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Author: CritUSA

Gala Mexicana Gathers Crowds in Support of CRIT

By‎: TELETONUSA /

On Saturday, September 25th, our Gala Mexicana: Por Siempre México, took place in Laredo, Texas. Organized by Alma Gonzalez, Heroes for CRIT Ambassador, Gala Mexicana showcased garments by designer Armando Mafud that illustrated Mexico’s history through fashion.

The event featured a fashion show, music by a Mariachi, and recognition to the sponsors and organizers. All proceeds from Gala Mexicana will support patients receiving rehabilitation services at Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT).

Thank you, Alma, for your hard work, love, and dedication!

Notice to Patients of Jose Clay-Flores, M.D.

By‎: TELETONUSA /

Dr. Jose Clay-Flores will be leaving Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT) effective November 6, 2021.

Dr. Cynthia Riley will be assuming care of Dr. Flores’ patients effective October 6, 2021.

Please reach out to Patient Services with any questions: (210) 257-6260 or patientservices@critusa.org.

The Importance of Mental Health

By‎: TELETONUSA /

Mental health refers to our social, emotional, and psychological well-being. It depends on internal and external factors.

When we experience difficult times, whether they are work, personal, emotional, family or financial matters, the demands can be very high and, at times, they can exceed our ability to handle them. This can have a negative impact on our mental health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental health can be impacted by the following causes:

  • Difficult life experiences.
  • Living with (or close to) living conditions such as disability, or chronic diseases such as cancer or diabetes.
  • Biological (hereditary) factors, or chemical imbalances in the brain.
  • Use of alcohol or drugs.
  • Feelings of loneliness or isolation.

Why is it important to take care of our mental health?

Mental health has a direct impact on the way we think, feel and act. It determines how we respond to stress, relate to other people, and how we make decisions. That is why it is as important to take care of it as we take care of our physical health.

Tips for maintaining good mental health

Here are seven tips for maintaining good mental health that you can implement in your daily life:

  1. Connect with other people: it will reduce the feeling of isolation.
  2. Support others: make a difference and feel better.
  3. Take care of your physical health: exercise, eat healthy, and sleep well.
  4. Set goals: what do you want or need to do now to achieve your goals?
  5. Identify your emotions: learn to know yourself better in order to make better decisions.
  6. Meditate: reduce anxiety attacks and improve your mood and behavior.
  7. Take time for yourself: sometimes a pause helps you move forward.

At TeletonUSA Foundation we strive to guarantee the well-being of all our patients. That is why we recognize the importance of mental health.

CRIT Hosts Hawaiian-Themed Celebration for Children

By‎: TELETONUSA /

After months of uncertainty and many canceled celebrations because of COVID-19, CRIT hosted a Hawaiian Luau Party on August 29th in order to give its children a unique opportunity to safely gather and enjoy a celebration filled with surprises.

This party gave patients and their families the opportunity to finally come together and celebrate everything that they have missed, but also everything they have accomplished since the start of the pandemic, such as birthdays, celebrations, and other milestones.

The celebration featured carnival classics, appearances by guest characters from Moana and Toy Story, a DJ playing music, balloon animals, piñatas, and a prize awarded for the best Hawaiian outfit.

“It was extraordinary for our children to celebrate – in a socially distant fashion – how far they have come since the start of the pandemic,” said CRIT CEO Federica Soriano.

Service Dogs

By‎: TELETONUSA /

Service dogs are trained to offer companionship, comfort, affection, and physical support to people in need. These animals dedicate their lives to supporting and accompanying people with disabilities or with a physical or mental condition.

These dogs offer two types of service:

  • Therapy dogs. They are dogs who volunteer with their owners to improve the lives of other people by visiting schools, hospitals and nursing homes.
  • Assistance dogs. They live completely with the end user or the person who requires it.

What is a service dog like?

All the skills learned by service dogs allow them to become essential and necessary companions for those who adopt them as service dogs.

Each assistance dog is trained to perform specific tasks. These depend on each person. For example, a person with limited mobility may benefit from a dog capable of opening drawers, pointing at objects with his nose, carrying things, and turning lights on and off.

There are various types of assistance dogs, including the following:

  • Guide dogs: They support people with visual disabilities.
  • Signal dogs: Support people with hearing disabilities.
  • Service dogs: They support people with autism.
  • Medical alert dogs: Trained to support, in case of emergency, people who have a medical condition.
  • Rehabilitation dogs: They provide accompaniment and support to people with disabilities or to people who are undergoing medical treatment.

Training a dog can last between six months to two years, depending on the degree of specialization required by the end user.

Disability Pride Month

By‎: TELETONUSA /

During the month of July, Disability Pride Month is commemorated. The objective of this celebration is:

  1. Change the way people think about and define disability.
  2. Eradicate the shame that some people with disabilities live with.
  3. Understand disability as a natural part of human diversity.

Why does this date exist?

Originally this celebration was known as Disability Awareness Month, but after a few years, the word “awareness” was not enough to do justice to the main objective of this date, which is to create a culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion.

The month is commemorated, so far, only in New York City. It began in 2010, 20 years after the signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). A document that was a watershed in the human rights of people with disabilities in the United States. We hope that this celebration will soon spread to the rest of the United States.

At TeletonUSA Foundation we want all our boys and girls to feel proud of who they are, just as we are proud of them.

The Re-Eval By CRIT

By‎: TELETONUSA /

CRIT’s mission is to celebrate the dignity of every individual serving children with disabilities and raise awareness to create a more inclusive world for everyone. As CRIT continues to grow and serve more families and children, our care continues to adapt as we use innovative technology to provide rehabilitation services for our patients.

The mission of our podcast is to serve families and the pediatric therapy community with knowledge, and education from a distance. We hope to provide insight to the pediatric rehabilitation world and continue to make the world for more inclusive for children with disabilities by sharing experiences from some of our very own patients and families.

Disclaimer: The information presented on this podcast is not intended to be used as medical advice. Please continue to follow the recommendations of your physician and/or other healthcare providers. Please refer to your physician prior to initiating any modifications to your current healthcare regimens. 

Please contact us with any questions or concerns at podcast@critusa.org.

Episode 0: Welcome to The Re-Eval

Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT) therapists bring you into the clinic, introducing you to what makes CRIT what it is.

Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Music here.

Episode 1: The Year of the Pandemic from Different Perspectives

Interviews include Doctor of Physical Therapy and tenured therapist Jose Ponce, about how COVID-19 changed therapy; Juan and Desiree, parents of Ryian, discussing pros and cons of Telemedicine with a toddler with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita. Sammi and her mom Priscilla discussing the benefits of Telemedicine for their family while navigating Sammi’s diagnosis of Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Music here.

Episode 2: Two Different Diagnosis with One Larger Mission

In October, we honored Rett’s Syndrome awareness by interviewing Olivia and Cruz, parents of Graciela. They share their experience with their child and what resources they have used to guide them through their journey as a family with special needs. Also, how you can get involved as a parent to make a difference in the disability community in the long run. Followed by Kimberley, Damian’s mom, discussing their journey at CRIT and navigating life with a 10-year-old with Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy and how the community still has room to grow.

Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Music here.

Episode 3: Empowering Your Kids with Social Inclusion and Community Integration

Interviews include Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Natalie Klinsky discussing her role as a Recreational Therapist, and who may benefit from these services; 6-year-old Brooke and her mother, Natasha talking about how Recreational Therapy has helped them as a family.

After this, Berenice Escobedo, one of our Social Workers will explain how she provides community resources to our families to help navigate through their unique challenges that may arise as our patients transition into adulthood. Followed by Denny, one of our very own CRIT graduates, discussing the new stage in his life how he stays busy with community involvement.

Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Music here.

Episode 4: Occupational Therapy and Adaptive Switch Toys

In the month of April, we celebrated Occupational Therapists by introducing you to two of our very own. Rudy Cardenas and Natalie chat about what Occupational Therapy is, and the benefits of adaptive switch toys. Followed by Lucia, introducing us to her adventurous teenage daughter, also named Lucia, discussing the impact that an adaptive switch toy has made on her daily life with Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy. While Rebecca Barry, better known as Becky, reviews the selection process of appropriate toys needed for this adaptive switch, factoring in patient’s likes, as well as how it has impacted patient progress.

Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Music here.

Episode 5: What is Prader Willi Syndrome?

We chat with a unique family from our clinic on this episode to bring awareness to Prader Willi Syndrome. We are joined by Gabriella and her son Pedrito, discussing what they have done to help Pedro make smart choices independently and the challenges that came with doing that. This followed by our Registered Dietician, Eva Nestor, explaining her role in educating families on how to create and follow a dietary plan and empower themselves when they are making these decisions on their own. For more information about the Prader Willi Syndrome, please visit www.pwsausa.org/resources/wseat.

Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Music here.

Episode 6: Let’s Talk About Speech Therapy

In May, we celebrated Better Speech and Hearing Month by interviewing one of our very own Speech-Language Pathologists, Lorena Aceves. Natalie will chat with her about what a Speech Therapist does, how her path led to Speech Therapy, and the schooling needed. She will also review what “The Big Nine” is and how she helps patients utilize different communication tools, including communication boards, and AAC devices, everything from low-technology to high-technology.

Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Music here.

Episode 7: What is Hippotherapy?

Today on the show, Natalie and Laura will discuss Hippotherapy, its benefits, and which diagnoses have benefitted from it. Laura will then chat with someone who has had first hand-experience with Hippotherapy, 12-year-old Hayden, on his perspective of his progress since starting back in 2017.

Reference: 1. Silkwood-Sherer DJ, Killian CB, Long TM, Martin KS. Hippotherapy – an intervention to habilitate balance deficits in children with movement disorders: a clinical trial. Phys Ther. 2012:92:707-717.

Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Music here.

Episode 8: The Imperfect Gift

In June, we celebrated Father’s day by interviewing super dad Rufus. He will guide us through what he and his wife went through when adopting Adira, making communication and openness a key component in their family relationship. He gives us insight on navigating life with a new daughter who also happens to have a disability. Lastly, he introduces us to his project, a podcast titled “The Imperfect Gift,” where he highlights the ups and downs of parenthood.

Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Music here.

Episode 9: What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy?

In August, we celebrate Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month. We interview the mother of Gabriel, Jenna, who shares their journey through Gabriel’s diagnosis of SMA. She takes us through finding a specialist to diagnose her son, clinical trials, and finding the treatment options for Gabriel and their family. She also mentions how education and advocating through community groups and other families with children with SMA help spread awareness.

Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Music here.

Episode 10: How Can a Genetic Counselor Help You?

As we continue to bring awareness to SMA and celebrate Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month, we interview Rebecca, one of our genetic counselors. Rebecca explains how genetic counselors help people and their families know how genes in family members carry diagnoses. She also describes how she helps families make the most informed decisions when navigating through their diagnoses. She also advocates how working ahead and knowing your gene history can help you and your family in the future.

Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Music here.

Episode 11:  “We’re Kids First.”  

In September, we celebrated Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month. Natalie and Laura interviewed Zivanna and Moises, patients from CRIT, who shared their journey with this condition. They talked about their future goals, and  how they want to change how people on a wheelchair are viewed.

Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Music here.

Episode 12: Knowledge is Power  

In this episode, Brooke Matula, Director of Recreational Therapy at Morgan’s Wonderland, joins us. She dives into the mission of one of the most inclusive theme parks, Morgan’s Wonderland. She also discusses what Universal Design is and how we can inspire the San Antonio community to be inclusive.

Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Music here.

Episode 13: The Art of Giving Back  

So many organizations rely on volunteers. In this episode, we discuss why our volunteers help make CRIT so special. We interview Alma Gonzalez, Heroes for CRIT Ambassador, and we discuss how her contributions spread awareness for our patients and families. Alma then explains the importance of giving back to the community without expecting anything in return.

Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Music here.

Episode 14: The Magic Behind the TeletonUSA Event

In this episode, we discuss the TeletonUSA Event and how it supports CRIT’s mission, values, and day-to-day operation. Laura and Natalie interviewed Cristina Prieto, TeletonUSA Foundation’s Corporate Sponsorship Officer, to learn about all of the preparation, hard work, and magic that goes into putting on this nationally broadcast telethon event. She discusses how the passion of everyone involved makes TeletonUSA a success year after year and what this year’s event will look like on December 11. 

Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Music here.

Episode 15: Counseling Awareness Month

In April, we celebrated Counseling Awareness month by interviewing our licensed professional counselor, Leticia Cavazos. She tells us about her journey to becoming a counselor, how she navigates the most recent COVID-19 pandemic, and how to prioritize your mental health.

Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Music here.

Episode 16: Tiny Superhero

In this episode, Laura interviews Ally, the grandmother of CRIT patient, Krestalenn, to discuss the car accident that led her granddaughter to CRIT. She explains how Krestalenn pushes herself through therapies and achieves success with her charismatic personality. Ally brings awareness to the effects of drunk driving and how to persevere despite adversity.

Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Music here.

Deaf and Blindness Awareness Month

By‎: TELETONUSA /

Being “deaf” refers to hearing loss so severe that there is little to no functional hearing. Whereas “hard of hearing” refers to hearing loss with the potential for residual hearing that an auditory device can be used to assist with hearing. If a child is born with or develops a hearing impairment, here are a few signs to be aware of: 

  • No startling to a loud noise 
  • No turning to sound or to their name 
  • Delayed or unclear speech 
  • May hear some sounds but not others 
  • Turns the TV or music up too high 

It is important to note that when speaking to someone who is deaf or hard of hearing, you always face them and speak clearly, slowly and steadily. Many individuals who are hard of hearing utilize lip reading to assist them. You do not need to speak louder, exaggerate or yell at them. This will distort your lip patterns making it more difficult for them to understand what you are saying. 

Being “blind” means that someone can have any level of visual impairment to include the inability to see certain colors or light. Vision is rarely recovered once it has been impaired. Blindness can have a limiting effect on a person’s ability to perform daily activities. Visual aids such as glasses, contact lenses and medication can help someone who is affected by blindness. Signs of blindness in children are:

  • The inability to focus on an object when in front of them
  • Squinting when trying to look at an object
  • No reaction to bright light when shined in their eyes

Some home modifications that can help for the blind person’s safety include high contrast markings in their environment, keeping furniture and home appliances in the same place in the room and the use of a specially trained service dog while out in the community. People who are blind can have fully functional lives and be involved in many activities once they are taught how to safely function in their environments. 

Get to Know Our Food Pantry

By‎: TELETONUSA /

Did you know that we have a Food Pantry?

In partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank, CRIT has a Food Pantry.

Our Food Pantry is available for families:

  • Going through a food crisis
  • Who receive benefits from the government
  • Who are below the federal poverty level of 185%

How does the pantry work?

The pantry is operated through grant funds and through food drives hosted by local schools or organizations.

Want to help?

You can support our families by donating any of the following products:

  • Canned goods
  • Refrigerated or frozen foods
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Diapers and wipes
  • Cleaning supplies

Remember that the work we do at TeletonUSA is possible thanks to the generosity of people like you. Thank you!

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