Taking a family-centred approach through Provincial Outreach Therapy for Children

Thomas sits in his living room surrounded by his favourite toys, his parents nearby cheering him on. A wide grin lights up his face as a container of colourful pom poms is placed before him. 

With a quick toss, Thomas sends the pom poms flying, eliciting cheers from the room. His mom, Patrice, swiftly retrieves the stray pom poms as Kyle, his physiotherapist, praises his reaching and  grasping skills. His occupational therapist, Dallas, collects the pom poms for another round before they are once again sent flying across the room. 

“He always has a big smile when they come,” says Thomas’ mom, Patrice. “It doesn’t feel clinical because it’s just playing around. They always bring a nice variety of toys and it’s more fun than it is clinical.”  

Kyle and Dallas are part of Manitoba Possible’s Provincial Outreach Therapy for Children (POTC) program. As a physiotherapist, Kyle works with Thomas on his large muscle movements for strength, mobility and range of motion. As an occupational therapist, Dallas supports the development of essential skills for everyday activities. Thomas also receives Speech-Language Pathology services from the program, working towards building his overall communication skills. 

For three years, the team of therapists have worked side by side, visiting four-year-old Thomas both at home and at his preschool. They collaborate closely with his family, his educators and other support workers. 

“Since we’ve started, he’s gotten a lot better at lifting his head up when sitting on the floor and on my lap, especially if he hears someone coming. When he gets excited, he gets so good at it,” Patrice says. “When you don’t have a disabled child, you sometimes take these things for granted, so seeing him grab things and lift his head is just so nice because he’s very happy about it and it’s nice to see him excel.” 

Each visit is unique, tailored to Thomas’ evolving needs and goals. Today, Thomas is engaged in activities in his living room, centered around playful interactions with his favourite toys. He also takes a few minutes to try activities in his adaptive seating.

Manitoba Possible’s POTC program is funded by the Province of Manitoba and includes a team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists who visit children in their homes, preschools, and communities, ensuring they are supported in familiar environments. 

At Thomas’ preschool, Kyle and Dallas team up with teachers and support workers to ensure he’s fully involved in classroom activities. They provide helpful suggestions for stretches  and equipment use to ensure comfort during class and offer guidance on fostering interactions with peers. 

“Manitoba Possible’s mission is to eliminate barriers to full and equal participation. Our team of dedicated therapists embrace this mission by looking at each child and family individually, working towards the goals the family identifies,” says Krista Buchanan, Clinical Manager of Manitoba Possible’s Provincial Outreach Therapy for Children. “The family is the expert and knows what the child needs and enjoys best.” 

As Thomas smiles and plays with Kyle and Dallas, surrounded by the comfort of his home, it’s evident that services provided out in the community play a crucial role in his development. These moments of joy and growth are a testament to the importance of tailored, personalized support for children and their families.

Learn more about Manitoba Possible’s Provincial Outreach Therapy for Children.