Prescription To Play (IA UCEDD/LEND)
September 2, 2016
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Prescription to Play is a program to lend therapeutic equipment to families seen at the Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD), Iowa's University Center for Excellence on Disabilities. CDD's Disability Resource Library assists the family in filling play prescriptions by locating and checking out the material for each child's identified developmental need.
"Our toys are a bridge to entertainment and relationships for children using this service. The library staff hears again and again about breakthroughs in communication, behavior, and movement from play with our resources. The program is a win-win for parents and professionals, and a thrill for our eager participants", Mary Hubbard, Disability Resource Library Librarian.
The items chosen by CDD clinicians promote growth and development skills in the following areas:
- Fine and gross motor
- Social skills
- Communication
- Dramatic play
- Sensory adaptation
"We love the opportunity to take new toys home with us through the Prescription to Play program," reports Tara Ellison whose daughter, Leah, is seen by Laura Bohnenkamp, Speech- Language Pathologist. "Playing is learning (don't tell Leah!) so I'm happy to check out toys for her."
When asked what her favorite toy to check out was, Leah responded, "the shopping cart!"
The patient population for this program ranges in age from 3 to 12, with emphasis on younger children. Children receiving therapy in any of CDD's clinical services have the chance to work on their skills at home, bringing continuity to the therapy process. It also helps to encourage the observation and participation of parents in their child's developmental journey.
