Therapy

Occupational Therapy aims to promote learner’s independent participation in activities of daily living and scholastic tasks according to each learner’s individual needs. The Occupational Therapy team works on improving fine and gross motor skills, visual perceptual development, visual motor integration, life skills and the use of assistive devices to overcome barriers in accessing and engaging with the curriculum. These devices include tablets, laptops and other technology, such as adapted keyboards, needed by learners to support their skills and enable them to fully participate in the classroom setting. Occupational therapists are also involved in classroom environment adaptations that support the learner’s ability to function optimally in the classroom. Furthermore Grade 12 learners are assisted with an exit plan to ensure that they leave Hope School with an action plan for their future.

Physiotherapy is aimed at helping learners to achieve their maximum functional ability and independence in their environments by working on areas such as muscle strength, endurance, range of motion and motor skills.
Physiotherapy also encompasses the management of a variety of respiratory conditions.
Physiotherapists are instrumental in identifying and sourcing of appropriate assistive devices and equipment such as orthotics, prosthetics, walking aids and wheelchairs, in order to facilitate learner’s independence.
All physiotherapists at the school are BLS (Basic Life Support) accredited.
We are also in close partnership with Jumping Kids, an NGO that is proactive in assisting all our amputee learners with their prosthetic needs for the duration of their schooling career.
All physio’s are involved in a variety of sport for learners with physical disabilities, up to National and International level.
The physiotherapists at Hope School aim to offer consistent support and make necessary adjustments to promote growth and development in our learners.

Speech- Language therapy aims to provide learners with the support they need to fully access the language of learning and teaching, correct speech deficits, aid with voice problems and assist learners who are having difficulties feeding adequately.
Speech therapists also assist with augmentative and alternative communication which entails the provision of assistive devices and strategies for learners who have difficulty communicating through the means of natural, clear speech. These devices could include tablets or laptops with specific communication software or other forms of communication that allow the learner the opportunity to partake in two-way communication with their peers, teachers and strangers.

Educational psychologists assist individuals who are experiencing challenges within the educational setting. These difficulties include learning difficulties, social issues, grief, trauma, anxiety, behavioural adjustments, hyperactivity and many others.