Issue link: http://southshoremagazine.uberflip.com/i/1362361
24 in feeding, pediatric stroke, sensory integration and motor skill development, as well as a certified brain injury specialist. The speech team is well versed in all aspects of speech and language development, executive functions social communication, and augmentative communication. Using the most advanced resources, they provide OT, feeding interventions, speech and language therapy, and augmentative and alternative communication treatments using low tech modalities such as picture boards or sign language, as well as high tech iPads and other speech- generating devices. The therapies incorporate creativity and play: movement based activities in the sensory gyms, imaginative play themes, and a wide variety of motivating and interactive games to help children organize sensory input, develop executive functioning skills and foster resiliency. Therapists work with families to design comprehensive and individualized treatment plans that address a child's functional needs and maximize their ability to perform successfully. With so many families relying on them, when the pandemic shutdown occurred, South Shore Therapies was determined to find ways to continue providing services, and ways to reopen safely. In order to stay connected with clients, South Shore Therapies developed a telemedicine platform and webinars, and also expanded their social media and virtual presence to let families know they were not alone. The families and staff collaborated to create a kangaroo character, Kip, to be a fun and encouraging presence who could help children understand the unfamiliar issues caused by the coronavirus. "The staff and kids voted for a kangaroo, which was perfect, because kangaroos jump over obstacles like our students do, and there is the nurturing aspect of the mother carrying her baby in a pouch, just as we foster a nurturing atmosphere with our treatments," says Stacey. Through social media, Kip provided a virtual education by having relatable life experiences. In a time of social isolation and masks, Kip gave kids a way to see body language and facial expressions, which helps to develop the ability to read social cues. When South Shore Therapies re-opened on July 4th, life-sized stand-up cutouts of Kip welcomed the families. During the shutdown, South Shore Therapies went above and beyond to create a safe and healthy space where staff and clients would be protected against COVID-19 when they reopened. It maximized the air exchange limits of their HVAC system and added inline fans and venting through the rooms. It also had iWave-C scrubbers installed in the ductwork, which are industrial-sized scrubbers that use needlepoint bipolar ionization to create ion energy that breaks down pollutants. South Shore Therapies also had UV-C lights installed, and purchased portable UV-C scrubbers. UV-C light disinfects with short wavelength ultraviolet light, which inactivates or kills microorganisms and pathogens. In addition to being sanitized with cleansers, rooms and surfaces are disinfected with UV-C light for fifteen minutes between clients. Any toys or games that have been used during a treatment go into a bucket and then are cleaned with disinfectants and UV-C light. In order to accomplish this rigorous protocol, full-time cleaners were hired for each facility. South Shore Therapies invested in doorbell systems and front door cameras so that therapists will know their clients have arrived and no one has to sit in waiting rooms. Because waiting rooms, cafeterias and conference rooms are not being used at present, they have been repurposed as additional treatment space, which makes social distancing possible. Plexiglass barriers and PPE provide additional protection. "We want our families to feel comfortable here, and they do. During this time, people are so glad to get out of the house, and our practices are safe havens where they can go," says Howard. South Shore Therapies has locations in Hingham, Pembroke and Norwood, and they are actively hiring speech therapists and occupational therapists. South Shore Therapies helps children develop confidence and competence so that they can be successful in the world, community and at home. For more information or a free intake, call 781.335.6663 or visit their website at www. southshoretherapies.com. Just like its clients and families, South Shore Therapies can't wait to see what Kip tackles next as we move away from the pandemic. Keep up with Kip and South Shore Therapies on Instagram and Facebook @southshoretherapies.