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LifeLab Kids Foundation CASE STATEMENT
Introduction
The Mission .................................................................................4
LifeLab Kids Foundation
Founding Purpose .......................................................................6
Overview .......................................................................................7
Programs
Art Therapy .................................................................................9
Speech Therapy........................................................................10
Music Therapy...........................................................................12
Fitness Program/Recreational Therapy ..................................14
Occupational Therapy..............................................................17
Life Skills Program.....................................................................18
Technology and Virtual Reality Program..................................19
Timeline of Growth
5-Year Timeline..........................................................................21
The Opportunity
Funding Opportunities.............................................................24
Who is Involved
Board of Directors.....................................................................26
LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement | 3
MISSION The foundation envisions promoting its students’ long-
LifeLab Kids Foundation helps students of all abilities to discover and term health, happiness, and productivity and thus
explore their unique, true potential through a blend of evidence-based unlocking a fulfilling life through the engagement of
interventions, therapeutic activities, and innovative technologies. their passions.
LifeLab Kids’ mission and vision are based on its core
values: Respect, Inclusion, Innovation, Collaboration,
Passion, and Hope.
4 | LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement | 5
OVERVIEW
From its inception, LLK has been structured to
In 2017 Jai Reddy, a father of a child with special
empower therapists to design and implement
needs, began designing an organization that
LLK’s programming. What has resulted is the
would consolidate services, therapies, and
development of seven highly effective and
activities he and his family needed and offered the
innovative core program areas with various
opportunity for all children with developmental
activities offered within each program. Sessions
disabilities to discover their potential. The concept
are either individual, working one-on-one with a
transformed into action with the founding of LLK
therapist on specific goals, or in the form of group
that very same year. In June 2018, a former church
classes that incorporate social skills into activities.
building was purchased and a complete
renovation began in October 2018. LifeLab Kids
Foundation formally opened its doors to students
in March 2019.
FOUNDING PURPOSE
LifeLab Kids (LLK) was founded to create a safe with therapists and families collaborating on
and engaging environment designed especially shared goals, communicating successful methods,
for children with developmental disabilities, across and utilizing common measurements.
various spectrums, at a cost that is affordable.
LLK’s approach of working with the entire child
LLK was designed from its inception as a one-stop makes therapy fun and interactive. By uniting the
shop for all applicable programs to reduce the child’s body, mind, and individual interests, LLK’s
stress associated with taking a child with special model is a far more effective solution for children
needs to new places. LLK’s own unique clinical with developmental disabilities and is a visionary
facility affords the unity of services under one roof, model for the medical community’s developmental
approach to children with special needs.
6 | LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement | 7
Current program offerings available to students:
Art Therapy: this program allows for individuals to
dance, yoga, and more.
Occupational Therapy: this therapy provides a
ART THERAPY WHERE THE PROGRAM HAS COME FROM
The Art Therapy Program started as one of the
seven main programs at LifeLab. Children are
express themselves through creativity, which helps variety of sensory-based interventions to challenge
Art Therapy focuses on the process of making and challenged to meet milestones and perform a task
increase attention, reduce tension, and improve each child while also setting them up for lifelong
creating, not exclusively the final product. It also they previously were not able to do. LLK addresses
coordination and fine motor skills; success.
helps children on the spectrum decrease stress, clinical goals in a fun and welcoming approach so
express their feelings, increase their attention the children enjoy themselves while being
span, and improve their fine motor skills. engaged in a meaningful program that promotes
Speech Therapy: students work with a certified Program offerings available to students by
their growth.
therapist to improve their ability to understand Summer 2019:
Painting, drawing, coloring, and sculpting are few
language and develop successful communication
Life Skills Program: this program prepares students of the creative techniques used in art therapy.
skills; WHERE THE PROGRAM IS GOING
to participate in daily and routine tasks necessary Media include textiles, watercolors, paint, canvas,
for increased independence, confidence, and clay, an in-house kiln, crayons, colored pencils, and LLK envisions the Art Therapy Program to have
overall wellbeing. more. 20-25 students enrolled and attending weekly. In
Music Therapy: music stimulates both hemispheres addition, the foundation will open studio and
of the brain simultaneously, creating an Sessions can be individual with the art therapist or
group class to their weekly programing to practice
opportunity for students to work on self- in a group setting. Therapists encourage socially-
Technology and Virtual Reality: this program social skills with peers and create everlasting
expression, awareness, rhythm, social skills, appropriate play through the opportunity to
makes use of video games and technology as a friendships. LLK plans to supervise interns and
memory, and other cognitive skills; interact with others. Students develop social skills,
fun tool for kids to learn independent living skills. include volunteers to further expand its mission
such as sharing materials, making friends, and
All of the LLK core programs have elements of into the community.
listening to others, and practice patience to make
technology incorporated into them.
Fitness Program/Recreational Therapy: mistakes and try something new. LLK in-house
individualized fitness increases a child’s gross experts successfully blend art therapy with WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE PROGRAM
motor play, endurance, strength, and socialization behavioral therapy. Children and adolescents ages 3-18 with a
skills through personal training, obstacle courses, developmental disability benefit from art therapy.
LLK has adaptive materials and lesson plans
developed for all abilities. The art facility is Every child is unique and art is a highly-effective
accessible to individuals who use a wheelchair modality to showcase their creativity.
including an accessible pottery wheel.
FINAL POINT
WHY ART THERAPY? Art therapy interventions are unique to each child
Art therapy is an effective tool to improve to best address areas of individual growth and
expression, communication, social skills, cognition, maximize their quality of life.
and fine motor skills. Children with developmental
disabilities have the opportunity to use art as a
form of expression and promote independence.
Expression can be presented in making creative
decisions, experiencing pride and
accomplishment, or cathartic release of frustration,
sadness, or joy.
8 | LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement | 9
SPEECH THERAPY communication device to request a ball while in
the gym.
FINAL POINT
Communication is an integral part of a child’s daily
communicating their wants and needs. When a
child’s communication is improved, it expands into
life, whether it be verbal or non-verbal. Every child all areas of their lives.
Communication is an integral part of a child’s daily has their own way of communicating and the role
WHERE THE PROGRAM IS GOING of speech therapy is to improve the child’s way of
life, whether it be verbal or non-verbal. Every child
Within 3 years LLK expects to triple the enrollment
has their own way of communicating and the role
of children in its Speech Therapy Program and will
of speech therapy is to improve the child’s way of
collaborate with outside sources, such as
communicating wants and needs.
vocational-job shadowing and social skills groups.
The program has expanded to incorporate groups Speech therapy will not only take place within a
and individual sessions. Social skills/pragmatics therapy room, but also be multidimensional -
groups are in place to increase turn taking, eye throughout the facility and within the community.
contact, joint attention, questions and answering, The program will also continue to focus on
and interaction amongst various children and age promoting skills for future employment
groups. opportunities such as following multi-step
directions, interacting with customers/employees/
The speech therapist collaborates with other team
bosses, performing work-related jobs, and the
members to improve the understanding of the
development of interpersonal relationships.
child’s communicative intent, relieve frustration,
and continue to work on goals in a variety of The original design of the Speech Therapy
settings. Several evidence-based techniques are Program included one speech and language
used to inspire the student - from virtual reality to pathologist. However, due to the need and
utilizing fitness equipment and play. increased demand for therapy, additional
therapists will be required to meet the demand for
the program in the Detroit metro area.
WHY SPEECH THERAPY?
When children become frustrated due to an
inability to communicate, negative behaviors such
WHO WILL BENEFIT
The focus for school-aged children is to improve
as hitting, biting, throwing, crying, head banging
the child’s ability to communicate with peers and
arise. It is the role of the speech therapist to
individuals within their environment and academic
“LifeLab Kids has been such a blessing for my son and our family. It is a safe place for him
discover the child’s preferred way of
communication and expand and improve the
achievement. to have fun, gain confidence, and build connections. A place where people encourage him
child’s understanding and intelligibility. Once a As children age, the focus of therapy will be
and lift him up. I cannot say enough about how warm and inviting everyone is here. Thank
child is able to communicate these feelings, shifted to communication with peers and you from the bottom of my heart.”
negative behaviors subside and noticeable growth individuals within the work place, appropriate
and genuine happiness occurs. One such example employment communication, ability to complete
is when a child uses sign language to request
– Natalie Rink
activities of daily living (balancing a checkbook,
various colors of paint to create a beautiful picture ordering from a menu, steps for cooking/laundry, Parent of LIfeLab Kids Student
or a child using an alternative augmentative etc.), and money management.
10 | LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement | 11
MUSIC THERAPY is dedicated to providing an alternative
experience for children where they can discover
FINAL POINT
The aim of the Music Therapy Program is to
their strengths in a non-judgmental environment, promote acceptance and creativity and instill joy
as well as work towards fulfilling goals put forth by amongst those individuals whom LLK serves.
Music therapy is the evidence-based use of music
the therapeutic team.
in the therapeutic treatment process. The LLK
Music Program gives students an opportunity to LLK's Music Therapy Program strives to provide its
explore their interests, such as playing a variety of participants with the most authentic and
musical instruments, music appreciation, and the meaningful experience possible. To do so, the “I have never met a person whose greatest need was anything
value of adding music to many areas of their lives. program uses top-of-the-line instruments,
A board-certified music therapist leads group and
other than real, unconditional love."
recording equipment, and resources so the music
individual classes. therapist is able to provide the musical experience
as the therapy. Every musical experience should – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
be rewarding and should provide the opportunity
WHY MUSIC THERAPY? Swiss-American psychiatrist
to make an impact. Someone who is physically
Music therapy is most effective when used in
challenged will be able to make a cymbal crash; a
conjunction with other treatments, such as speech
non-verbal individual may be able to hear
therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling. In a
themselves sing; a hearing-impaired child should
collaborative environment, music has the ability to
be given the chance to feel music. With quality
motivate and engage the creative potential of an
adaptive equipment, LLK will give children the
individual who may struggle in other academic or
opportunity to reach past their previously-
therapeutic settings. When introduced to music at
experienced limitations.
a young age, our brains are trained early on how
to respond to and process music. Whether we are
learning the inflection of speech or finding the WHO WILL BENEFIT
rhythm within our body, we all have cognitive and The goal of LLK's Musical Therapy Program is to
physiological responses to music that are unique provide a music therapy experience that extends
when compared to other modalities. Children beyond the reach of the facility and music therapy
learn at a young age through engaging their space out into the community. This means the
creativity, and music provides a structured outlet ability to put on sensory-friendly dances, music-
for engaging and encouraging creative forms of share concerts, adaptive musicals, and other types
expression. of performances that affirm the achievements
made therapeutically. By providing these types of
opportunities, LLK provides the community it
WHERE THE PROGRAM IS GOING
serves with a chance to engage in a social
Children should be given the opportunity to
environment built upon acceptance.
discover their strengths at an early age. It can be
particularly hard to feel a sense of accomplishment
when children with special needs are constantly
reminded of their challenges. Music therapy at LLK
12 | LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement | 13
FITNESS PROGRAM/ specialist and provides an inclusive approach to
recreation and fitness.
providing accessible, safe, and student-centered
planning, ensuring that the children are receiving
outdoor play space such as a slide, steps, and
cause and effect toys. The Fitness Program/
quality exercise daily. Recreational Therapy will include field games and
RECREATIONAL Among various other activities, the Fitness
Program/Recreational Therapy encompasses the
sports to encourage teamwork, cooperative play,
and interacting appropriately with peers.
THERAPY
following: supervised open gym, personal training,
WHERE THE PROGRAM IS GOING
sports introduction classes, and group workouts.
The Fitness Program/Recreational Therapy will be
The therapist individualizes each exercise program
an ever-expanding curriculum. Continuous quality WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE PROGRAM
to fit the needs and interests of each student while
Physical activity can be a game changer for many improvement standards will be vital to provide the LLK’s Fitness Program/Recreational Therapy is a
building on their strengths.
children with special needs. The energy exertion most inclusive and beneficial interventions for LLK place for all students to learn the benefits of play
calms stress and can ease undesired behaviors students. The program will include a variety of and exercise in their life while feeling a sense of
and the team mentality can neutralize social WHY THE PROGRAM? group fitness classes, team sports, competitive pride.
anxiety and hesitancy. The tangible rewards of Children with disabilities are less likely to engage games, and more to cultivate joy and engaging
physical activity are clear, and when combined with in regular physical activity but are still students in play and activities beneficial to their
other cognitive skill practice, can transform a child. recommended to receive the same 30-60 minutes health. FINAL POINT
of exercise 2-3 times per week. The Fitness The Fitness Program/Recreational Therapy aims to
The goal of the program is to maintain or improve LLK also plans to provide an outdoor space on
Program/Recreational Therapy at LLK assists increase the quality of life and overall happiness of
cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well- their campus to continue to help its students grow
students with their physical, mental, and emotional its students through its scientifically-proven blend
being. The Fitness Program/Recreational Therapy and build on their strengths. Students will have the
well-being by participating in moderate exercise of exercise and play.
is facilitated by a certified therapeutic recreation opportunity to experience how to play on an
individualized to their needs. LLK is conducive to
14 | LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement | 15
OCCUPATIONAL WHY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?
If a family is concerned about a child’s
developmental and/or functional performance
THERAPY abilities, LLK can provide occupational therapy
services to address various clinical goals. These
activities include activities of daily living, sensory
Occupational Therapy provides a variety of
integration, and fine motor skills. More specifically
sensory-based interventions to challenge each
for children with Autism, the occupational
child while also setting them up for success.
therapist uses evidenced-based practices to help
Finding appropriate challenges based on unique
with self-regulation, adaptive skills, motor
strengths and weaknesses is imperative for
development, mental health, social participation
improving the child's response to sensory
and sensory needs.
experiences in daily life. The ultimate goal of
occupational therapy is to promote successful
participation in childhood activities such as
WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE PROGRAM
playing, going to school, eating, getting dressed,
Occupational therapy at LifeLab Kids is available
and interacting with peers.
to those that are experiencing delays or difficulties
16 | LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement | 17participating to their fullest capacity in activities of
daily living/instrumental activities of daily living,
- Daily Chores including, but not limited to, the
following: TECHNOLOGY AND
school and other community organizations, play,
and leisure activities. Children with differences in
muscle strength and range of motion, mobility,
Laundry (washing, drying, folding, putting a
way washed items) VIRTUAL REALITY
development of fine and visual motor skills,
sensory processing, or impaired cognition benefit
Sweeping
Vacuuming
PROGRAM
from occupational therapy at LLK.
Taking out trash Kids love technology, and adults love seeing
technology used as a tool for learning. All of LLK’s
- Meal preparation
FINAL POINT core programs have elements of technology
LLK understands the importance of occupational Kitchen safety and rules incorporated into them.
therapy within its ecosystem and is committed to
Planning and organizing ingredients for LLK Virtual Reality classes focus on building skills
providing quality resources to its students in need.
meals that help children with their daily interactions in a
safe, stress-free environment. Virtual Reality can
Use of appliances
build a bridge between how a child experiences
Following a simple recipe the world today and their potential. The instructor
LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM
incorporates different aspects of technology to
Cleaning up and doing the dishes
improve problem solving skills, respecting time
- Dentist/Barbershop limits and fine-motor skills.
WHO WILL BENEFIT
The Life Skills Program prepares students to Preparation and education about visiting Programs within the Life Skills Program can be Video games are fun, interactive, and generally
participate in daily and routine tasks necessary for the dentist and barbershop. catered to fit the needs of children and young very popular amongst kids of all ages, both with
increased independence, confidence and overall adults of varying abilities. A thorough intake developmental disabilities and without. Their
Exploration of sensory strategies to ease a
wellbeing. The program will be led by a BCBA process and consideration of each student’s popularity can help bring children together to
visit (i.e. ear plugs, headphones,
therapist and occupational therapist who work strengths and weaknesses is necessary prior to practice and enhance social skills. Students can
sunglasses, etc)
together on blending the interests of the child implementation of the program. This is especially learn how to play popular games their peers are
with the practice and patience needed to develop Systematic exploration of tools and important when the program is being offered to a playing, learn vocational skills, and Internet safety.
these complex skills. materials used during a visit group of students.
For the second year of the curriculum, LLK WHY TECHNOLOGY AND VIRTUAL
anticipates the following program elements: FINAL POINT REALITY?
WHY THE LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM? LLK’s experience in working with children who
- Job skills Fostering independence with life skills, such as
It is LLK’s intention to grow the Life Skills Program
cooking and gardening, can be a wonderful have developmental disabilities has shown their
to include the development of real life work skills
- Collaboration between life skills and technology confidence builder for children and a joy for interest and love for technology. The instructor
as well.
to explore IT-related jobs caregivers and parents to watch evolve. uses a child’s interests as positive reinforcement
For the first year of the curriculum, LLK foresees and modality to apply clinical interventions.
- Outdoor maintenance, grounds keeping, and
the following program elements:
gardening Because using technology (like playing video
games) is fun for many individuals, it makes
18 | LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement | 19learning fun. LLK intentionally cultivates curiosity in
its students that might have otherwise been
- Sharing/taking turns playing games
- Playing games cooperatively
TIMELINE
absent from more conventional teaching methods.
- Handling competition
2019
- Communicating through electronics
- Exergaming: combining exercising and In 2019 LLK will focus on adding the Technology &
WHERE THE PROGRAM IS GOING
technology to play video games that encourage Virtual Reality Program and Life Skills Program to
LLK envisions to have a full-time technology
physical exercise the current five therapy/program offerings, hiring
instructor to facilitate sessions using virtual reality,
key roles, and build the foundation for a strong
video games, tablets, and computers to enjoy and - Using technological tools such as calculators,
community collaboration between therapists and
learn more about: calendar, Google maps, Google sky-maps, alarms,
parents and guardians.
timers, PowerPoint, etc.
- How to use Internet searches to obtain Program Improvements
information WHO WILL BENEFIT
- Limiting sessions to 250 per week with
Students with developmental disabilities typically
- Reading and following directions 50-100 students serviced in total
have deficits in attention, social skills, sensory
- Problem solving 2020
integration, communication, and self-regulation, - Enrollment retention
- Respecting time limits Program Improvements
all of which have an impact on their quality of life.
- Practice program collaboration
- Establishing appropriate leisure and exercise The integration of technology at LLK allows LLK’s
- Develop student scholarships program for families
strategies students to increase their independence and - Establish best practices for LLK
in need
- Using Internet searches to obtain information promotes the development of important life skills.
- Establish weekly groups
- Virtual reality: using virtual reality software - Purchase upgraded walkie-talkie system to
exposes children to real life experiences such as - Initiating monthly feedback from parents improve communication between staff during LLK
FINAL POINT
talking to a police officer and crossing the street, hours
LLK utilizes technology to safely practice - Organize community events
social sense in a school hallway, and social sense in - Purchase upgraded tablets for therapists to add
independent living skills to be applied in real life
the classroom - Organize school field trips
situations. Tapping into the fun aspect of real time notes during their sessions if needed
- Internet safety experiencing technology maximizes the learning - Software Development
- Purchase a GPS tracking system to improve the
- Cyber bullying of every student on their own growth journey.
- Expand staff with three positions security of children
- Basic coding
- Staff trainings - Software development
“It has been amazing to see my son’s quick progress at LifeLab Kids. He went from being - Streamline scheduling for efficiency with - Introduce financial aid resources for families in
staff productivity need
able to paint with the Art Therapist for 2 seconds to 21 minutes in only two months time.
He’s also dribbling a basketball for the first time which is really exciting! We are so - Establish Clinical Team - Weekly electronic parent feedback
grateful for this new therapy center.” - Create parents and gardians support groups to
help new families
– Kathy August - Partnerships with behavioral health clinics
Parent of LIfeLab Kids Student - Community outreach and resources
20 | LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement | 21TIMELINE TIMELINE
- Create an internship program 2021-2022 2023
- Expand staff by one position Program Improvements Program Improvements Facility Improvements
- Start CARF accreditation - Expand to a second location - Multiple therapists per program at each location - Start external coffeeshop (work apprenticeship)
- Implement pool and aquatic therapy - Create and implement work apprenticeship for - School bus transportation available for students at
students to gain real life skills in the work a common point
Facility Improvements - Organize summer camps
environment
The LLK facility enables the team to provide
- Establish partnerships with universities for research VISION FOR THE FUTURE
therapies for children at the highest level. The
building has been renovated to cater to each - Software development LLK plans to expand into serving adults (18 years
specific program, from soundproofing the music and older). The timing of this is dependent on the
- Improve and expand incentive-based reward
room to the interactive rock wall. LLK’s goal is to securing of funding to do so. The adult
system based on parent feedback
make the following improvements: programming will be developed by assigned
- Improve and coordinate team building activities to therapists at the appropriate time.
- Parking lot
fortify team relationships
Repave and restripe in accordance to the
blue print
Install 5 area lights, per city of Ferndale
- Update and improve Virtual Reality Programs
standards
- Establishing a “campus” setting at the Ferndale
Install a parking barrier, per city of Ferndale
location
standards
- Expand financial aid resources for families in need
- Landscaping
- Continue to fortify parent and guardian
Update outdoor area into a sensory play
relationships through meetings, feedback, and open
ground with the ability to be used in the
communication
winter for the Fitness Program
- Improve and expand an incentive-based reward
- U-Turn Stairlift – encompass both levels of LLK
system based on parent feedback
- Foldable basketball hoop
Facility Improvements
- Construct an external greenhouse
- Play Scape
22 | LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement | 23THE OPPORTUNITY "LifeLab Kids Foundation is a committed and collaborative,
therapeutic activity center comprising of traditional and non-
5 Year Statement of Need..................................................................... $2,975,000 traditional programs. My hope for students enrolled at LifeLab is
to find a fulfilling balance in life through our unique programs
These are LifeLab Kids’ fundraising priorities for the next five years, which will enable
that focus on their physical and mental well-being."
LifeLab to realize its strategic growth plan for a sustainable future.
Facilities Improvements......................................................................... $2,000,000 – Jai Reddy, LifeLab Kids Founder & Executive Director
Upgrades to the current location.......................................................................................... $400,000
Expanding to a 2nd location............................................................................................... $1,500,000
Pool............................................................................................................................................ $50,000
Playground................................................................................................................................ $50,000
Program Improvement.............................................................................. $500,000
Enhancement and expansion of all 7 programs .................................................................. $250,000
Need-Based Financial Assistance Program.......................................................................... $250,000
Growing the Therapist Base..................................................................... $450,000
Multiple therapists per program at 2 locations (1 new hire per year)................................. $300,000
Clinical Director Position ....................................................................................................... $125,000
Therapy Trainings, Development & Certification ($5,000 per year)...................................... $25,000
Technology.....................................................................................................$25,000
Hardware and software costs .................................................................................................. $25,000
24 | LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement | 25WHO IS INVOLVED NOTES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kathy August
Jai Reddy Board Member
Executive Director/LLK Founder International Trade Compliance
Dr. Rick Solomon
Board Member Neelima Depa
Founder The PLAY Project Board Member
Juthica Reddy
Board Member
26 | LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement LifeLab Kids Foundation: Case Statement | 27LifeLab Kids Foundation
3178 Hilton Road
Ferndale, MI 48220 USA
E-mail: contactus@lifelabkids.org • Web: www.lifelabkids.org • P: 248-629-4600You can also read
