Donation Brings Innovation to Pioneer Center Therapy Department

The Pioneer Center recently received an equipment donation and grant in order to upgrade equipment in their school therapy department. The Physical Therapy Assistant Program at Clark State University donated an Omni Virtual Reality system which is used by speech, occupational and physical therapists to provide simulation-based, therapeutic games as well as testing measures.

“The students have increased their engagement during therapy sessions since we started using this program,” said Superintendent of the Pioneer Center, Amy Beeler. “They often forget they are working on functional skills because they are having so much fun”.

The school also received a grant from the Robert and Genevieve Schaefer Fund through the Columbus Foundation in order to purchase equipment to set up a Body Weight Supported Treadmill Training station. This system uses a treadmill to perform walking training while the student’s body weight is supported by a gait trainer, harness or other support system.

“This system will directly impact our students’ walking ability, endurance, balance, strength, and ability to better access their school environment,” said Tina Browder, Director of Education at the Pioneer Center.

The Pioneer Center, otherwise known as Ross County Board of DD (RCBDD), exists for the purpose of improving the quality of life for citizens who have a developmental disability. RCBDD is committed to providing quality services that give individuals and their families choices that enhance community participation and achieve a life of increasing capabilities.

The Pioneer Center, otherwise known as Ross County Board of DD (RCBDD), exists for the purpose of improving the quality of life for citizens who have a developmental disability. RCBDD is committed to providing quality services that give individuals and their families choices that enhance community participation and achieve a life of increasing capabilities.