Valenzuela rehab facilities for special kids unveiled

Two rehabilitation centers for children with special needs were inaugurated in Valenzuela City recently.

The inauguration of Valenzuela City Special Education Center's (Valsped) Aqua Therapy pool and Gross Motor Development area was led by Mayor Rexlon Gatchalian.

The R1.5-million public aqua therapy pool, the first in Metro Manila, was built to help children with special needs in terms of relaxation, fitness, and physical rehabilitation.

It will serve as a venue for children who have problems with mobility because it addresses muscle tension.

It, likewise, improves balance and equilibrium as it allows for waterbased exercise, according to Valsped's registered physical therapist Angelo Salvador.

The center currently has four registered physical therapists who will supervise and facilitate therapy sessions.

To determine who needs aqua therapy sessions, students will undergo assessments to be conducted by Valsped's resident developmental pediatrician Dr. Carmen Reyes.

The Gross Motor Development area, on the other hand, is intended to develop a child's physical skills which involve body movements.