Kidz Can Do at Fort Sanders Therapy Center

"Our goal is to provide quality, all encompassing therapeutic care for children with special needs in Sevier and the surrounding counties," said Amy O'Malley, pediatric physical therapist "However, kids who come to our program are often perceived by what they can't do, but we want to focus on what they can do." "Kidz Can Do's" motto is "Kidz can do anything; kidz can do everything; all kidz…every kid, as long as they dare to dream."

"Kidz Can Do" therapists offer evaluation and treatment to patients with disability or developmental delay from birth to 18 years such as those with cerebral palsy, orthopedic and brain injuries, neurological and sensory integrative disorders. They also provide treatment in coordination with the Tennessee Early Intervention System and local school systems. In addition, staff members assess for assistive technology, adaptive devices, splints, braces, wheelchairs, and provide serial casting.

Program therapists work with all physicians in the Sevier County, as well as all specialty doctors in Knoxville at any hospital.

"Kidz Can Do" also offers a parent support program called "Momz Can Do (and Daddies too!)." The support program is a network of parents of kids enrolled in "Kidz Can Do," which meets monthly to discuss issues relevant to having a child with special needs. It also allows them to provide feedback to the therapists about their child's program and helps us to better meet their needs.

O'Malley says one of the program's biggest benefits is the friendships that develop between parents in similar situations.

"Experienced moms mentor the newer mothers and help them navigate the world of doctors, equipment, and appointments," she says. Parents can only become a part of "Momz Can Do" if their child receives pediatric therapy at Fort Sanders Sevier.

Program hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 6 p.m. For more information on "Kidz Can Do," call 429-6118.