HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy – Philadelphia PA

Address: 4400 Baltimore Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104 Phone: (215) 222-2566 Fax: (215) 2221889 Website: http://www.hmsschool.org/

HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy, located in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia, serves school-age children and young adults through age 21 who have severe, multiple disabilities usually resulting from cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury or other neurological impairment. Renowned for our success in empowering students, HMS’s day and residential programs maximize achievement and promote independence. Every child flourishes in our nurturing, respectful environment.

Our interdisciplinary team reinforces students’ learning, as teachers collaborate with skilled physical, occupational, speech and recreation therapists to achieve IEP goals. The team also includes nurses, certified nursing assistants and a social worker who support students’ capacity to participate in the school day and in family and community life. As many as 9 to 14 individuals work together to make each child’s program successful.

HISTORY
The first institution of its kind in the nation, HMS opened in 1882 near its current site in West Philadelphia. Home of the Merciful Saviour for Crippled Children was founded by Helen Innes, who with her husband, an Episcopal minister, had custody of a boy with disabilities. When they could not find an appropriate home, Mrs. Innes dedicated herself to the task. She accepted all the children she could, without fee, confident that support would be found. Annual reports from these early years tell a fascinating story of HMS’s growth and success.