Therapy Services

Helping People Reach Their Fullest Potential.

Our Program

DCO’s Therapy Program is nationally accredited and approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Therapy has long been a part of DCO, as we have provided therapy services to individuals with developmental disabilities since our inception in 1954.

You can rest assured that all of our evaluations and therapy services are provided by licensed and/or certified Physical Therapists, Speech/Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and Special Instructors.

Our therapists provide pre-authorized First Steps intervention services to children. These professionals help classroom teachers, parents or other interested individuals develop strategies and activities that can integrate into the routines and schedules of the individual and family. These First Steps services are provided through home visits and include family/caregiver training and coaching.

For those who are not part of First Steps, our therapists evaluate and develop plans based on the assessed strengths and needs of the individuals. This service is a more traditional therapy approach.

Therapy or evaluation appointments are scheduled based on the recommendation from your physician or team. An Individual Plan will be developed, which includes:

  • The type of therapy
  • Frequency of the sessions
  • Goals
  • Objectives
  • Strategies
  • Duration of the Treatment Program

Who Is This Program For?

Any individual who needs a therapy service and is recommended through a physician and/or multidisciplinary team referral. Referrals for physical, occupational or speech therapy and/or special instruction will be referred to the Therapy Department.

Children under three years of age also can receive therapy services while at DCO if eligible for services through the Missouri First Steps program. Please speak with your child’s daycare teacher to find out more information about the First Steps program.

Program Cost

The Missouri First Steps program determines the cost for eligible children based on income and other factors. There is no charge for eligibility evaluation. For private pay clients, the cost is $100 per hour, with an evaluation capped at $300.

DCO will accept payments of cash or check. Payment will need to be made at the time of service. The morning of the session is the latest the payment would be accepted for the session to be held. In the case of an evaluation, payment for the $100 would be needed, and any time over the first hour would be billed following that appointment.

The team at DCO focuses their services on access and inclusion for infants, children and adults with disabilities. They are a fantastic organization to support and we are so lucky to have them right here in the Ozarks.

Beautyrest Sleep Gallery

Contact Us

If you want to learn more about our therapy services, please call 417-829-0820 to reach the Therapy Department for more information. For general information, you can visit the contact page to get in touch with a DCO staff member.

Admission to any DCO program, service or staff position will not be denied due to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, creed, sexual orientation, military status or disability.