Dianne Swanson Gaines, MS, PT

Dianne Swanson Gaines, MS, PT Associate In Physical Therapy    University of Florida Department of Physical Therapy Box 100154, UFHSC  Gainesville, FL  32610 -0154  Phone: (352) 352 334-1407 Fax:  (352) 334-0240 Email: gainespt@ufl.edu

Dianne Swanson Gaines, MS, PT, is an Associate In Physical Therapy in the department of physical therapy at the University of Florida. She began her career in 1974 at the University of Alabama Hospital System after graduating from the University of Florida with a Bachelor Degree in Physical Therapy. Before focusing her practice in the area of pediatrics, she had a variety of clinical experiences including employment at The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s University Hospital, Spain Rehabilitation center, and at an outpatient orthopedic practice. Ms. Swanson Gaines also served as the Director of Physical Therapy at Citizen’s Hospital in Talladega, AL. In 1978, she continued her education and earned a Master of Science from The University of Alabama at Birmingham in Physical Therapy with a focus on Neuromuscular Disorders. In 1985, she entered the field of pediatrics through her employment as a public school system physical therapist. Her current position aligns with one of the College of Public Health and Health Profession's goals: to improve community access to quality care. Since 1989, she has coordinated Rehabilitation Services and direct clinical services for the medically complex child eligible for services through Children’s Medical Services with the State of Florida Department of Health, North Central Region. While at the University of Florida, Ms. Swanson Gaines has served as an instructor for “Development Across the Lifespan”, and has been a guest lecturer on various topics related to pediatric physical therapy. Her current focus is in the assessment and provision of assistive technology for the medically complex child, where she provides weekly clinics for children covering a 23 county area within the state of Florida. Ms. Swanson Gaines developed “The Jody” which is a prototype wheelchair for the young spastic dipelgic child as well as the GAINS bears, which are an adjustable weighted toy for use by physical therapists. She also notes that she has four wonderful children and, so far, two precious grandchildren. (full CV)