Abstract

AbstractSeveral mechanical aids useful in habilitation programs for braindamaged children have been described. They have been developed by various workers in the United States and other countries, and all have been used extensively in programs carried out at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine and its affiliated institutions. However, these devices are of assistance only when used in conjunction with a carefully planned and conducted total medical and therapeutic exercise and activity program. The devices serve to enhance the effectiveness of these programs, but do not replace them. In instances where devices are provided to the family for use in a home exercise or activity program, the therapist must emphasize to the family that people are required to carry out daily exercise programs and that devices alone cannot be expected to carry out the goals of a program. It is through this type of family education that optimal results in a habilitation program for brain-damaged children can be expected.