Formed by eight teenaged girls, the Sigma Gamma (ΣΓ) organization was created in 1904 for two purposes – camaraderie with friends and charitable work in the community. Considering the high incidence of polio and tuberculosis in the Detroit area at the time, they focused their efforts on children with disabilities.

After several years of volunteering at various clinics and institutions, they established the ΣΓ Clinic (now The DIC) in 1920, guided by service to the disabled community, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay and concentration on treating the whole child, not just the disability. Because of the significant decline in diseases requiring long-term care, ΣΓ developed an outpatient clinic that would in 1970 become The DIC. Its founding principles remain at the cornerstone of the organization today.

A comprehensive array of services and programs provide a continuum of care for children and young adults with physical, neurological or developmental disabilities.

The professional staff of The DIC, including physicians, therapists, nurse practitioners, social workers, psychologists, and orthotists all take great pride in their holistic approach and working with the child’s family and caregivers to maximize his or her potential for independent functioning.

Whether a child’s condition is the result of a birth defect, illness or injury... whether a child is mildly involved or more severely affected... whether a child requires multiple weekly therapy sessions and equipment, or monitoring by a specialty physician only once or twice a year...The DIC is here to help.

He especially enjoys helping children, and in-effect families of children, with ADHD, Sleep disorders, Autism, Developmental Delay and Cerebral Palsy.

Dr. Benjamins is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, as well as of the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine. Likewise, he has memberships with the American Academy of Neurology, the Child Neurology Society, and the International Neuropsychological Society.

Dr. Benjamins received a BS in Medicine from Albion College, along with an MD from Wayne State University.

He is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Her areas of professional interest include: Cerebral Palsy, Spasticity management, Botox, Biomechanics, Developmental Delay.

Donovan holds a membership with the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, and is certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation as a specialist in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine.

Her medical education includes a BS in Physical Therapy from Marquette University, an MD from Wayne State University School of Medicine, and a combined residency program in Pediatrics/Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with the Children’s Hospital of Michigan/Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan.

Immediately prior to joining The DIC, he was President and CEO of Brighton Hospital, a 93-bed substance abuse facility, with 150 employees and a budget of over $10 million. Before BH, Wooley served as Vice President of Ambulatory Services for Providence Hospital and Medical Centers, responsible for $43 million in net revenues, 250 employees, and three satellite sites. He has also served in a variety of capacities with St. John’s Medical Group, Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital and William Beaumont Hospital and shared extensive knowledge through adjunct faculty positions at Oakland University and Oakland Community College.

In 1995, Wooley was elected as Mayor Pro-Tem, and in 1996 as Mayor, of the City of Birmingham. He ran for office after much involvement in civic activities through service as a City Commissioner.

Currently, Wooley serves on the boards of the Oakland University Foundation and the Oakland University Executive MBA Advisory Board.

His memberships include: St. John Health System Strategic Advisory Council and Operations Council, the St. John Health System President’s Council, the Michigan College of Healthcare Executives, the American College of Health Care Executives, the Michigan Hospital Association, and the Legislative Policy Committee of the Michigan Hospital Association.

He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics/Computer Science from Oakland University and his Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration from Central Michigan University.

In cooperation with Wright and Filippis, quality, custom-made orthoses are available on-site at The DIC. Using a team approach in designing the device, the orthotist consults with the child's physician, therapist(s), and caregivers to evaluate the status and needs of the patient.

Whether for the trunk, lower extremities or upper extremities, the customized device is designed to prevent deformity, provide proper alignment and support, and enable the patient to walk.

Rehabilitation services are provided for children and adolescents with a variety of disabling conditions, such as cerebral palsy, neuromuscular diseases, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, genetic syndromes, spinal cord injury, brain injury, as well as other diagnoses. Expertise is available in all types of rehabilitative care, including physical and occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, augmentative communication, seating and mobility, Botox injections (available through the DIC's Physician's Clinic), serial casting and splinting.

The focus of treatment is to help a child realize their maximum potential for age-appropriate, independent function in the areas of gross and fine motor skills, mobility, daily-living activities, and communication.

Through a cooperative arrangement with the Abilities Center, some rehabilitation services are available at their location. www.abilitiescenter.com

Her 12-year-old son was diagnosed at age one with a rare syndrome named Hypomelanosis of Ito, and now receives regular treatment from the DIC. As a caring family, the DIC has given her hope and results of Mitchell's progress.