Independent Living and
Ability Restoration Program

The Problem

It is estimated that 0.2% of children, 3% of working age adults, and 18% of individuals 65 years and older, roughly 55 million people, suffer from some form of disability. These limitations prevent their full and active participation in all aspects of their personal, family, work, and social life. Initially, these limitations, be they physical, cognitive (mental), vocational or social, are looked at as the problem. However, due to frustration over mobility restrictions, communication difficulties, self-care deficits, and dependence on others, these limitations soon lead to feelings of grief, depression, and despair.

Grief, Depression, and Despair do not have to become a way of life for individuals suffering from disabilities. Thanks to today’s medical advances and technology, most functions of the disabled individual can be restored, thus, increasing independence, broadening participation in life, and ultimately assisting in the achievement of acceptance and happiness for the affected individual.

The Program

The Independent Living and Ability Restoration Program (ARP) at Okaloosa NeuroPsychiatric Center draws its foundation from many years of clinical experience. The program is designed to meet the individual medical and rehabilitative needs of the disabled individual, thus facilitating their return to independent living, self-reliance, and re-entrance to an active personal, family, work, and social life. This is achieved by developing and administering personalized and comprehensive medical, rehabilitative, and functional services to each individual.

Disability Evaluation and Treatment Team

Major disability may result from numerous causes, including physical, psychological, family, and occupational factors. Therefore, only a Team of specially trained professionals can truly evaluate disability and manage Ability Restoration.

The Ability Restoration and Treatment Team at Okaloosa Neuropsychiatric Center consists of:

Neuropsychiatrist
Rehabilitation Specialist
Occupational Therapist
Physical Therapist
Speech Therapist
Health Psychologist and Health Counselors
Rehabilitation Nurse Educator
Disability Analyst
Orthotic and Prosthetic Specialist
Mobility Engineer
Architectural Barrier Engineer
Space Accessibility Contractors
Specialty Medical Consultants

Our Ability Restoration and Treatment Team specializes in Chronic Neck and Back Pain Disability, Spinal Cord Injury, Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Post Polio Syndrome, Mobility Impairment, and other chronic disabling disorders.

The Process

Disability Evaluation begins with a consultation with the NeuroPsychiatrist. Based on this initial consultation, a more detailed assessment is arranged. This assessment will include other members of the Ability Restoration and Treatment Team. Team assessment findings are then evaluated in a clinical conference and an Individualized Treatment and Rehabilitation Program is created especially for the individual patient. The services are provided on an out-patient basis, this provides a normal and less restrictive environment as well as significant cost containment. Residential arrangements are made for patients residing outside the immediate area who would prefer to reside locally while receiving the intensive phase of their treatment.