Program Description
The Adolescent and Young Adult program offers young people with acquired or congenital disabilities, living in British Columbia and the Yukon, with an opportunity to address their rehabilitation needs and the transitional tasks of adolescence. The team providing this service recognizes that, in moving toward increased independence and integration, adolescents can learn more readily in an appropriate setting with other adolescents. Adolescents with disabilities including brain injury, spinal cord injury, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and other diagnosis are admitted to the program.
With the help of the interdisciplinary team, adolescents and their families set goals that are used to structure and guide both the rehab process and their return to the community. Families are encouraged to support their adolescent and to work with the team during all phases of rehabilitation.
Services
In-Patient / Out-Patient Teams including:
- Physicians, Nurses
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Nutritionist, School Teachers
- Speech Language Pathologist
- Social Worker, Psychologist
- Recreational Therapists
- Music Therapist
Outreach / Consultation:
Staff are available to consult with families and community-based professionals about the rehabilitation and transitional needs of adolescents with disabilities. Staff may provide consultation by phone or by visiting the community.
Education / Transitional Workshops:
“Teen Scene” and “Parents Group” focus on specific topics to assist with the transition from adolescence to adulthood and with integration into the community. Topics range from housing and transportation options, to vocational and career planning, to relationship issues and self-esteem. Workshops are also offered to peers of adolescents with disabilities to enhance understanding of specific disabilities and individuals in their community.
Associated Services:
Admission Criteria
Young people: from 12 years of age until either the achievement of adolescent developmental tasks or age 25, whichever comes first:
With a primary diagnosis of complex physical disability, focusing on neurological impairments from acquired or congenital origins (excluding mental handicap)
Who are medically stable and have the physical ability to participate in the program
Who have the ability to learn and benefit from the program
Who demonstrate readiness to actively participate in a rehab program
More Information
Contact Information:
Patient Services Manager
Lesley Grant
Tel: 604.737.6332
E-mail: lesley.grant@vch.ca
Inpatient Admissions
Kathy Puri, BSR(PT), Liaison Therapist
Tel: 604.737.6495
E-mail: kathy.puri@vch.ca
Outpatient Admissions
Sheena King, BSR (PT), Liaison Therapist
Tel: 604.737.4118
E-mail: sheena.king@vch.ca
