(C)  Public Pediatric Rehabilitation Hospital

DAEJEON—The Daejeon-Sejong-Chungnam & Nexon-Sponsored Public Pediatric Rehabilitation Hospital is set to significantly accelerate its sensory integration therapy for children with disabilities, thanks to a substantial donation from the Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) Central Research Institute.

Daejeon City announced that the hospital has completed the installation of an additional specialized treatment room, made possible by a KRW 33 million (approx. $25,000) contribution from KHNP’s Central Research Institute for installation costs. A plaque unveiling ceremony was held on the 7th to commemorate the improvement of the treatment environment for children with disabilities.

The event was attended by key figures, including Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo, KHNP Central Research Institute Planning and Management Director Yang Seung-han, Green Umbrella Children’s Foundation Daejeon Regional Headquarters Director Choi Seung-in, and Public Pediatric Rehabilitation Hospital Director Yang Shin-seung.

The newly established sensory integration therapy room, funded by KHNP, is a specialized space designed to enhance sensory regulation in children with conditions such as autism, ADHD, and developmental delays. It provides rehabilitation treatment that utilizes diverse visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli to improve sensory integration abilities and behavioral control functions.

Previously, the hospital operated with only two such therapy rooms, resulting in a substantial waiting list of over 150 children, with some facing wait times of up to one year. With the successful installation of the third room, the hospital anticipates shortening the waiting period by approximately six months or more. The new special treatment room began full operation at the end of October and is expected to provide rehabilitation therapy for more than 80 additional children annually.

Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo emphasized the importance of timely intervention. “Missing the critical treatment window is the most crucial factor in the rehabilitation of children with disabilities,” he stated. “We hope the warm support from the KHNP Central Research Institute brings great hope to our children and their families. Daejeon City will continue to strengthen the rehabilitation environment through public-private cooperation to ensure children with disabilities receive timely treatment.”

Yang Seung-han, Director of Planning and Management at the KHNP Central Research Institute, expressed his hopes that the donation, collected through the sincere efforts of employees, would help improve the children's treatment environment. He also affirmed the institute's commitment to continuing social contribution activities, including support for pediatric medical facilities and talent donations, through their "Ai-e-Nurim" campaign.

The Daejeon-Sejong-Chungnam & Nexon-Sponsored Public Pediatric Rehabilitation Hospital, built by Daejeon City and managed by Chungnam National University Hospital, opened in May 2023. Since its opening, it has established an integrated pediatric rehabilitation system combining diagnosis, rehabilitation, special education, and care, and has provided rehabilitation treatment to over 70,000 children to date.