Our Programs
Heartland Arcade for Research at Orange Grove
Heartland Therapeutic Programs is excited about the latest partnership research for children with developmental disabilities at Orange Grove Center in Chattanooga utilizing the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's faculty and students.
Heartland Arcade for Research at Orange Grove is a new concept with lead development by Dr. Rick Rader, Director of Habilitation at Orange Grove and former President of the Board, present Advisory Board Member and co-founder of Heartland Therapeutic Programs (aka Heartland Ranch and Arena, Inc.).
The arcade is an ingenious concept of using adapted arcade games employing a multisensory experience using lighting effects, color, sounds, music, and exercising hand/eye co-ordination. These games will deliver stimuli to various senses which hopefully increase improvement in all aspects of development. Since it is non-directive therapy, where the client controls it and not the therapist, it aims to maximize a person's potential to focus on his own free will and to engage on a motivational stimulus, object or activity, and thereby improve communication and functioning. Also critical thinking is employed for the tasks in the games. All children love arcade games!
Since it is possible specific therapy incorporates the SNOEZELEN therapy for people with autism and other developmental disabilities and brain injury, we are hoping this could be another therapy for our returning soldiers suffering brain injury too. Heartland will keep you updated on the progress of the research and outcome measurements. Stay tuned for another innovative therapy under the Heartland umbrella.
Heartland Therapeutic Programs is excited about the latest partnership research for children with developmental disabilities at Orange Grove Center in Chattanooga utilizing the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's faculty and students.
Heartland Arcade for Research at Orange Grove is a new concept with lead development by Dr. Rick Rader, Director of Habilitation at Orange Grove and former President of the Board, present Advisory Board Member and co-founder of Heartland Therapeutic Programs (aka Heartland Ranch and Arena, Inc.).
The arcade is an ingenious concept of using adapted arcade games employing a multisensory experience using lighting effects, color, sounds, music, and exercising hand/eye co-ordination. These games will deliver stimuli to various senses which hopefully increase improvement in all aspects of development. Since it is non-directive therapy, where the client controls it and not the therapist, it aims to maximize a person's potential to focus on his own free will and to engage on a motivational stimulus, object or activity, and thereby improve communication and functioning. Also critical thinking is employed for the tasks in the games. All children love arcade games!
Since it is possible specific therapy incorporates the SNOEZELEN therapy for people with autism and other developmental disabilities and brain injury, we are hoping this could be another therapy for our returning soldiers suffering brain injury too. Heartland will keep you updated on the progress of the research and outcome measurements. Stay tuned for another innovative therapy under the Heartland umbrella.
Peer Mentoring
Peer mentoring is a unique and somewhat different approach to mentoring than the better-known adult-with-youth mentoring model. The prime program focus is on relationship development, helping mentees understand their value and importance as persons, and facilitating character development and customary behavior in order to function in society and communities. In this developmental approach, although a curriculum or other structural guide can be used, the goal is for the mentor to provide empathy, friendship, and be a role model.
Peer mentoring for veterans is where veterans who have been in similar wartime or combat situations that have recovered can help by being able to counsel and empathize, while giving guidance to a healthier lifestyle. VET-TO-VET is an example.
Peer modeling in youth is where a typically developing (TD) child is partnered with a developmentally delayed (DD) child of approximately the same age to model behavior and gives friendship and help in developing the right ways of accomplishing goals or activities. The TD is a role model for a DD. This is usually done in camps. Heartland developed the first programming in its first summer camps which used the modeling and paired TD and DD children.
Peer mentoring is a unique and somewhat different approach to mentoring than the better-known adult-with-youth mentoring model. The prime program focus is on relationship development, helping mentees understand their value and importance as persons, and facilitating character development and customary behavior in order to function in society and communities. In this developmental approach, although a curriculum or other structural guide can be used, the goal is for the mentor to provide empathy, friendship, and be a role model.
Peer mentoring for veterans is where veterans who have been in similar wartime or combat situations that have recovered can help by being able to counsel and empathize, while giving guidance to a healthier lifestyle. VET-TO-VET is an example.
Peer modeling in youth is where a typically developing (TD) child is partnered with a developmentally delayed (DD) child of approximately the same age to model behavior and gives friendship and help in developing the right ways of accomplishing goals or activities. The TD is a role model for a DD. This is usually done in camps. Heartland developed the first programming in its first summer camps which used the modeling and paired TD and DD children.
CAMMO, Operation Song
- SpiritHorse at Eagles Rest RanchTherapeutic Riding/Camps/Special Olympics Horseshow
- Heartland Therapeutic Riding, HIPPO Therapy
- ProtectHER
High At-Risk and Domestic Abuse - Gordon County (GA) Special Olympics
Partnering with American Legion Post 47, Calhoun, GA - Family Crisis Center of Walker, Dade, Catoosa, Chattooga Counties, Inc.
- Operation Song, Nashville, TN