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On June 8, The Children’s Institute opened CI Outdoors: Therapy & Learning Center. This fully accessible playground brings together education, rehabilitation, and behavioral health services for children and youth ages 2 to 21 who are served at the Institute.

The new space reimagines the traditional playground by including clinical, educational, and developmental skills-building learned across The Day School, outpatient therapy services including physical, occupational, and speech therapies, Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), and Family Support Services.
 

“CI Outdoors is more than just a playground or recreational space. It is a unique, adaptive, accessible and amazing facility that supports all of the services we provide to children, youth and families here at The Children’s Institute, whether it is therapy, learning, physical education, family connection, or, most importantly, fun.”

– Dr. Johanna Vidal-Phelan, President and CEO

CI Outdoors engages children and young adults of all abilities with ADA-compliant features like steppingstones, a rock-climbing structure, a sport court, and a walking track. These elements promote motor skills, balance, and cognitive and social development while having fun outdoors.

The project was made possible by a $3 million investment raised by community donors.

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