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HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL CARE 4 Cutting-edge initiatives "It's their new normal," said Dr. Kevin Felice of patients who come to the Charles H. Kaman Foundation Neuromuscular Cen- ter with diverse, individual goals to be reached - such as increasing mobility. And the specialized team at the center gives compre- hensive care to these patients, who may have been impacted by accidents, strokes or heredity conditions. e center is known for comprehensive, customized care and innovative technology. Connecticut's largest such facility, the center offers many lay- ers of types of chronic care for those with diseases like amyo- trophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease) muscular dystrophy (MDA) and other chronic neuromuscular disorders. Every nuance of a patient's condition is evaluated and ad- dressed. "Whether adult or pediatric patients, the HSC complete-care team approach involves neuromuscular neurologists; neuro- muscular nurse specialists; respiratory, physical, mobility and occupational therapists; speech and language pathologists; wheelchair specialists; medical dietitians; and social workers," said Felice, HSC's Chief of Neuromuscular Medicine. "Support groups are another important aspect of the center for patients, allowing them to interact with people who are going through similar things, and help each other." e center is making its mark with progressive, cutting-edge initiatives, such as its accredited electromyography (EMG) and neuro-diagnostic lab; the MDA Clinic for Children, one of only two such programs in the state; and the Amyotrophic Lat- eral Sclerosis Association Certified Center Program and Clinic — the only one in the state and one of only 34 in the U.S. e center proactively seeks out new innovation that can help the patients it serves, said Felice, such as a wearable robotic exo- skeleton, part of a system called the ReWalk Rehabilitation 2.0. "With the exoskeleton, they can stand upright," said Felice, "it improves muscle strength and helps with their gait." With customized care, state-of-the-art technological advanc- es and a wide scope of resources for neuromuscular patients, the Hospital for Special Care sets itself apart. n NEUROMUSCULAR CARE Neuromuscular Center Patient Services • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association (ALSA) certified center program & clinic • Electromyography & neurodiagnostic lab (AANEM certified) • MDA/ALS clinic • MDA clinic for adults • MDA clinic for children • Medical nutrition services • Neuromuscular pulmonary clinic and cardiology clinics • Neuropathy & general neuromuscular disease clinic • Parkinson's disease clinic • Rehabilitation services • Social work services • Speech & language pathology • Support groups • UCHC-HSC muscle & nerve biopsy service • UCHC-HSC neuromuscular medicine fellowship program (ACGME accredited)