Courage Center, Empowering People With Disabilities

Services

	Aquatics. A continuum of aquatic therapy services is offered in 92 degrees warm water pools at Courage Center in Golden Valley and Courage St. Croix in Stillwater. Aquatic physical therapy is also available in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Fridley, and Maple Grove (children only). One-on-one aquatic physical and occupational therapy is offered by registered therapists. Independent therapeutic exercise, group disability-specific classes and swim lessons are available through certified therapeutic recreation specialists.

Mobility and Seating. Courage offers a variety of different services, including evaluation of appropriate manual or electric wheelchairs, seating systems and customization.

Environmental Controls Clinic. Through the occupational therapy department, individuals can explore home modification, computer access, phones and more.

Augmentative Communication Evaluation and Training. An evaluation helps non-speaking individuals and individuals with severe speech disorders identify appropriate forms of augmentative communication such as picture boards, communication books or electronic voice output systems. Once the communication system is determined, training therapy services are available as well.

Computer Assessment and Training. One-on-one assessment and training using computers better prepares people with disabilities for employment and educational opportunities. Professional staff make recommendations for appropriate products or services needed to operate a computer independently. Clients can explore a variety of career options that use computers.

Shop Services. Courage Center develops and sells a wide range of products including holiday cards, adaptive equipment and books. The wood and metal shops fabricate adaptive equipment for clients. Adaptive equipment includes special chairs, lap boards, keyboard guards, etc.

Driving Assessment and Training. For many of us, being able to drive means having independence, mobility and a sense of control. Courage Center offers both driving assessment and training so you can get back behind the wheel. We want our consumers to be safe, successful drivers.

Cochlear Implant Evaluation. Audiologists help offset the effect of hearing loss by providing hearing evaluation; advice about hearing aids and assistive listening devices; consultation about managing your home and work acoustic environment; and classes to help persons using hearing aids and their families communicate effectively.

Sports and Recreation. Everyone needs to have fun! Physical fitness and leisure activities also are a vital part of creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Courage�s Sports and Recreation Department offers a wide variety of recreation and competitive sports programs to enhance independence, improve self confidence, and encourage an active, healthy lifestyle for people with physical disabilities � and add a little fun to your day. Programs are designed to help participants develop life long interests and reach for their highest potential.

Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy. Focuses on outpatient therapy services designed to restore independence, facilitate self-sufficiency and assist with disability adjustment. Services include occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, aquatics, assistive technology, mental health services, physician services, audiology, education courses, chaplaincy, neuropsychological evaluations, community reintegration, structured day program and shop services.

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants evaluate and work with clients/families in the areas of motor control/coordination, sensory motor skills, cognition, and visual perception functioning. Emphasis is on daily living activities such as feeding, dressing, hygiene, writing, school performance, play abilities, homemaking and community living skills. Adaptive equipment or splinting may also be included in a client's OT program.

Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants provide treatment directed at increasing range of motion; improving muscle strength and endurance; improving balance and coordination; reducing pain; improving mobility; and improving daily living skills. The primary focus of the treatment is restorative.

Camp. Courage Center Camps are fun for all who attend. We offer special sessions for adults and children ranging from computer camp to boating. Our camps are located throughout Minnesota with beautiful surroundings and cabins. Come join the fun and register online!

ALS Program. Courage, through a partnership with the ALS Foundation, will provide loan assistive technology, training and assessment for those living with ALS.

HANDI-HAMS. HANDI-HAMS is an international program for ham radio operators.

Residence. Courage Residence enables individuals with disabilities to gain independence and move towards living in the community. Participants temporarily live at Courage in Golden Valley for an average of seven to nine months. They may participate in the many Courage programs, including physical therapy, occupational therapy and vocational services, while learning more about themselves and their abilities. Each of the 64 spacious rooms in our Residence looks out onto a golf course or Courage's own gardens. The complex includes a therapeutic pool, gymnasium and dining room. Courage is in the process of redesigning its residence program with Assistive Technology in mind. Each room will be equipped with items to make independence more feasible.

Vocational Services. Vocational Services believes all people have the right to work and promote themselves through education. Job placement, vocational counseling, work experience, computer training, assistive technology and vocational evaluation are a few examples of services provided.