October Brings Physical Therapy Awareness!

October is one of the most beautiful and festive times of the year where many friends, families, and loved ones come together to celebrate Fall. In addition to all the Fall fun there is another reason to celebrate in October as it kicks off National Physical Therapy Awareness Month!

The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities (BCBDD) has so many individuals within the organization that make a difference every single day in the lives of those with developmental disabilities (dd). Our dedicated Physical Therapists (PT) not only focus on what individuals with dd can do, they also help them gain or keep function, develop or improve movement and social skills, and prevent injury. A PT is vital in the lives of so many individuals with dd especially those that have motor-coordination difficulties due to Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorders, or Gross Motor Dyspraxia.

With National Physical Therapy Month in full effect, we asked our PT’s to share with you why they are so passionate about what they do in a series of QA’s!

Meet Kathy Fleenor, an incredible BCBDD PT, that led the way in securing a grant to get the Explorer Mini, a new technology that helps children who are 12-36 months of age with mobility impairments.

A collage of photos that feature Physical Therapists helping children with developmental disabilities
Kathy with Hindery, a child who received PT, enjoying time together on a playground (Outer left photo), Kathy with Brynn Holthaus and her mother, Natalie Holthaus, featured on the cover of Ohio Cooperative Living, for securing the Explorer Mini at the BCBDD (Top middle photo), Kathy and several other PT’s celebrating the arrival of the Explorer Mini (Top right photo), Kathy with everyone that helped secure the Explorer Mini for the BCBDD (Bottom photo).

Kathy was featured on WKRC Local 12 and in Ohio Cooperative Living for her efforts with the Explorer Mini. Kathy has 30+ years of experience as a PT and has spent 11 of those years with the BCBDD organization. Check out Kathy’s heartfelt responses to our PT QA’s series!

Cassie – “Why did you decide to take on PT as a career?”

Kathy – “I was working as a social worker with the county Department of Human Services and served on a committee which provided collaboration with other agencies for promoting health and development of infants and toddlers in Appalachia Athens County.  I was intrigued by  Dr. Hickenbottom, a PT professor at Ohio University,  who served on this committee.  She encouraged me to go back to college to become a pediatric PT.  She was my mentor for 5 years.”

Cassie – “What do you love the most about being a PT?”

Kathy – “Empowering and connecting with the families!”

Cassie – “If someone came up to you and said, ‘Why I should become a PT,’ what would you say?”

Kathy – “I love to see progress and know I had a part in that patient’s/child’s journey, celebrating all the successes, and sharing my knowledge and experience.”

Cassie – “Name 1 favorite moment you have had in your career.”

Kathy – “I’m not sure I have 1 favorite moment, but nothing is more powerful than a toddler who takes their first steps!  Whether it be independent, using orthotics, or an assistive device like a walker, that independent upright mobility usually brings the happy tears!”

Thank you, Kathy for all that you have done and continue to do for those with dd! Your PT expertise and passion are truly responsible for changing the lives of so many!

To see Kathy featured on Local 12 click here! To take a look at Kathy featured in Ohio Cooperative Living click here!

Stay tuned for the next PT Awareness Month QA’s series featuring BCBDD PT Jenny Snyder!