Ukraine – More updates from Day 3

Today we were warmly welcomed back to the orphanage we’ve been working at for several years, and everyone was so excited that we were there. They were anxiously waiting for updates from all the families back home who adopted children from this orphanage. Telling them about all these children who have found such wonderful homes was one of the highlights of our week.

We started our day in Group 4 which is the special needs group at the orphanage. We were able to play with and work with all the children in this group. There was a little girl in this room with significant weakness, who spends most of her day in a bumbo seat. We were able to fit her in braces and shoes and demonstrate she is able to stand in a stander. This new position will prevent her from getting joint contractures, improve her strength and endurance, and it gives her a new place to interact and play with caregivers.

We evaluated a new child that we have not seen before and the caregivers had many questions. She presented with characteristics of Cerebral Palsy and all three disciplines were able to make recommendations to improve her development and quality of life. Kate fit her for braces and provided education about stretching to the therapist and doctor. She also recommended a standing program every day. Amy was able to talk to the caregivers about feeding. The child was described as a very poor feeder, and she was able to show them ways to eat more successfully. Allison addressed a key concern of the caregivers with this sweet girl chewing her hand. She was fit with a Benik hand splint with a small chewy toy attached to allow her to chew the toy instead of her hand. Allison also provided education for stretches to the girls neck and arms.

Another child we met last year but were not allowed to work with due to concerns over his health was brought to us in the gym. He presented with significant torticollis (twisted neck), scoliosis, weakness, and overall developmental delay. Doctors considered this boy to have a spinal condition which is why we were not allowed to work with him last year. We provided them new information about torticollis and the importance of early intervention to facilitate development and prevent future spine and neck contractures. We discussed developmental milestones and what the caregivers could be working towards. We also provided exercises for stretching his neck and back and strengthening techniques.  We were able to provide braces and shoes. He has amazing potential and we can’t to see what the future hold for this little boy who was once isolated from touch because of a misconception of his physical appearance.

Overall we had a very productive day and are very thankful to be back at this orphanage.

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