Therapy Services Unit (TSU)
The Therapy Services Unit was established to promote and provide quality therapy services to individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and their interdisciplinary teams (IDT) and families through resource development, technical assistance, training, and specialized direct services. The TSU also works to support the development and implementation of policy that promotes quality therapy services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

TSU employs contract therapists in Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology and Physical Therapy. The unit coordinates Assistive Technology (AT) support, management of the AT Fund, the aspiration prevention program and monitors availability of therapy services over the entire state.

The therapists also oversee the Specialized Wheelchair Evaluation and Custom Seating Clinic, provide clinical staffing for the SAFE Clinic, conduct Participatory Approach Training, review AT Fund applications, operate a variety of AT loan banks, provide specialized evaluation services and provide technical assistance to therapists and IDT members.

The Participatory Approach

TSU assures that the Participatory Approach (PA) is considered when developing functional supports for persons with developmental disabilities by all IDTs.  This approach has been adopted by the state of New Mexico, as the model of choice for meeting the therapy needs of adults with developmental disabilities. 

According to the PA, no individual is too disabled to benefit from Assistive Technology (AT) and other supports.  The PA philosophy holds that all persons with developmental disabilities should be supported to participate as fully in life as possible, both physically and communicatively, with the support of AT and therapy team approaches that support immediate participation.  This approach is inclusive of any and all available supports in the areas of communication, mobility, positioning, environmental control, cognitive enhancement and Aides for Daily Living (ADLs).

Things You Should Know

Therapies and evaluations may be paid for through the DD Waiver, Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance.  Most medical equipment is paid for through the person's medical funding source (Medicaid, Medicare, Salud or private insurance).  Assistive Technology Fund awards are also managed through the Clinical Services Bureau.  These awards, up to $250, may be used to buy or make Assistive Technology devices used during functional activities. For more information, contact us.

Read more about the Clinical Services Bureau (click here).

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