Funded Program Descriptions
Rancho Foundation / Supported Programs
Rancho Foundation
Adult Wheelchair Sports Program
This program provides Rancho outpatients with a unique opportunity to participate in therapeutic competitive wheelchair sports activities that are geared to patients of all levels of physical disabilities. It is designed to support the development of physical function and fitness, contributing to improved health outcomes. The foundation funds the season which includes coaching, travel and tournament expenses.
Rancho Foundation
Neuro Day Rehab Program
Neuro DR semi-annual events are half-day programs led by outpatient therapists, focusing on education, prevention, and the integration of therapy-based skills and goals. Funding will support stroke patients’ participation in these events as well as in community outings, social gatherings, and the development of supportive peer cohorts. These initiatives aim to enhance recovery, foster social connection, and promote long-term functional independence.
Rancho Foundation
Artists on the Rise
Funding will support an adult art class for outpatients at the DK Wellness Center by covering the cost of art supplies, as the instructor generously volunteers their time. Participants will engage in painting, drawing, and other creative activities using a variety of mediums. These therapeutic art sessions are designed to support recovery and rehabilitation related to patients’ medical conditions and injuries.
Rancho Foundation
Occupational Therapy Amigos
The Amigos Fund supports the cost of incidental treatment supplies and therapist-led community outings that help patients practice meaningful activities essential to resuming their prior roles and responsibilities. Funding is used to provide petty cash—typically around $12 per patient—to enable participation in these therapeutic outings. These experiences promote functional independence, social reintegration, and the application of therapy goals in real-life settings.
Rancho Foundation
Driver Training Scholarships
This Program provides funding to scholarships to assist Rancho patients with the cost of driver training as part of their journey toward regained independence and improved quality of life. These training session are costly and the Foundation’s support makes this opportunity more accessible to patients . For patients who qualify, the Foundation will cover the remaining balance, ensuring equitable support for those in need.
Rancho Foundation
Outpatient Occupational Therapy Adapted Knitting Program
This program is a component of Occupational Therapy at Rancho and is available to outpatients, focusing on adaptive knitting activities tailored to individual needs. Patients engage in therapeutic, hands-on knitting sessions that support fine motor skills, cognitive engagement, and emotional well-being. Funding will be used solely for supplies, as the program does not incur any staffing costs.
Rancho Foundation
Occupational Therapy Gardening Program
This program is an integral part of Occupational Therapy at Rancho and is offered to both inpatients and outpatients. It engages participants in hands-on outdoor gardening activities that support physical, cognitive, and emotional rehabilitation. Through these meaningful occupations, patients work toward achieving greater independence and overall well-being.
Rancho Foundation
Acquired Brain Injury Day Rehab Center
The ABI DRC is an interdisciplinary outpatient program—incorporating physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychology, and Know Barriers—that supports individuals recovering from brain injury in their transition back to community life. Funding supports therapeutic community outings, icebreaker activities, and supplies for on-campus events designed to foster engagement and skill-building. Additionally, funds help cover costs associated with the program’s annual brain injury awareness and education event.
Rancho Foundation
Accelerate my Wellness Outpatient PT program
A program designed to offer patients within the Function & Mobility cohort, either a three-month membership to the DK Wellness Center and/or an at-home exercise kit, depending on individual needs.
Rancho Foundation
Aromatherapy
Therapeutic intervention designed to support patients’ overall well-being and recovery during rehabilitation. The program utilizes aromatic compounds—primarily through inhalation or diluted topical application—to help address common challenges such as pain, stress, and decreased focus. By integrating aromatherapy into treatment sessions, the program promotes a holistic approach to healing and enhances the therapeutic experience.
Rancho Foundation
Recreation Therapy Community Reintegration and Patient Programming Fund
Recreation Therapy (RT) at Rancho is a structured, goal-oriented component of rehabilitation that uses leisure and activity-based interventions to address the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs of patients with illnesses, injuries, or disabilities. Through a holistic, patient-centered approach, RT interventions are intentionally selected based on individual goals, cultural preferences, and pre-injury interests to foster motivation and engagement. Activities are designed to support functional skill development—including motor coordination, cognitive processing, and social interaction—while promoting community reintegration through real-life outings and leisure education.
Rancho Foundation
Therapeutic Drumming Inpatient Program
Facilitated by the Wahlbangers Drum Circle Organization, the drumming circle serves as a powerful symbol of balance, unity, and connection. This therapeutic experience offers numerous benefits, including the reduction of anxiety, tension, and stress, while also promoting physical movement, relaxation, and overall emotional well-being. The structured group setting fosters inclusivity and supports holistic healing through rhythm-based engagement.
Rancho Foundation
I’m Sew Thrilled
The program aims to educate patients in fundamental sewing techniques and skills, enhancing their ability to safely handle tools while completing meaningful, functional projects. This activity supports the development of fine motor coordination, cognitive focus, and task planning, contributing to therapeutic goals and increased independence.
Rancho Foundation
Adaptive Outdoor Adventure Program
Patient Services Program- This program provides funds to cover patient transportation needs including ACESS fees and reimbursement of transportation fees paid on behalf of a patient by department staff (i.e., taxi, Uber/Lyft, etc.) This program also covers miscellaneous costs including after-hours urgent transportation needs (managed by nursing resource office), purchasing of specialized clothing or shoes needed for discharge (i.e., larger sizes not readily available in department stock)
Rancho Foundation
HOME Program
This program provides funding to assist with the cost of a stay at HOME for patient families who are assessed by Rancho staff to have limited finances and for whom the cost of staying at the HOME would result in a financial burden and potentially a delay in patient discharge.
Rancho Foundation
Marbling Program
The ancient art of marbling allows our patients to express themselves in a unique and creative manner while in a therapeutic setting under the guidance of the Recreation Therapy Service. Patient/participants have the opportunity to socialize with peers while learning the art of marbling.
Rancho Foundation
SCI Day Rehab
The Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Day Rehab Program at Rancho is an outpatient, therapist-led rehabilitation program that offers comprehensive physical, emotional, and psychosocial support for individuals recovering from spinal cord injuries, particularly those with limited upper extremity function. The program combines manual therapy, adaptive skill-building, functional training, and community outings with peer support and education to enhance patients’ independence and quality of life. By integrating customized interventions, access to adaptive equipment, and real-world practice, the program fosters confidence, community reintegration, and long-term success in managing daily tasks.
Rancho Foundation
OT Life Balance
This 8–9 week outpatient, occupation-based group program supports individuals with neurological conditions—such as stroke, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and multiple sclerosis—by promoting functional independence, community reintegration, and meaningful daily engagement through structured, goal-oriented activities. Led by occupational therapists, the group focuses on collaborative goal setting, time-use exploration, ADL/IADL re-training, lifestyle modification, and real-world application through community outings, while also addressing emotional well-being, identity shifts, and social participation.
Rancho Foundation
Wellness Wednesdays
A twice-monthly initiative designed to promote the health and wellbeing of our hospital workforce. These events will be held in the Don Knabe Plaza and will feature rotating wellness activities such as drum circles, aromatherapy stations, 5-minute chair massages, karaoke, puzzle building, and other stress-relieving experiences.
Rancho Foundation
IOS Therapy Apps
The Communication Disorders Department at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center aims to enhance therapy for adult and pediatric patients by integrating tablet-based applications that target speech, language, voice, cognition, and swallowing skills. These evidence-based apps are designed to increase patient engagement, provide real-time feedback for self-monitoring, and support caregiver education through visual and interactive tools that improve comprehension. Funding from the foundation is used to purchase and install therapeutic and educational applications on each device to fully implement this initiative and deliver consistent, technology-supported care across inpatient and outpatient settings.
Rancho Foundation
Assistive Technology
The Rancho Emerging Tech Lab (ETL) is a leader in rehabilitation innovation, combining engineering and clinical expertise to design and fabricate customized assistive devices that enhance independence, mobility, and daily function for individuals with disabilities. To expand its impact, the ETL is upgrading its fabrication capabilities by acquiring advanced 3D printers, expanding its material library, and integrating prototyping hardware and commercial adaptive technologies to develop more sophisticated, patient-specific solutions. This expansion supports the creation of hybrid mechanical-digital devices—including adaptive tools, orthotics, communication mounts, and gaming interfaces—advancing both therapeutic outcomes and overall quality of life for patients across diverse functional needs.
Rancho Foundation
Spinal Injury Games
Scheduled for September 27, 2025, the Annual Spinal Injury Games provides an inclusive and supportive environment for both novice and experienced wheelchair sports participants, as well as their families. The event features a wide range of adaptive sports demonstrations, community resource vendors, and support organizations, fostering engagement, education, and connection. Designed to promote physical activity and community integration, the Games offer a meaningful and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
Rancho Foundation
Music in Therapy
Foundation’s Music in Therapy program connects LA Opera vocalists with patients at Rancho through virtual, bedside visits to enhance their regular, inpatient speech therapy sessions. Working in tandem with their speech therapist, this program is open to all patients in the hospital regardless of type of injury. These one-on-one sessions transcend generational and social backgrounds to uplift, inspire joy, and enhance the overall recovery of Rancho’s patients.
To learn how to participate, support, or volunteer in our programs/services, please contact the Foundation staff at (562) 385-7053
