Advancing Adventures in Communication Camp: A Fantastic Opportunity for our Kids

On June 11th, 26 campers and 26 counselors will come together on the NNU campus to socialize, tell jokes, play games and produce works of art.  For some of these campers it will be the 1st time they have ever experienced camp.  For some it will be the 1st time they have seen another child who talks like they do.  For these children, communicating has always been a struggle.  Their “voice: has not always been heard.  They rely on technology to communicate their wants and needs.  They use “talkers” as their “voice” to express themselves.  The technical term for “talkers” is speech generating device or voice output communication aids (VOCAS).  These children are often the only one in their school to have such a device.  For some they are the only one in their town.  Their parents have often fought long and hard to get such a device for their child.  Because they are incredibly expensive insurance is often used to help pay for them.  So it is even more important that the child learn to us it, his/her family learn to support it and the educational staff facilitate its use.

            AAC camp integrates these areas of need and emphasizes the use of VOCAS while also having fun!  With a 1:1 ratio between campers and counselors, campers will be able to maximize opportunities to communicate using their talkers.  AAC camp is where the pace slows down and people both understand and what to learn more about speech generating devices and the people who use them.

            This is our 7th year on the NNU Campus and we have many fun things planned. Campers will enjoy swimming at the Nampa Rec Center in addition to camp activities. Our theme this next year is Music and we are hoping to include a field trip to take in some musical venue.

            Campers need to own a speech generating device and have a need to use it.  Counselors must come with energy and enthusiasm to learn more about augmentative communication.  If you are interested in finding out more go to our website:  www. Aaccampidaho.org or contact Anne Kuhlmeier at akuhlmeier@elksrehab.org.

 

Anne Kuhlemeier, MA, CCC-SLP, ATP

 

Demystifying Medicaid: Education Seminar

Demystifying Medicaid
Presented by Alicia Ward

Alicia Ward from The Lily Pad will be presenting on Demystifying Medicaid. Her presentation will include information on how to apply for medicaid/Katie Beckett, who qualifies, what services medicaid covers, services providers available, and all about the medicaid redesign.

When: Thursday, June 7th 7-8:30pm
Where: St. Luke’s Meridian, Lower Level Conferene Rooms
To register: Please call 706-5549
Cost: Free, but attendees must regstier in advance, class size limited to 20

St. Luke’s Sports Medicine Concussion Symposium 2012

Concussion Symposium  2012

The symposium is targeted toward coaches, athletic trainers, atheltic directors, team physicians and anyone interested in the management of concussion in young athletes.  Research, definition, epidemiology, diagnosis, safe return-to-play, and Idaho’s current legislation will be discussed, along with establishing school protocols for concussion management. 

Saturday, July 21, 2012 - 9 am-noon- St. Luke’s Boise Anderson Center-Canyon Rooms 1-4

RSVP for this FREE Concussion Symposium today!  Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.

Call St. Luke’s at (208) 381-9000.

Sports Medicine Symposium 2012-Calling All Athletic Professionals

SUMMER INSTITUTE SPORTS MEDICINE SYMPOSIUM

 FRIDAY, JUNE 22 AND SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2012 

COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN IDAHO HEALTH SCIENCE AND HUMAN SERVICES BUILDING

THE SUMMER INSTITUTE SPORTS MEDICINE SYMPOSIUM IS GEARED TOWARD ATHLETIC TRAINERS, PHYSICAL THERAPISTS, COACHES, EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS ADDRESSING COMMON INJURIES AND DYSFUNCTION IN ATHLETES. COURSE WORK WILL INCLUDE PATHS FOR PRE-PROFESSIONALS AND PROFESSIONALS. THE SYMPOSIUM WILL PROVIDE PRACTICAL, HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE FROM ON-THE- FIELD INJURIES TO URGENT CARE ASSESSMENT IN A PHYSICANS OFFICE ANDAPPROPRIATE RETURN-TO-PLAY GUIDELINES.

ON-LINE REGISTRATION

www.stlukesonline.org – click on classes and events, select Magic Valley and the Sports Medicine Symposium will be listed as a choice. Please call Jean at 208.489.4700 with questions.

Congratulations To our Esteemed Colleague, Steve Wilkinson! He’s Been Published!

We would like to congratulate our Meridian Clinic Site Manager, Steve Wilkinson, PT, PhD, for co-authoring a research article published in the February edition of The International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy!  
This demonstrated dedication to clinical excellence is evidenced with accomplishments such as Steve’s.   It’s a great article, so enjoy the read!

Steelheads Jersey Auction Nets over $17,000

ECHL Press Release

January 10, 2012

Boise, Idaho – The Idaho Steelheads announced Tuesday that the weekend jersey auction featuring blue and orange, Boise State themed uniforms raised more than $17,000 for St. Luke’s-Elks Children’s Rehab and St. Luke’s Mountain States Tumor Institute Pediatrics.

One hundred percent of the proceeds raised over the weekend went directly to the two organizations. 

The Steelheads have now helped raise nearly $370,000 for local charities and non-profit organizations via jersey auctions dating back to the 1997-98 season.

 Three jerseys were purchased outright for $1,500 – forward Jacob Cepis’ #19, defenseman Kory Scoran’s #5, and goaltender Jerry Kuhn’s #35.

 The team will host one more jersey auction this season, showcasing the other half of the in-state college rivalry by wearing black-and-gold jerseys themed after the University of Idaho in March.  That auction, like the Boise State jerseys, will benefit St. Luke’s-Elks Children’s Rehab and St. Luke’s Mountain States Tumor Institute Pediatrics.

Photo courtesy Steve Conner

Community Partnerships: Making a Difference

Each year, we are reminded of the impact our community partners have on our programs and the people we serve. We’re so fortunate to live and work in such a generous community where people are truly willing to extend beyond themselves to positively impact others.

We’re especially reminded of that during the Boise State football season, when we’re invited, along with St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital, to bring some of our patients and their families to the games for VIP treatment. These kids get to sit up close to the action-packed game, then head down to the blue turf for a meet-and-greet and autograph session with some of the players.

The kids also get to play on the field for awhile, and many remark how thrilled they are to have pieces of the blue turf cling to their clothes. In those moments, they feel like they’re part of something really incredible. For many of these kids and families, a Saturday afternoon spent at a Bronco football game is a welcome relief from the day-to-day challenges they face and so bravely meet head on. For a moment, they’re just like any other child rowdily cheering their team to victory. For a moment, they are carefree. We are so blessed to have these special children be part of our lives—they’re a gift we never take for granted.

It’s heartwarming to see the wonderful culture being generated within a nationally ranked football program: one of grace and generosity, and one that lasts well beyond an incredibly talented group of football players. These players are being taught the value of using their celebrity to positively impact those around them, and will likely do so long after the cheers have silenced and the lights have dimmed following their final game on the blue.

Thanks, Broncos, for letting us share your incredible journey, and thanks for being larger-than-life heroes to an amazing group of kids!

Idaho Steelheads to Wear Boise State Themed Jerseys to Benefit Kids

 

Steelheads Fundraiser for St. Luke’s MSTI Pediatrics and St. Luke’s-Elks Children’s Rehab
 
Grab your friends and show your alumni pride as the Steelheads take the ice wearing Boise State University hockey jerseys to benefit St. Luke’s MSTI patients and St. Luke’s-Elks Children’s Rehab services on Friday and Saturday evenings, January 6 and 7, 7:10 p.m. at CenturyLink Arena, Boise.
 
The Idaho Steelheads are geared up to raise awareness and help raise funds for MSTI Pediatrics and St. Luke’s-Elks Children’s Rehab by auctioning off Boise State University Steelheads hockey jerseys. Volunteers will also be selling raffle tickets throughout the arena during each of the games for a chance to win the mascot’s jersey.
 
Come enjoy a great weekend of hockey that supports children’s healthcare services!
Click here to purchase tickets: http://idahosteelheads.com/tickets/index.aspx

“2012 Calendar for Care” to benefit St. Luke’s-Elks Children’s Rehab

Posted on December 1st, 2011 by St. Luke’s-Elks Rehab | Edit

Shopping for the holidays has never been so easy, or for such a great cause!  The perfect gift for placing under the tree or in stockings is the hot-off-the-press “2012 Calendar For Care.”

St. Luke’s-Elks Children’s Rehab, the pediatric division of the joint venture between St. Luke’s and Elks Rehab Hospital, serves thousands of children on an annual basis with a wide variety of diagnoses such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down Syndrome, Hearing Impairment, and Developmental Delay within a medically directed, comprehensive model.  Because caring for children is our life work, we celebrate the milestones and accomplishments of these special kids with amazing abilities and advocate for their successful future. 

The calendar features vintage photos of children of all abilities, almost all who are St. Luke’s – Elks Children’s Rehab patients. In addition to the incredible photos, the calendar includes heartwarming information about the children, and monthly observances dedicated to children.

Calendars are only $10, and proceeds will allow St. Luke’s – Elks Children’s Rehab to continue to meet the diverse rehabilitation needs of our pediatric patients as we help them maximize their potential and reach for the stars!

http://www.elksrehabsystem.org/CalendarPurchase.aspx

Idaho PT to Work With World Class Athletes

For photos and the full story, visit: www.spts.org

Erin Cubick, who trained as a sports physical therapist with St. Luke’s-Elks Rehab has accepted a position with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) as Manager of Athlete Care and Primary Health Care Provider. 

Cubick recently completed the St. Luke’s-Elks Rehab Sports Physical Therapy Residency–an intense year-long program that prepares her to become a Sports Certified Specialist through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).  In addition to clinical work and research, Cubick provided medical coverage for Bishop Kelly High School, The Idaho Steelheads and the Idaho Stampede. 

She is a Sports Physical Therapy Section, APTA member.

Cubick plans to sit for her board exam early next year. There are only five physical therapists in Idaho that have achieved the Sports Certified Specialist designation. The residency program at St. Luke’s-Elks Rehab is one of only 18 in the country accredited by the APTA. 

Cubick is an Idaho licensed physical therapist with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT). She is also a Licensed/Certified Athletic Trainer (LAT/ATC) and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Her position with the Women’s Tennis Association will take her all over the world to oversee, coordinate, and manage all medical and healthcare coverage for the WTA players at the Grand Slam tournaments, WTA Tour Championships, Premier tournaments, and International tournaments. Erin recently traveled to the New Haven Open at Yale to assist with the tournament’s medical coverage. The WTA is the principal organizing body of Women’s Professional Tennis.  It is based in St. Petersburg, Florida.