The Rehabilitation Program in Specialized Schools at the Lethbridge Layton Mackay Rehabilitation Centre provides therapy services to students with disabilities aged 4 to 21 who attend two specialized schools. Because therapy happens during the school day, parents are not present, making it harder for them to see their child’s progress, understand therapy goals, or apply strategies at home. Our team wanted a simple, effective way to keep families involved and ensure that therapy techniques were being carried over from school to home.

Working with the CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal innovation team (OROT) and a company called Braver, we co-created a customized version of their secure communication app. This new tool—Braver Therapy Transfer, allows clinicians to send photos, videos, messages, and PDF documents directly to parents using their own phones, without compromising confidentiality. Parents can also reply with questions, comments, and their own photos/videos, making communication two way, timely, and meaningful.

We piloted the innovative app with 30 families and 25 clinicians over four months. Results were very positive: communication increased, collaboration improved, and parents reported a much better understanding of what was happening in therapy. Clinicians found it easier to share strategies and demonstrate equipment, while families felt more connected and empowered to use the techniques at home.

Following the success of the pilot, the project was expanded across the program and is now used with more than 100 clients. The app has become an essential tool for our therapists, strengthening partnerships with families and improving the continuity of care for our clients.

Lead:
Emily Lecker, Program Manager

Contributors:
Milana Padulo, Client
Arlene Rosenberg, Physiotherapist