LifeScape

LifeScape, formerly known as Children's Care Hospital and School, is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Established in 1952 as the "Crippled Children’s Hospital & School," it was initially a grassroots effort by local citizens to provide rehabilitation and educational services to children recovering from polio. Over the years, it expanded its scope to serve children with various disabilities, including intellectual, physical, and complex medical conditions[3].

History and Merger

In the early years, the hospital primarily served children with polio. As the polio epidemic subsided, the organization began caring for children with other disabilities. The name was changed to Children’s Care Hospital & School in 1994. In 2014, Children's Care Hospital & School merged with South Dakota Achieve, another prominent organization supporting adults with intellectual disabilities, to form LifeScape. This merger created a unique organization capable of providing comprehensive services to individuals throughout their lives[3].

Services

LifeScape offers a range of services, including:

• Residential Services: Providing a safe and supportive environment for children and young adults with complex developmental, behavioral, medical, and intellectual disabilities. Their goal is to help these individuals develop skills for self-care, social interaction, self-advocacy, recreation, and work, with the aim of returning them to their families and communities as soon as possible[1].

• Behavioral and Complex Medical Care: Specialized care for individuals with challenging behaviors and complex medical needs.

• Specialty School Services: Education tailored to the needs of children with disabilities.

• Inpatient, Outpatient, and Outreach Therapy: Comprehensive rehabilitation services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

• Children's Specialty Hospital: The only pediatric rehabilitation hospital in South Dakota, offering 24-hour specialized care and inpatient rehabilitation services for infants, children, and adolescents with complex medical needs[5].

Expansion and Development

LifeScape is embarking on a significant expansion project in Sioux Falls, aimed at constructing a new children's services campus. This $98 million project includes a 72-bed children's residential area, expanded specialty school facilities, an 18-bed pediatric rehabilitation hospital, and enhanced therapy spaces. The new campus will provide more inclusive environments for children to learn and grow[2][4].

Mission and Impact

LifeScape's mission is to support individuals with disabilities throughout their lives, emphasizing family involvement and person-centered planning. The organization serves over 5,600 children and adults annually across Sioux Falls and Rapid City[3]. Through community support and partnerships, LifeScape aims to enhance the quality of life for the individuals and families it serves[3].