The speech therapy program is a whole-school program, incorporating all classes. The program takes a number of approaches to therapy, including whole class sessions, small-group work and some individual sessions. A functional approach to communication is the basis of the speech therapy program, meaning students are encouraged to communicate using the modality most appropriate for the child. For example, a child may use sign and gesture as well as words to express themselves.

The program includes the Picture Exchange Communication System, Makaton signing, electronic alternative communication systems, language therapy, as well as consultation regarding feeding and swallowing issues.

Physiotherapy at Broadmeadows SDS includes individual assessments of all students and then planning and implementing appropriate exercise programs. Intervention may include one to one therapy, group programs and consultation with teachers and parents to provide appropriate strategies for the classroom and home environments.

Physiotherapy aims at improving gross motor skills, postural correction, strengthening, balance and gait education. We support our families with clinical and other medical appointments and are closely involved with student rehabilitation following surgery or medical intervention. Our physiotherapists also assist in prescribing relevant equipment including wheelchairs, seating, standing frames, walking frames and orthotics.

We help the children experience a variety of movements and activities. The physiotherapist works as part of a multidisciplinary team, working together to gain maximum functional potential from all our students.

Occupational Therapy at Broadmeadows SDS aims to increase the student’s access to and independence in all curriculum areas. This is achieved through improving individual skills related to the areas of self care, play and learning.

An Occupational Therapy assessment takes into consideration the child’s gross motor skills, fine motor skills, social skills, and sensory processing abilities. Intervention complement’s the child’s learning goals and may include one to one therapy, group programs and consultation with teachers and parents to provide appropriate strategies and or modified equipment for the classroom.

In the classroom environment the school’s Occupational Therapist oversees dressing and grooming programs, fine motor (writing and cut and paste) programs, Bike education programs and provides consultation regarding the school’s sensory curriculum and meal time assistance programs. Additionally, appropriate linkages with community resources are made on behalf of the children and their families to support these needs.

The Dance program offered at Broadmeadows SDS aims to enhance the students understanding and appreciation of music by exploring ways to produce sound through the use of body percussion, instruments, objects and their voices individually and in group situations. There is also a yoga component to our dance program.

The program also incorporates dance and drama and exposes the students to activities that focus on whole body movement and expression through improvisation. Students are encouraged to take turns, share and work cooperatively with their peers to perform for familiar audiences. The Dance Program endeavours to build self-esteem and self-confidence in all students.

All students at Broadmeadows SDS are involved in music therapy. The program aims to enhance the classroom programs and support the goals of each individual student. All students are encouraged to explore music, sound and dance in a variety of ways regardless of ability.

The methods used include improvised music and dancing, instrument playing (including percussion instruments, guitars, Special access kit, drums and keyboard), body percussion, song writing, drumming, singing, listening to popular music, making recordings of the students work and musical games. The students are exposed to a wide range of styles of music, and there is an emphasis on music making, and the use of live music.

Music therapy goals focus on communication thorugh choice making and turn taking, self expression using instruments and the voice; social skills through turn taking, and listening to others; body awareness through concept songs, and dance; and confidence building through performance, but mostly it is a lot of fun.

The Horticultural Program at Broadmeadows SDS is an exciting activity based program with a strong focus on the therapeutic and recreational benefits of gardening.

The program engages children of all ability levels in the development and enjoyment of the school gardens and surrounds. Students are involved in a range of skills and activities including: garden care and maintenance, hand watering, propagation, planting out, sweeping paths, pruning, and picking flowers, herbs and vegetables for the enjoyment of all.

The program is run with professional input from specialist staff including OT, Speech, Physio and Art departments resulting in optimum outcomes for students. The Horticultural Program engages students in a range of physical activities whilst also allowing them to contribute in a meaningful way to the maintenance and development of the school gardens and open spaces.