How to Celebrate Rehab Week!
Get ready to show your spirit and spread some cheer! National Rehabilitation Week is September 15th to 21st!
Every September, National Rehabilitation Awareness Week shines a spotlight on the incredible work of rehabilitation professionals, this includes occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, rehabilitation nurses, recreational therapists, social workers, and countless others who help individuals regain independence and improve their quality of life.
So how can we meaningfully celebrate Rehab Week? Here are some ideas for both individuals and organizations.
- Recognize Your Team
Therapy departments and teams need to take time to appreciate each individual. Small gestures like handwritten notes, shout-outs in meetings, or a simple team break or game can go a long way in boosting morale. Think about creative ways to show you care.
- Share Stories of Success
Highlight clinician and patient achievements. Whether it’s going above and beyond for a client, getting a new advanced certification, or always being a helping hand in the department, giving a shout-out to members of the team is essential for appreciation and sense of accomplishment.
- Educate and Advocate
Now is a great time to spread awareness of rehabilitation in the community, whether it’s your work community or local avenues.
- Hosting a workshop or webinar about your facility’s rehabilitation services
- Sharing informative posts on social media
- Collaborating with local organizations or schools to educate about the importance of rehab in daily life
- Celebrate Clients
Honor current and previous clients by highlighting their personal stories, sharing their experiences by creating a support group, and celebrate their progress over time.
- Keep Therapy Fun
This may be a chance to shake things up within therapy this week. Try a different activity, a new media, or change of perspective or theory. Try adding themed activities, group challenges, or gamified exercises.
- Reflect and Recharge
Encourage your team to share their “why” in therapy or to set intentions for the year ahead. This is a good time to reflect on what you’re grateful for and how to move forward in the years to come.
Therapy Fun Facts
- In 1976, the first ever National Rehabilitation Awareness Week began with a small campaign by Allied Service in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Today, this has grown into a national awareness initiative for nearly 50 years!
- Many of today’s physical therapy techniques date back thousands of years. The first use of massage and hydrotherapy goes as far back as 460 BC.
- The speech language pathology profession began in the 18th century in England.
- The physical therapy and occupational therapy professions both began during World War I, when injured soldiers required aid and rehabilitation
- Today, over 30% of occupational therapists work in the pediatric field, but OTs did not actually work with children until the mid-20th century.
- Following World War II, many soldiers suffered brain injuries and had resulting aphasia. Thus, the need for speech rehabilitation services significantly increased during this time
- More than 50% of Americans will at some point utilize the service of a rehabilitation specialist
Themed Days and Activities
Bring some extra energy into Rehab Week by hosting themed days or activities. These not only spark joy, but also create opportunities for team building and client engagement. Some ideas include:
- Pajama Day
- Superhero Day
- Sports Jersey Day
- Crazy Hat Day
- Decade Day (70s, 80s, 90s, etc.)
- Color Wars (each team wears a color)
- Twin Day (dress like a colleague)
- Cultural Celebration Day
- Movie/TV Character Day
- Crazy Socks Day
- Wellness & Mindfulness Day
- Carnival/Game Day
- Talent Show Day
- Puzzle & Brain Games Day
- Outdoor Picnic or BBQ Day
- Trivia Challenge Day
- Music & Karaoke Day
- Spirit Wear/Clinic Pride Day
- Arts & Crafts Day
Clinics can adapt these ideas to fit their own culture—whether that’s decorating the office, having potlucks, or running small contests.
How HappyNeuron Pro Can Support Your Celebration
HappyNeuron Pro recognizes that rehabilitation is about the relationship between connections, creativity, and perseverance. Our digital cognitive exercises are meant to support clinicians across disciplines by providing a read-to-use, engaging, adaptable tool in their clinical toolbox. Our activities are perfect to address memory, attention, executive functioning, and so much more. Rehab week is a wonderful springboard to explore how a digital tool can energize therapy sessions and highlight progress for both clients and clinicians.
Interested in learning more? Schedule a demo or sign up for a free trial to see how HappyNeuron Pro can support your practice.
Conclusion
Rehab Week is a reminder of the dedication of clinicians and the resilience of clients. However you choose to mark the week, make it meaningful, fun, and centered on the impact of rehabilitation.
