At HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy, we believe in fostering meaningful connections and sharing knowledge with the next generation of healthcare and therapy professionals. Recently, we welcomed students from the Bridging the Gaps (BTG) Program who brought their passion and curiosity to our campus. These students, representing diverse fields such as dental medicine, music therapy, and medicine, spent time with our staff and students, gaining hands-on experience and invaluable insights.
The Bridging the Gaps program is a long-standing initiative at HMS School, currently managed by HMS Connect members Teresa Giardina and Julie Conway. This invaluable partnership has provided countless students in fields such as dentistry, therapy, and medicine the opportunity to experience HMS firsthand. Through this experience, students are inspired not only to advocate for HMS but also to champion the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities well beyond their time here.
With the guidance and support of our dedicated team, every participant in this program gains a unique, transformative experience that leaves a lasting impact, shaping their perspectives and influencing their professional journeys for years to come.
Here’s a glimpse into our last Bridging the Gap (BTG) summer interns and the incredible impact of this collaboration! It is a competitive process to join the BTG program and we are always ecstatic to foster such highly motivated and driven students into HMS School.
Meet the Students!
These talented individuals brought their unique perspectives, skills, and enthusiasm to HMS School, creating meaningful connections and learning experiences for all.
Ilana Sacks & Micaela Chin, Penn Dental Medicine
Jay Kang, Penn Medicine School
Charlotte Bell, Drexel University (Music Therapy)
Elizabeth Cheng, Drexel School of Medicine
Curious to learn more about their journey and the lasting impressions they’ve made? Keep reading!
Each student entered this experience with unique expectations and goals. For some, it was an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of cerebral palsy and the HMS community. For others, it offered the chance to go beyond traditional desk work and engage directly with students, immersing themselves in meaningful, hands-on interactions.
We sat down with our summer interns to learn more about their experiences working with children and young adults with cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders. From overcoming challenges to reflecting on how they will apply these lessons in their future careers, their insights provide a powerful perspective on the impact of this collaboration.
Overcoming Challenges
The students faced challenges that pushed them to grow both personally and professionally:
Non-verbal communication: Micaela learned to interpret body language and facial expressions while using communication devices to connect with students. A fulfilling challenge she happily overcame.
Patience and creativity: Ilana and Jay adapted quickly, learning to identify cues like sign language gestures and building confidence in physical tasks like positioning students comfortably. Understanding these non-verbal cues will help support them in the field.
Adapting activities: Charlotte crafted music therapy sessions tailored to students’ physical and intellectual abilities, exploring tools like adaptive instruments and switches. Giving insight on helping with creating accessibility within the profession.
What They Loved Most
The students were inspired by the collaboration and dedication of each staff member they witnessed at HMS:
Teamwork and personalization: Micaela noted the seamless collaboration between therapists and educators, creating individualized experiences for each student.
Innovative therapy: Ilana appreciated the unique resources HMS offers, such as classroom gait trainers and co treat therapy sessions that aren’t common in many schools.
Compassion and kindness: Charlotte admired the patience and empathy displayed by the staff, fostering an inclusive environment where students thrive.
Biggest Takeaways from their Experience at HMS
When asked about their key lessons, the students shared profound insights:
Empathy and understanding: “This experience has grown my capacity for empathy,” Micaela shared. “It’s taught me to put myself in others’ shoes and how to be a better provider.”
Empowering patients: Jay highlighted how HMS fosters independence among students, a principle he’ll carry into his medical career.
Advocacy and inclusion: Charlotte emphasized the importance of addressing gaps in conversations about disability, from mental health to sexuality, to create a more inclusive healthcare system for all.
How This Program Shapes Future Careers
This hands-on experience has had a lasting impact on the students’ professional aspirations:
Ilana (Dental Medicine): “Working with students who fear the dentist has shown me ways to make visits less intimidating and more positive.”
Jay (Medicine): “This program reminded me that the core of patient care is respect and empowerment, no matter the challenges.”
Charlotte (Music Therapy): “The creative approaches here have inspired me to think outside the box in my future therapy sessions.”
Our Goal is to Inspire our Future Healthcare Professionals
HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy is proud to partner with programs like Bridging the Gaps, offering future healthcare leaders an opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute. Through this partnership, we aim to prepare doctors and therapists who think more holistically and inclusively when it comes to treatment, fostering a deeper understanding of the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.
These students not only gained valuable knowledge and hands-on experience but also left a lasting impression on our staff and students alike. Their creativity, empathy, and dedication showcased the transformative power of collaboration, bridging gaps in understanding and care while inspiring everyone involved. Together, we’re building a foundation for a more inclusive and compassionate future in healthcare.
