UIRehab

Universal Institute has provided rehab in Essex County, N.J., since 1989 and launched its first art gallery two years ago in Montclair, N.J. Art therapy had long been a part of the company's program, and the first Gallery U provided a place for clients to learn job skills, Greco said. "Although it sounds really great in theory to hire someone with... a disability, it's really difficult to manage," Greco said. "And I didn't want them pushing shopping carts outside of ShopRite." Other Gallery U and Universal Institute locations are in Michigan and Red Bank, N.J., a well-known small-town art district like Montclair. Universal Institute felt Bethlehem fit that mold and provided an opportunity to expand into Pennsylvania, Greco said. "It's kind of what the company look for - a cool vibe," he said. Bethlehem is the only Universal Institute facility where rehabilitation is done at the art gallery. The local program is smaller than the others - currently there are five patients enrolled - and the space is larger than the other galleries, Greco said. Patients live throughout the Lehigh Valley and come for both rehabilitation and to work at the gallery. Between physical, occupational and speech therapies, patients help run the gallery - from inventory to publicity to shipping pieces, said Kara Francis, Universal Institute's director of rehabilitation and community services. "The gallery is a really unique opportunity for the clients who have that ability," said Francis, who works out of the Bethlehem location. "The company want to reinforce them getting those skills." Former Bangor resident Angela Birk has a painting for sale at the gallery along with several necklaces she made. The 21-year-old, who was injured in a June 2009 car crash, said she especially likes the art component of the rehabilitation services. "It keeps up my creativity," she said. Universal Institute galleries also feature established artists' pieces, though none are priced more than $500, Francis said.Read More