News

RiverView Clinic – Red Lake Falls just got a lot more fun for its pediatric patients thanks to funding from the Dancing in the Sky Fund by the Jim Ingeman Family through the RiverView Foundation.

The gym is now full of new, fun, educational equipment to benefit children attending occupational therapy, according to Maddie Bjornstad, OTR/L.

“We were lucky enough to receive the new equipment through the Dancing in the Sky Fund with Lori Ingeman’s blessing,’’ Bjornstad shared of working with the late Jim Ingeman’s wife. “I worked with Lori to create a list of desired equipment and she approved all items without hesitation.’’

New items in Red Lake Falls include:

• LED vibrating ball pit
• Bubble tube system
• Floor mat covering for a portion of the gym area
• Sensory regulation interventions items including vibrating and textured pillows and flexibly seating options
• Fine motor integration tools to support dexterity and fine motor development including puzzles, games, and tools to assist in the development of grasp and pinch

“With this donation, I will be able to provide occupational therapy interventions to address all areas of a sensory system,’’ Bjornstad explained excitedly. “There are five main senses including sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing; however, to fully address sensory needs with children and young adults, a person must look at vestibular and proprioceptive sensory systems as well. This donation has allowed me to address all of these areas of sensory regulation and support developmental strategies with a wide range of ages and developmental levels.

“I’m so grateful to the generous donors for the contributions to the Red Lake Falls location and hope to continue expanding the services at RiverView Health.”

The Dancing in the Sky Fund benefits patients beyond Red Lake Falls, as well.

“We are so blessed to receive this funding for our patients in all RiverView therapy locations,’’ shared Rehab Services Director Crystal Maruska. “With this funding, we are able to provide more sensory experiences for our patients as they reach their goals.’’

Maddie Bjornstad, OTR/L