The battery-powered, ride-on cars look a lot like the ones displayed in the toy section of your local superstore. But these cars are much more than toys. For children with disabilities, power wheel cars open a new window to the world. For the last several years, an Akron non-profit called Inclusioneers has brought together local […]
The ‘girl who lived’ thrives with occupational therapy
Who says miracles and magic aren’t real? Just ask 2-year-old “wizard” Riley Osborn and her parents. From the day she was born – at 23 weeks, 6 days and weighing just a pound and a half – Riley has been proving her doubters wrong at every step – literally. Riley spent the first 130 days […]
Mom is champion of son with Down syndrome
After her baby, Gabriel, was born with Down syndrome 17 months ago, Hilary Tonni locked in on what she had to do to ensure he will lead a full and successful life. Like most parents who learn their child has Down syndrome, Hilary, a clinical research nurse at Akron Children’s Hospital, and her husband, Bill, […]
Celebrating Therapy Animal Day With Our Top Furry Friends: Petie the Pony, Weisel’s Quads, Witschey’s Trio, Izzie
It’s almost National Therapy Animal Day (April 30) with Pet Partners, and we can’t wait to celebrate the amazing impact they have on our patients! Many research studies show the benefits and value of therapy animals, but Jerry Miller, 12, and Jack Lehman, 16, can personally speak to the comfort and healing they experienced. They […]
Meet Naiima: Special Needs for a Very Special Girl
When Naiima Oden was born prematurely, her mother Markita Batties expected things to go just as they had for her first child, Amirah, who was also premature and spent the first few weeks in Akron Children’s neonatal intensive care unit. However, Naiima’s situation was much different. She spent the first 2½ months of her life […]
When a Video Game is More than Fun & Games
As 7-year-old Isabella Pirogowicz moves a controller with her hand, an animated monkey correspondingly stretches his long hand to pop a bubble. Isabella probably thinks she is just playing a fun computer game, but there’s actually more at play. The game is therapy, helping Isabella, who has mild cerebral palsy, expand the range of motion […]
