Celebrating an Inclusive Halloween at WVU Medicine Rehabilitation Services 

To celebrate the Halloween season this year, the outpatient pediatric rehabilitation team at WVU Medicine Rehabilitation Services created an opportunity for patients with special needs to trick-or-treat and enjoy some festive activities in an inclusive space.  

On Tuesday, Oct. 27, the clinic, which is located on Tavern Road, in Martinsburg, transformed into a Halloween funhouse with themed rooms, games and activities, spooky decorations, and plenty of candy. Pediatric patients and their families attended the open house in their Halloween costumes and traveled from room-to-room to trick-or-treat and take part in a variety of games, sensory experiences, and activities appropriate for their needs. 

According to Outpatient Rehabilitation Manager Lia Anderson, PT, DPT, CKTP, about 22 families attended with more than 40 children taking part in the Halloween experience designed for inclusive and safe fun.  

"It can be a challenge for families to be able to participate in community events together due to sensory and mobility challenges," she said. "This event allows them to come to a safe, familiar space and participate in a variety of games and activities appropriate for their needs under the supervision of physical, occupational, and speech therapists they work with regularly." 

WVU Medicine therapists and providers work with patients and families to develop individualized therapy plans, and value creating a place where their patients can make progress while having fun and feeling welcomed. 

For Isabel Casey and her mom, Rebecca, the event was the latest highlight in a continuously positive experience as a patient for the last two years.  

"She's had an amazing experience," Rebecca said, adding that the Halloween event was something they had been looking forward to. "This is fun, especially for the little ones!" 

CJ Bowie was also in attendance with her mother, Katie. They recently started coming to WVU Medicine Rehabilitation Services over the summer and have had a great experience so far with flexible, patient-centered approaches to CJ's speech therapy needs. This was their first event outside of their regular appointments.  

"We love it out here," Katie said, adding that she and CJ's speech therapist have seen great results from her therapy at WVU Medicine so far.  

The WVU Medicine therapists took part in the fun as well, with many wearing costumes or festive outfits and connecting with their patients.  

"We love seeing how they express themselves in their costumes, and they really enjoy seeing their therapists dressed up as well," Anderson said.     

For more information on outpatient therapy, visit: Outpatient Rehabilitation | WVU Medicine