News

Our Newest Addition
We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer Buehler, LSCSW, Clinical Social Worker, to the Britain Center staff.  Jennifer has been an associate at Shawnee Mission Medical Center since 2007 and joined the Britain Center staff in August.  She has a master's degree in Social Work and clinical licenses in Addiction Counseling and Social Work.  Jennifer has diverse experience working in multiple areas of social work; anxiety, foster care, family preservation, behavioral planning, acute psychiatric care, sexual abuse, domestic violence, addiction recovery, individual, marital, family therapy and eating disorders. 

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Congressman Yoder Visits the Center
Congressman Kevin Yoder toured the Britain Center on August 31 to learn more about the services provided at the Center.  He was welcomed by a Britain Center family, the Pinters, whose son Bryce receives therapy at the Center.  He also had the opportunity to meet Terri Olsen, former Britain Center parent, volunteer and Foundation Board Member.  Thank you Congressman for your interest in the children we serve. 

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Britain Center Kids Campaign Update
We have surpassed our $11,000 goal for 2011.  Click here  to make a contribution and read the amazing stories of our Britain Center families.  Donations will continue to be accepted through the end of November.

Pathways Autism Program Expands
The Britain Center added an afternoon Pathways Autism Program classroom beginning in August.  We are now serving five additional children. 

Outstanding Associate:  Maureen Mitchell
Maureen Mitchell, Britain Center Physical Therapist, was one of 12 individuals selected by Shawnee Mission Medical Center to receive the annual recognition of Outstanding Associate.  These associates support Shawnee Mission Medical Center's vision and values by demonstrating respect, integrity, service, excellence and stewardship.  Each is dedicated to Improving Health Through Christian Service.  Moe was nominated by many of her co-workers because of her more than 20 year history at the Center and her dedication to providing outstanding service to our families. 

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The Britain Center Garden was a Success!
The Britain Center children enjoyed learning about how vegetables grow and also enjoyed tasting a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs during snack time. 

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IDC Receives Donation from Overland Park South Rotary
Mark Shaffer from the Overland Park South Rotary Club presented a check to Amy Milroy for $15,300.  The Britain Center was selected as a beneficiary to this year's Jazz in the Woods Event. 

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New Yoga Class Makes the News

Yoga for children with special needs is a new class offered through the Britain Center at Shawnee Mission Medical Center. This special yoga class is taught by a pediatric physical therapist and incorporates activities for balance, coordination, flexibility and strength. For more information call the ASK-A-NURSE Resource Center at 913-676-7777. 
Watch video.

Britain Center Receives $10,000 Grant from Jostens

Recently the Britain Center was awarded a grant to purchase items for children with multiple disabilities.  These items included:  light boxes and toys for the light box, switch activated toys which allow the children to activate a toy with a simple touch, items to stimulate oral motor skills, lighted toys for the pool, therapeutic swings, a new bubble tower that changes colors and can be activated via switch and much more.  Thank you Jostens for helping our kids that need specialized toys and equipment because of their motor, visual and communication challenges.  


Annual Holiday Program

Our annual IDC Holiday Music Program was held on December 1st at Atonement Luthern Church.  It was a huge success!  Following the program, families enjoyed refreshments and a special visit from Santa.   

 


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What's New at the Britain Center?

Recently the Britain Center received a Wii and several games from Matt and Tammy Syverson, whose daughter Lily recently graduated from the program.  Scott and Jule Kelly, friends of the Britain Center donated a Wii Balance board.  These new technologies are being used in physical and occupational therapy to help children work on balance, coordination, visual-motor skills, and much more.  Holly Buser, a physical therapist, recently attended a continuing education course on using the Wii in therapy and has been sharing this new information with the entire staff.

The Britain Center also has a new iPad, which has many wonderful applications that can be used in therapy.  Software, such as Prologquo2go can be used to help children communicate.  By touching a picture or series of pictures, children who are not able to talk can express themselves and make choices.  Children can also word on handwriting and fine motor skills.  The possibilities are endless.

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Angel Award

We are pleased to announce that Amy Milroy received the 2010 Angel Award from Shawnee Mission Medical Center.  The Angel Award is a yearly award given to department managers or directors in the Adventist Health System.  The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership and significant contribution to the advancement of the mission of the hospital.  Amy was nominated by many of her co-workers who believe she goes above and beyond her duties in order to make IDC the wonderful place that it is.  Amy puts in many hours outside of her time at the Center to promote awareness, increase funding, improve our facilities and help support families.   We are very proud of her!

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 Integrated Listening Systems Training(iLs)

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In May 2009, 10 IDC staff members received training on Integrated Listening Systems.  For more information click here. 


IDC Receives Donation from Kemper II to Purchase Lite Gait Treadmill System

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Physical and occupational therapists are currently using the Lite Gait Treadmill System with many children to improve gait patterns and functional independence in walking. 



IDC Receives Grants from Royal Charities and Variety Club Tent #8 for Improvements to the Therapy Pool

IDC received $10,000 from Royals Charities and $3,000 from Variety Club Tent #8 to install a custom rope and pulley system in the aquatic therapy pool.  Therapists can now utilize a net swing and can hang toys for the children to walk or swim towards.   

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