Functional Home Programs: A Model for Therapists

A model is described which can assist occupational and physical therapists in developing functional home programs with families of children with significant physical disabilities. A case study was employed to illustrate the application of the Family Daily Routine model (Vincent, Salisbury, Laten, & Baumgart, 1979) and a method whereby specific therapy goals could be addressed by parents and siblings. By assessing the typical routine within a family and working collaboratively to identify naturally occurring teaching opportunities, parents can reinforce program plan objectives without significant disruption to family activities. The position of the model within the greater scope of home-school partnerships was also addressed.