From toys and clothes to custom built wheelchairs and most especially specific therapy programs, each child is viewed as a unique and special person. Rarely will the word disability be heard at St. Joseph's. Children at the Center are looked at for what they can do rather than what they can't. Following admission, each child is evaluated by an interdisciplinary team so that an active treatment program can be developed.
Active treatment is exactly what the words imply.
Based on the team's assessment, along with the child's capabilities and his or her likes and dislikes, a goal or set of goals is developed. From that point on, every part of the day's activities is devoted to helping the child attain that goal or goals. For most of us, acts like holding a spoon, extending an arm outward or having our legs support our bodies are simple things that we take for granted. When attained by a child at St. Joseph's, they are major goals and accomplishments. With patience, determination and love, progress is measured sometimes in months, most times in years.