Source Kids Summer 2016

FREE

Issue 10 - Summer 16/17

Summer fun A STRIDER BIKE + WISHBONE BIKE Continence WELLNESS AU PAIRS

Uncomplicated nutrition, pure and simple.

bellamysorganic.com.au

SUMMER 16/17

CONTENTS Features 12 Summer fun

12 Taking a holiday with your special needs child

16 Physio tips –

teach your child how to ride a bike

18 Bike review 20 Summer product feature

26

Wellness

32

Continence

32 Toilet training your child 34 Changing Places 36 Behavioural tips 38 OT tips

44

Au Pairs

Regulars 4

25

5

40

6

50

7

52

Welcome

Products we love

Competition corner

Cooper’s travels

9

Rare disease in profile – Usher syndrome

23

Sporty kids - sailability

Multimedia we love

Special needs family in profile

Special needs teacher in focus – Raquel Grammat

Directory

54

Techman

55

What’s on calendar

3

4

SUMMER 16/17

Welcome to Source Kids I write this as I take off on a flight to a very balmy state that I love, to spend a couple of days with an amazing bunch of women! This weekend will see the SK team pow wow together and plan out our next 12 months of amazing-ness for our readers.

I won’t lie, I’m quite excited. We’re a crazy bunch of passionate SN parents and what will come out of this weekend will no doubt be incredible (and likely far more than we will be able to actually deliver as we’re a powerhouse when we get together and the ideas are endless). And I’m sure we’re going to have a fair bit of fun…and maybe some wine…and a lot of laughs!

We’re riding on the back of an amazing few weeks of awards and filling up our trophy cabinet. Thanks to our amazing readers who voted for us, we won the BOFA Innovative Community Award and (I’m blushing writing this) I won the Outstanding Achiever Award in the Tasmanian Community Achievement Awards – an award I dedicate to my amazing daughter who is the inspiration behind Source Kids, and the team that goes above and beyond to deliver such an amazing resource.

And we’ve grown! I’m super excited to welcome Nicole Davis to our team as Digital Content Editor. Nicole landed in Oz in February this year after many years in the United Arab Emirates. She is our tech and digital queen, and I’m sure you will enjoy the content we’ll be rolling out online and through social media in the coming months.

This month we launched our new-beaut directory site www.sourcekidsdirectory.com.au.

If you haven’t already checked it out it’s worth a look. It is jam-packed full of great products and services and visitation to the site in the first week has been overwhelming – check it out.

So much news from us, I haven’t even got to this summer issue. It’s so big we had to add more pages to fit all the content we’ve prepared! This issue we focus on summer fun, continence, au pairs, wellness, Usher syndrome, plus we have some amazing giveaways including a Strider bike and Wishbone 3in1 bike.

I hope you enjoy this issue and the new content and directory site rolling out. Merry Christmas to all and thank you for your support in 2016. We wish you all a happy and healthy 2017!

Emma Price Publisher

Source Kids CDSA PO Box 5279, Launceston TAS 7250 Phone: 03 6327 1995 ABN: 66 434 598 812 Web: www.sourcekids.com.au Send all letters and submissions to: Source Kids, PO Box 5279 Launceston TAS 7250 or email editor@sourcekids.com.au Editorial enquiries: 03 6327 1995

F L Y I N G

C O L O U R S P R I N T I N G

Editorial Editor: Marie-Louise Willis Writers: Marie-Louise Willis and Rachel Williams Contributors: Emma Price, Naomi Sirianni, Cooper Smith, Michael Young, Tanya Curtis and Jane Brooksbank.

Advertising and Marketing Business Development and Marketing Manager: Naomi Sirianni For advertising enquires please call 0447 755 043 or email advertising@sourcekids.com.au Digital Content Editor Nicole Davis For digital content enquires and submissions email nicole@sourcekids.com.au Graphic Design Imogen Brown

Cover Photography Michael Klein, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Sandcastle Art Many thanks to Peter and the team at Sandstorm Events for creating a spectacular sandcastle for our summer cover.

Cover Story Summer Fun! A day out in the sun with two gorgeous boys and one huge sandcastle! Harry and Louis, two good friends living in the Bayside area of Melbourne, have one big thing in common,

Publisher Emma Price Editorial and advertising in Source Kids is based on material, written and verbal, provided by contributors and advertisers. No responsibility is taken for errors or omissions and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. All material in Source Kids is subject to copyright provisions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission by the publisher.

Distribution Source Kids is distributed through therapy centres, hospitals, paediatricians, special needs schools and early intervention centres. For distribution enquires, contact info@sourcekids.com.au

they both have Usher Syndrome. Their eyesight and hearing is affected and has been since birth. Despite many obstacles along the way, these two pals defy all odds and enjoy life to the fullest. You can read more about Harry and Louis in our Rare Diseases feature. Our photo shoot saw them enjoying the sand beneath their feet, the sounds of the waves, the smell of the sea, the awesome sight of a carefully sculpted castle, and dare we say it, the taste of gritty sand particles – just as summer should be, wouldn’t you agree?

SUMMER 16/17

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Purchase both Marbotics Numbers and Letters together for $129 (RRP normally $90 each).

Coupon code at checkout is SOURCEKIDS Available till 31 Dec 2016

Marbotics by Keld Industries If you have a tech-savvy child, these are perfect. The wooden letters and digits interact with tablets and apps, to help read, write, count and calculate. The connected toys work with static body and the tablet detects its presence without the use of batteries or electronics. The sensors are made with flexible material to prevent damage to the device. Bringing physical and digital play together, it requires no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and is compatible with all iPads and android tablets. Inspired by Montessori methods, they are sure to be a big hit and hours of fun! www.keldindustries.com

Woxers by Brolly Sheets Finally! Waterproof underwear that doesn’t look like waterproof underwear! Giving your child the confidence they desire, these Woxers by Brolly Sheets are made of soft cotton with a waterproof inner and removable washable pad. Great for day or nightwear, they come in sizes small, medium and large, and are super trendy. Extra security for unexpected accidents! www.brollysheetsgeneralstore.com

Stationery 2017

by Stuck On You Personalised stationery from Stuck on You means that kids no longer misplace or lose their school stationery. Their huge range is made from the highest quality materials and is available in a variety of different designs. Prepare your kids for back-to-school with everything from pencil cases, pencils, markers, rulers, books and more‌ ALL personalised!

Stay Put Safety Belt Security System by Stay Put Restraints The Stayput Safety Belt Security (SBS) System provides a safe-secure-solution to problematic unbuckling of safety belts, removing the need for buckle guard/covers. It looks, feels and operates like any other buckle when the vehicle is switched off or in event of an accident. At other times the driver/carer can prevent unbuckling for the trip duration with the push of a button on the dashboard unit.

Stuck on You also have a range of calendars, family planners, activity planners, diaries and journals in unique designs. Special needs parents like us need to be organised and we are huge fans of this product range.

Perfect for special needs families due to ease of use and similarity with standard safety belts, reducing anxiety for their loved ones. Drivers enjoy peace of mind knowing the system is secure when activated and can focus on road safety.

www.stuckonyou.com.au

www.stayputrestraints.com.au

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Competition CORNER Strider Bike - Win a Strider 16” balance bike for ages six to ten, valued at $369.00. The Strider 16” Sport is designed for kids who are just learning to ride and those with special needs challenges. Without the complication of pedals, this bike will give balance, safety, performance and fun! One lucky Source Kids reader will receive a bike in either Red, Green, Blue or Purple.

Wishbone Bike - Win a Wishbone 3in1 bike, suitable for ages 12 months to five years, valued at $229.00. A baby walker that converts to a toddler trike then to a balance bike, the 3in1 has it all for the smaller age group. Made from kiln dried plantation birch and organic cotton, this bike will grow with your child. One reader will pedal away with a Wishbone 3in1 ‘original’ balance trike/bike.

Micador Pack - Win one of two Micador Sensory Early Start ‘Drawing’ packs, valued at $25.00 each.

The pack is designed to encourage sensory development, develop fine motor skills and promote imaginative play and emotional expression.

Marbotics Set - Win a set of Marbotics ‘Smart Letters’ – a wooden educative connected toy for iPads and tablets, valued at $90.00. Includes 26 letters and three apps to download. Marbotics are helping kids to learn reading and writing in a fun and interactive way.

Wonsie Suits - Win one of two Wonsie back zip suits, valued at $39.95 each. The Wonsie back zip bodysuit is especially designed to challenge your escape artist!

Available for toddlers, right through to large adults, this style is a stronger prevention for unwanted undressing and access to incontinence products.

Enter the above competitions online at www.sourcekids.com.au/win

SUMMER 16/17

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Cooper’s Travels

Cooper Smith is 11 years old, and a keen traveller and foodie. Cooper uses a manual wheelchair while he travels as he has Dystonic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy. You can see more of his adventures on Instagram @thewheelfoodie.

My home town is Melbourne.

I love exploring my beautiful city.

Here are my five favourite things to do!

1. Eat My top places to eat are: Tokyo Tina on Chapel Street, Emporium in Lonsdale Street for Pho and dumplings, Conservatory at Crown for breakfast, and for desserts head to OmNom. 2. Shop My favourite shop would have to be H&M in the old post office building. It is amazing.

3. Learn I love the museum as they always have great things happening. I went to a WW2 exhibition and learnt about war tankers. I love the rainforest and learning about our indigenous culture and history.

4. Play The street art and laneways are so cool! I love the graffiti.

My favourite is in Union Lane.

5. Sleep My favourite hotel ever is Crown Towers. It is a big treat for me! The pool is huge, the beds are massive and there is even a TV in the bathroom.

Bringing fun, practical and unique products to children with special needs in Australia.

Australia’s newest online disability store has just launched with a great range of products including EZPZ mats, EazyHold straps, Reflo cups and Chewigem necklaces and bracelets. The range is growing daily so make sure you subscribe to receive all the latest product releases.

www.childrensdisabilityproducts.com.au • info@childrensdisabilityproducts.com.au

SUMMER 16/17

9

Rare Disease in Profile

Usher syndrome A feeling of loneliness can be one of the most confronting emotions to deal with. For one young Victorian family, that loneliness is both physically and emotionally compelling.

Physically so for Louis Shepard, a six-year-old with Usher syndrome, who was born profoundly deaf and is now progressively losing his ability to see.

Emotionally so for his parents, mum Emily and dad David, who are dealing with their son being diagnosed with this very rare disease, following the arrival of his healthy sister, Frankie, who is nine.

With a 1:650,000 chance of having Usher syndrome, that loneliness is understandable.

“There are so few people with Usher syndrome in Australia and the previous generation of kids were only getting diagnosed when their eyesight had deteriorated significantly in their early teens,” Emily explains.

“There was no one here who could share our pain and experience, and while those who love us try to support and understand, I don’t know if they ever really feel the pain in the same way. The loneliness (is hard).”

Fortunately, the Shepard family has found solace and strength from another Victorian family, as Hollie and Daniel Feller’s son, Harry, also has Usher syndrome.

The families met after a story appeared in the Herald Sun featuring Louis’s journey and the Feller’s realised what they were reading was eerily similar to Harry’s own story.

Together, mums Hollie and Emily have established UsherKids Australia to help those with a new diagnosis navigate through the journey of understanding how and why, and perhaps most importantly, what to do.

Although Emily says that she knew there was something not quite right from the day he was born, Louis was diagnosed in July 2013 when he was three-and-a-half years old.

“He missed the newborn hearing screen in the hospital, but when we took him home, we just knew there was something not quite right,” Emily recalls.

“My mother instinct kicked in and we began asking our doctors questions.

He was diagnosed with a profound hearing loss at eight weeks old, but my husband and I still believed there was more to learn as he was struggling to hold his head up.

“I once had a lady stop me in the supermarket when I was holding Louis to ask me if I knew there was something wrong with my baby.

“I, of course, burst into tears as deep down I knew she was right.

“He had various tests leading up to his diagnosis, which eventually came through a genetic panel test for genes known to cause hearing loss in the USA and cost several thousands of dollars.”

Louis started weekly physiotherapy at ten weeks old to help support the vestibular dysfunction associated with Usher, but has been late to meet his gross motor milestones.

Louis also had cochlear implants when he was 11 months old and attends weekly speech therapy. He attends a mainstream school but hearing will always be a challenge in noisy environments.

“He doesn’t have the ability to block out background sound like those with typical hearing can, which can be tricky in a classroom of 22 noisy kids,” Emily says.

“Louis has night blindness so night time can be particularly challenging. He sleeps with a bedside light, bedroom light, hallway light and bathroom light on. I often joke that you can see our house from space as there are so many lights on but it’s what he needs to keep from becoming anxious.

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SUMMER 16/17

with Usher through more research - and ultimately to find a cure that could also benefit others with inherited eye conditions.

“His field of vision is also reducing so he has no peripheral vision, which is challenging in the school playground with 500 children racing around. He loves his sport but playing ball sports and team sports are always going to be difficult.

“His balance continues to be an issue. As his vision continues to deteriorate that will be an extra challenge he has to deal with. He is always covered in cuts and bruises but he also always bounces back up and keeps on going.”

For five-and-a-half-year-old Harry, his official Usher diagnosis came in February, 2014, after experiencing significant delays with his gross motor skills such as standing, walking, sitting and crawling.

Harry, who has two older sisters Tess, 13 and Alice, 10, was born deaf but received a ‘miracle’ cochlear implant when he was one, which allows him to now hear and speak.

There are many different types of Usher syndrome and Harry has Type 1F, which is caused by a gene associated with his parents’ Ashkenazi Jew heritage - his parents believe he is the only person in Australia with it.

“This makes him feel different but he just gets on with it.

He will always have an issue with his balance and has to learn what his limitations are. This does restrict some activities he can do safely and certainly there are some he can never do on his own,” Hollie says.

“Harry has been attending a mainstream pre-school and will continue onto a state primary school from next year when he starts Prep. He accesses the support services offered to the deaf and vision impaired to make things easier within the school environment, giving him access to all the same activities his hearing peers have.”

As there is currently no cure for Usher, the thought of their children progressively going blind was one Hollie and Emily weren’t willing to accept.

With persistence and passion they are paving a new path together.

The women joined forces to set up UsherKids Australia, determined to work towards better outcomes for those

There are now 12 families connected with the organisation.

“In three years we have moved from being comfortably happy as parents of a deaf child, to being distraught when we found out that wasn’t the full picture, to then rising against the wave and forming a network to support our family, and as many others as we can find within our meagerly populated country, to navigate a path that leads to the cure for Usher syndrome,’’ Hollie says.

Emily adds: “We want to ensure that these families immediately have access to information and support and the knowledge that they can lean on those of us who have had to travel this path before them. We are building a new community. We are raising awareness with clinicians so that a child can have access to genetic testing for an earlier diagnosis and that children are referred to the relevant experts in the field.”

They’ve taken comfort and strength in knowing that they actually aren’t alone and want others to know that too.

What is Usher syndrome?

Usher syndrome is an autosomal recessive genetic condition and very rare.

If both parents carry the recessive gene, there is a one in four chance that a child will be born with the condition.

It is characterised by hearing loss or deafness, the progressive loss of vision and in some cases, vestibular dysfunction. The loss of vision is caused by an eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), which affects the light sensitive area of tissue on the back of the eye (the retina).

There are three main types of Usher syndrome - Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3. Each of these types has a number of different genes responsible for causing the syndrome.

Go to www.usherkidsaustralia.com for more details on Usher syndrome and the research into halting the progression of RP, which will ultimately change the course of the genetic mutations that have created it.

SUMMER 16/17

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Summer Fun

Taking a holiday with your special needs child Summer holidays. Endless, sun-filled days, packing the kids into the car (or plane) and tumbling out hours later into an easy, breezy holiday home where all you have to worry about is plenty of sunblock and what to cook on the barbie each night.

Or not. Oh special needs life, is even the ubiquitous summer holiday at risk?

If you have a child with special needs, it is highly likely that you have modified your home, and your life, to make

it accessible for them and easier for you to manage. So much easier in fact that the thought of going on holiday, and away from those adaptions, just seems like hard work.

Fear not. With a little bit of planning, you can find some wonderful homes that have been modified specifically to suit families with a special needs family member. All you need to do is arrive and enjoy your holiday. No stress.

We have found a couple of perfect examples of places to stay where all you have to worry about is, nothing; and some tips to ensure your holiday is as relaxing as a holiday should be.

Awesome accessible accommodation… in South East Queensland!

Escape to the sun! Queensland as a summer holiday destination really has it all: beaches, theme parks, fabulous food, wonderful weather, and some really great accessible holiday accommodation options.

Aggie’s Oasis Situated on the Sunshine Coast, in the leafy suburb of Tewantin (about five minutes’ drive from Gympie Terrace and 15 minutes from Hastings Street in Noosa) is Aggie’s House.

Noosa has wonderful beaches, including the very accessible Noosa Main Beach (off Hastings Street), with a beach wheelchair available from the Surf Lifesaving Club, and easy access to Australia Zoo and Underwater World.

Stylishly renovated and decorated, this spacious holiday home is ideal for large families wanting to kick back and enjoy the Queensland weather and environment without being slap-bang in the middle of the holiday crowds.

Barney’s Place If the Gold Coast and theme parks are your style, then you may like to check into Barney’s Place.

When you enter Barney’s Place you’ll find every conceivable option has been lovingly catered for to create a spectacular luxury family and disability friendly homestay, from the specially designed disabled bathroom to the fully customised kitchen with wheelchair access.

Full disability facilities and features have been installed with an eye for detail and personal safety. Barney’s Place also features a heated spa with personal lift, ramps with hand rails and many other features to make wheelchair accessible and family accommodation a breeze. www.barneys-place.com

It is owned (and was modified by) special needs parents and they really have thought of everything including a pool hoist, specially modified bathroom and even a hospital bed and air mattress if required. They have a modified vehicle you can hire, can help you to organise care for your child with a care agency that they use and trust and are also able to make sure any additional equipment is at the house and ready for use during your stay. www.aggiesoasis.com.au

SUMMER 16/17

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Tips for a holiday

that is memorable for all the right reasons Plan your toilet stops

Arrange some respite

Go to www.toiletmap.gov.au and put in your departure and destination addresses and you’ll see a full list of all the public toilets (including a symbol of the amenities provided). You can also go to www.changingplaces.org.au to find locations of Changing Places (see our article on Changing Places in the Continence Feature).

Looking after your child, especially if they have high care needs, can be exhausting. While it is wonderful to have special family time together, it is also a great idea to have some time just to relax as a family without the demands that come with being a carer. Your other children may also enjoy activities that are difficult for your child with a disability to manage or access, or may just like some oneon-one time with you.

Hire a modified vehicle There’s no need to worry about how you are going to get from the airport to your accommodation, or around while you’re on holiday, anymore.

Hertz Australia is introducing wheelchair access vehicles to its fleet. There will be 10 new vehicles available in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

With five doors, wheelchair access through the rear of the vehicle and five passenger seats, the new mobility range helps travellers with specific mobility needs. www.hertz.com.au

Choose holiday accommodation that is specifically modified for your child’s disability The last thing you need is inaccessible holiday accommodation or somewhere with inadequate bathroom facilities. We have a couple of great options in this feature as an example of the kind of holiday option that is a stylish and relaxing, as well as catering for your child with disability.

Check out www.cangoeverywhere.com.au and www.australiaforall.com for more information on accessible accommodation around Australia.

How to do this?

Take your au pair on holiday with you! (See our article in this issue all about hiring an au pair).

Arrange a carer through a respite care agency in the area you will be staying in. For more information about respite services phone the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222.

Pre-order groceries Once you’ve reached your destination, the last thing you need is to make a stop off at the supermarket. Pre-order and have them delivered to your holiday accommodation.

Hire equipment Travel light and organise for equipment you may need to be waiting for you at your destination. Companies such as Mobility Rentals (www.mobilityrentals.com.au) will hire you any special needs equipment you may require.

Have fun It’s your holiday! It may look a little different to the norm but you’re making memories so enjoy every minute of it!

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SUMMER 16/17

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SUMMER 16/17

Summer Fun

Bike riding freedom “One of the most important days of my life, was when I learned to ride a bicycle.” Michael Palin What Michael Palin failed to mention was the culmination of skills he mastered when he learnt to ride his bike but we can understand the satisfaction and freedom he felt.

Bike riding competency involves motor planning, spatial awareness, rhythmical coordinated muscle control and strength and, above all a sense of ‘riding balance’. That is, the ability to control your weight shift and postural reactions to achieve a sense of equilibrium on two wheels while negotiating travelling around your environment.

Practising the associated foundation skills of motor planning and spatial awareness; and rhythmical coordinated movement pattern of cycling, will enhance your child’s mastery of riding a bike, regardless of the modifications required to ensure safe and independent bike riding. It might sound a little complicated, so let’s break it down so you can provide the environment and the opportunity to master each component.

To maintain foot contact with the pedal, secure your child’s shoes to the pedals and assist by propelling the bike forward.

These elements enable your rider to understand how to pedal and not to push too early and force the ascending pedal backwards.

Riding balance To develop balance, ride a scooter or balance bike over progressively more challenging environments.

The aim is to master a sense of weight shift and the required postural reactions to maintain equilibrium.

Once these skills are mastered your child is ready to transition to a two-wheeler without training wheels.

Planning and a graduated progression can make this progression a successful enjoyable process.

Your next step is to gradually combine and master the skill elements of riding a bike in the specific order listed below.

1. Balance 2. Steering 3. Braking 4. Pedalling

Motor planning and spatial awareness

5. Independent starting

Set up obstacle courses for your child to walk +/- a walking aide including a trolley, or to ride their tricycle, go-cart, scooter or balance bike around.

6. Riding up hills

The aim is to cement your child’s ability to safely negotiate and anticipate their movement through a challenging environment at various speeds without the higher demands of riding balance.

Rhythmical coordinated movement Scootering on a three-wheeled scooter (two wheels at the front) and potentially a two-wheeled scooter or riding a tricycle or a bike with training wheels.

The aim is to feel and master reciprocal, rhythmical lower limb movement without the demands of a challenging environment and riding balance. When mastering a scooter encourage your child to change feet.

Mastering pedalling To practise pedalling: • s et up a two-wheeler and training wheels so that the back wheel is airborne while the training wheels stabilise the bike on the ground – the same principle as a stationary trainer.

•e nsure that the seat height allows for a full pedal cycle without your child’s knee going higher than their hip. This is essential to enable your rider to easily maintain their balance without a huge weight shift through their pelvis as they push the pedal around the full cycle.

Balance The most important skill now is ‘riding balance’. Having introduced and mastered the concept/feeling through riding a balance bike and scooter it now becomes a specific skill on a bike.

To optimise ‘riding balance’ consider the bike’s set up and the environment: 1. Bike set up – keep the seat low to enable feet to touch the ground – your rider now feels confident.

2. Environment – grassy gentle slope.

3. H old the back of the seat and guide the bike down the gentle slope – encourage your rider to drift and stop (feet down) and drift and stop.

Steering Confident riders grip the handle bars firmly, which improves symmetrical postural control and introduces riding/drifting towards targets initially, then staying on a wide path, and finally around or avoiding obstacles.

Braking Introduce gently squeezing the hand brakes to control speed. Teach your rider to slow right down before they put their foot to the ground to stop – this ensures they maintain their balance on the bike.

SUMMER 16/17

Pedalling • Place feet onto the pedals, while drifting, and start pedalling.

• Check knee vs hip height at top of pedal cycle.

• Encourage your rider to control speed through pedalling and foot brakes +/- hand brakes.

Independent starting Optimise – aim bike down gentle open slope, place foot on the pedal near top of downward cycle, press down on the pedal and GO! Riding up hills

Glossary Motor planning is the ability to conceive, plan, and carry out a skilled, non-habitual motor act in the correct sequence from beginning to end.

Spatial awareness is the awareness of the body in space, and the child’s relationship to the objects in the space, including how the relationship changes as the child moves through the space.

Weight shift is the ability to transfer the body’s centre of gravity from one supporting limb to another.

By Jane Brooksbank, senior physiotherapist at Movement Solutions www.movementsolutions.com.au

This requires riding balance proficiency and leg strength.

Start on flat ground getting up out of the seat and pedalling before introducing gentle inclines.

Yeah! You’ve done it! And now your young rider can truly understand that:

“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike.” John F. Kennedy

The Skill Building Bike for kids of all Abilities

• Rethink the definition of riding • Our Strider bikes break down the overwhelming task of learning how to ride into a safe and natural progression • Increases balance, coordination & confidence

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• The simplicity of Strider bikes allows children to concentrate on the fundamental skills of balancing, leaning & steering whilst propelling the bike in a natural way • Ultra lightweight, easy to control, free of chains & pedals

http://www.stridersports.com.au/special_needs_bikes

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SUMMER 16/17

Summer Fun

Bikes

Product review

The 3in1 Wishbone Bike The 3in1 Wishbone Bike has unique, three-way adjustability to offer the perfect solution for every size and developmental stage from 12 months to five years.

The Wishbone Bike starts at 12 months with three wheels, helping babies to walk and then ride. Later it converts to two wheels for a pedalless bike. Raise the seat and flip the frame to transform the Wishbone Bike into one of the largest balance bikes on the market.

The Wishbone Bike 3in1 comes with everything you need from baby walker, to toddler trike to balance bike. Small or large, you choose.

•R ecommended age: 12 months to five years •A djustable seat height: 28-46 cm •P ump-up tyres Contact Wishbone at www.wishbonedesign.com for more information. a Wishbone Bike – check out our competitions on page 6.

Strider Strider bikes break down the overwhelming task of learning how to ride into a safe and natural progression. With feet safely on the ground, a rider is easily able to manoeuvre and ride the lightweight bikes.

Although the Strider was not originally designed as an adaptive needs bike, it has proven to be a great option for people with special needs.

Strider says: “At Strider Bikes, we want everyone to have an opportunity to experience life on two wheels. The number one toddler balance bike responsible for teaching

over a million children how to ride will now be joined by two larger models, ensuring we have the bike to fit people of all ages, sizes, and abilities!”

Strider’s trademark simplicity, lightweight design, durability, functionality, and easy adjustability remain featured in each of the two new sizes designed to cater to youth and adults with special needs.

A Strider balance bike is the perfect balance of safety, performance and fun, without the weight and complications of pedals. The use of a Strider bike promotes a natural, safe method to learn to balance and ride.

• Easy adjust seat clamp • Front and rear brake • Pneumatic tyres • Available in 12”, 16” and 20” sizes • Available in five dynamic colours: black, white, blue, green and red Contact Strider at www.stridersports.com.au for more information. a Strider Bike – check out our competitions on page 6.

The Discovery Series This is a great way to gain therapeutic advantages from an activity that the children will love, right from a very early age.

The Discovery provides children with the external support necessary for them to work on their own strength and coordination, while increasing their motivation.

• Designed to provide excellent stability • Fits through most standard door openings • The Discovery is available in three sizes: the Mini, suitable for children as young as one, a 12” and a 16” size Contact Special Needs Solutions at www.specialneedssolutions.com.au for more information.

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MOMO Tricycle The MOMO tricycle unites numerous therapeutic and medical objectives and requirements.

All Edge tricycles are Australian made and are extremely sturdy in their construction and feature: • Adjustable handle bars • Chain guard

In addition to its mobilising and stimulating effect on joints, muscles and circulation, the MOMO tricycle also makes a major contribution towards the integration of children and teenagers with mobility disorders.

• Front locking handbrake

•T he frames and axle arms are made of high-strength aluminium

Contact Body Cycles at www.bodycyclesaustralia.com.au for more information.

•T he compact design and the optimised tricycle geometry with a low centre of gravity makes MOMO easy to manoeuvre

Freedom Wheels

•A number of different drive variations are available: from a rigid drive to the seven-speed gear hub and electrical support •T here are a large number of accessories that can be added to the bike for people requiring more support •A vailable in 12”, 16”, 20”, 22”, 24” and 26” sizes Contact Just Juniors Disability at www.justjuniorsdisability.com for more information.

The Edge The Edge range of tricycles are chain driven and developed for people with special needs who need the support and stability of three wheels instead of two.

An extensive range of accessories are available, specially designed to allow people with a more limiting disability to enjoy the fun of a bike ride.

• Choice of saddles • Powder coated frame • Available in 12”, 16”, 20” and 24” geared sizes • Available in purple, blue, red and green

The Freedom Wheels customised bike program takes a standard bike frame (which they make) and modifies it, giving independence to children with disabilities by allowing them to have the opportunity to ride a bike.

With the help of the highly skilled team of therapists, engineers and volunteers at TAD, these bikes are modified to the individual needs of the client. An assessment process is needed to ensure that the client receives a bike that is suited to their age, height, weight, type of disability, and physical and cognitive abilities.

A range of accessories can be added to meet the needs of each child, for example postural supports, foot cups, modified handlebars and outrigger wheels. These can be left attached to the bike or removed easily, without tools, for storage and transport.

Contact TAD www.tadaustralia.org.au (and click on the Freedom Wheels link) for more information.

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SUMMER 16/17

Summer Fun Summer time! Pool, backyard, beach and Christmas! We’ve found some of the best products around to enjoy over the holidays (and beyond).

If Santa needs any gift ideas, make sure to show him this page.

Trampolines

by Springfree Trampolines RRP from $1499 Getting the kids outside and active through safe play will not only give you peace of mind but will allow children to have fulfilled enjoyment.

Trampolines can be funded (bonus!) and they will help with gross motor development, cardio vascular, flexibility, and muscle control. Studies have shown jumping can have a stabilising effect on the nervous system. What a great way to increase resistance to environmental, physical and emotional stress. www.springfree.com.au

Kids Swings by Swingz N Thingz RRP $145 These are the epitome of fun, rest, relaxation and sensory stimulation all rolled into one!

SUMMER FUN Products

Australian made, suitable for ages six months to eight years, and holds up to 100kg.

Made from high quality canvas in a great range of colours; they are easy to hang, strong, sturdy and portable! www.swingz.com.au

Jennswing by Special Needs Play Equipment Jennswing disability swing is designed to allow a child to be more easily lifted onto the swing and quickly strapped in.

The semi-reclined design offers better upper/lower body support. The leg rest gives added support and the armrest provides lateral support.

The Jennswing comes complete with a fully adjustable safety harness that securely locks the child into place.

With its partially reclined, bodyembracing design and easily adjustable safety harness, the Jennswing offers children a safe, comfortable and fun ride.

It is made out of durable, rotational moulded polyethylene plastic and will accommodate children up to 56kg. www.specialneedsplayequipment.com.au

Kick Brick

by Keystone Kids RRP $99 These home-sized foam bricks can be used as construction toys but are also great for catching, stacking, bowling and jumping games.

You can also use them in and around the pool. Winning! www.kickbrick.com.au

SUMMER 16/17

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Beach Shade Tents

by Limetree Kids RRP $186.95 Stylish beach canvas tents are the perfect addition on a hot day at the beach, picnic in the park or grass poolside.

Scooter Board by Hart Sport RRP $42.50 This six-wheel double scooter is big enough to lay down surfboard style paddling, or for two children to sit or kneel on and ride together!

Brilliant for gross motor development.

They are simple to erect and allow a refreshing air flow unlike pop-up shelters. www.limetreekids.com.au

www.hartsport.com.au

Aquafit Float Suit by Theraquatics RRP $389.45 Designed for swimmers with significant physical disabilities.

The float suit maintains the swimmer in a horizontal position whilst in the water. The design prevents the body from leaning and rolling and also prevents the head from being thrust back by involuntary movements.

Made from closed cell foam and a smooth PVC sleeve, the float suit is comfortable to wear.

Aquafit float suits are available for both children and adults. www.theraquatics.com.au

Flower Set by Wooden Wonderland RRP $39.95 We’re not budding gardeners so this looks like the perfect option to introduce a child to the wonders of nature.

Constructed from Rubberwood, this educational set includes a flower, seed, soil, watering can, shovel, garden shears, stackable stems, leaves and interchangeable flower petals. www.woodenwonderland.com.au

Skittles by Tiger Tribe RRP $25.00 Rainbow Floater Ball

by Hart Sport RRP $37.50 Check out this floating ball, an inexpensive product that is sure to give your kids hours of pleasure. A lightweight ball that ‘floats’ in the air and slowly comes back towards the ground.

Inflated and deflated in a matter of seconds via a leaf blower or pump. www.hartsport.com.au

These eco-friendly wooden skittles are hand-made and super fun. Easy to set up, play and score. The perfect portable toy to take on holidays or to a picnic don’t you think? www.tigertribe.com.au

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SUMMER 16/17

Summer Fun

Splash Swimwear

by Little Toggs RRP $35.95 + The only swimming nappy you will ever need!

Ranging from toddler right through to adult sizes, these re-usable swim nappies are heaven!

No velcro, no ties, eco-friendly and affordable.

Big Track Sand Rollers (set of six)

by Modern Teaching Aids RRP $66.95 Easy to grip, these rollers certainly do leave a big impression.

It’s a great way to enjoy the different surfaces nature provides with exploratory play. www.modernteachingaids.com.au

www.littletoggs.com.au

Ozzie Mozzie Insect Repellent

by Ozzie Therapeutic Products RRP $17.95 This natural insect spray repels against those pesky little bugs. Made from 100% essential oils, it is an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It soothes against bites and is safe on skin.

Australian made and owned. www.ozziemozzie.com.au

Bazoongi Planetarium

by Lifespan Kids RRP $99.00 This super cute planetarium is set to be the summer home of any astronomy enthusiast.

Complete with glow in the dark stars, it is sure to be a winner in the backyard. www.lifespankids.com.au

Suppliers of educational equipment, toys and resources for special needs, primary school, pre-school and playgroups.

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adElaidE

252 the Parade, Norwood sa 5067 (08) 8332 5262

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256 Charles street, launceston tas 7250 (03) 6334 9996

hobart

243 harrington street, hobart tas 7000 (03) 6231 0499

EstablishEd for ovEr 30 yEars

The edge you need to succeed Call 08 8377 0399 for a free quoTe for freedom, independence and support, Body Cycles australia design therapeutic trikes to assist children and adults with or without special needs. offering an extensive range of made to measure top quality tricycles, they are made in australia and sold australia wide.

Custom-made trikes in australia Products include: edge Tricycle Geared Trikes Bike carriers

Tigermoth Balance bikes electric conversions

Never mass produced. Modifications to suit your individual preference, giving you the perfect trike you deserve.

www.bodycyclesaustralia.com.au

friendly service, affordable, fast turn around.

Info@bodycyclesaustralia.com.au

SKSummerAd_BodyCyclesAustralia_181x66_02.indd 1

16/11/16 9:28 PM

SUMMER 16/17

Sporty Kids

Making a

splash with

special needs sailing

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experience, which is an informal introduction to sailing and more education-based courses bound by a syllabus.

“There are also more than 75 Sailability programs, which are less formal programs specifically catering for disabled participants that enable participants to experience sailing.

“The Sailability programs often involve an instructor being in the boat one-on-one with the participant, which is of benefit if the participant has a mobility disability.”

Sailability is an international program first introduced to Australia in the 1990s, which has grown to being available in every state, however not all sailing clubs have the abilities and volunteers required to offer the program.

If you are lucky enough to find a club that does, Stacey says taking part will be a decision you won’t regret.

Australia’s Rio Paralympic sailing team became the most successful in our country’s history - claiming three medals across the three Paralympic classes.

Those elite athletes had to start somewhere and it seems that whether you are five or 85—sailing is proving to be a sport that really is inclusive of everyone, regardless of age or disability.

Australian Sailing Club and communications coordinator Stacey French says there really are only three very important items a participant must be able to address to take part.

“Sailing is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and enjoy the freedom of being on the water. It can be a physically demanding sport or a relaxing leisure activity, you decide!”

So if you are wondering how you might get involved - and perhaps work your way up to becoming part of Australia’s future Paralympic success - it’s pretty easy!

Visit www.discoversailing.org.au to find a Sailability venue close to you - give them a call and see what they can offer.

Sailability Sensation - how sailing can be accessed by all through Sailability:

“A willingness to sit in the boat with an instructor and get the occasional splash of water on yourself would be an essential and of course, an eagerness to have fun is a must,’’ says Stacey.

• Different types of boats are provided by clubs including the Access Class that are easy to sail.

Australian Sailing facilitates a number of programs around the country for people with a disability - and surprisingly, you don’t even need to know how to swim to take part.

• Equipment to assist those with limited mobility to get into and out of boats.

“We have participants from five to 80 years old, and even older in some instances, that participate in sailing in some way. Ideally the participant needs to be able to swim, however if the club can cater for a non-swimmer by using a specific boat that cannot capsize, swimming becomes less of a requirement.”

• Affordable options to participate.

There are a variety of learn to sail and powerboat experiences and courses that are inclusive of all people, which fall under the Discover Sailing Program.

“At times specialised equipment can be used, which might be a boat that cannot capsize (Hansa 2.3), or a crane to manoeuvre people in and out of the boats,” Stacey explains.

“We have courses that range from an

• Instructors are able to adapt their teaching methods to suit individuals of all-abilities.

• Modified docking areas that are accessible.

• Events for people of all abilities to compete in and a Sailing Pathway for people of all abilities to progress through.

Live a more organised life!

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visit www.stuckonyou.com.au or contact us on 1800 645 849

SUMMER 16/17

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We

Multimedia e v lo

To watch:

To app:

The one to make you laugh …

Speechless

One Step at a Time Toilet Training App – available on iTunes and Google Play

Speechless follows the DiMeo family: Maya, a take-charge mother with a no-holds-barred attitude, Jimmy, a husband who doesn’t care what others think, Dylan, their nononsense athletic daughter, Ray, their middle child who’s the ‘brains’ in the family, and their oldest son, J.J.—a high schooler with cerebral palsy who has a biting wit and sense of humour. The DiMeos move frequently in an attempt to find a good educational environment for J.J. and believe they have found an optimal choice when they discover a school that prides itself on being inclusive and where J.J. will have an aide to speak for him. However, they quickly find that not everything is as good as it could be.

The app is a simple, practical tool that offers tips and pictures to help you and your child learn the key milestones of toilet training. It has been developed by health professionals who work in early intervention programs and continence support programs for children with special needs.

Go to Victorian Continence Resource Centre www.continencevictoria.org.au for more information.

Classic line: “We’re the special needs moms who party as hard as we love.”

To read: One Step at a Time: A Parents’ Guide to Toilet Skills for Children with Special Needs

The one to make you cry …

The A Word

This booklet and set of tip sheets is a must for parents of a child with special needs. It guides parents through the process of developing toileting skills and toilet training.

The booklet describes a five-step process that moves the child towards using the toilet independently.

Step 1 – Setting the scene Step 2 – Developing the skills needed Step 3 – Raising awareness Step 4 – Using the toilet for wee and poo Step 5 – Night time control Go to Victorian Continence Resource Centre www.continencevictoria.org.au for more information.

The A Word is a BBC drama television series that follows a five-year-old boy and how his dysfunctional family cope with the revelation that he is autistic. Filmed in the Lake District it began airing in March 2016 and is now available on DVD.

To log on: www.havewheelchairwilltravel.net We have covered them before but it is worth reminding you and alerting new readers to this fantastic resource and all-round great read.

‘Have Wheelchair Will Travel’ are a family sharing their travels, tips and experiences of travel, and life, with a child in a wheelchair. Expect reviews, tips, and some genuine life experience, all written in a down to earth, humorous way.

Take care of yourself too.

Free support for parents of children with disabilites.

Find a group at www.mytime.net.au

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SUMMER 16/17

Wellness

Taking care of The best time to relax and take a break is when you don’t have time for it.

Steven Aitchison Self-care. We know that it’s been proven to be the key to happiness and a longer, more satisfying life. We’ve all heard the ‘putting the oxygen mask on yourself first’ analogy. But, when the kids are going crazy, dinner has to be made and the pile of laundry is as big as a dinosaur, the idea of taking time for yourself just seems like another job to add to the list.

And what is self-care anyway?

Be kind to yourself It is important to treat yourself kindly. Speak to and about yourself with respect. It is so easy to mull over all the things you haven’t got to yet, or the little mistakes you’ve made, or the words you wish you hadn’t spoken; but beating yourself up with the self-criticism stick is just being unkind to you.

We are all gloriously and imperfectly human. We make mistakes, we have wobbly bits, and sometimes we trip over pavements or feed our kids a dinner without veggies.

Enjoy it all. It doesn’t matter. It’s not good or bad. It just is.

There is no star chart award for being perfect. You rock for all the things you do, in the way that you do them.

you Value yourself by taking time, just for yourself. Make time to be you, unashamedly. Remember who you were before you became a ‘Special Needs Parent’. Embrace your hobbies – or find a new one. You are important and you deserve this.

Be kind to your body Seriously. Now, no beating yourself up about it (see point number one) if you find this challenging but keeping your body in its best possible condition is so important.

Maintaining good mental health and the ability to cope with stressful situations, is strongly linked with how we care for our bodies:

Eat well ‘We are what we eat’. ‘Food is medicine’. ‘Don’t eat anything mould wouldn’t grow on’. You know the buzz phrases. If you eat real, nutrient dense foods, your body will work properly, you will release any extra weight without having to diet and you will be significantly less likely to get sick.

Drink plenty of water If you are dehydrated you will feel tired and headachy.

Water helps to flush out toxins and keep our bodies functioning normally. While eight glasses is the ideal figure bandied about, the actual amount you need to drink depends on your size, the amount of energy you expend and the heat. The best way to make sure is by keeping an eye on the colour of your urine: it should be pale strawcoloured. If not, drink up.

Exercise Exercise releases endorphins, makes you feel great and helps to decrease depression and anxiety. It also tones your body, makes you feel stronger and more energetic, and helps to keep your body fit enough to manage the exertions of being a special needs parent.

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Exercising doesn’t have to mean going for a 10k run every day. In fact, a lot of research is showing that too much exercise can be stressful on the body. Choose an activity you enjoy and you’ll be far more likely to continue with it long term. Whether it’s cricket with the kids at the park, a walk with your friends around the neighbourhood or a yoga YouTube video, moving your body will make you feel significantly better.

It doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming (although obviously it can be if that’s how you feel led).

Easy ways to help out that can become a part of your day could include: letting someone cut in front of you in the grocery store, paying for someone’s coffee, taking a meal to a neighbour who’s just been in hospital, or looking after a friend’s child for a few hours so they can have a break.

Sleep

Practise gratitude

Six to eight hours a day, people. Don’t laugh. It is essential to make sure you get enough sleep to maintain good mental health. While I know it can be tricky when you have a child who doesn’t sleep through the night, it really is worth working out how to manage a proper sleep routine.

If you are struggling to fall or stay asleep at night, it may be worth chatting to your naturopath/pharmacist about a magnesium supplement/using magnesium salts in your bath a few times a week. A large number of the population are magnesium deficient due to depletion in the soil our food is grown in. Magnesium deficiency can cause difficulty sleeping, anxiety and muscle cramps.

Being grateful for what you have rather than focussing on what you don’t is a key aspect of Positive Psychology.

Masses of research has shown that people who practise gratitude are happier, healthier and more at peace with the world and their place in it.

Delete the ‘bad’ habits Quit smoking, keep to the recommended daily amount of alcohol and cut down on the caffeine. I’m pretty sure we all know that it just makes sense to limit the amounts of toxins we put into our systems.

Be kind to others It may seem like a tall order to find the time to give to others when you are struggling to manage everything going on in your life but being kind to others is key to achieving happiness. Studies have shown that helping others can release hormones in our brain that make us feel good (they’ve been tagged ‘helper’s high’), it also increases our sense of community and helps to encourage the ‘paying it forward’ momentum.

There are two key aspects to the gratitude practice: 1) Noticing and appreciating aspects of your life (something good that happened in your day, having a safe place to sleep at night, the meal you’re about to enjoy).

2) Noticing and appreciating the people who contribute to your life (the teacher who encouraged you to become a mathematician and therefore into a profession you love, the neighbour who mowed your lawn for you, the physio who spent the time working with your child to help him to walk, the lady who let you in at the lights, so you weren’t late for school pickup).

There have been some interesting studies showing that people suffering from depression and anxiety had improvement in symptoms after keeping a daily gratitude journal. If journaling isn’t your thing, you could try thinking of three things you’re grateful for when you wake up in the morning. It’s a great way to start your day on a high.

Forgive Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.

Buddha

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SUMMER 16/17

Wellness Holding onto grudges, hurts and slights can be cold comfort, indeed. It is also extremely bad for your health, putting undue stress on your body and leading to all sorts of health issues including heart attack, depression and anxiety. Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you accept the behaviour of another, it just means that you are choosing not to allow it to affect you any longer. In this light, you can forgive someone who hasn’t even said that they are sorry.

You can make the choice to ‘let it go’ and release the hold that the anger and hurt over the situation is causing you.

Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is yourself.

Many parents of children with special needs hold massive guilt around their child’s disability. Holding onto this is damaging to yourself and certainly isn’t assisting your child in any way. Allowing self-forgiveness is an important act of self-love that needs to occur so that healing can follow.

Maintain a strong social network People who have a strong social network tend to be healthier than those who don’t. You don’t have to have a million friends (in fact, if you’re an introvert, the very idea would probably send you into mild panic) but it is important to have supportive people around you.

It can be tricky to maintain friendships once you have a child with a disability. It can feel isolating, trips out can be challenging and friends/family may seem critical or not understanding of your child and his/her disability. That’s okay. Amongst the people who are hard, you will find those who are supportive. Who will help you to take your child out of the house or will bring a picnic to yours. Who won’t criticise or offer loads of unhelpful advice.

If you are feeling isolated you could think about joining a support group for parents of children with complex care needs. MyTime groups aim to bring together people who share similar challenges to build friendships and support through talking and sharing experiences. You can also find research-based parenting information and learn new skills. Play helpers keep children, including under school aged siblings, busy and active in activities such as singing, drawing, playing with toys, blocks or sand so members can spend time catching up with one another. You can go to www.mytime.net.au for more information and to find a group in your area.

Manage your stress Having a child with special needs adds an immense amount of pressure and stress to our lives, in addition to the usual financial, relationship, and situational stresses we are all dealing with. It is a great idea to incorporate some stress-relieving activities into your week.

You could try: • Yoga or Tai Chi • Nature/beach walks • Laughter therapy – or just watch a funny movie with your kids • A float in a float tank, a massage and/or some reiki • Writing, painting or craft

Calm your mind Meditation and mindfulness. It’s not just for blissed out Buddhist monks or groovy Instagram gurus. The wellness trend has well and truly hit the masses but if you are not already Om-ing away, you may be a little sceptical.

Or confused.

Meditation originated as a way to achieve spiritual growth but that has now expanded to basically mean anything that brings yourself back to yourself. It is that broad. You can do that through a walking meditation, a music mediation, a prayer meditation or even a mindfulness meditation. So mindfulness really is just a form of meditation.

It’s become really popular because it works, and because it seems so much more accessible than the (not entirely accurate) notion of traditional meditation: sitting in the lotus position for hours on end with a clear mind.

Mindfulness doesn’t try to make you clear your mind. In fact, it tells you that thoughts will come into your mind and you should just observe them and then let them move on, like trains at a station. Its entire concept is to focus on the present. Right now. Not on the past and not on the future, and while it is a practice that takes a while to master, you can start anywhere and anytime.

There are masses of books and apps available to get you started. We like: Smiling Mind (www.smilingmind.com.au) Smiling Mind is a not-for-profit organisation that works to make mindfulness meditation accessible to all. They have a free app (and they have programs for children as young as seven).

Set realistic goals ‘Dream big!’ ‘If you can dream it you can become it!’ ‘Live your dreams!’

Awesome, wonderful, inspiring – and sometimes slightly more pressure than we can handle. I am the queen of the motivational quote and love the concept of a vision board but having massive, all-encompassing dreams and creating incredibly over-scheduled lives to try desperately to achieve them (yesterday) can create a life that feels like a burden, or even a failure.

SUMMER 16/17

Please call your nearest Brooks office on 1300 78 FIRE (3473) for purchase or further enquiries www.brooks.com.au

Smoke alarm solutions for the Deaf & Hearing Impaired > Designed for use with Brooks RadioLINK smoke alarms and accessories > Can be connected to compatible alarm clocks with 3.5mm mono jack plugs (will cause a constant vibration alert without triggering the strobe or auxiliary devices) > Auxiliary sockets for the connection of additional devices (e.g. trigger a radio pager or even additional vibration pads) > Rechargeable battery backup

> Designed for 7 day standby > Xenon strobe light with wide angle light output > Vibration pad for use under a pillow or mattress (unit will alert user if the pad is unplugged or wiring is damaged with a flashing LED) > Additional strobes and vibration pads can be added for other rooms > Wall or surface mounting

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SUMMER 16/17

Wellness I’m not saying you shouldn’t have goals. Goals keep us excited and moving forward in our lives. It is a good idea to choose a few to focus on, determine whether they are a short, medium or long-term one and then put a plan in place so that you can tick your progress off, one step at a time. This can create a wonderful sense of achievement and self-worth.

It is often the case that we dream up massive goals for our children and then feel disappointed when those don’t eventuate in the time-frame we would like. Remember that if your child is struggling with meal times, is non-verbal and learning to communicate and goes to school, adding another big goal like toilet training, may be too much.

While goals can create a wonderful sense of purpose, it is also important to have time to just be. That is where the magic happens.

Help can come in various forms: Respite care for your child Over the summer try to have bit of a break. If you can, organise for someone else to take care of your child for a bit. This could be in the form of organised respite care, an au pair (see our article in this issue all about hiring an au pair), or having a close friend or family member taking them for the day or a sleepover.

Having someone else care for your child so you can take a break is a fantastic way to recharge. Remember that you are in this for the long-haul and you need to have a break so you can remain at your best.

Professional help

If you are struggling, it is important to remember that asking for help is not a sign of weakness and it is okay to ask for assistance when you need it.

If you are struggling with the rigours of caring for your child, or are feeling depressed or anxious, it is a great idea to have a chat to your GP or otherwise call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 to speak to a trained mental health professional. They are available 24 hours a day.

Looking after a child with special needs can be mentally, physically and emotionally exhausting.

And remember, you don’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.

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Continence

Toilet training your child with special needs Toilet training can be testing at the best of times, but toilet training a child with a developmental disability is an even greater challenge.

However, the benefits of being toilet trained for a child with special needs can be life-changing; attending to their own toileting empowers them, provides independence and removes a significant social barrier.

The advice from the Continence Foundation to parents wanting to toilet train their child is the same - regardless of their child’s level of development: • Your child is ready to begin toilet training when she is dry after a two-hour period or a nap, can follow simple instructions, can pull her pants up and down.

• Ensure your child has adequate fluids and a balanced, fibre-rich diet to prevent constipation, a major hindrance to toilet training.

• Get the toilet environment right so it’s not too cold/hot/ noisy/dark. Provide a foot support and toilet seat insert, and have their favourite book, game or toy handy.

• Set up a clear routine; take them to the toilet after waking, after eating and before bedtime.

• Treat accidents as positive learning experiences and never punish your child.

• Be patient and consistent.

Patience and consistency are the most important of all these principles: qualities parents of children with special needs will inevitably need to deploy more often, and over a longer period of time.

In addition to developmental delays, some children may have health conditions that impact on bladder and bowel control, and in these cases, it is important parents consult a health professional.

Summer is a great time to start toilet training, so if you are considering starting, take advantage of the many resources available from the Continence Foundation, including the new video ‘Toilet Training for Children with Young People with a Developmental Disability’, written and presented by occupational therapist and toilet training consultant Debbie Atkins.

Funding scheme for continence products Go to the Continence Foundation’s website www.continence.org.au to download a factsheet on the funding available and to see whether your child is eligible.

If you have any questions or concerns the Continence Foundation has continence nurses with specialties in paediatrics and disability available on the National Continence Helpline on 1800 330 066 from 8am to 8pm weekdays AEST. The Victorian Continence Resource Centre are a fantastic online resource and also provide a confidential advisory service on 1300 220 871.

In July this year they opened an incontinence clinic, which offers continence assessment and support. Their specialty areas are: bowel management, faecal incontinence, constipation and daytime/bed wetting. The clinic is staffed by nurses and physios, and it provides both in-clinic and athome consultations, depending on the situation.

SUMMER 16/17

I spoke to Lisa Wragg from the centre, who explained that working with people struggling with incontinence was often a little like being a detective. She says her main job is to, “help unravel the mystery”.

“There is so much sensory behaviour around toileting. If you can unpick the behaviour that is creating the issues, you can usually solve the problem.

“The kids I see usually have components of the toileting process, just not every step. Having the time to ask the questions empowers the child to help to solve the problem,” Lisa explains.

“Usually parents will have strategies they use for their child’s behaviours but they will forget to bring them into the toilet.”

I asked Lisa whether all children could achieve continence.

Lisa said that she would love to say yes but there were a number of factors to consider:

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complex and time consuming, often with the child learning skills only to lose them again, which can be frustrating and exhausting.

3. W hether the child’s schedule is already full. Other skills, like learning to eat, or how to use an AAC device will often take precedence. You can’t expect your child to have to learn too many massive new skills at once.

4. W hether the physical demands are too great.

With perseverance and the right timing, sometimes kids with severe disabilities can manage to learn to use the toilet, even if is just to defecate. “That can make a massive psychological difference to carers,” Lisa says.

The Victorian Continence Resource Centre has a wealth of knowledge available on their website including a book entitled ‘One Step at a time: a parents’ guide to toilet skills for children with special needs’.

1. W hether the child’s bladder was physiologically mature enough. If a child isn’t able to be dry for 45 minutes at a time, then they are just not ready.

They have also developed an app ‘One Step at a Time Toilet Training App’ – available on iTunes and Google Play.

2. W hether the family was up to the challenge. Lisa says that training a child with special needs is so much more

Go to Victorian Continence Resource Centre www.continencevictoria.org.au for more information.

EASY ENGLISH FACT SHEETS People with poor ● leak wee when

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● go to the toilet

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Continence

Changing Places Can you imagine having to lie on the floor of a public toilet? I’m sure just the thought makes you recoil and yet, for many of the profoundly and severely disabled people in Australia who require help with toileting, this is often the only way they can be changed when out and about.

Standard disabled toileting facilities don’t come equipped with full-sized changing tables or hoists, which means that parents or carers have to lift their charges onto the floor to change them. It’s unsanitary, undignified and often unsafe for the parent/carer.

Cue Changing Places. Changing Places, which started in the UK, is a growing global campaign for the creation of fully accessible toilets, equipped with full-size change tables and hoists to meet the needs of people with disabilities who require help with toileting, of which there are approximately 200,000 people in Australia.

We spoke to Eddie Chapman, the CEO of The Association for Children with a Disability, the organisation leading the campaign in Australia.

How does the process work?

There are a few different ways. The Victorian Government has been hugely supportive and funded a number of facilities themselves. Other facilities have been built by shopping centres, hospitals, or other places who have seen the need and often developed these as part of existing renovations or improvements. The voice of local communities has also provided immense assistance in building that support and encouraging facility owners to put these in.

How much does a Changing Places facility actually cost?

About $100,000.

What is your goal? How many are you aiming to get out there?

Ideally we’d love to see Changing Places as part of the building code. We would like to see all buildings of a certain size that may be utilised by someone with a disability, having a facility, similar to how we can assume that any new building today will have a disabled toilet included in it.

How can people get involved?

People can get involved by signing up to our mailing list, and following Changing Places Australia on Facebook.

That will give you all the latest news about what’s happening, and provide you with information about opportunities to have your say in where the next Changing Places should be built.

Go to www.changingplaces.org.au for more information.

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• Our experienced nursing and physiotherapy staff can provide assessment and help you plan a management program to suit your child • NDIS providers • Consultation can be done in our centrally located Melbourne clinic or at your home • Helping children who have problems with: - Constipation & Faecal incontinence - Urinary Incontinence, bedwetting and toilet training - Specific product choices, to help you get the right products and value for money • NO WAITING LISTS • We are a fee for service clinic

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SUMMER 16/17

Continence

Tips to support understanding during toilet training Toilet training can be so simple for some and yet can take what seems like forever to be successful in others.

The key with all toilet training is that we need to come from the premise of understanding. The understanding that the lack of toileting is happening for a reason. Unless we address the original root cause relevant for each individual, toileting will remain largely unsuccessful.

Some possible reasons for lack of successful toileting may include: • Anxiety • Lack of skills • Using toileting (or lack of) as a means of control • Fear of the toilet and/or fear of the process of toileting • Sensory related • Non-preferred activity and thus lack of motivation Anxiety: Many toileting accidents are a result of the person experiencing symptoms of anxiety. The anxiety may not be a direct result of toileting, but rather toileting accidents are a consequence of the anxiety experienced in other parts of life that remain largely unaddressed.

“Anxiety is result of a person not feeling equipped to respond to what is in front of them.”

Serge Benhayon

One of the key tips to addressing toileting is to ask: What is it that they think are not completely equipped to respond to? What skills may support them to manage the areas of concern?

Lack of skills: Here we need to further introduce understanding. Often, we as parents/carers, come in with our own picture of when toilet training should occur. This is a judgement and expectation, which typically results in increased anxiety for the person undertaking toilet training. The fact is that toilet training requires a step-bystep process and each person develops the skills for each of these steps at different rates.

When supporting any person to embrace the task of toilet training, we must provide opportunity for that person to feel safe, understood, supported, appreciated, accepted and embraced for their current level of skill developed, with the absolute holding that in their timing the next step they are capable of will be developed. In their timing.

With this as our foundation, toilet training will occur in a level consistent with that person’s potential; anything else will hinder the process.

Using toileting (or lack of) as a means of control: Some may have the skills to toilet, yet choose not to. This can be for many different reasons, but one possible reason is the person uses their ‘lack of toileting’ to control the behaviours of other people around them. Controlling behaviour is simply when person A is successful in making person B change their own behaviour as a result of person A’s behaviours.

For example: if mum is not spending time with me I may soil my pants. Outcome, mum now stops her previous activity to come and clean me up (i.e. mum is now spending time with me).

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Should lack of toileting be a result of needing to control, the way in which we address this is not via addressing the toileting, rather supporting the individual to develop the skills to respond to any and all parts of life they currently do not perceive they are equipped to respond to. This topic requires an article in itself but the key is to remember that our role is to support each person (ourselves or another) to become the most independent, responsible and connected person they are capable of becoming.

Fear of the toilet and/or fear of the process of toileting: Many people I have worked with actually have a fear of the toilet. For some it is the long drop from the seat to the water; for others it is the flushing process or the height; and there are those who fear the toileting process as the motions clear from the body.

These fears may seem incidental for some, yet are significant for others and must not be overlooked. Judging the fear as being wrong will further cement the fear and delay the toilet training process. With understanding we can support people to work through their fear as they embrace a step-by-step process to begin toilet training.

Sensory related: Many have found toileting challenging due to sensory related issues.

Some people feel unsafe without the tight pressure of their nappy. Using clothes that have a tight pressure can help to support those who require the sensation of firmness around the body.

Other clients have struggled with other sensory related issues to toileting such as wiping their bottom, actually going to the toilet, washing hands, or taking clothing on and off.

The key is to attempt to identify the specific sensory issue related to each person, bring understanding that this is contributing to the person finding toileting challenging and then address the specific sensory related issue here.

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Non-preferred activity and thus lack of motivation: The process of going to the toilet often requires a person to stop a preferred activity (e.g. watching TV, playing etc.) to go to a non-preferred activity; thus the person lacks motivation to go to the toilet.

As is the case with human behaviour, we often require a currency of value to go from preferred activity to nonpreferred. It is a great idea to use a chart such as the one we developed for a client as a reinforcement schedule.

Entitled ‘Celebrating my dry pants’, how it works is that every hour this client is checked to see if they have dry pants. If they have dry pants it means they have either (1) not gone to the toilet (2) gone to the toilet when needed or (3) had an accident and changed their own pants. This client was typically awake for approximately thirteen hours each day. Each hour they were checked and if they were dry received one star. For some people the star alone will be of high enough value that they are willing to go to the toilet. For some you can add a process whereby a certain number of stars equates to a ‘reinforcer’ of a higher value (e.g. ten stars equal a thirty-minute screen voucher). The key is to ensure the ‘reinforcer’ is of a high enough value to the person that they are motivated to go from their preferred activity to their non-preferred activity.

The last and most important tip with toileting is to celebrate each person’s steps of success. Every step is one step closer to complete independence with toilet training.

As we appreciate each step, we build a foundation to spring board onto the next step.

Thus with understanding and celebration, we build a foundation supporting a person to develop the required tools to work towards a higher level of independent toileting.

By Tanya Curtis, Behaviour Specialist from Fabic www.fabic.com.au

Psychology Speech Pathology Behaviour Specialist Occupational Therapy Counselling Ph: 07 5530 5099 | www.fabic.com.au

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Continence

OT Tips: Toilet training for children and young people with a developmental disability Learning to use the toilet is an important developmental skill for all children. For some children and young people with a developmental disability, there are often additional challenges, and toilet training can become a very long and frustrating process. However, with perseverance and consistency many of these children can become clean and dry. A developmental disability should not become a barrier to learning toileting skills.

But why is toilet training important?

There are clear benefits for your child to become clean and dry including; improved skin hygiene and physical comfort, a sense of independence and personal responsibility, as well as a wider social acceptability.

There are also benefits for your family with the reduced burden of managing the continence needs of a growing child. Mostly, however, having a continent child will give your family greater opportunities to travel and engage in a wider variety of community activities.

Individualised and consistent daily routine is the best approach overcome toileting problems.

Tips for Toilet Training

4. Set daily toilet time routines It is helpful to keep a toilet timing record chart to note your child’s natural toileting patterns. It is most likely that your child will want to use the toilet soon after waking and after snack and meal times, so plan prompted toilet times when your child is most likely to want to use the toilet.

Watch for child’s behavioural or verbal cues that may indicate a need to go. Your child may move to a quiet location, stand still or become restless or fidgety. Move them quickly and calmly to the bathroom but be careful not to force your child as that can lead to resistance.

5. Use clear communication cues Make sure to use clear, concise and unambiguous language. Say” “toilet time” as opposed to asking “do you need the toilet?” Visual cues such as sign language can be helpful. Reduce cues and assistance as your child becomes more independent with their toileting.

6. M anage wetting and soiling as a positive teaching opportunity 7. Be consistent Ensure your child’s school and respite follow the same toileting routine as you do at home.

1. Seek advice

8. Allow time

Speak to a health professional such as a continence nurse advisor, an occupational therapist, psychologist or physiotherapist who has experience with managing toileting difficulties in a child with a developmental delay or disability.

Be persistent and patient as you support your child to become continent.

2. Consider your child’s daily diet and fluid intake Not enough fluid or fibre in the diet can lead to constipation, a significant contributor in toileting avoidance and can cause a child to develop withholding patterns.

3. Modify the toilet and bathroom environment Consider equipment to enable your child to be able to access the toilet more easily, such as a smaller insert seat and toilet step. It is important to manage the sensory environment and remove or avoid anything that may distress your child. Create an interesting toileting environment that your child will want to spend time in. Stay close, and use conversation, a song, or a small toy for example to encourage sustained and relaxed sitting time on the toilet.

Debbie explains these tips in much more detail on an excellent video available on the Continence Foundation’s website at www.continence.org.au/pages/support-forcarers. Please view to hear her explain each tip in detail.

By Debbie Atkins, occupational therapist and toilet training consultant.

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Our family consists of: My husband Abe, our daughter, son Daniel and I (our children are IVF twins).

We live: In Victoria.

Diagnosis: Our son Daniel has autism/intellectual disability, and as puberty surfaced, epilepsy also appeared. (It is pretty much under control now).

How we manage this: As a parent of a special needs child, time to learn and adapt is not really afforded to you. Personally, when I found out Dan had autism around his first birthday, I cried for a year, but only at night for during the day I had twins to care for.

I needed to learn quite a bit as I knew absolutely nothing about autism, except that it was a lifelong disability for the rest of all our natural lives. I bought a book ‘Let Me Hear Your Voice: A Family’s Triumph Over Autism’ by Catherine Maurice. I read it and thought: “ABA: I can do that!”

With my primary teaching background I was ‘clue-y’ as to what kids need and how to go about providing that, and my creativity helped me with making learning materials.

Being fanatically organised didn’t hurt either. I went to a couple of acquaintances who ran an intensive home-based program, wrote notes, asked questions and it all began to take shape. Together with a group of parents all with a similar story, we got hold of an autism/ABA psychologist from the States by the name of Dr John McEachin from Autism Partnership, and we collectively brought him out to Australia. He observed Daniel for a couple of sessions and guided me how to start and what to do.

Additionally I contacted Noah’s Ark in Malvern, Victoria, which is a community organisation that offers a range of services and programs that support families who have a child up to the age of eight with a disability or additional needs. I went to their musical playgroups weekly because Daniel loves music and he liked the playful interaction with me and the others. The Department of Human Services also provided me with an OT every three weeks. My ABA program started efficiently when Daniel was about two and a bit years old, but I did not cover hours and hours.

I probably did it about three times a week and the rest I adapted into our normal way of life.

So here I was, an exhausted mother of twins (they never slept). I enlarged some food pictures – from memory about four – to A4 size (you can always succeed with food), and Velcro-ed them to the bottom of the fridge to see if Daniel would show any interest in them. In the beginning he would just rip them off and throw them to the ground. These progressed to smaller pictures and

SUMMER 16/17

more of them and then we moved to a colour-coded communication book. I also enlarged lots of pictures of toys, family members, and favourite things, and stuck them around the house at his height level to try to coax Daniel to look, and see, and pay attention. We spoke in simple sentences and made sure we were consistent with everything we said and did.

When it was time to move from a cot to a bed we found a carpenter who built us a bed that was a cot/single-sized bed with a high, removable rail that allowed me to change the bed when we needed to or attend to Dan if he was ill. The main thing was that it kept him in his bed at night.

There was an ongoing issue with his sleeping and this lasted till he was 14 years old, when we finally resorted to medication for his benefit and it actually turned out the best thing for him.

When Daniel and his sister were due to start lower kindergarten together, I approached their teachers with an idea of a simple picture book about Daniel because I wanted to alleviate any fears or worries that other parents might have regarding the safety and learning of their own children. I compiled a book after looking at books in libraries to inspire me and titled it ‘We all belong together’.

I got hold of the list of names of all the students in the kinder, and with the support of the teachers, I made sure that each night a different child took the book home to read with their parents and siblings. It worked out perfectly. I also asked, and was permitted, to take a short session with the children where I sat on the mat with them and told them a story about Daniel and how he needs help to understand things and how they could help him.

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These two initiatives and kind, thoughtful teachers made the next two years at upper and lower kinder fantastic for both the children. When it came to prep, our daughter continued with her education and Daniel went to a special needs school where I continued the ABA program by paying for a student to go there a couple of times a week and pull him out of class for one-on-one sessions. I took in my own lockable cupboard, filled it up with activities and progress folders, where the therapist had to record Daniel’s results and that lasted for a couple of years, and then we continued the sessions at home after school.

There are so many stories. We had to deal with years of no sleep for him and us. Years of screaming at night till the wee hours and jumping on his bed endlessly until he fell asleep with exhaustion. We had his bed reinforced and changed his mattress to a rubber one until he stopped jumping on his bed around the age of 14. We also designed a barn door for his bedroom door so he would not walk around the house all night. It was open on top so he would not feel closed in and scared. The light switch was quickly removed to the outside wall when he switched the lights on and off one night, nearly all night. We had to deal with haircuts and toilet training that took many, many years and teachers that were not supportive of our efforts (but we so succeeded).

We had to fight with his teachers that life skills needed to be taught rather than the evolution of a butterfly or the history of American Indians. I prepared worksheets for Dan so he could learn to trace and follow directions only to find out that the teacher gave all the other students the work, but not him, as she did not believe he could do it. We had to deal with him being tied to a chair because he was

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SUMMER 16/17

points physio Key to remember • Accept the invitation (if your child wants to go!)

a walker rather than a sitter. I prepared his communication book and schedule pictures that were put on the window next to his desk, for his class to help him make choices and to understand what was happening in his day, only to come to school one morning to find them taken down because the teacher wanted more light in the room.

• R ing the parent and do some gentle investigating. How many children are attending? What activities are happening? Is the park, hall or home accessible for your child’s needs? What required?

Indoor rock climbing beach, he went uptoilet to afacilities coupleareofthere, girlsifwho were walking parties for example, are not fun if you can’t participate. and tried to give them a hug. They were shocked but once Facilities may have modified harnesses and specialised we explained they instructors. each gave him a hug. We had to make A conversation with the host asking about this is sure that our precious, amazing received equal best done a week daughter before the event, not as you arrive at the venue!

Let thetime, host know if yourtime: child is super parent time, fun time, friend holiday for hersensitive to noises, allergic to latex or certain foods. wellbeing was so equally important.

We had to deal with teaching Dan to take oral medications. We had to deal with visits to dentists and educate anaesthetists to understand that children with autism need their mums to be with them and not to creep up behind them when putting a gas mask on them and scaring them. We had to teach people to acknowledge our son with a “Hello” and “Goodbye”, for he is a real person.

We had to deal with Dan taking chips from other people’s plates when we went out because he couldn’t wait for his (but once we explained they all offered him their plates).

As loving as he is, we had to teach Dan not to go up to (mostly women) for a hug. Once, whilst walking on the

time. and Many a party for and anyone is made and memorable by leaving I had to be a daughter, friend, a sister, a beforethen thingsand turn ugly!

Consider timesnow, for your child or wife, and it wasn’t easy although it’ssleep easier how much stimulation or party food they can cope with. This my husband and I have only had four single nights away is true for all of us!!! together in the past 24 years. I share that not because • Make sure that you can stay for the main event – cake cutting, I want pity but because areface sopainting! fine with things ashost beforehand puppetwe show, Explain to the they are; we acceptthat happily that thisfor is the ourwhole life and this is you may not stay event. our story and we• don’t want to leave Daniel anywhere, Don’t be a helicopter parent! Let events unfold and watch from Often or child because he belongs to afar. us. He is another part ofparent us, and wewill step in to make suggestions about how games or activities might work better wouldn’t have it another way. My husband and I could for your child. never manage without each other. We are a team. We are • Most of all – celebrate the event! on the same page. We know everything about our son: As a parent of a child with special needs, you can be a great every movement, every look, and every need. We discuss educator of other parents on how to make a party inclusive.

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everything. When one is tired the other takes over. We don’t even think about it. We are on automatic pilot and this unison, I feel, is a huge contributing factor to our success in living our life happily and together in spite of autism.

Our favourite places to go as a family are: Restaurants by the beach or St. Kilda Pier (although Dan is actually great with any restaurant because he knows food is coming his way and he is patient when waiting for his meal).

The beach in summer: we got him on a jet ski and he loved that.

We love the pool. Dan cannot swim but being over 6’ he stands three-quarters in and we watch him closely due to his epilepsy.

The biggest challenge is: The future: he ages and we age. We hope the people he comes across and has dealings with (outside of family) will be respectful and kind, and treat him with the dignity that he deserves. That is a worry for all parents with special needs kids.

Advice: I don’t recall the best advice we were given for we battled on our own, but I sadly remember that three top paediatricians did not give us much hope when we went to see them when Daniel was around eight months old.

We were told that Daniel was not going to be the son we wanted. That he would not achieve the things we wanted.

That we had just better get used to the situation.

The best advice I can give you, the reader out there, is to believe in your child and believe in yourself. Your child can achieve plenty, your child can learn to communicate, and your child can be happy and content. Just please do not compare him to anyone other than himself. Autism is doable. Work together and consistently with partners and siblings, yet make sure your life is not only about autism.

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Give equal time to all your children and be kind to yourself for it’s no-one’s fault. This is your life and life is not perfect for anyone. There will be plenty of difficult days/years but there will be great days too, and most importantly of all, always think of your child and what it must be like for them, and treat them like you would want to be treated if you had autism. We have always put ourselves in his shoes and that has guided us well. Always be consistent and organised and tidy, and set your child up for success and not failure. The communication book will have to be in the same place every day and easy to reach, the chips will be in the same cupboard and the DVDs in the same place.

Have pictures everywhere so your child can have choices.

I have photos of the dentist and the hairdresser and family members, so he knows what is happening and where he is going. Eliminate the confusion - eliminate the fear.

This journey has taught us: That we are strong and resilient.

Through our son, we have learnt the beauty of the human spirit and how it can cope with adversity and overcome much with support, belief and love.

To surround ourselves with positive people: from family to teachers to doctors to friends.

That we will always have to fight for our child.

To explain things to people. Share stories. Write Facebook posts and teach the world about our child. We thought we would need to teach our son about the world but it turned out that we had to teach the world about our son. Be open and honest about your child and you will find people will be more at ease as well.

Ask questions and keep notes so you don’t have to rely on your memory in between everything else you are doing.

You are the parent and no one knows your child better than you do: so fight and believe, and you will surely succeed.

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SUMMER 16/17

Au Pairs

Au Pairs Let’s face it, unless you were born with an extra set of hands, if you have children, it is highly likely there are times in your day when you could do with a bit of help.

This is especially true for parents of a child with disability – more so if you have other children to cart around to activities, a baby, or would even just like a little bit of a break from time to time.

The idea of a nanny or a governess running the nursery with an iron fist, or ‘a spoonful of sugar’, may seem taken from a novel and definitely a bygone era; or else someone the A-list celebs would have on their staff, along with a chauffeur and a personal chef. Ideal, for sure, but not really in the realms of possibility for ‘normal’ families.

Or is it?

While you may not be in a position to employ a full-time nanny, another option, that is becoming increasingly popular with Australian families, is employing an au pair.

What is an au pair?

Au pair means ‘on par’ or ‘equal to’, which refers to the fact that the au pair becomes a part of your family. The au pair arrangement is first and foremost a cultural exchange experience. Au pairs are foreign nationals, between the ages of 18 and 30, who obtain a visa to come to Australia for 12 months and in exchange for a room, board, and some pocket money, will provide childcare and light housework. Au pairs are a very cost effective way of ensuring reliable, regular childcare, in your own home.

What does an au pair do?

Hours differ per arrangement and can be anywhere between 10 and 45 hours per week. The amount you pay your au pair depends on the amount of hours she (or he) does and the arrangement you come to.

Duties can include: • Looking after the children • Dropping them off and picking them up from school • Taking them to after school activities • Helping them with their homework • Light housework including cleaning the children’s rooms, doing the children’s laundry and cooking meals for the children

What do you need to do?

Provide a private bedroom, three meals a day and prenegotiated pocket money.

Because this is a cultural exchange and this is an au pair, rather than a nanny, there is a responsibility to include your au pair in family meals, excursions, events and activities.

It is also a good idea to ensure they have access to transport, are able to meet new people and enjoy their visit to Australia.

Making sure that your au pair is able to communicate with their family back home (using Skype, for example) will help them settle in and feel less homesick.

Hiring an au pair This is an unregulated industry and you can hire an au pair either privately or through an agency. There are pros and cons to both and it seems as if those who go privately would never use an agency and vice versa.

Private placement You are responsible for all aspects of the recruitment process and can choose to either place your advertisement/profile on Gumtree or social media, or use a matching service.

You will manage all negotiations with regards to job description, hours and pay.

Pros: • No agency fees – so considerably cheaper.

• You aren’t limited by the agency’s set hours/ duties/pay structure.

SUMMER 16/17

•Y ou can choose your own au pair and will have a much wider pool to choose from.

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agencies will be able to replace your au pair immediately if there is a problem, ensuring peace of mind.

•H iring from Gumtree usually means the au pair is already in Australia and can start straight away.

• Agency au pairs have been vetted and tend to be more serious about their job.

Cons:

• Agency au pairs tend to stay longer, giving more continuity of care.

• I t is time consuming and some of the paperwork can seem overwhelming.

• Agencies manage all the paperwork for you.

•Y ou don’t have a ‘back up’ if the au pair you choose doesn’t work out.

Cons:

•A u pairs don’t usually organise their visas until after they have a job and not all visa applications are approved.

• You won’t have as large a pool of au pairs to choose from.

• I f you are hiring from Gumtree, the au pair is in Australia and may not have that much time left on their visa. They may also be looking for au pair work as a last resort due to being unable to find other work.

Agency placement Not all agencies are created equal. It is important to do your homework to make sure you choose the right agency for your needs. While agencies can cut out masses of the initial work that goes into finding the right au pair for your family, not all of them do the job as well as you would. Sonia from PROaupair says that: “Families and au pairs should use an agency that is a member of the major industry associations, either Cultural Au Pair Association of Australia (www.capaa. com.au), or International Au Pair Association (www.iapa. org). This ensures the agency’s commitment to the highest industry standards, and that everyone has someone to turn to for help when things might not be going as planned.”

• The expense.

• The agency staff may not check references as thoroughly as you would (this is agency dependent).

• There have been complaints that the agency fee seemed like the priority, rather than the actual placement.

Sonia from PROaupair suggests you ask the following questions before hiring an agency: • How long have you been in business?

• How do you recruit and vet your au pairs?

• What qualifications do they have?

• What countries do your au pairs come from?

• Do your au pairs have degrees in childcare-related fields?

(If this is important to you.)

• Do you have au pairs with experience working with children with special needs? (If this is important to you.)

• How many hours of childcare experience do your au pairs have?

• Is your staff familiar with each au pair candidate?

Pros:

• Have they met them in person?

• You don’t have to worry about the majority of the recruitment process.

• Who will be my main point of contact if there are any problems?

• You will have back-up and advice once the au pair is with you if there are issues with the placement. Some

• Can I talk to any of your current families to hear about their experiences?

Award Winning Professional Au Pairs for Families with Special Needs

Call 1800 854 262 to learn more

www.proaupair.com.au

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SUMMER 16/17

Au Pairs

Recruiting the perfect au pair for you Au pairs are not all created equal. Some are just out of school, leaving home for the first time and may have absolutely no previous childcare experience. Others are travelling after having completed their university education – some qualified as OTs, physios, speech pathologists and special needs educators. It is important to think about exactly who you would like to be your au pair.

Sonia from PROaupair suggests thinking about exactly what kind of au pair you need: • Do you need someone who can drive your children?

• Do your children have special dietary considerations?

• Do you need someone who is a strong swimmer?

• Do your children have any special needs that require special training or experience?

• What is your family’s schedule and when do you need the most help?

• What are your children’s personalities and what kind of caregiver will be compatible with them?

• Is your family loud and boisterous or quiet and serene?

What personality type would work best with your family?

Yes! We want an au pair! What next?

There is so much information online and so many groups of other host families on Facebook. As a starting point go to www.aupairadvice.com.au or join the private group ‘Australian Au-Pair Host Families’ on Facebook. Both offer a wealth of knowledge and the Facebook group is filled with experienced host families with loads of advice.

How to make sure the relationship is a great one Anja Kapelski from Au Pair Assist says: It is important to communicate, communicate, communicate. Au pairs and host families need to be able to listen to each other and understand that different cultures can communicate quite differently. Families who have never travelled tend to struggle a little more with the cultural differences between themselves and their au pair. Australians tend to hint around the issue rather than stating clearly what they need. A lot of European girls don’t understand this. In return they might ask straight out and this can be construed as quite direct and rude.

It is important to accept and understand that people communicate differently but at the end both mean well.

“A set schedule is essential. The au pair needs to know what her/his responsibilities are and who is responsible for what, and when, in the family as a whole. If extra

Top tips from Kat Abianac Kat Abianac loves au pairs, so much so that she has hosted 19 over the last three years, and has written a book (currently being updated) to teach other families how to go about it. She says: Make sure you include all the benefits of living with you. Au pairs are coming to Australia to have an Australian experience, so if you live near the beach or have a swimming pool in your backyard, be sure to mention that.

“Lots of young people in Europe don’t have their driver’s license because the public transport is so good.

Think about how essential it is that your au pair has their license. If it isn’t, leave that requirement off the list as you may be missing out on some fantastic people.

“Make sure you make up a family manual, explaining everything about your family, your routine, meds and feeding schedule, your expectations and also information about the area.

“Remember that this is a young person away from home (possibly) for the first time. They will need time to adjust and they will want to spend time with you.

You will get out of the relationship what you put in.

work is required, especially on weekends, consideration needs to be given to the au pair’s planned adventures and social life. Au pairs need to know when they can plan for their free time.

“It is imperative to make sure that there is a line drawn between when the au pair is on duty and when not.

As the au pair is live-in, it is nice if she/he can spend time with the family just for fun - to bond and just hang out, without having to feel obliged to ‘work’. It is only too easy to ask an au pair who is happily playing with the children to keep an eye on them for half an hour because you have to dash out for milk or quickly need to pay a bill online or whatever else. If those situations are happening on a regular basis, the host family might need to consider negotiating more hours and pay the au pair to cover for this extra time needed. The au pair must be given the clear option to say no as families need to be aware that au pairs find it hard to say no as they think it might ruin their relationship, they don’t want to be rude or ungrateful.

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Meet professional au pair: occupational therapist Jasmin Jasmin, an OT from Germany, grew up in a tiny town with a population of just over 1000 people, so when she heard about au pairing during a speech given at her college just prior to her graduation, she jumped at the chance.

Jasmin says: “My family was really supportive and thought it would be an amazing opportunity. My mum and my grandma always said to go travel while I am still young and before I settle down because once I am older I would never do it.

“So I started my application straight away. This took some time as I had to produce lots of evidence of my work experience and study, get a health check from a doctor, finish my English course, pass the PROaupair childcare examination, have interviews and my references verified.”

Jasmin chose to go the States for one year for her placement but she had such a great time, she decided to have another year, with a different family. After that, she thought she would see what Australia was like.

She says: “Australia was very new…the kind of English they spoke, everything more expensive and no more free refills on pretty much almost every drink. But Australia and the friends I made won me over. Life in Australia is different, kind of fancy, especially in Melbourne, lots of cultures are coming together here and suddenly words that were the worst insults in America were used here to greet your best friend. I lived with my first host family, a single mum with her autistic child for five months until we realised that she doesn’t really need a professional au pair. Yes her son had autism but he was also very independent, so I had an early transfer into my second host family here in Melbourne.

“My new host family is amazing me every day with how close they are and what a strong connection they all have with one another. They are a traditional family with both parents working. They have a young daughter with Down

syndrome. She is the most amazing little girl I have ever met. You simply cannot have a bad day when she is around. Even when I get up in the morning in a very bad mood and I really don’t feel like getting up that day, as soon as she walks in the room and smiles at me, gives me hugs and kisses, everything bad is gone. She is so filled with love and so lovable.

“Part of my work is doing her daily program with her to improve her development on a steady pace, which includes a daily 2.5km run with sprints included in it, in about 24 minutes, masking to get her oxygen going to her brain, cognitive activities, brachiating etc.

“I feel like she starts to see me more and more like a big sister and we built up a level of trust. Of course I am involved in household activities. I am responsible to clean up after myself and prepare things for my host child.

When my host dad comes home at night we eat dinner together. I am officially ‘off-duty’ but as we au pairs are supposed to be part of the family, I think it’s only natural to help with the dishes and clean up after dinner. I think it is not only the host family’s job to integrate us, it is our responsibility to integrate ourselves as well and behave like we would if this was our real home and family.

“On my days off I usually just relax and meet up with friends, go out or when I am free for several days, I usually go on little trips e.g. to Tasmania or Sydney etc. I enjoy the nightlife here. Melbourne has lots to offer: festivals, concerts, bar crawls etc. There is always something new to explore. I love what I do!”

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SUMMER 16/17

Au Pairs

Meet the Townsend family:

Au pair host family Who is in your family?

Myself (Mickaela), my husband Keith, Jake (8yrs), William (6yrs) and Zoe (4yrs).

Diagnosis?

Jake has Angelman Syndrome.

Where do you live?

Warriewood on the Northern Beaches in Sydney.

How long have you been using au pairs for?

For two years.

How many have you had?

We have had three au pairs. It has been a great experience. I feel that we have been very lucky with the three young girls that came to live with us. Our first one was from Germany, second from the States and last from Norway. They really slotted in well to our routine and lifestyle. Katie from the States has come back already for a visit and Elena from Germany is coming back for three weeks over Christmas. The children loved each one. It does take a little adjusting to have someone in your home but we had no problems. We included them in everything we did, however, most of the time, if they were not working they were out and about on weekends seeing as much as they could of Sydney. They made lots of close friends using the Facebook au pairs’ sites.

Where do you find them?

We used the online company called Au Pair World.

How does the recruitment process work?

It was very easy and did not take us long at all to find someone. You create a profile and then you are matched with people who are suitable. You get a daily update of candidates or you can just log on at any stage and search matching profiles. You start a conversation with them through the website and then we arranged times to Skype with potential candidates until we found the person who was best suited to our family. There are guidelines on the site to help you with pay structure, hours, contracts, visa etc. It is very well set up. Once we had chosen the candidate who was most suited we continued to Skype and email each other.

What do they do? Hours?

How flexible is the arrangement?

We set up an agreement that we forwarded outlying our expectations, living arrangements, pocket money (as it is called), duties, hours of work, access to car etc. so they were clear on what they would be doing. It is up to you and your au pair to work out the hours of work that you require. I was very honest about our situation. I was very mindful that one of the reasons they are coming to live with a family is not only to experience our culture but also to have a great time, sightsee and meet people. I wanted

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our au pairs to have a great time in Australia and within our family. I was very flexible with arrangements. We only used our au pairs during the weeks and they had weekends off, unless we had something on that we needed help with. If we did, I always checked first to make sure they were not planning anything special. It is my feeling that if you accept your au pair into your home as a family member, they will accept you as a family member too.

What do you provide them with?

(Accommodation, meals, pocket money etc.)

Again this is all very different. You can set your own pocket money amount. There are guidelines on the website. Our au pairs had their own room and bathroom. They had access to our car if we did not need it. Their pocket money was set up for a certain number of hours per week. It was the same amount each week. We provided all meals.

Would you recommend this as a child care option?

Definitely. Such a great experience.

Advice?

My advice is to treat your au pair like a member of your family, not an employee. They are here to help, yes, but also to have wonderful time. Don’t rush into finding someone.

Plan ahead so you have the time to talk to a few candidates.

How long do they generally stay?

They can stay up to 12 months now but that was not the case when we had our first au pair: it was only six months.

We had a wonderful relationship with each au pair and they all stayed longer than eight months.

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How did they manage you having a child with special needs? Do you recruit au pairs with special needs experience?

In my profile I state that we have a child with special needs. There were candidates with special needs experience however that was not a criteria for me. I felt that if we had the right person, who was loving, caring and patient, I could help them learn all they needed for Jake.

Each au pair was amazing with him. They really loved him and he loved them. He created a wonderful friendship with them and now is so excited when we Skype. The hand flapping and smiling says it all.

Why did you decided to use au pairs?

We have three young children. My husband worked long hours and I needed an extra pair of hands to help out during the crazy times, school holidays and also with after school activities for the children. It is an affordable way to have someone on hand to help out.

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SUMMER 16/17

Special Needs Teacher Name: Raquel Grammat Ages I teach: Primary school (K-6).

How long I’ve been a teacher: Eight years with the DoE and three years in home before that.

Teaching philosophy: ‘Learning with dignity’. I believe that regardless of a child’s background, socio-economic status or medical history, they should be able to learn in a respectful and nurturing environment. Our students should constantly be taught that they have value and they have the right to respect. I can often be heard asking people “is that age appropriate?” and I’m a strong believer in not teaching down to students with additional needs. I’m also that person correcting everyone and making sure they put the person first and then the disability. They are not disabled kids. They are kids and they also have a disability - but it’s not the only thing there is to them.

Favourite activity: Definitely sensory lessons - especially shaving cream. I love any lessons that involve exploring and discovering.

Sensory lessons can address so many areas of difficulty, as well as tap into the students’ (and teacher’s) need for fun and mess.

SUMMER 16/17

How do you support a special needs child within a mainstream environment?

As with all my students, mainstream or not, it’s important to teach to their needs. This means getting to know the student and their family, doing observations, collecting and analysing data and then sitting down with the student and his/her carers and developing an individualised plan. It is important to be open to having a multidisciplinary approach, utilising carers, therapists and other professionals to further support the student. I also believe that, where possible, students with special needs should be involved in their own goal setting and have some ownership of their learning program.

What do you wish parents would tell you about their child at the beginning of the school year?

I often wish that parents would share more about their home life, family structure and day-to-day activities. Some mainstream students could give you a 20 minute blow-byblow of their entire weekend but my students are mostly non-verbal or have limited speech and so I always wish I could know more about the things they enjoy doing with their families. Of course parents send in notes and photos when they go to the zoo/beach/aquarium but I also want to know about the little things like dinners, playtime and family gatherings.

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What’s your favourite part of the job?

The best part about being a special educator is looking at a student two terms into the year and they are flawlessly performing a task they couldn’t do on day one. It could be writing their name, reading a sentence or even playing safely and you know how hard they worked to learn the skill and how easy it seems for them now.

Are there any toys/books/products you recommend?

I always encourage my families to keep it simple. I make a lot of my own resources and Pinterest is full of brilliant ideas. You can make so many skill building resources and fun games yourself for a fraction of the price you can buy them for. Having said that... I do use iPads and think they’ve made a big difference in special education classrooms.

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SUMMER 16/17

Directory AIDS AND EQUIPMENT Active Rehab

78 Beischer Street East Bendigo VIC

1300 987 663

www.activerehab.net.au

Brooks Fire Evacuation Warning Systems

4 Pike Street Rydalmere NSW

1300 783 474

www.brooks.com.au

EDSCO Education Supply Company Pty Ltd

50 Yiada Street Kedron QLD

07 3350 2677

www.edsco.com.au

HART Sport

605 Zillmere Road Aspley QLD

1300 764 719

www.hartsport.com.au

Korthotics

5/10 George Street Leichhardt NSW

02 9569 3672

www.korthotics.com.au

Link AT

Level 3, 169 Fullarton Road Dulwich SA

08 8330 4102

www.linkassisttive.com

Medifab

26 Pardoe Street East Devonport TAS

1300 543 343

www.medifab.com.au

Ninja Babies

9 Merimist Way Kiels Mountain QLD

0422 068 159

www.ninjababies.com.au

R82

PO Box 284 Botany NSW

02 8213 6666

www.r82.com.au

Special Needs Solutions

Unit 4/15 Industrial Avenue Molendinar QLD

07 5597 4321

www.specialneedssolutions.com.au

TAD Australia

PO Box 3827 Weston Creek ACT

1300 663 243

www.tadaustralia.org.au

Unique Care

9-11 Point Henry Road Moolap VIC

03 5248 8369

www.uniquecare.com.au

Little Big Feet

6/2069 Moggill Road Kenmore QLD

07 3378 5935

www.littlebigfeet.com.au

Wonsie Bodysuits

Sydney NSW

0409 309 129

www.wonsie.com.au

JettProof

PO Box 5281 Kahibah NSW

1300 667 687

www.jettproof.com

Cleverstuff Educational Toys

Unit 26 9-12 Lambridge Place Penrith NSW

02 4708 2451

www.cleverstuff.com.au

EDSCO Education Supply Company Pty Ltd

50 Yiada Street Kedron QLD

07 3350 2677

www.edsco.com.au

Flying Fox

342 Hawthorn Road Caulfield South VIC

0404 495 111

www.flyingfox.org.au

Paediatric Therapy and Workshops

Geelong VIC

0412 751 741

www.paediatricworkshops.com.au

ShowMe Images

41/195 Wellington Road Clayton VIC

03 9585 2299

www.showmeimages.com

PO Box 96 Launceston TAS 7250

03 6332 9200

www.bellamysorganic.com.au

ATSA Independent Expo

Sydney Olympic Park & Royal International Convention Centre Sydney

1300 789 845

www.atsaindependentlivingexpo.com.au

ESPY Connect

PO Box 3287 Valentine NSW

0416 223 957

www.espyconnect.com.au

Life Without Barriers

352 King Street Newcastle NSW

1800 WE LIVE

www.lwb.org.au

Paediatric Therapy and Workshops

Geelong VIC

0412 751 741

www.paediatricworkshops.com.au

Access For All Abilities Victoria

Melbourne VIC

1800 222 842

aaavic.org.au

Aggie’s Oasis

Tewantin QLD

0452 450 311

aggiesoasis.com.au

Flying Fox

342 Hawthorn Road Caulfield South VIC

0404 495 111

www.flyingfox.org.au

HART Sport

605 Zillmere Road Aspley QLD

1300 764 719

www.hartsport.com.au

Sport Inclusion Australia

4 Lowry Place Benalla VIC

03 5762 7494

www.sportinclusionaustralia.org.au

ACD (Association for Children with a Disability)

Suite 3, 98 Morang Road Hawthorn VIC

03 9818 2000

www.acd.org.au

Angelman Syndrome Association

PO Box 554 Sutherland NSW

02 8521 7463

www.angelmansyndrome.org

ARC Disability Services Inc

92 Little Street Manunda QLD

07 4046 3600

www.arcinc.org.au

Association of Genetic Support Australasia

66 Albion Street Surry Hills NSW

02 9211 1462

www.agsa-geneticsupport.org.au

Ausdocc Inc.

10 High Street Seaholme VIC

0428 579 121

www.ausdocc.org.au

Australian Kabuki Syndrome Association Inc

13 Lockwood Road Erindale SA

Australian Leukodystrophy Support Group

PO Box 2550 Mount Waverley VIC

1800 141 400

www.alds.org.au

Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation

Suite 4, Level 69, 13 Young Street Sydney NSW

1300 977 180

www.amdf.org.au

Autism Awareness Australia

PO Box 288 Seaforth NSW

02 9904 8700

www.autismawareness.com.au

CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

EDUCATION

HEALTH AND NUTRITION Bellamy’s Organic

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

SPORT AND RECREATION

SUPPORT SERVICES

Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT)

www.kabukisyndromeassoc.com.au

1800 277 328

www.autismspectrum.org.au

Autism Tasmania Inc

PO Box 4649 Bathurst Street PO Hobart TAS

1300 288 476

www.autismtas.org.au

Beyond Blue

PO Box 6100 Hawthorn West VIC

1300 224 636

www.beyondblue.org.au

CARA

98 Woodville Road Woodville SA

08 8347 4588

www.cara.org.au

SUMMER 16/17

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Cerebral Palsy Australia

Level 39, 259 George Street Sydney NSW

02 8259 7725

www.cpaustralia.com.au

Cerebral Palsy League

55 Oxlade Drive New Farm QLD

1800 272 753

www.cpl.org.au

Cerebral Palsy Support Network

525 High Street Preston VIC

03 9478 1001

www.cpsn.org.au

CHARGE Syndrome

PO Box 91 Glenfield NSW

02 9605 8475

www.chargesyndrome.org.au

Conexu Foundation

PO Box 528 Stones Corner QLD

1300 077 321

www.conexu.com.au

Cornelia De Lange Syndrome Association (Australasia) Inc

PO Box 20 Putney NSW

02 9809 0287

www.cdlsaus.org

Cri Du Chat Support Group of Australia

104 Yarralumla Drive Langwarrin

03 9775 9962

www.criduchat.asn.au

Deaf Australia

PO Box 1083 Stafford QLD

07 3357 8277

www.deafau.org.au

Deaf Children Australia

PO Box 6466 St Kilda Road Central VIC

1800 645 916

www.deafchildrenaustralia.org.au

Down Syndrome Australia

219 Napier Street Fitzroy VIC

1300 658 873

www.downsyndrome.org.au

Epilepsy Australia

20 Charrington Court Baulkham Hills NSW

1300 852 853

www.epilepsyaustralia.net

ESPY Connect

PO Box 3287 Valentine NSW

0416 223 957

www.espyconnect.com.au

Extended Families Australia

1/95 Bell Street Coburg VIC

03 9355 8848

www.extendedfamilies.org.au

Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics Australia

PO Box 248 Salisbury QLD

1300 078 108

www.cureangelman.org.au

Hummingbirds

179 Dart Street Redland Bay QLD

0412 363 856

www.hummingbirdseies.com

Langford Support Services

PO Box 717 Moonah TAS

03 6228 9099

www.langford.org.au

Learning Difficulties Coalition

PO Box 140 Westmead NSW

02 9806 9960

www.ldc.org.au

Lifeline

PO Box 173 Deakin ACT

13 11 14

www.lifeline.org.au

Life Without Barriers

352 King Street Newcastle NSW

1800 WE LIVE

www.lwb.org.au

Lions Club Australia

31–33 Denison Street Newcastle West NSW

02 4940 8033

www.lionsclub.com.au

Mamre Association Inc

40 Finsbury Street Newmarket QLD

07 3622 1222

www.mamre.org.au

Prader-Willi Syndrome Association

VIC

0451 797 284

www.pws.asn.au

Rare Voices Australia Ltd

Suite 2, 3 The Postern Castlecrag NSW

02 9967 5884

www.rarevoices.org.au

Rett Syndrome

PO Box 855 West Perth WA

08 9489 7790

Royal Far West

19-21 South Steyne Manly NSW

02 8966 8500

www.royalfarwest.org.au

SAKKS – Supporting Aussie Kids with Kabuki Syndrome

PO Box 318 Rundle Mall SA

0422 608 858

www.sakks.org

Spina Bifida Foundation Victoria

Level 4, Ross House, 247 Flinders Lane VIC

03 9663 0075

www.sbfv.org.au

Steve Waugh Foundation

Level 11, 17 York Street Sydney NSW

1300 669 935

www.stevewaughfoundation.com.au

St Giles

65 Amy Road Launceston TAS

03 6345 7333

www.stgiles.org.au

Syndromes Without A Name (SWAN) Australia

PO Box 390 Fairfield

0404 280 441

www.swanaus.com.au

The Fragile X Association of Australia

Suite 6, Level 3, 39 East Esplanade Manly NSW

1300 394 636

www.fragilex.org.au

The Shepherd Centre

146 Burren Street Newtown NSW

02 9370 4400

www.sherherdcentre.org.au

1300 847 466

www.visionaustralia.org

08 7329 5409

www.wsasa.org.au

Vision Australia Williams Syndrome Association of SA

83A Ridgway Drive Flagstaff Hill SA

Xavier Children’s Support Network

284 Pine Mountain Road MtGravatt East QLD

Young People in Nursing Homes National Alliance

207 City Road Southbank VIC

0437 178 078

www.ypinh.org.au

Ability First Australia

Level 39, 259 George Street Sydney NSW

1800 771 663

www.abilityfirstaustralia.org.au

AEIOU Foundation for Children with Autism

Central Office: N70 Recreation Road Nathan QLD

07 3320 7500

www.aeiou.org.au

Everyday Independence

The Nerve Centre, 54 Railway Rd, Blackburn

1300 179 131

www.everydayind.com.au

M.O.T.A. Melbourne Occupational Therapy Associates

603-605 Nicholson Street Carlton North VIC

03 9387 1734

www.melbourneot.com

Movement Solutions

1/26 Eva Street Coorparoo QLD

07 3324 2490

www.movementsolutions.com.au

Nacre Consulting

8 Steele Street South Caulfield VIC

0448 316 319

www.nacre.com.au

NAPA Centre

Level 3, 2 Lincoln Street Lane Cove West NSW

02 9420 5080

www.napacentre.com.au

OCC Therapy

PO Box 118 Kenmore QLD

07 3378 9543

www.occtherapy.com.au

St Giles

65 Amy Road Launceston TAS

03 6345 7333

www.stgiles.org.au

Therapies for Kids

37 Nelson Street Annandale NSW

02 9519 0966

www.therapiesforkids.com.au

TLC Psychology P/L

Tasmania and Victoria

0410 788 844

www.xcsn.org

THERAPY PROVIDERS

TOYS AND RESOURCES

www.tlcpsychology.com.au

ARC Toy and Library Resource Centre

92 Little Street Manunda QLD

07 4046 3600

www.arcinc.org.au

Cherish Toys

National

0404 053 456

cherishtoystasmania.com

0417 510 606

www.childrensdisabilityproducts.com.au

Children’s Disability Products Cleverstuff Educational Toys

Unit 26 9-12 Lambridge Place Penrith NSW

02 4708 2451

www.cleverstuff.com.au

My Diffability

PO Box 3121 Caroline Springs VIC

03 8456 6613

www.mydiffability.com.au

SenseAbilities

12 Winyard Drive Mooroolbark VIC

03 9726 8047

www.senseabilities.com.au

0400 375 351

ww.thetoybug.com.au

1800 333 634

www.windmill.net.au

The Toy Bug Windmill Educational Toys and Equipment

265 Charles Street Launceston TAS

54

SUMMER 16/17

Michael Young

HomeHalo Most families struggle to some degree with controlling their child’s access to the internet. You might want to control the times you allow access, the content they can access, inactivate distracting games or limit music streaming services. There are many applications for individual devices (for example OurPact for the iPad), but not many solutions are available that work for all the devices on your home Wi-Fi. Over the past few weeks I have had the opportunity to test the HomeHalo smart router, which incorporates a smartphone app via the internet. HomeHalo essentially filters all the traffic on your network based on profiles. You can create a profile for each person in the home. Once you connect a device to the Wi-Fi network, you can assign the device to a person.

Setting up HomeHalo was easy. An account is created on the HomeHalo website, using the existing Wi-Fi title and password. You then turn off the existing modem Wi-Fi. You then use the website or a smart app to add profiles for your family, and set their access based on their age.

Some of the benefits of the HomeHalo is the ability to schedule access and vary each day. You can block content, websites, social media and our household’s favourite time waster: YouTube. I think my son could watch this all day if I let him! You can also turn on homework time via the app, by setting a specific duration for your children to concentrate on homework. There are toggles to turn off social networking, online games, television, movies and

online shopping. If the children are misbehaving, you can block them for a certain time from all internet access too.

All of these features can be accessed from the HomeHalo website or app on your phone.

I found HomeHalo to be a game changer in my house.

It covers all devices, my son’s school computer, game consoles, iPads and our phones. I feel more confident that he’s not mindlessly watching YouTube or playing online games while he is supposed to be doing his homework.

It’s not going to solve all your problems because the HomeHalo device only filters when connected to your home Wi-Fi, so I still have passcodes on iPads and PCs, and they are locked away at night to prevent ‘unauthorised use’. You have no control over your children’s mobile devices when they are out of the home or at a friend’s house either. My son discovered that you can buffer an entire YouTube Minecraft episode on his school computer, put it to sleep and keep watching it at home, which just goes to show how ingenious the younger generation can be! I now make sure he reboots his laptop when he gets home. I don’t get points for being the most awesome dad, but at least I know he’s using the device appropriately.

The router requires a subscription of $9.95 per month. The price to buy the modem itself is $149.00. If you’re in the market for this type of device, I can certainly recommend it as an additional tool to control your content access.

There are other similar products available online, but this device appears to be unique in the Australia market for allowing on the spot changes to be made using an app on a smart phone and having the ability to monitor all devices on your home network.

You can go to www.homehalo.com.au for more information.

Keep your kids internet-safe Start protecting your family today HomeHalo shields your family from unsuitable content and lets you manage screen time so you can relax - knowing your kids are safe and getting the best out of their time online. Easy to setup, and then easier to use, HomeHalo allows you to control your Internet at all times with an intuitive smart phone App. You decide who sees what, and when!

www.homehalo.com.au • info@homehalo.com.au • 1300 707 693 SKSummerAd_HomeHalo_181x66_03.indd 1

18/11/16 11:24 AM

SUMMER 16/17

55

What’s on Calendar December

January

3 December

New Year’s Day

International Day of People with a Disability

We wish you all a wonderful 2017!

www.idpwd.com.au

24 January

Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day www.moebiussyndrome.org

26 January Australia Day!

4 December

Variety Santa Fun Run www.variety.org.au

11 December

www.australiaday.org

February FebuDAREy for Cerebral Palsy

Woolworths Carols by Candlelight

www.februdarey.com.au

Elder Park, Adelaide, South Australia www.novita.org.au/carols-by-candlelight

6-10 February

18 December

www.feedingtubeawarenessweek.org

Woolworths Carols in the Domain Domain Royal Botanical Gardens, Sydney www.carolsinthedomain.com

24 December

Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne carols.visionaustralia.org

Feeding Tube Awareness Week

13-19 February

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Week saveoursons.org.au

15 February

Angelman Syndrome Awareness Day www.angelmanday.com

18 February

International Asperger’s Day www.asperger.asn.au

25 December Christmas Day Merry Christmas to all our readers, supporters and advertisers!

Love the Source Kids team x

26 December Boxing Day

28 February Rare Disease Day

www.rarediseaseday.org

PLAY ON Our huge range of Active Play equipment helps children develop strength, balance and coordination skills

Check out our entire range of over 5000 products

www.hartsport.com.au