Children who are afflicted with severe mental and physical impairments abound in all communities. They are however seldom catered for by schooling institutes or special care units and therefore become neglected and deprived of the care and stimulation that they require. Believing that these unique individuals cannot progress and learn, cannot be further from the truth and its for this reason that in Roodepoort, parents of children with special needs have formed Pathways Roodepoort, which is a stimulation centre for children with severe mental and physical impairments
Pathways Roodepoort
is a non profit organization which
officially opened in February 2005
and is currently renting a house in
Wilropark.
Pathways caters for children
suffering a variety of serious
conditions such as severe brain
damage (Cerebral Palsy), Chromosome
Disorders, Developmental Delay,
Autism and Self Injurious Behaviour.
Not only is Pathways Roodepoort a facility which provides a schooling environment specially geared for children with severe disabilities, but it is also a training facility for trainee carers who are taught under the guidance of the Pathways Roodepoort principal, as well as the Physiotherapist, the appropriate stimulation for children with serious disabilities. The training program covers all aspects of handling and working with the children and once the trainees have gained the necessary grounding they are considered for permanent employment to grow the Pathways staff compliment.
Volunteer professionals, such as
Speech therapists, Occupational therapists, Physiotherapists and Teachers also assist Pathways staff members with advice and practical guidance in designing appropriate stimulation and therapeutic programs for each child.
Pathways aims to expand and extend it services in order to accommodate all children in our community, as well as provide a life long place of stimulation, pleasure and opportunity.
Vision
To be a world class facility offering quality and effective stimulation, enabling learners with severe impairments to reach their highest potential.
Mission
To engage children with
severe mental and physical
impairments in carefully designed
programs specifically geared to
raising their level of functionality
and enjoyment in life
.
Values
Compassion and Patience
Love and Respect
Professionalism and Dedication
Excellence through Expertise
Creativity and Innovation
Objectives
- To provide a stable environment for the children where they are treated with love and respect so that they are continually reaching for their highest potential.
Expertise of teachers and therapists to be harnessed in designing programs to suit each individual child.
- Provide a support system for parents where they can share information and gain support from others in a similar situation.
- Provide training for our staff in our quest to provide the children with the best quality stimulation.
- To continually remain abreast of the latest trends and studies regarding the education and stimulation of children with severe impairments.
- Growth & development of the Centre.
