WWRC Therapies Occupational | Physical | Speech-Language | Cognitive

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy is skilled, holistic treatment that assists individuals in developing the skills necessary to gain or maximize independence in the home, school, workplace, community, and other settings. Here, the word “occupation” means an activity which “occupies” an individual’s time. These may be everyday life activities in which an individual participates on a daily basis. At WWRC, occupational therapists provide individualized treatment that support personal, and most importantly, vocational goals that are in line with the DARS mission.

All occupational therapists providing services through the department are registered through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and licensed through the Virginia State Board of Medicine. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) established in 1917 is the national professional association that represents the interests and concerns of occupational therapy practitioners and students of occupational therapy and to improve the quality of occupational therapy services. In addition to being board certified and licensed, WWRC's occupational therapists have developed specialty areas of knowledge and expertise to facilitate the individual client's successful completion of medical and vocational rehabiliation programs, as well as the transition to employment and independent living.

Occupational therapists use a wide variety of adaptive equipment to help clients maximize their independence and meet their functional goals. Use of assistive technology is integral to the practice of occupational therapy. Technologies range from low-tech devices such as a sock donning device to high tech devices such as voice recognition computer technologies.

Occupational Therapy Programs and Services

Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, grooming, etc)
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living/Independent Living Skills (home management tasks such as meal preparation)
Community Re-entry (shopping, leisure pursuits)
Assistive Technology/Assistive Computer Technology
Assistive Technology evaluations pertinent to self-care, independent living, employment, and cognition
Wheelchair seating/positioning relative to cushion evaluation/trial
Environmental Modifications for home or work
Driving/Vehicle Modifications
Job Accommodations and worksite evaluation

Contact Information

Email: Occupational Therapy (OccupationTherapyInfo@wwrc.virginia.gov)

Phone: 800-345-9972, Ext. 5403327117 or 540-332-7117 | TTY 800-811-7893

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy assists individuals to improve or restore the mobility necessary to move forward with their lives after an injury, surgery or illness. Physical therapists apply research and proven techniques to help people get back in motion with evaluation and treatment of all four of the body’s major systems: musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular/pulmonary, and integumentary (skin).

Blending science with creativity and inspiration, WWRC physical therapists help motivate clients during treatment to build the necessary strength, flexibility, coordination and mobility skills so that they can function optimally. Physical therapists develop a plan of care using a variety of treatment techniques that help clients increase movement, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapists can also help prevent loss of mobility and motion by developing a fitness and wellness-oriented program tailored to a client’s specific needs. At WWRC, physical therapists work with clients enrolled in vocational training programs to develop work-specific strength and physical skills to improve potential for successful vocational training and employability. Physical therapists work with clients to help them understand their bodies in order to achieve long-term health benefits.

Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology (AT), such as lower extremity bracing, prosthetics, walking aides and/or a wheelchair, may be recommended by a physical therapist to assist clients in their road to recovery. The most appropriate AT device is custom fit for every client. Physical therapists teach clients how to best use their AT devices.

Physical Therapy Programs and Services

Muscle Re-education and Motor Control (restoring muscle tone, strength and coordination)
Mobility Skills (getting around your home and community either walking or in a wheelchair)
Gait and Balance Training including use of Safe Gait 360^o Balance & Mobility Trainer to improve walking and advanced balance skills.
Orthotics and Prosthetics Training (learning to use braces and artificial limbs)
Balance Training
Therapeutic Exercise (strength, flexibility and coordination)
Assistive Technology/Wheelchair, Seating and Mobility Devices
Physical Work Performance Evaluations
Work Site Evaluations
Work Conditioning
Aquatic Therapy
Lifetime Wellness and Fitness

Contact Information

Email: Physical Therapy Services (PhysicalTherapyInfo@wwrc.virginia.gov)

Phone: 800-345-9972, Ext. 5403327118 or 540-332-7117 | TTY 800-811-7893

Speech-Language Therapy

The Communication Services Department offers a full range of Speech-Language Therapy Services for individuals with communication disorders. Emphasis is placed on an interdisciplinary approach to evaluation and treatment of patients, with a broad range of specialists being available for consultation. All speech-language pathologists and audiologists are licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia and hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Evaluation, treatment, and consultative services are available to individuals ages 14 and older.

Assistive Technology

Speech-language pathologists use a wide variety of assistive technology including Augmentative Alternative Communication devices, assistive listening devices, and cognitive orthotics. Devices range from lower tech communication options to high tech computerized speech generating devices.

Our Speech-Language Pathology Program offers screenings, evaluations, and treatment to include both individual and group options. In- class services are offered for students participating in PREP or Vocational Training Programs.