As part of the continuum of pediatric rehabilitation therapy services provided by the Kennedy Krieger Institute, the Community Rehabilitation Program is an alternative option for rehabilitation that occurs right in a patient's home or other important community settings.

We offer a wide spectrum of services ranging from intensive, daily therapy for patients with acute needs to the use of one or two professionals to help those with less severe needs return to community activities.

Our program is unique in a variety of ways:

  • We offer mobile, active, and interdisciplinary rehabilitation in the patient's natural environment, which is often the most clinically effective site to provide services.
  • The program is coordinated among the various therapies to allow for revision of a client's treatment program throughout the course of rehabilitation.
  • Our services are not restricted to homebound individuals or exclusively to services performed in the patient's home.
  • Community-based services allow a unique view of the client's specific needs and the family's priorities.

Our Treatment Approach

With family input, the interdisciplinary treatment team evaluates each individual. Based on the results of these evaluations, the treatment team and the family develop a plan for community-based treatment. Each treatment plan falls within one of five therapy models, as follows*:

  • Intensive Model: Best for patients needing intense therapeutic intervention to guide rapid changes following a medical intervention or newly acquired neurological or orthopedic issue. This model offers three or more visits each week, for about three to four weeks.
  • Frequent Model: Well-suited to patients who are continuously progressing toward their goals but still need specific therapeutic intervention. This model offers one to two visits each week, for about three to four weeks.
  • Transitional Model: Best for patients who can work independently on their therapy goals, but may still need monitoring to ensure their progress continues. This model offers visits every other week for approximately four weeks.
  • Periodic Model: Good for patients making slower progress, who need practice, but not intensive therapy, to continue toward their goals. This model offers monthly or quarterly visits.
  • Consultative Model: After patients are discharged, we can provide follow-up and consultation when a need or question arises. This model is offered on an as-needed basis.

Community Rehabilitation treats children, adolescents and young adults with a variety of needs, including patients:

  • With traumatic brain injury
  • Who have had orthopedic surgery and require rehabilitation, including those with developmental disabilities
  • With a diagnosis of motor or cognitive disability or chronic pain affecting functional independence
  • With spinal cord dysfunction who need rehabilitation in the life skills required for independent functioning

Primary Program Goals

  • To deliver services that are cost-efficient, comprehensive and in a setting more natural than a hospital
  • To identify and achieve individual treatment goals in an intense and efficient model of service delivery
  • To provide patient, family and community education
  • To establish, monitor and maintain follow-up plans
  • To maintain family and provider satisfaction

Hours of Operation

Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Program Contacts

For Information:

Joan Carney
Phone: (443) 923-4555
Email: carney@kennedykrieger.org

For Referral:

Terri Bishoff McDonald
Phone: (443) 923-4560

Care Management Office
Toll-Free Referral: (888) 554-2080
Local Referral: (443) 923-9400

Related Materials and Information

Community Rehabilitation Program Factsheet (PDF)

2022 Outcome Data

Kennedy Krieger Institute offers an individualized approach to treatment that is based on an interdisciplinary team model. This model enables our team to monitor and review quality of care to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

View outcome data for the Community Rehabilitation Program and learn more about the patients we serve and their experiences at the Institute:

View Outcome Data