Island
Dolphin Care, Inc. (IDC) was developed to help children with
special needs and their families who are dealing with developmental
and/or physical disabilities, emotional challenges, and critical,
chronic or terminal illness. Island Dolphin Care believes that
children with special challenges can and should enjoy the full
range of activities that life's experiences can offer, and that
every child deserves the opportunity to play, giggle and have
fun! Island Dolphin Care, Inc., was created by |
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Ms.
Deena Hoagland, LCSW, after witnessing the remarkable recovery
of her son, Joe, after he began swimming with dolphins at the
age of three. Deena and her husband, Peter, brought Joe to Dolphins
Plus, in Key Largo, FL in the hope that the dolphins might motivate
Joe to use the left side of his body-weakened from a stroke which
occurred during his third open-heart surgery. Joe had not responded
well to traditional physical, occupational, and speech therapies.
At Dolphins Plus, Joe began to make progress physically and psychologically
in a natural, non-threatening, fun setting. He took pleasure
and satisfaction in completing his exercises, assisted by
the unconditional support from |
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dolphins. Joe responded extremely well to this "new" therapy,
increasing muscle tone and flexibility, as well as increasing
his self-esteem. With the support of the dolphins, especially
his dolphin friend "Fonzie," Joe was able to normalize
his young life. Deena hypothesized that if dolphins could help
Joe feel better about himself, and motivate him to try new tasks,
then the dolphins might also help others. |
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variety of children with special needs could experience therapeutic
success in an environment less threatening than standard medical
settings.
Since 1990, Deena has worked with many children from around the world with various
educational, emotional, and physical needs. The dolphins are catalysts that provide
unconditional love and support. The program also provides unique educational
experiences that often allows children to become more expressive and develop
closer bonds with parents, doctors, and therapists upon returning home. |
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Hoagland graduated from the University of Denver with a Master's
Degree in Clinical Social Work. She has a Bachelor's Degree in
Psychology, and a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education.
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the States of Colorado
and Florida. Deena has worked in many clinical and educational
settings, and is a psychotherapist and certified hypno-therapist. |
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Island
Dolphin Care has appeared on Primetime Live (ABC), ESPN, Frontrunners
(KOMO television), King Television, WAMI (The Times), Discovery
Channel USA and Canada,ANIMAL PLANET, CNN, Nation Geographic Today,
Marcom Japanese Television, Oxygen Network, ABC Discovery Health,
and participated in numerous international documentaries about
its work and experiences with dolphin-assisted therapy and children.
Articles have appeared in numerous publications including Parade
Magazine, Chronicle of Philanthropy, Exceptional Parent Magazine,
Hippocrates Magazine, Time for Kids, The Miami Herald, The Daily
Telegraph, The Advocate, The Keys Reporter, The Sunday Sentinel,
National Geographic World Kids Magazine, In Motion Magazine, Person
Magazine Japan, The Florida Keys Keynoter, The Florida Keys Free
Press, The Florida Living Magazine, Good Housekeeping, and The
Recorder. In addition a book, Thank You Fonzie, published
in Japan. |
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