The Innowalk Pro is an integrated part of the school physiotherapy service, offering pupils with more profound and complex needs the opportunity to access physical activity safely along with all the incredible physiological and mental health benefits that come with it.
Ysgol Y Deri special school
Ysgol Y Deri, a renowned special school in Wales, is committed to offering outstanding education and care for students with diverse additional learning needs. The institution is noted for its holistic educational approach, guaranteeing that every student gets personalized support according to their unique needs.
The school’s vision: Potential – Opportunity - Achievement
The mission of Ysgol Y Deri is to foster a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that inspires every student to reach their maximum potential. The school's vision is to equip pupils with the essential tools, skills, and self-assurance they need to lead meaningful and successful lives.
Physiotherapy
A key highlight of Ysgol Y Deri is its extensive physiotherapy service. The physiotherapy team collaborates with class teams to design and implement programs aimed at maximising each pupil’s physical capabilities. This includes hands-on therapy, customized therapy programs, hydrotherapy, rebound therapy, orthotics, mobility and postural management equipment provision. The approach is student-centred, with interventions tailored to the individual’s need and objectives for each pupil.
Ysgol Y Deri also offers a breadth of therapeutic services, such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and sensory integration therapy. These services are seamlessly integrated into the daily curriculum, ensuring that pupils receive steady and focused support.
Innowalk Pro = physical activity
The introduction of the Innowalk Pro has been a game-changer for the school, enabling pupils with complex needs to engage in physical activity in a safe and supported manner. The equipment has been part of Ysgol Y Deri’s therapy toolbox since 2021. The equipment offers significant physiological and mental health benefits, enhancing the overall well-being of the pupils.
The therapy team observed better outcomes in the pupils’ range of movement, muscle tone, mood and alertness and motivation to attend physiotherapy! They noted enhanced success with floor-based rehab and bench sitting immediately following an Innowalk session and found that pupils were easier to move and reposition after their time in the Innowalk.
Families of the pupils at Ysgol Y Deri also have found that the benefits of Innowalk Pro sessions continue at home, reporting improvements in mood, alertness, sleep, bowel movements and general wellbeing.
“I think it’s been life changing for the kids”
Chris Britten, Executive Headteacher.
What is the Innowalk Pro?
The Innowalk Pro is a unique, adjustable solution that enables people with moderate to profound physical disabilities to access movement and physical activity. It provides safe, guided, repetitive movement, close to normal gait, by supporting the body in an upright position with weight bearing.
The equipment ca be used in a special school setting, rehabilitation centres and therapy clinics. Learn more about the Innowalk Pro.
Watch the video from Ysgol Y Deri to learn about the experiences of the staff using the Innowalk Pro in a special school, and to hear pupils’ viewpoints as well.
Outpatients
Ysgol Y Deri offers outpatient appointments and after-school appointments for children from Cardiff and Vale who otherwise would not have access to Innowalk Pro training. This service is also available during school holidays. Currently, around 10 children are benefiting from this program.
One of these children is eleven-year-old Imogen. She is an active and sports-loving girl who plays wheelchair basketball for two teams, Cardiff Met and The Welsh Team and plays tennis for Newport. She enjoys participating in adapted sports activities, where she connects with other wheelchair users who share similar experiences.
Despite her high level of activity, Imogen looks forward to her weekly sessions at Ysgol Y Deri, where she exercises on the Innowalk Pro. She finds that using the device helps reduce the spasticity in her legs. Imogen's mother, Alison Nicolai, also shares their positive experiences with the Innowalk Pro. Watch the video below to learn more:
If you’re interested in learning more about the Innowalk Pro and how your school can gain access to it, feel free to contact us.
