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What therapy is available?

Ferndale Special School provides a highly skilled and multidisciplinary therapy service. The focus of the therapy service is to enhance educational progress and outcomes for students. Therapists can be contacted at the base offices.

Services available at Ferndale Special School include: Occupational Therapy,  Physiotherapy and Speech Language Therapy. 

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Occupational Therapy

 Occupational therapy is provided for students who have difficulties that impact on their ability to complete classroom or daily living tasks. OT ranges from teaching a student to dress, to prepare a snack, develop computer mouse skills, play skills and setting up and monitoring work placements.

Kathryn Hammond
Occupational Therapist
Full time
Kathryn.hammond@ferndale.school.nz

Kathryn trained at the Otago Polytechnic. She has worked at Ferndale since 2006. Kathryn works in all the Base School and satellite classes.

 

   

  

  

Toys are used to support therapy.

 

        

 

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Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy aims to help students with movement problems which may impact on their ability to access the school environment. Therapy may include specific physical programmes , as well as assessment for and provision of assistive equipment e.g standing frames. Physiotherapy also provides, rehabilitation support before and after surgery, or modification of class programmes and environments. The main aim is functional participation for all students. 

Mellinda Wilson
Physiotherapist
Full time
Mellinda.wilson@ferndale.school.nz

Mellinda trained at the University of Queensland. She has worked at Ferndale since 2006. Mellinda works in all the Base School and satellite classes.

        

 

             

 

The Physiotherapist can help with equipment if needed.

 

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Speech Language Therapy

Speech Language therapy intervention supports our students with the development of functional communication skills. Focus areas also include support with safe eating and drinking . We support development of play skills. We provide training with Makaton signing and other forms of assistive communication including visuals, PECs and low/high tech communication devices. The development of appropriate social skills is also supported by SLTs.

Brenda Sargent
Speech Language Therapist
brenda.sargent@ferndale.school.nz

Brenda trained at the University of Canterbury. Brenda works in Rooms 3, 4 and 5 (Base School) and in the Beckenham, New Brighton, Glenmoor, Bromley and Northcote satellite classes.

 

Jo Byrne
Speech Language Therapist
Part time - Monday and Wednesday
Jo.byrne@ferndale.school.nz

Jo trained at the University of Canterbury. Jo has worked at Ferndale since 2005. Jo works in Rooms 1, 2 and 6 (Base School) and in the Hammersley Park and Wairakei satellite classes.

 

         

        

Mayer Johnson symbols are used throughout the school.

 

 

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Access

Engagement

Assessment & Analysis

Programme Planning

Implementation

Review

Closure

Follow up & Reflection

 

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How can my child receive therapy?

To access therapy services for your child, a referral needs to be made. Referrals can be made by teachers, other therapists, and family. You will always be advised if your child has been referred for therapy support.

If you would like therapy for your child discuss the issue with their teacher and request that a referral is made. The teacher will write the referral on your behalf.
 

What happens next?

The referral will be discussed by therapists, and will be accepted if we can help . If we cannot help you we will try and find someone who can.

Your child will be prioritised by need and added to the therapy wait list. When your child reaches the top of the priority list you will be contacted. Students often wait for therapy.

Therapists will then write to you and request your written consent to assess and provide intervention for your child.

You have the right to withdraw consent at any stage of the therapy process. You will receive copies of all therapy reports.

You will be advised when your child is discharged from therapy. You may request further referrals and support if needed in the future. 

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Your rights as a health and disability consumer Your child and your family have:  the right to be treated with respect the right to freedom from discrimination, coercion, harassment. and exploitation the right to services of an appropriate standard the right to effective communication the right to be fully informed the right to make an informed choice and give informed consent the right to support rights in respect of teaching or research the right to complain   Therapy focuses on supporting educational goals.