Bethany Children’s helps pediatric rehabilitation patients stay on track academically

At Bethany Children’s Health Center, pediatric rehabilitation goes beyond physical healing to include academic growth and adaptive recreation for kids. Education isn’t put on hold for children who are recovering from traumatic injuries or managing complex medical needs. In fact, education is an integral part of the rehabilitation healing process.

 

The value of education in pediatric rehabilitation

By integrating individualized education plans with innovative enrichment programs, the center ensures young patients gain confidence and new skills. From classroom learning to hands-on activities, children at Bethany Children’s thrive in an environment designed to support every aspect of their development.

At Bethany Children’s Health Center, education isn’t put on hold for children who are recovering from traumatic injuries or managing complex medical needs. In fact, education is —it’s part of the healing process.

With recovery timelines varying from weeks to years, keeping patients engaged academically ensures they don’t fall behind in school while receiving life-changing care.

The education team at Bethany Children’s works tirelessly to design and implement services tailored to each child’s needs, keeping the hospital’s mission at heart: maximizing every child’s potential.

“Education services provide the resources patients need to succeed,” said Amber Samuel, a special education teacher. “Teachers at Bethany Children’s bridge the gap between the hospital and school.”

 

Supporting academic success

Thanks to a partnership with Bethany Public Schools, patients can complete assignments through an accredited online curriculum program during their stay. Teachers also evaluate and develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students, ensuring a smooth transition when they are ready to go back to their home schools.

 

AJ’s journey back to the classroom

AJ, a patient at Bethany Children’s from age 7seven to 15, made significant strides during his stay, including a key milestone: attending Bethany Public Schools in person.

“Riding the school bus and interacting with peers and teachers in new environments is invaluable,” said special education teacher Matt Harder. “It gives kids like AJ a fresh perspective and essential developmental opportunities.”

AJ’s time in public school helped prepare him for life beyond Bethany Children’s. Early in the 2024–25 school year, he was discharged, ready to continue his education back in his hometown. AJ was academically on, on track thanks to the support he received.

 

On the road to graduation

The Pediatric Medical Rehabilitation Unit (PMRU) at Bethany Children’s focuses on maintaining educational continuity for patients from across the state. With an average stay of three weeks, missing school might not seem significant, but for young learners, even short interruptions can create challenges.

Austyn, a high school senior, was admitted to Bethany Children’s after a motor vehicle accident left him with a traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures. After his initial recovery, Austyn began working with the hospital’s teachers to prepare for his return to school.

“The teachers helped Austyn develop realistic expectations and self-awareness tools to succeed when he returned for his senior year,” said his father, Mickey. “The guidance we received from Dr. Alexandra Roth also helped us support Austyn at home.”

Thanks to the dedication of his care team and his own perseverance, Austyn rejoined his class at Chandler High School and graduated on time.

“Helping patients achieve these milestones is what drives me,” said Samuel said. “Seeing a child write their name again, solve a math problem, or use an assistive device brings so much joy.”

 

Enriching the healing process: adaptive recreation in action

At Bethany Children’s Health Center, recovery encompasses more than just medical care. The journey includes — it’s about fostering creativity, fun, and independence. The hospital’s Adapted Recreation and Fine Arts Center offers opportunities for patients of all abilities to participate in adaptive sports, performance arts, and other enrichment activities.

“Kids here not only keep up with academics but also enjoy experiences like prom, summer fun days, and more,” said special education teacher Jenny Howard. “These activities let them explore, socialize, and thrive beyond the hospital units.”

More than just a place for fun, the center is a thoughtfully designed environment where children and teens with diverse abilities can safely practice essential life skills. This hands-on approach helps patients build confidence, develop independence, and prepare for the next phase of their lives.

 

Developing real-world skills in a safe space

The Adapted Recreation and Fine Arts Center is integral to preparing patients for community re-entry after an accident or life-altering event. It serves children with complex medical needs, intellectual disabilities, and physical disabilities by offering opportunities to engage in recreational and vocational activities.

The center features:

• A smart home equipped with cutting-edge assistive technologies.
• A car, bus, café, retail store, and concession stand to simulate real-world environments.
• Spaces where patients can practice Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and master transfers in and out of vehicles.
• Outdoor sidewalks, patios, and other surfaces to improve mobility and navigation skills.

These resources allow patients and families to tackle real-world challenges in a supportive, safe setting, helping them gain confidence for life outside Bethany Children’s.the hospital. The center also offers recreational opportunities in spaces customized to meet every child’s needs.

Adaptive recreational opportunities include:

• An all-accessible multipurpose baseball field complete with a state-of-the-art scoreboard system.
• An indoor recreation court built for safety and durability.
• Adapted physical education classes and sports programs designed to engage children in a variety of fun activities.

At Bethany Children’s, the focus is not just on recovery but on creating an environment where kids can grow, explore, and thrive, —proving that healing is about more than just physical health.

 

Preparing for life beyond the hospital

Programs like Pathways focus on life skills for teens with chronic health challenges and disabilities, offering vocational training, peer support, and job placement resources.

“We want children of all abilities to grow and thrive while in our care,” said Becky Vogt, chief of education and rehabilitation. “Meaningful activities that are fun and functional positively impact their overall well-being and outcomes.”

At Bethany Children’s Health Center, education is more than academics—it’s a vital part of helping children heal, thrive, and rejoin their communities stronger than before. To learn more, visit www.bethanychildrens.org.

 

Editor’s note: Bethany Children’s Health Center provides pediatric primary care, behavioral health and other specialized medical and therapy services to children in Oklahoma. Learn more about Bethany Children’s planned expansion of outpatient services at metrofamilymagazine.com/bethany-childrens-expansion/.