The 2011 Pediatric & Adolescent Summer Camps 

The goal of our Summer Therapy Camps is to make certain that children with disabilities continue to make gains during the summer months so that they can return to or enter school for the first time with success and/or prepare for adulthood and independent living. The camps are designed for kids who no longer need intensive medical rehabilitation, but can benefit from additional therapy and other activities to improve their independence and social skills.

The 2011 Summer Camps are presented in memory of Matthew McGilley and Brian Anselmo by the generosity of Kevin & Connie Fahey. Additional sponsors include The Flo Harris Foundation of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City, Children's Mercy Hospital Spina Bifida Clinic, Hallmark Cards and The Whole Person.

Thank you to our staff and volunteers for their hard work in making our Summer Camps a success! 

Issue 2: Perceptions of Disability and Employment   

Learning to Live Again in a New Way

"There is always another way," says Javan Carter. "I still have a life, just in a different way."  At 10 years old, Javan was in a car accident that left her with a traumatic brain injury and limited movement on the left side of her body.   Three months after she was released from the hospital, Javan had an eye-opening experience when she started therapy at the Institute. She was able to take her first steps again which gave her the strength and courage to continue forward. "I realized that if I worked hard enough on all my goals, with time, they are attainable," explained Javan. Through the tears of frustration, pain, sadness and joy, The Institute's therapists were there for her - encouraging her, challenging her and supporting her. 

Though Javan uses a wheelchair for her primary mobility, her experience with us has shown her that she can still live life in big ways. Therapy helped Javan regain mobility and increase her endurance. She also benefitted from our School Transition Services that helped her address the challenges of returning to grade school after an extended absence and facing new challenges with class work and being successful in school. She now is going into her second year at Longview Community College where she is an active student representative in the Able Program, facilitating success in college for individuals with disabilities. She is always positive, motivating and supportive to those around her. Javan never hesitates to approach another patient to give them an extra boost of encouragement.

Congratulations Javan on all of your accomplishments and thank you for being an inspiration to others!

Staff Spotlight

Our friends at Hickman Mills Church of Christ held a donation drive to collect toys and classroom supplies for our Pediatric and Adolescent Medical Rehabilitation Program. We greatly appreciate their continued support of those we serve.