While on the horse, the women will have the children using tools such as puzzles or even an iPad to work on finer skills, while having them balancing on the animal.
On the physical side of things, occupational therapist Ruth Isaac says it is all about utilizing the unique movements horses offer.
“All the different movements give your body a different input,” said Isaac. “The horses offer a multi-dimensional movement, which is rhythmic and reparative — we use this to help the riders work on things like core strength, their balance, posture ... we make them reach
for things while sitting on the horse — all of these things greatly work the body.”
On top of giving the kids a workout, working with the horses offers the children an experience which traditional therapy and speech practice will never offer, says Churchill.
“The motivation factor is so big with the kids when horses are involved,” she said. “Traditional therapy, where you come and sit at a table and do activities feels like traditional therapy (but) coming to the barn gives a whole new outlook on therapy to the kids. It allows them to have fun with it and create a bond with their
horse.”
The hippotherapy sessions are recommended to be 8-10 weeks, meeting once each week for 45 minutes with a speech language pathologist and a horse. Heidi and Kirk Mack have enrolled their son Dritan in a second round of hippotherapy and Heidi says it has changed his life.
“Seeing every session and the progress has been incredible,” she said. “He couldn't even say the letter 'F' before he started his first round of this, and now he says it very clearly and consistently — we've also caught him self-correcting himself when
The mission of the association is to assist in the integration, adjustment and resettlement of immigrants and refugees in the community of Medicine Hat, providing a support system that fosters Individual needs in an environment of equality and dignity.
Saamis Immigration has been serving New Canadians in Medicine Hat since 1988.
Visit:
www.saamisimmigration.ca Stop by: 659 3rd Street SE.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 0H4 A few of our services include:
SETTLEMENT SERVICES When immigrants fi rst arrive in Medicine Hat they are met by the association staff member and a volunteer interpreter if needed.
The Association assists new arrivals in the following areas:
Reception: Greeting and provision of food and lodging. Settlement & Orientation: Housing, shopping, banking, utilities,
health care, etc. Supportive Counseling & Referral: Community contact and access to other services; ongoing individual support
Employment Services: Pre-employment & career counseling, information and referrals, volunteer job placement. Public Awareness & Community Education: Community development.
REFUGEES RECEPTION HOUSE was opened at the beginning of 2003 to provide temporary accommodation to newly arrived refugees in Medicine Hat. The house can accommodate up to 16 people at a time.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE CLASSES are offered on a full-time and part-time basis. These classes are held onsite and are free of charge. Subsidies for child care are available for the full-time program. Admittance into the program requires clients to complete a Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA) to determine what level of English they are at.
SETTLEMENT WORKERS IN SCHOOLS (S.W.I.S) is a program which helps new Canadians navigate an unfamiliar school system. Understanding school policy and procedure, School registration and orientation, transportation scheduling, communicating with educators, and accessing school and community resources are a few ways the SWIS program help to elevate stress newcomers feel.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS PROGRAM is a volunteer based program in which newcomers to Canada are matched with Canadian volunteers, who help them to learn about Canadian values and traditions, practice speaking English and learn about community resources and how to use them. Many Newcomers to Canada come from countries where the climate, economy, political and social conditions are very different from those of Canada It takes time and support to learn a new way of life. Help of a volunteer can make a big difference.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Our services depend on community involvement and volunteers. We are always on the lookout for Language interpreters who are fl uent in English and at least one other language; Tutors; Classroom and special events helpers or volunteers interested in serving on our Board.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please call 403-504-1188 or stop by our offi ce at 659 3 ST. SE.
69
he makes an error with his speech. It's been amazing to watch."
On top of improving Dritan's speech, the hippotherapy sessions have greatly improved her son’s attitude and confidence, said Heidi.
“The confidence that was missing from him is now there,” she said. “When playing sports and doing other activities he can much better say what he wants, and his core strength is just incredible now.”
For more information on the hippotherapy sessions, go to www.
speechlw.ca.❚
41241827 • 03/28/2017
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