Vanderhoof kids can now enjoy a new toy lending library thanks to a $5,000 grant awarded to the Early Intervention and School Based Therapy program in town.
Success by 6 contributed the funds for the purchase of a variety of loanable toys all geared towards helping children with disabilities and developmental challenges. Kids can loan out the toys from weeks to months at a time.
Success by six also provided the funds for the purchase of a portable vestibular swing which is used for children with sensory processing issues.
“The swing is fun for anyone but the idea behind it is to stimulate the vestibular system,” said Occupational Therapist, Jeannie Sinclair.
“It helps kids to get organized and regulated so that they are able to tend to other tasks.
“Usually we build it into therapy sessions - so they can swing while we’re working on our language or working on throwing a ball - so they are in a regulated state of mind and able to work,” she said.
Early Intervention Therapy Services are available in all three communities of Vanderhoof, Fort St. James and Fraser Lake.
In Vanderhoof the service is based at the Health Unit.
“Anyone can make a referral for their child - there’s a waiting list but we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.
“We are usually in Vanderhoof two or three days a week and we work with kids aged 0-18 - but this specific project is for early intervention which is ages 0-6,” said Holly Nikiforuk, Speech Language Pathologist with Early Intervention Therapy Services.
“Although we have used the toys for kids in the school system with quite severe disabilities,” she added.
For any more information or to get in touch please call Holly on 250-567-6168 or Jeannie on 250-567-6169.