SCI Program | Gaylord Specialty Healthcare

Q: What is a spinal cord injury day treatment program?

A spinal cord injury day treatment program is an intensive outpatient rehabilitation program that helps individuals improve mobility, independence, daily living skills, and confidence after a spinal cord injury.

Q: Who is eligible for Gaylord’s SCI Day Treatment Program?

The program is designed for individuals with complete or incomplete spinal cord injuries, including both recent and long-term injuries. Physical and occupational therapy evaluations help determine eligibility.

Q: Can I participate years after my spinal cord injury?

Yes. Gaylord’s program supports individuals with both recent and chronic spinal cord injuries who want to improve independence, mobility, and everyday function.

Q: What therapies are included in the SCI Day Treatment Program?

The program may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy when needed, aquatic therapy, wheelchair training, adaptive technology, and caregiver education.

Q: What skills can spinal cord injury rehabilitation help improve?

Rehabilitation can help improve mobility, transfers, wheelchair use, self-care, community navigation, and other skills that support greater independence.

Q: Can the program help me return to work or driving?

Yes. The program may include vocational support, return-to-work preparation, and education related to returning to driving and community activities.

Q: Does the program include education about preventing complications?

Yes. Participants may receive education about skin care, bowel and bladder management, nutrition, seating, mobility, medical supplies, and other aspects of long-term spinal cord injury management.

Q: Where is Gaylord’s SCI Day Treatment Program located?

The program is offered at Gaylord Specialty Healthcare’s main campus in Wallingford, Connecticut.

Q: How is SCI day treatment different from traditional outpatient therapy?

SCI day treatment provides a more intensive, coordinated rehabilitation experience that combines therapy, education, mobility training, and community reintegration within a structured program.

Q: How do I get started with the SCI Day Treatment Program?

A referral can be initiated by a healthcare provider or the individual seeking care. Gaylord then completes therapy evaluations to determine whether the program is appropriate.

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare’s Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Day Treatment Program provides intensive, goal-focused rehabilitation for individuals recovering from or living with spinal cord injury. Designed for both those newly injured and those seeking to improve skills years after injury, the program helps patients build confidence, maximize independence, and continue moving forward.

As the only program of its kind in Connecticut, Gaylord’s eight-week SCI Day Treatment Program provides personalized care from a dedicated team of rehabilitation experts. The length of participation may vary based on each patient’s clinical needs and goals.

For more information, please contact us at SCI_Transitional_Program@gaylord.org
Referrals can be faxed to (203) 294-8705.

One-on-one and group physical and occupational therapy sessions (speech therapy available as needed)
In-depth education on medical considerations and prevention of complications
Education and resources provided related to various topics including: adaptive technology, medical supplies, seating and mobility, nutrition, skin, bowel and bladder care, mental health, education on return to driving, return to work and home
Wheelchair support services
Return-to-work preparation and vocational support
Caregiver education and training
Reintegration to recreation activities at a wheelchair level
Aquatic therapy (as appropriate)
Support groups and social opportunities

A National Leader in SCI Expertise

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is uniquely qualified to support individuals with spinal cord injuries. As the only long-term acute care hospital in the U.S. and one of two in the world with CARF accreditation for all inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs, including recognition for Spinal Cord Injury, we set the standard in rehabilitation excellence.

Gaylord is among Modern Healthcare’s Top 20 Largest Rehab Providers and is part of one of only 18 Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems in the U.S.