Therapeutic Pod
Purpose of the Therapeutic Pod:
The Therapeutic Pod is a specifically designed physical space located in proximity to Occupational/Therapy/Physical Therapy and Speech & Language Therapy offices and Treatment areas. At The Benedictine School, the therapeutic Pod is centrally located with the Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy and Speech & Language Therapy Offices and Treatment areas surrounding it. All offices/treatment areas have direct access to the Pod as well as to the exterior hallway.
The Pod is equipped with a variety of equipment including, but not limited to:
- Therapeutic Swings: platform/sling/bolster, etc.
- Balance Equipment: balance board/tilt boards/slant boards, etc.
- Treadmill
- Trampoline
- Exercise bikes: recumbent/cardio-glide and stationary
- Exercise/balance balls of various sizes and shapes
- A sensory area with a crash mat and switch operated visual display toys/equipment
- Overhead lighting that is an alternative to fluorescent lighting and is able to be dimmed in accordance with the needs of the student.
- CD player with calming or stimulating music options
- Aroma therapy equipment
Therapeutic Pod Usage:
The arrangement of The Therapeutic Pod services the needs of our students in a variety of ways:
- Due to The Pod’s central location, therapists have the ability to co-treat students – collaborating on techniques/positioning and the use of communicative technology that services the “whole child”.
- Due to The Pod’s size, therapeutic approaches and techniques can easily be observed by staff/families and other professionals to support the carryover of learned skills and the maintenance of consistent prompts and cueing techniques.
- Due to The Pod’s openness, students throughout the school have an area accessible to them to meet their sensory needs/gross motor movement needs/physical fitness needs, etc. as prescribed and trained by the appropriate therapist and carried out by support staff when the student requires these activities.