fun experience such as: arts and crafts tacking and grooming the horse obstacle course trail rides (two times in a day) washing the horse, etc.
Who and Where? Group: Horsing Around for Speech Ages: Any Age Days: Monday to Friday Time: 9:00 - 3:00 Session Starts: August 11, 2003 Session Ends: August 15, 2003 Where? Willowpond Farm, Gillette, New Jersey
Cost All group sessions are paid for in full at the first session a child attends. Space is limited. A deposit is required to register your child. The deposit is refundable with 2 weeks advanced notice. All other money is non-refundable (should the child cancel one or more days) One week, full day camp - Horsing Around for Speech 6 hour day - Insurance Claims: Stepping Stones to Communication is a participating provider with Cigna Healthcare only. If you wish to access your benefits through Cigna, we ask that you contact your carrier to determine eligibility and benefits, obtain any referrals if required. Should Cigna deny payment for services, you will be billed directly. Stepping Stones to Communication is not currently a participating provider with any other insurance agencies, therefore, you many need to exercise your out-of-network options. Please pay the full amount of directly to SSC and have your insurance company reimburse you. Please be sure to contact your insurance company to determine if pre-approval is necessary before services begin. Should your insurance company require any information, reports, etc., Stepping Stones to Communication will provide the information requested to help you to process your claims. Discounts: Each of the above programs is discounted for families who sign up two or more children or if you are already receiving individual therapy with Stepping Stones to Communication, LLC. A discount is given for the one week summer camp. Please speak to Angela if you have any additional questions regarding the discount program.
Contact Info. Please contact: Angela Cultrara Rodrigues 973-715-2278 Angelacccslp@hotmail.com Please provide your full name, address, and phone number. An application will be mailed to you along with other necessary forms to be completed. A medical form will need to be completed by your child's physician prior to acceptance into the camp.