Referral to Outside Programs
Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Therapeutic riding is an alternative form of therapy for
children with a variety of disabilities. It has been shown
to help children with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy,
traumatic brain injury, developmental disabilities, autism,
blindness, and deafness. Riding a horse has many therapeutic
benefits, including normalizing muscle tone, improving
balance and posture, and increasing strength and mobility.
It also increases confidence, self-esteem, and social interaction.
Clearance from the child's doctor is necessary to take
part in this program. For more information, please contact
Richard Brody, 212-535-3917, at the New York Therapeutic
Riding Center.
Achilles Track Club
This organization is sponsored by the New York Road Runners
Club for people with all levels of disabilities. Programs
for running, walking, and wheelchair mobility are supervised
by volunteers. Please see the Achilles Track Club website
at http://www.achillestrackclub.org/
Adapted Swimming Program at Asphalt Green
The Rusk Institute has provided grants through the generosity of Kids of NYU Foundation for children to participate in the adapted swimming program at Asphalt Green. The aquatic swimming program provides children with disabilities an opportunity to participate in an activity that is both recreational and therapeutic. The children are able to participate in the program on a variety of levels. The buoyancy of the water provides an environment in which the children are able to perform skills that they are often unable to perform on land. Some of the swimming skills that are taught to the children in the program include blowing bubbles, holding their breath under water, floating on their backs and stomachs, kicking, treading water, and a variety of swimming strokes. Clearance from the child's doctor is necessary to take part in this program if the child receives a grant through the Rusk Institute. For more information, please call the Pediatric Physical Therapy Department at 212-263-6059.
