Programs & Services - Function Ability

Benefits of a Specialized Program

FunctionAbility was initially established by a small group of veteran senior therapists from Ontario’s top rehabilitation hospitals with the vision of providing the highest quality of care based on the experience they gained over the years. As a result, FunctionAbility’s therapists have an average of 10 years of relevant experience.

Our clinical focus is in the areas of spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and complex orthopedic conditions. While the majority of our treatment is provided on an individual basis, recent years saw the emergence of our group therapy programs. Building on years of multidisciplinary experience treating clients who suffered severe trauma, our therapists have gained a high level of proficiency working in the field of neurology and orthopedics. Our experience in inpatient therapy, outpatient practice, as well as community-based rehabilitation gives us a solid understanding of clients’ needs at various stages of rehabilitation. Overall, our team of healthcare professionals has treated thousands of individuals with severe impairments. Every year we assist hundreds more regain function, independence, and dignity. Our private rehabilitation treatment services are delivered across Ontario including major urban centres such as Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Niagara region, London, Hamilton, Barrie, Peterborough, Belleville, and many others.

The Multidisciplinary Approach

At FunctionAbility we offer treatment services that are tailored to the individual needs of our clients. Whether your circumstances require the intervention by one discipline or the services of a multidisciplinary team, we will be there to guide you through the process. We have supported thousands of clients over the years on their road to recovery. Our advantage is knowledge and knowing the right questions to ask.

The following services are offered directly by FunctionAbility:

Occupational Therapy
Physiotherapy
Social Work
Case Management
Speech Language-Pathology
Yoga Therapy
Rehabilitation Coaching

We arrange for other needed services through referral to our community partners.

Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function such as motor movement or feeling, or both. A SCI can affect every major system in a person’s body and may result in functional, physical and psychosocial problems. Due to this, the involvement of a highly skilled and trained Occupational Therapist in the area of neurology, and specifically SCI, is critical. Early intervention in a rehabilitation program is paramount to positive long term outcomes.

At FunctionAbility we provide our SCI clients with a comprehensive Occupational Therapy program aimed at re-establishment of normal movement patterns, resumption of self care, high-end seating and mobility solutions, positioning and bed safety supports, integration of environmental control and assistive technology devices. Our treatment is aimed at enhancing quality of life and return to independence. Our fundamental belief is in the worth of the individual and the right to dignity and autonomy. We work collaboratively with clients, families and other community partners to rebuild skills and engage in activities that provide meaning and independence.

Our practice was initially established to treat clients with neurological conditions. As such, our talented clinicians are veterans of some of Ontario’s leading neurological rehabilitation centres. Our commitment to continuing education ensures that our clinicians are continuously updated in areas of research, cutting edge technology, treatment methods and equipment.

Brain Injury

Brain injury can significantly affect many cognitive, physical and psychosocial skills. Physical deficits can include ambulation challenges, impaired balance, poor coordination, weakened fine motor skills, reduced strength and endurance. Cognitive deficits of language, communication, information processing, memory and perceptual skills are also present. Changes in social behavior and relationships are also common following a brain injury. These changes can often lead to loneliness, social isolation, poor self-esteem, reduced self-confidence and overall unhappiness. Over time, if not addressed, these issues tend to worsen. We are keenly aware of the pitfalls and that is why we offer urgent intervention and treatment. Access to intervention and the quality of the interventions directly influence outcomes and success for clients. By properly challenging the client during therapy, we work on rewiring the brain. We adhere to the best practice guidelines established by the Ontario NeuroTrauma Foundations with respect to brain injury.

Just as no two people are alike, no two brain injuries are alike. Appropriate treatment and rehabilitation will vary from individual to individual and require a skilled clinician to facilitate the recovery process. It is important to recognize that “more therapy” does not make a person “better”, but that appropriate therapy provided by a skilled and experienced clinician is crucial. Our goals often include working on home and community safety integration, cognitive retraining, teaching problem solving or compensatory strategies, sequencing and memory retraining, practicing tasks to support cognitive, motor and sensory function, as well as working with families to ensure education with respect to the rehabilitation process.

Specializing in the rehabilitation of brain injury survivors, FunctionAbility has significant experience guiding improvement of cognitive and social skills post brain injury. Our team includes former employees of Ontario’s busiest brain injury programs.

Amputations and Severe Orthopedic Injuries

Some orthopedic problems when recognized early get better following medical intervention and rehabilitation. Unfortunately, certain injuries may develop into chronic disabling conditions limiting movement. Our team at FunctionAbility has extensive experience treating the most complex orthopedic conditions as well as amputations. We teach clients and families about lifestyle adaptation and prescribe appropriate equipment. Our Occupational Therapists are skilled at assisting individuals to optimize their activities of daily living and manage chronic pain issues. Our robust Occupational Therapy programs work on goals including assistive device consultations and training, wheelchair assessments, psychosocial support and home accessibility optimization. Many of our clinicians are authorizers for the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) and will facilitate the appropriate submissions for government funding. We believe in a team approach and initiate referrals to appropriate health care professionals as required. Ultimately, we strive for function and getting you back to doing what you love the most.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can have profound impact on one’s physical and mental wellbeing. It is not only agonizing but usually prevents sufferers from engaging in activities of daily living, work, school or leisure. At FunctionAbility our therapists are experienced at helping clients manage chronic pain and are trained in proven techniques. Our clinicians are certified in Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Benefits of a Specialized Program

The Multidisciplinary Approach

Spinal Cord Injury

Brain Injury

Amputations and Severe Orthopedic Injuries

Chronic Pain

Greater Toronto Area Office

Ottawa Area Office

Niagara Area Office

London Area Office

Vancouver Area Office