Source Kids Summer 2019

ISSUE 22

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SUMMER 2019

Water

wonders Our Australian water warriors

WATER SAFETY

Beat the beach blues

W IN OUR IN ULTIM S

UMMER GIVEAAWTE AY WITH

hydrotherapy

$8000 OVER W OF PR ORTH IZES

source kids brand ambassador search PLUS… EXTREME ADVENTURES

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MAINTAINING SKILLS DURING THE HOLIDAYS

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LIMB DIFFERENCE

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LOW RISK ASSISTIVE TECH & THE NDIS

So everyone can thrive We want to help every Australian build a connected future, including those who have difficulty using a standard home phone.

Telstra’s Disability Equipment Program offers a range of solutions to support customers who are older or have a disability.

Visit telstra.com/disability, or call our Hotline 1800 068 424 (Voice), 133 677 (TTY).

NE

e v o o l f e m h t The ONLY * paediatric oral supplement designed to taste similar to milk

! ilk

Fo r

W

is a range of paediatric oral energy and can be used to supplement the diet of children who are unable to meet their #

.

NOW AVAILABLE IN 4 GREAT FLAVOURS:

BIG on Energy.

Small on Volume.

To purchase Fortini Multi Fibre go to www.nutriciastore.com.au Nutricia Australia Pty Ltd Talavera Corporate Centre, Level 4, Building D 12-24 Talavera Road, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113 Clinical Care Line 1800 060 051 www.nutriciamedical.com.au *As at 1st February 2019. #Used as a sole source of nutrition only under medical supervision.

Nutricia products are intended for the nutritional management of diseases and related medical conditions and therefore should be used under medical supervision.

NC3499-Jul17 / NUT615

ISSUE 22

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SUMMER 2019

inside FEATURES & ARTICLES PECIAL FEATURE S - WATER WONDERS 9

Water Warriors

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Water safety

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Beat the beach blues

20 Hydrotherapy – what is it and how can it help?

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Product feature – water fun

26 Overcoming challenges during the summer break 29

Ultimate summer giveaway

30 Maintaining and developing skills during the summer break 34 Fun for all the family: activity ideas everyone can enjoy 39

2020 Planner

44

Product features – swimwear and buoyancy

49

Tips for the perfect road trip

52 Christmas gift giving guide – with a sensory twist 56 Assistive technology – what exactly is it, do I need it and how do I get it?

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Extreme adventures = maximum fun!

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Rare disease: limb difference

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All the fun of the season!

Have you heard of Kaiko Fidgets? This business is proudly owned and operated by Kai, a 13-year-old who is both on the spectrum and dyslexic. Kai has an extensive range of discreet and noiseless fidgets for both adults and children who use them as a sensory tool to assist with anxiety, concentration and much more. Kai, at age 11, started making fidgets out of metal as a result of being teased at school for using colourful, kiddie like fidgets to help with his anxiety.

Determined to find something suitable and stylish for himself, he turned to metal! Soon enough, instead of being teased – he got requests for them! Kai has gone on to create age-appropriate fidget toys for older children, like himself. He has dozens of designs to suit different needs. Along with his mum Jo, who is an Occupational Therapist, they have sourced a range of other sensory products that suit all ages. We are sure you will find one to suit your young person! www.kaikofidgets.com

! kaikofidgets

Making shower time easy and safe

4

We Love

Do you face challenges when it comes to shower time? Therm Oz has come to the rescue and has designed this product to always maintain a consistent water temperature that will keep your child safe and happy. With a cool-tech technology that ensures the surface remains cool, as well as being water efficient, we are sure your whole family will enjoy the benefits!

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Welcome

www.therm-oz.net.au

42

What’s on calendar

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Family profile – meet the Whitney family

REGULARS

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KAIKO FIDGETS

ISSUE 22

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SUMMER 2019

www.sourcekids.com.au

we love

SOURCE KIDS

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WE LOVE

MEET SARA CANTENA AND HER SENSORY INSTALLATIONS Meet Sara Catena! Sara is the artist and creator of ‘Sense of Self’ – a delightful low-tech sensory installation for events and festivals. Designed for children of all abilities to access and enjoy, it is beautifully created with all senses catered for!

Sara does a lot of work within her local community, putting together these amazing spaces for our children. Sara’s next project is a large sensory garden at Maroondah Festival. Sounds like heaps of fun to us and we can’t wait! To keep in the loop with where ‘Sense of Self’ will pop up next check out her website or social media.

I

www.saracatena.com

$ saracatenaart ! scatenaart

Kids' safety glasses to beat the summer sun Children’s Safety Glasses believe that vision and hearing are precious gifts that should be protected. Their mission is to protect children’s vision and hearing through comfortable, affordable and size appropriate sports/safety eyewear and hearing protection.

Children’s Safety Glasses provides all of your child’s eye protection needs, from sporting to sun protection and everything in between.

Getting your children to wear sunglasses as early as possible is so important, as children’s eyes absorb more UV light than adults, and UV damage is cumulative. Sunglasses can help protect against future eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration and cancer. www.childrenssafetyglasses.com.au

JAM THE LABEL

Debbie Doo If you haven’t already met Debbie Doo then you need to! Debbie writes and performs educational, fun and interactive music that has struck a chord with over one billion people globally. Debbie has her own YouTube Channel, and is also adding live interactive sensory shows into the mix. After working as a qualified integration aide in both schools for children with mild intellectual disability and special developmental schools across Victoria, she believes that live shows for children with diverse needs is incredibly underresourced and she can't wait to help bridge that gap.

JAM the label is an inclusive clothing label inspired by two young Aussies, Jack and Maddie. JAM was created for young people with a disability in mind, however it is great because ANYONE can wear it! Created by two young Occupational Therapists who saw a serious need in the Australian market for on-trend, inclusive clothing and wanted to ensure that young people with a disability have access to fashion that hasn't been compromised by functionality. Head on over to their website (jamthelabel.com) to grab one of their funky items and support Australian inclusive fashion. jamthelabel.com

$ jamthelabel

www.debbiedoo.tv

!$

ISSUE 22

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SUMMER 2019

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welcome

ISSUE 22

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SUMMER 2019

Endings and new beginnings...

As we approach the end of 2019 and the start of 2020, it is a time of endings and new beginnings. The turn of a decade gives us the opportunity to reflect and remember where we have come from and look forward to the future and what it holds.

Personally, I am approaching the new year and new decade with mixed feelings; wanting to see the back of 2019 but not really wanting to, and wanting to start 2020 but at the same time dreading it. You see, I will be starting the year without my daughter.

Recently, my family experienced every special needs family’s worst nightmare - we lost our daughter, Charlotte, at the age of 10 due to complications related to her disability.

Like many special needs parents, we have had many close calls in the past through seizures and medical illnesses,

and the harsh reality of disability has been confronting to say the least.

But our daughter was a fighter – the cat with nine lives, and she used up every one of them with a fierce fighting attitude.

I share this deeply personal experience because as I approach my new beginning, it is important to reflect on the journey and what has made us what we are today and the legacy one person can leave behind.

‘A legacy is the story of some one’s life, the things they did, places they went, goals they accomplished, their failures, and more. Legacy is something that a person leaves behind to be remembered by.’

Ten years ago, I was that parent hearing those words from the paediatrician that would make my blood run cold and change my life forever. Like so many other parents

that have experienced the same moment, that day is still so vivid in my mind.

Because of this turn of events, I was forced into a “club” that I hated and didn’t want to belong to. Little did I know that it would change my life’s journey and impact hundreds of thousands of people across the country in the years to come.

Raising a child with special needs was challenging, exhausting, frustrating but it also brought me some of the most memorable moments of my life; watching my daughter achieve what she was told she never would, reach new milestones and develop into one of the most endearing and loved young ladies within our community.

Source Kids was created because of my daughter for other parents and carers out there wanting more for their child living with a disability,

SOURCE KIDS LIMITED

ADVERTISING

DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR

PO Box 690, Noosaville QLD 4566 ABN: 36 614 552 171

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Nicole Davis

www.sourcekids.com.au Send all letters and submissions to: editor@sourcekids.com.au

WRITERS AND CONTRIBUTORS Nicole Davis, Rachel Williams, Emma Price, Kelly Wilton, Judy Larsen, Marga Grey, Kylie Martin, Hayley Hughes, Emily Hayles, Julie Jones, Sam Paior, Clare Whitney

Naomi Sirianni – 0447 755 043 naomi@sourcekids.com.au ADVERTISING Carmen Smith - 0438 847 696 carmen@sourcekids.com.au Rachel Munro-Murphy – 0447 436 837 rachel@sourcekids.com.au

nicole@sourcekids.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGN Richard Deverell, Dev Design & Creative www.devdesign.com.au

PUBLISHER/CEO 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, contactinfo@sourcekids.com.au 6

ISSUE 22

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SUMMER 2019

www.sourcekids.com.au

‘A LEGACY IS THE STORY OF SOME ONE’S LIFE, THE THINGS THEY DID, PLACES THEY WENT, GOALS THEY ACCOMPLISHED, THEIR FAILURES, AND MORE. LEGACY IS SOMETHING THAT A PERSON LEAVES BEHIND TO BE REMEMBERED BY.’

for an audience that was hungry for information and advice to help them in their new world.

Because of my daughter, Source Kids has developed into a community that supports each other, shares advice, picks each other up when times are low, offers a shoulder to cry on when needed, laughs together when that is all you can do, and celebrates those moments of absolute joy when a child achieves something amazing.

Charlotte has impacted more people in her short ten years than many people will in their lifetime. She has left her mark on this earth in her legacy, Source Kids, which has reached millions of parents, carers

!$

and professionals since its inception five years ago. Through this she will continue to create change for future generations and ensure all kids with disability have the opportunity to live their best life.

I write this not as a call out for sympathy or pity. I write this to pay tribute to my daughter for the change that she has enabled. I write this for other parents who have endured, or will endure, the same heartbreak.

I write this to tell every parent to squeeze their child with all their might whenever they can. I write this as a shout out to the Source Kids team that makes Source Kids what it is. And I write this to celebrate the community we have created.

The “club” that I initially despised has become my lifeline on more occasions than one, this “club” has become my closest friends, colleagues, supporters and my network. The members are my club for life, regardless of circumstance.

As we embark on a new decade, let’s not forget our journey, where we come from or what is important, but let’s also look forward to the new chapter of life that is about to unfold.

much love, Emma Emma Price, CEO/FOUNDER ISSUE 22

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SUMMER 2019

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we love SOURCE KIDS

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WE LOVE

The Unexpected Journey, Embracing the Beauty of Disability by Julie Fisher A great read for all our special needs mamas and papas out there, this is a beautiful story told through the eyes of Julie Fisher: “There are moments in life that don’t go exactly according to plan, and this was one of them. This is my story, and the experiences of my family and the birth of our son Darcy. This tiny baby introduced us into a world we never expected or knew existed. A world which can be heartbreaking but is full of amazing people who teach us valuable lessons every day without any judgement toward others. Sometimes easy, sometimes hard; everyone’s stories are different”. www.juliefisher.com.au/book/

THE ALL-NEW SWIMSKORT!

Our friends at Night N Day Comfort – creators of the ‘pool containment pant’ – continue to innovate and create, launching the world’s first incontinence SwimSkort, and we know that you are going to absolutely love it!

The SwimSkort combines their famous Incontinence Swim Shorts with a Skirt, designed to give every body confidence, dignity, style and the opportunity to enjoy swimming and hydrotherapy this summer, no matter their level of bladder or bowel control.

Night N Day Comfort is a second generation family business and has been going strong for over 30 years, but you may have not heard of them until now! This incredible Aussie company has quietly become Australia's leading manufacturer of washable and reusable continence products and incontinence solutions.

Night N Day Comfort have been a registered NDIS provider since 2014 and all of their products are available through your NDIS package! Night N Day Comfort pride themselves on quality Australian Made products and customer service with a smile – and a laugh!

For our little ladies who love to splash in the pool or beach – this SwimSkort is for you!

For more info or to shop using your NDIS funding visit their website or give them a call 02 9531 2011. www.nightnday.com.au gday@nightnday.com.au 8

ISSUE 22

INSPIRING PLAY IN NATURE – IN A SAFE WAY This set of cards is designed to inspire play in nature with little or no equipment needed; just imagination and creativity. Each card fosters a simple way to enjoy more time outside, encouraging new experiences. And the ouch bag contains all the essential first aid items when out and about including band-aids, splinter probes, antibacterial cream, antiseptic cream, wound wipes and scratch and sniff stickers to distract kids with an ouch. www.jellystonedesigns.com.au

THE PILLOW OF INDEPENDENCE

We love this CPillow that has been designed by a parent to enable their child to develop their independence! For children with physical impairments that impact on gross and fine motor skills, it’s a pillow that will hold an iPad, toy or book (or similar items), while giving the user independence without the need for assistance. www.cpillow.com

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SUMMER 2019

www.sourcekids.com.au

SOURCE KIDS IS LOOKING FOR THREE AMAZING BRAND AMBASSADORS – IS THIS YOU?

BRAND AMBASSADO R SEARCH

If you love to…

SHARE YOUR AMAZING ADVENTURES CHAMPION INCLUSIVENESS FOR ALL ABILITIES BE POSITIVE AND VIBRANT LIKE SOURCE KIDS Then we’d love to hear from you!

OUR SELECTED AMBASSADORS WILL BE: • Over 8 years of age • Based in or around Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne (one ambassador will be selected from each location) • An ambassador for 12 months representing Source Kids at events, in the magazine and on social media as outlined in the ambassador contract

WHAT YOU GET AS AN AMBASSADOR: • 12-month subscription to Source Kids magazine • Source Kids merchandise pack • Source Kids ambassador experience pack

Enter online at www.sourcekids.com.au Full terms and conditions of the Source Kids Ambassador Search are available online.

• $50 retainer per month

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO AS AN AMBASSADOR? • Star on the cover of one Source Kids magazine • Attend the Source Kids Disability Expo in your location and be the face of the event (this may include mainstream media in addition to Source Kids channels) • Submit two images/video per month, sharing your adventures that promote inclusiveness for all abilities and experiences you undertake in a positive and vibrant way that will be used on Source Kids social and other channels

!$

ISSUE 22

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SUMMER 2019

9

ter a W WARRIORS WATER FEATURE

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WATER WARRIORS

SWIMMING AND SURFING ARE SYNONYMOUS WITH AUSTRALIA – FROM DIVE BOMBING TO CATCHING A WAVE, MOST CHILDREN SPEND THEIR SUMMERS DREAMING OF BEING AT THE BEACH OR BY THE POOL. THREE AUSTRALIAN SPORTS STARS HAVE REFUSED TO LET THEIR DISABILITY PREVENT THEM FROM MAKING A SPLASH – THIS EDITION WE FEATURE THESE WATER WARRIORS. ALL THREE ARE WONDERFUL AMBASSADORS FOR THEIR RESPECTIVE SPORTS AND FIRMLY BELIEVE THE RIGHT ATTITUDE IS WHAT SETS YOU UP FOR SUCCESS.

BRENDEN HALL LOST HIS LEG AT THE AGE OF 6 AFTER CONTRACTING CHICKEN POX. The viral infection caused a Deep Vein Thrombosis in his lower right leg which led to a cardiac arrest.

His parents, Shelley and Ray, made the difficult decision to amputate through the knee to save his life.

The incident also left the 26-year-old significantly hearing impaired – he is fully deaf in his right ear and can only hear slightly in his left ear.

But with family support from his parents, younger brother, Marcus, and new wife Brittany, he hasn’t let disability define him.

“As a young child I didn't really let it bother me that long. Emotionally it bugged me for a little while after I woke up in the ward and came to realisation with everything. Once I was out of the hospital and started to get around on my new prosthesis, I never really looked back or let anything stop me moving forward.”

Brenden had loved the water before losing his leg and it was the Sydney Paralympics in 2000 that inspired him to focus on the pool as a profession.

“It was the year after I lost my leg and it opened my eyes and I think planted the seed of a dream.

At the age of about 11, I decided with my then coach that I might actually have a shot of making something of this so we aimed for Beijing and the dream became a reality four years later.”

He has competed at three Paralympic Games and won six Paralympic medals. He is an eight-time world champion, three-time Commonwealth Games medallist, and the reigning world record holder in the men’s 400m freestyle S9, men’s 800m freestyle S9 and men’s 1500m freestyle S9.

Brenden is now fully focussed on gaining selection for the Tokyo 2020 games.

Training involves 9-10 sessions in the water a week, which can be anywhere up to 2 hours or more, 2-3 gym sessions and a pilates session. He also requires regular massage and physio sessions to ensure his body, especially his hips and lower back, are coping with the pressure.

Brenden is also studying at university to become a physiotherapist, is a volunteer surf lifesaver at Kings Beach Caloundra and is regularly asked to conduct public speaking engagements to share his story.

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ISSUE 22

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SUMMER 2019

BY RACHEL WILLIAMS

He is humbled to have been awarded an OAM for his service to the sport.

While his gold medals shine, it’s his smile and attitude that endear him to most.

“I believe that you are the only person holding yourself back from achieving whatever you want to achieve. It all comes down to your personal attitude.

“I've just always woken up wanting something – to swim for my country, to win gold and I have just made sure that I have gone after it and try to let nothing stop me.

“This year I just fell short and I had to take a step back, re-evaluate and analyse to find out what adjustments I can make to come back better and stronger next year to ensure that I'm on top again.

“Everyone has to learn from failure at some point and the important thing to remember is that you can always learn and improve.

“If you find something you love or are passionate about and you always have fun what more reasons do you need to continue it, or pursue it. Because if you maintain a positive mindset towards that passion anything can be achievable.

“To go on to greater things in life, you must challenge yourselves at this very level where it is only just the beginning. It is better to aim high and just fail that shot, than to aim low and exceed beyond that target, as that is just the easy option in life and isn’t deemed challenging.” www.sourcekids.com.au

THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS HAVE ALLOWED SARAH CHAPLIN OPPORTUNITIES TO SHINE IN THE POOL BOTH AT HOME AND ABROAD.

Sarah’s mum Julie says the Special Olympics is inexpensive at a state level but can be costly once international meets are on the agenda – but she says it’s worth every cent to see her children succeed.

The 21 year old has an intellectual disability and epilepsy and also suffers from anxiety and low muscle tone delay.

“Sarah has always enjoyed swimming and with the participation in a Special Olympics she has gained more confidence and her fitness has improved.

The Victorian has always loved the water as a way to stay fit and build strength and started competing at the Special Olympics in 2007.

“Her brother Tim swims to keep his fitness up for athletics. If they didn’t have these ambitions I believe that they wouldn’t reach their potential.

She has just returned from the UAE where she swam four personal bests at the 2019 World Games.

“Peter and I have always believed in giving all our children the opportunity to participate in Special Olympics in the sports they want to compete in.

As the confidence we see our kids get from Special Olympics is enjoyable to see.”

“My greatest achievement is representing Australia at the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, where I came home with a gold and three silvers, which were all personal bests,” Sarah says.

“My next goal is to represent Australia in the Special Olympics 2023 World Games in Berlin, Germany.”

Sarah says the journey has been special indeed, as she has been able to share many moments with her siblings Elizabeth, who has Autism/ADHD, and her brother Timothy who has autism and epilepsy, and also competes in Special Olympics.

The confidence has transferred from the water to work.

Sarah works four days a week at Waverley Industries, a not-for-profit organisation that provides supported employment opportunities for people with special needs.

“I work in the packaging department where I pack and assemble items. My brother works in the catering department which caters for different types of companies.

When not swimming, Sarah also competes in Ten Pin Bowling.

“I am also a participant at Interchange Outer East which is a disability support service organisation.

Her attitude and aptitude saw her named alongside Timothy as ambassador for the 2014 National Games in Melbourne.

“The main challenges I have are learning social skills and independence which I am still dealing with. I also get lots of injuries due to my low muscle tone delay. I am also anxious of being in public places.”

“I also am an athlete in the Athletes Leadership Programme, which is a programme in which we do publicity to organisations for awareness of Special Olympics,” she explains.

Sarah completes two 1.5-hour training sessions a week with her club, Melbourne Eastern Ranges, and also completes a few sessions each week by herself.

!$

Sarah says her swimming has given her the confidence to face those challenges.

“My belief is don’t let anyone or anything stop you from achieving your goals. If you put your mind to what you want to do, you can achieve anything no matter who you are.”

“MY BELIEF IS DON’T LET ANYONE OR ANYTHING STOP YOU FROM ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS. IF YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO, YOU CAN ACHIEVE ANYTHING NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE.” ISSUE 22

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SUMMER 2019

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TOUGH LOVE HAS BEEN A BLESSING IN DISGUISE FOR CYCLING AND SURFING CHAMPION MATTHEW FORMSTON. Matt has Macula Dystrophy and only has around 5 per cent of his peripheral vision.

“I lost my vision when I was five, so I have no real memories of being able to see,” Matthew explains.

“Doctors said I’d never be able to read, write, move around, play sports or be an effective or contributing member of society because simply put, I was blind.”

Didn’t he prove them wrong!

Instead of wondering what could have been, Matthew’s mantra has been to savour every experience.

He pays tribute to his father for ensuring he developed the right attitude.

“My family environment was a very loving home, but my dad was a fairly hard man. There was never any room for excuses. But this was done in a supportive way to achieve what my potential was.

But the real tone of it was ‘no excuses – just get on with it’.”

And that’s what he did – on a bike and on a surfboard.

Matt started competing at international level in 2011 as a tandem cyclist, after being talent spotted when he completed a charity ride from Sydney to Melbourne on a single bike for the Macular Degeneration Foundation in 2009.

He went on to win 10 national titles and two World Championships medals in Para-cycling, and was also a world record holder in the men’s 4000m individual pursuit for riders with a vision impairment.

Since retiring from the velodrome he has turned heads in the ocean as a professional adaptive surfer.

“Being in the ocean is safer than crossing a road for a blind person,” Matt says. “I can feel the waves and I know where I am.

“Surfing has been the place I’ve felt most free throughout my whole life. Regardless of whatever challenges I’ve had, surfing has just always been fun and free.

“For championships I surf with a spotter who tells me when a good wave is coming, whether it’s coming from left or right and when to paddle, but when I’m on the wave it’s up to me to work the wave and choose my manoeuvres.”

Matt first started surfing when he was five.

“My dad and brother used to push me into waves on a bodyboard. They would come and grab me and drag me out the back again and push me into another wave.

“Through this process I learned to feel waves on a bodyboard, I started surfing standing up when I was 10 and the rest is history.”

Now that he is surfing some of the world’s toughest waves, his safety is managed by a group of spotters.

“It wasn’t until I was in my late teens and I started surfing and chasing bigger waves that my vision became an issue for me. It wasn’t until I became a professional surfer and I got some amazing guys supporting me, I could take on heavier waves in the Mentawais and waves that break into cliffs like Uluwatu.

“In those situations, I really need water men who are extremely experienced and able to communicate well enough to keep me alive.”

Matt says he likes to ride short boards with rounded noses.

critical parts of the wave and you are less likely to nose dive.”

He is now passing on his passion for hanging 10 with vision impaired children.

“Teaching kids to learn to surf is helping give them the same opportunity I’ve had to connect with the ocean and set them up in life to have the place of freedom they can always come back to.

“I know most of them won’t stick with it as surfing is extremely hard to learn, even for a sighted person with no disability, but if I can help even one or two kids find the love of the ocean that I have, it will be all worth the time and effort.”

He is planning a come and try day for vision impaired and blind children at Manly, in Sydney, on February 15, 2020.

“We are hoping we can get a bunch of kids in the water and stoked to live the surfing dream,” he says.

Matt also now runs his own business as a corporate speaker, motivation expert and personal coach.

“As I’m feeling the wave and what’s coming up on my front foot, I’m getting information as close to my front foot as possible. That means I can do more radical manoeuvres in the steepest parts of the wave. Although, a lot of sighted surfers are using these types of boards too because they fit better in

INSTEAD OF WONDERING WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN, MATTHEW’S MANTRA HAS BEEN TO SAVOUR EVERY EXPERIENCE. 12

ISSUE 22

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SUMMER 2019

www.sourcekids.com.au

Unique, fun and practical products to improve the lives of children with disability

Children’s Disability Products is Australia’s newest online store featuring quality products to improve the lives of children with special needs.

CDP aims to source and bring you the most unique, fun and practical products that are either not available in Australia yet, are scarce to find or are simply just amazing products.

CDP has been created by parents of children with special needs and every product is hand selected as a product that will help children living with a disability achieve daily tasks in their lives or improve their skills and help them reach their full potential.

Stockists of Eazyhold, EZPZ….and more!

www.childrensdisabilityproducts.com.au

WATER FEATURE

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WATER SAFETY

BY JESS THACKERAY, OT AND ERIKA GLEESON, BEHAVIOUR SPECIALIST

WATER SAFETY

AND STAYING SAFE OVER THE HOLIDAY PERIOD

Water activities such as visiting the beach or swimming in a pool, play a significant role in Australian life. For many families, the summer months wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the beach, local pool or kayaking in the river. For this reason, many parents regard swimming lessons as a non-negotiable for their child. But swimming lessons are just one of the necessary pieces to the water safety puzzle.

Many young people in Australia don’t have the skills they need to be safe around water. Between 30-50 per cent of Australian primary school students aged between 8-11 years are unable to swim 50 metres unaided, and those who can may still have difficulty when swimming in an unfamiliar place.

Generalisation refers to the ability to transfer skills and information learned in one setting, to other settings, people and activities. This skill can be especially challenging for children with autism and other disabilities; and is of particular importance for parents to consider when spending time around lakes, ponds, rivers, unfamiliar pools, and at the beach.

WHY IS THE HOLIDAY PERIOD A HIGH-RISK TIME? The holiday period presents unique challenges

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SUMMER 2019

to water safety. Last year, 45% of drownings in Australia occurred in summer. The majority of incidents occurred in rivers, creeks, streams, beaches and swimming pools.

a water safety incident, there are many other

1. Heat: The warmer weather encourages more people, especially those who are not strong swimmers, to spend time outside and around water.

- Attraction to water: Some individuals may

2. D istractions: More social gatherings, busy schedules, alcohol and life in the technology age create more opportunities for distractions.

Constant supervision is one of the key water safety strategies for drowning prevention.

Allocating a designated watcher at all times when children are in, on or around water provides an additional layer of safety during the festive season.

happens, swimmers may find it difficult to

3. W andering: Wandering is the tendency for an individual to try to leave the safety of a responsible person’s care or a safe area, which has the potential to result in harm or injury.

Children with autism are four times more likely to wander from a safe environment than their typically developing peers. Make sure you have a wandering prevention plan established. Get in touch with Autism Swim if you need more information on this!

AUTISM AND WATER SAFETY Families with a child or adult who has autism or other disability face increased water safety risks, particularly during the festive season.

While wandering is often the first step preceding

contributing factors which place children and adults with autism at heightened risk:

gravitate toward bodies of water and find that being immersed in water can alleviate overwhelming sensory input. When this resurface as they feel safer underwater, where they have control over the visual, auditory and olfactory (smells) input they are exposed to.

- Difficulty identifying danger: some swimmers require additional support to identify and avoid dangerous situations. Knowledge and awareness of local hazards and/or risks and of one’s own limitations are essential for ensuring water safety. Obviously, these skills need to be taught in ways that are conducive to the swimmer’s needs and learning preferences.

- Difficulties with generalisation of skills: Although many individuals with autism and other disabilities may have had swimming lessons and developed swimming and water safety skills, they may experience difficulties in using these skills across different environments.

Safe, supervised exposure to new water environments can play a key role in building water awareness and safety skills.

www.sourcekids.com.au

YOUR 5-STEP PLAN FOR WATER SAFETY THIS SUMMER: Although learning to swim is important for ensuring water safety, it is not a stand-alone prevention strategy for drowning. Swimming lessons only provide one layer of protection, and definitely do not “drown-proof” a child. Every family needs a watersafety strategy, incorporating the 5 evidence-based strategies for water safety.

1. CHECK YOUR POOL FENCES: Pool fences are still the #1 water safety feature in Australian family homes with a pool. Make sure yours completely isolates the pool from the house and yard, has self-closing and self-latching gates and is compliant to the Australian Building Standards. This is the most studied and effective drowning-prevention strategy for a young child, preventing more than 50% of swimming-pool drownings of young children.

2. PRACTICE WEARING LIFE JACKETS: Wearing life jackets during days out kayaking or on a boat are essential to ensure safety in the case of an incident. However, life-jackets can be uncomfortable and overwhelming for swimmers with sensory difficulties. Consider creating a social story about wearing a life jacket, and practice wearing it at home and during swimming lessons using a slow, desensitisation approach.

3. CONSISTENT ATTENDANCE AT HIGH QUALITY SWIMMING LESSONS: As many as 3 out of 4 children quit swimming lessons by their eighth birthday. However, key swimming milestones are typically not reached until age 12. 91 per cent of our community had left swimming services as they didn’t feel like their child’s needs were understood. Encourage your child to continue swimming lessons through primary school, and choose an Autism Swim Approved service which addresses all aspects of the National Swimming and Water Safety Framework: a. M ovement and swimming strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, survival backstroke) b. Survival and lifejacket skills (treading/sculling water, floating with lifejacket for 1 minute) c. Rescue Skills (be rescued or perform a reach/throw rescue).

It is essential that parents pay close attention during swimming lessons, to have a clear understanding of their child’s abilities and limitations.

An Autism Swim Approved Swimming Centre and/or Instructor are skilled water safety specialists and can tailor classes to meet sensory, behavioural and activity needs of your child.

4. SUPERVISION AND WANDERING PREVENTION: Close, constant and attentive supervision of children in or around any water is a primary and absolutely essential preventative strategy. For beginner swimmers, adequate supervision is “touch supervision” in which the supervising adult is within arm’s reach of the child so he or she can pull the child out of the water if their head becomes submerged under water. At social gatherings where there is an increased risk of lapses in supervision we recommend allocating a designated watcher to ensure close supervision at all times.

Wandering prevention and management: There are a number of tools which can support you to reduce the risks associated with wandering for your child. Some strategies include: supporting the development of selfregulation skills, GPS tracking devices, fences and constant supervision.

At the beach, you may consider briefing lifeguards if your child is prone to wandering. Autism Swim have a range of resources to support the development of a wandering prevention plan and can help to ensure it is appropriate to each individual’s needs including the world first Wandering and Drowning Prevention Toolkit.

5. KNOW THE SIGNS, RESCUES AND CPR TRAINING: Drowning probably doesn’t look like what you’d expect it to.

The reality is that the waving, splashing and yelling that TV and film prepares us to look for is rarely seen in real life. Drowning is almost always a deceptively quiet event. Drowning people cannot voluntarily control their arm movements, and are unable to wave for help, move toward a rescuer or reach out for a piece of rescue equipment. Similarly, the mouths of drowning people are not above the surface of the water long enough for them to exhale, inhale, and call for help. Instead, signs to watch for include: - Head low in the water, mouth at water level - Head tilted back with mouth open - Eyes closed or glassy and empty, unable to focus - Hair over forehead or eyes - Not using legs – vertical - Hyperventilating or gasping - Trying to roll over onto their back - Appear to be climbing an invisible ladder or trying to swim in a particular direction but not making headway Immediate resuscitation at the submersion site, even before the arrival of emergency medical services is the most effective means to improve outcomes in the event of a drowning incident. Consider whether your CPR training is up to date and educate yourself on the hierarchies of safe water rescues.

Be prepared this holiday season and stay safe!

More information can be found at www.autismswim.com.au You can also contact Autism Swim for reference information regarding the stats and research in the above article.

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WATER FEATURE

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BEAT THE BEACH BLUES

BEAT THE BEACH BLUES

BY NICOLE DAVIS

Do you sometimes feel that the whole of Australia is having fun at the beach except for you and your family? The beach does throw up its fair share of challenges for our kids and it’s all too easy to get stuck into the mentality that a day out in the sun, sea and surf is just too hard and not worth the effort. There are so many benefits to be had if you can overcome the obstacles however, it just takes a bit of resourcefulness, preparation and the right products.

From tackling sensory issues, access and practicalities like hauling all your child’s equipment, why not consider some of the following...

TAKING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT WITH YOU CAN ALSO HELP AVOID SENSORY OVERLOAD: To further tackle the issue with sand think about taking a beach mat to create a zone that’s as sand-free as possible. We love the look of these Quicksand Mats which allows sand to fall through

OVERCOMING SENSORY ISSUES One of the big issues for many children is that the beach just throws up one too many sensory challenges. Even the best of us can get a little antsy when we’re covered in gritty sand! Try sitting with your child and working through what’s involved in a trip to the beach before you go. Use a social story to outline how you will get ready, travel to the beach, what they will wear, where they’ll sit etc.

Go through this regularly so your child is aware of some of the challenges they might face.

You can also help your child prepare for some sensory challenges by allowing them to explore some of the experiences in a less stimulating setting. You could make a sensory bin for example – look at kinetic sand for sand play and also trial playing with wet sand so your child can explore different textures. Introduce shells into the sand as well as sand-toys and make it a fun experience.

We know the last thing you need is more stuff to carry but having a portable sensory tool kit can make life just that little bit easier if your child has sensory issues. You could include earmuffs, fidgets, weighted pads – anything that helps your child regulate during difficult or new experiences.

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snacks. Cut sandwiches into smaller pieces and compartmentalise everything so that sand doesn’t get absolutely everywhere (even though it probably still will!). Take a bit extra to eat too if you can to replace any of the sandy stuff.

A good bug-spray will help keep annoying, biting critters away but you’ll need to find one that suits your child’s sensitivities, especially if they have difficulties with feeling ‘sticky’ or with anything strong smelling. The same goes for sunscreen. Practice applying both at home to help desensitise your child and avoid meltdowns on the sand. Applying sunscreen provides the perfect opportunity for a deep pressure massage which can be calming and regulating for many children.

If your child is partial to licking sunblock, look for a natural product in your health food store and a

the mat and not come back up. Available at quicksandmat.com.au from $89.

Also take as many towels as you can possibly can – you’re probably going to need more than you think!

Swap out wet, sandy towels if your child is sensitive to the texture – these towels (see right) from Dock & Bay not only look gorgeous, they’re made to be quick drying and sand-free, plus they also come in a handy pouch for carrying. Shop online at dockandbay.com.au. Remember to keep a towel aside for wiping sandy hands when the kids have lunch.

And, on the subject of lunch – pouches of yoghurt and fruit are a godsend for sand-free www.sourcekids.com.au

OTHER CHALLENGES So much stuff Remember the line in Grease – ‘haul your cookies all the way to the beach for some guy’? Oh, if only cookies were the only thing we had to take, right?

Packing a bag the night before can help so there is one less thing to do when you’re trying to get out of the door. Prep your food and fill water bottles in advance so you just have to grab them from the fridge in the morning. To tackle the challenge of getting everything and everyone from the car to your chosen spot on the sand – we love these beach wagons.

No heavy lifting and heaps of room for all your stuff. Search Beach Wagon on amazon.com. au to see all the different options

I’m worried about their safety If your child is a wanderer there are some great wearable tracking devices available such as the Moochies Smartwatch.

If your child should become lost, it also helps if you have a recent photo available – perhaps snap one of them in their swim gear on the day and also a written description of your child’s special needs – will they respond to their name, can they reply to questions, will they run away etc.

You can make sure your child knows the rules of the beach in advance by attending a lifesaving session for kids with disabilities. Special Nippers gatherings are now held at many Surf Life Saving Clubs at beaches up and down the country.

Contact your local club to find out what’s on offer and when.

available. The Radio Flyer pictured here can even seat the kids (in the unlikely event of you having room to spare!)

Accessibility If your challenge is also getting your own child onto the sand due to restricted mobility and/or wheelchair accessibility there are now a growing number of beaches that have beach matting along with other facilities such as beach wheelchair hire for wheelchair users. Check out accessiblebeaches.com for the lowdown.

Turn to page 14 for essential advice on water safety from Autism Swim.

Finally, remember to take things slowly. Let your child get comfortable with one thing at a time and take things at their own pace. Think about going to the beach early or late when there are a fewer people and sensory distractions.

With a few adjustments, the right products and a can-do attitude we’re sure you’ll soon be having a splashing good time.

My child isn’t toilet trained

zinc-based or absorbent free product can be good for those with sensitive skin. If your child really can’t tolerate having sunblock applied, look for light longsleeved rash clothing and leggings and be sure to move into the shade or inside for the hottest parts of the day.

Oh boy, we’ve got your backs on this one. Turn to page 44 for a huge review of all the different swim nappies and swim continence togs on the market.

The accessible beaches website mentioned above also includes beaches with accessible changing facilities in their directory. Some places now even have hoists.

When it comes to heat tolerance, think about taking a portable shelter. These are invaluable at a beach where shade can be lacking.

No shade also equals hot sand, which any child will struggle with regardless of their sensitivity so think about the shoes your child will tolerate when their feet are wet and sandy. Aqua socks are a brilliant choice for many – they will stay relatively sand-free and protect your child’s feet from rocks etc in the water. They’ll also protect the delicate tops of feet from sunburn.

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Engaging early readers of all ages and abilities

AUSTRALIAN

INCLUSIVE SCHOOLING CONFERENCE

The Illume Learning Australian Inclusive Schooling Conference is an unmissable opportunity for those with an interest in and passion for inclusive education.

Join us for two full days of engaging and inspiring presentations featuring over 20 nationally and internationally acclaimed speakers.

12th & 13th MARCH 2020 BRISBANE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE Book your place today

www.inclusiveschoolingconference.com.au Featuring keynote speaker Dr Paula Kluth in an exclusive Australian appearance Who should attend • Education professionals including school leaders, teachers and teacher aides • Pre-service teachers • Parents

• Therapists • Support workers • Anyone committed to an inclusive education for students with disabilities

“ Inclusion is based on the belief that students of all abilities have the right to an education that is meaningful , appropriate and equivalent to that of their peers ” - Nicole Eredics 18

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www.sourcekids.com.au

More than just a chair

Give your child optimum support and comfort with the Gravity Chair.

Designed with a supportive foam positioning system the Gravity Chair is light, portable and simple to use and suits a wide range of postural needs. Enjoy knowing your child is comfortable, with the peace of mind that they’re correctly supported.

Call 1300 543 343 to chat to the comfort experts, email solutions@medifab.com or visit www.medifab.com.au/products/indoor-seating/gravity-chair

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The Carers Foundation Australia is passionate about caring for family carers and offers unique wellness programs to restore physical, emotional and mental health, at no cost to eligible Carers.

We specialise in wellness programs for parents of children with special needs. We are also passionate about supporting young or sibling carers from 13 years old.

The Carers Foundation is the only charity in Australia that offers unique 3-day wellness resilience programs to unpaid carers of all ages, including teen carers.

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WATER FEATURE

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BY JUDY LARSEN, BPHTY

BEAT THE BEACH BLUES

hydrotherapy what is it and how can it help?

Aquatic Physiotherapy, or hydrotherapy as it is also known, is one of the many therapeutic inter ventions available for children with a disability.

Whether a child has cerebral palsy, an acquired brain injury, autism, a seizure disorder, Down syndrome, Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy, SMA, cancer, a hypermobility syndrome or pain associated with arthritis, Aquatic Physiotherapy has something to offer.

Children recovering from cancer, orthopedic surgeries or “rehabbing” after trauma or accident also benefit.

When combining the skills of a physiotherapist with paediatric knowledge and aquatic training, many parents see their children achieve outcomes and milestones during aquatic physiotherapy sessions that will help achieve their land-based goals.

A full assessment and goal setting with the child and their parents/caregivers will always precede treatment. Gaining a child’s confidence and cooperation is essential.

Benefits of immersion in water include the support and decreased weight bearing that water offers.

Children sometimes walk in the water before they walk on land; they don’t have to support their full body weight and the fear of falling diminishes.

Children with severe physical challenges, restricted movement and associated pain and stiffness can

float on the pool surface in specially designed equipment and either maximise the movement they have or be moved and facilitated by their physiotherapist to maintain joint range.

Water can both assist or resist a movement, so those with complex neurological issues can often move more easily in the water, while those who require strength and stability can work hard while protecting loose or painful joints. A range of fun equipment allows us to work on specific strengthening activities for the more active to strengthen upper limb, lower limb and core.

There are many ways aquatic physiotherapy can help with pain while encouraging movement and exercise. Most people are aware of older people using “hydro” to help relieve aches and pains, but not many are aware that the same pain reducing effect helps children with pain causing syndromes or the pain that might commonly affect older children with complex cerebral palsy or similar conditions.

The water also has a sensory benefit for children.

Some children with sensory processing disorders

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may struggle with sensory overload. The sensory and pressure effect of water immersion may dampen over-stimulation, reduce stress caused by overstimulation and have a calming effect. Studies looking at aquatic intervention in children with ASD found improved social interactions and behaviours.

An extra benefit is that water exercise can assist in weight-control, enhance sleep patterns and decrease anxiety.

In early intervention, aquatic physiotherapy often aims at encouraging milestones such as head control, rolling, sitting, upper limb function, 4-point kneeling and sit-to-stand. It is definitely a motivation to hold your head up if you think you might get wet if you relax. We hear parents commenting that on land kids will often put their head down on the mat to rest but in hydro they will often hold it up for longer in a fun filled (and wet) environment.

We have had children crawl for the first time on the pool ramp in 10cm of water or sit to stand when supported by water which acts to reduce the weight and therefore the effort the child has to make to stand. www.sourcekids.com.au

Kids who learn to love the water and to understand the range of exercises that can be done in water as well as swimming will benefit for life.

AQUATIC PHYSIOTHERAPY HAS THE POTENTIAL TO: • improve range of movement • improve muscle strength and core stability • facilitate functional movement (e.g. crawling and walking) and achieve milestones • allow easier muscle lengthening (stretching) with less pain • help manage pain • improve breath control and respiratory function • decrease stereotypical hand movement • increase activity and fitness levels • improve motor planning, coordination and problem solving • Improve oral-motor skills (lip closure, bubbles, breath holding and breath control) • improve cardiorespiratory endurance and exercise capacity • improve social skills and behaviours • be a safe low-impact exercise for children with hypermobility or similar issues

Skilled handling and use of appropriate pool equipment allows children to move, roll, twist and turn in the pool. This can stimulate the vestibular system and immersion can enhance sensory processing.

As children get older sometimes land exercise can put too much stress on hypermobile joints or on ankles and knees where limb alignment may be affected by neurological conditions.

Kids who learn to love the water and to understand the range of exercises that can be done in water as well as swimming will benefit for life.

Some kids aren’t swimmers; they don’t like to get their ears, hair or eyes wet, or will never be entirely safe. “Deep water” or vertical exercise, such as running or water-walking is a winner for these kids, just as it is for any adult population and it is something the kids can continue to do as they age.

Physios are often asked by parents about swimming lessons; learning water skills and confidence is invaluable, but initially achieving milestones such as head control, rolling, sitting, crawling and even walking are likely the major goals. If the development of these are delayed then swimming skills are likely to be too. If time and money are limited you can delay swimming lessons until head control, arm and leg function are developing. Aquatic physio sessions will enhance water confidence and most physios will be able to start the swimming process. Some children are referred to aquatic physiotherapy when they do not succeed at community swimming lessons. As a movement expert your physio will often be able to modify and progress your child’s swimming, just as they do with their function on land.

Parents can participate in sessions to learn aquatic handling skills; pool sessions at home during the warm summer months can enhance “therapy hours” to increase the potential for improvement.

As with any activity there are risks but with a

good assessment and a skilled therapist, risk is diminished. Children with complex multiple disabilities, poor head control, weak neck muscles, seizures, some wounds, incontinence, colostomies, gastrostomies, tracheostomies, catheters and even ventilators can, and do, participate in one-on-one aquatic physiotherapy sessions.

In Queensland, the Betterstart program allowed some kids with disabilities to access aquatic physiotherapy but the advent of NDIS allows many more to do so. Physiotherapy comes mainly under the “Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living” category. As an Aquatic Physiotherapist who runs a pool not only are we seeing an increase in kids accessing the water though NDIS but also an older population (post school through to 65 years) with special needs who now also have access to the water for a range of benefits.

Making therapy seem like fun is easy in the pool and as a result, children often work harder and comply better with their therapy program.

• promote relaxation • assist sensory integration • improve water safety skills, confidence and water enjoyment enabling a positive association with water activity

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Judy Larsen BPhty is a physiotherapy graduate of the University of Qld. Having worked in all health sectors she now runs a private physiotherapy practice incorporating two purpose-built hydrotherapy pools, land gym and treatment areas. Hydrotherapy Brisbane is Australia’s largest independently run hydrotherapy facility treating participants from 3 months to 103 years with a variety of conditions.

Visiit hydrotherapybrisbane.com.au or call 07 3263 1515 to find out more.

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FEATURE

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NEUROPLASTICITY

Why neuroplasticity is the secret ingredient for kids with special needs IF YOUR CHILD HAS SPECIAL NEEDS, CHANCES ARE YOU’VE HEARD THE TERM ‘NEUROPLASTICITY’ AT SOME POINT, PERHAPS WHILE SEARCHING THE WEB OR AT A THERAPY SESSION. It’s an intimidating word that screams science, but explained properly is actually quite easy to understand.

To bring you the most up to date information on this somewhat complex topic, we asked the Head of Research at Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute, Dr Iona Novak to break down what neuroplasticity is, why it’s the secret ingredient in childhood development, and what parents with special needs kids can do to maximise their child’s neuroplasticity.

So, let’s dive in!

WHAT IS NEUROPLASTICITY? Put simply, neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change – to rewire, relearn and strengthen important connections.

When the brain is injured or grows abnormally, neurons are damaged, altered or lost causing

DR IONA NOVAK, HEAD OF RESEARCH AT CEREBRAL PALSY ALLIANCE RESEARCH INSTITUTE

In association with

disability. The good news is that the brain will attempt to create new pathways around an injury, or allow a healthy area of the brain to take over, or relearn how to do things by strengthening an existing healthy connection.

HOW TO MAXIMISE EARLY INTERVENTION USING NEUROPLASTICITY

For example, someone with damage to one part of the brain can often recover, because neuroplasticity will allow the healthy section to assume the role of the damaged section.

When it comes to brain injury in babies and children, we know that to be successful, early intervention must:

By harnessing neuroplasticity through practise and repetition, the brain will create and reinforce new neural pathways to learn new skills, habits and ways of thinking. Different methods and techniques can be used to access particular parts of the brain that require strengthening.

WHY NEUROPLASTICITY IS THE SECRET INGREDIENT IN THE EARLY YEARS Every child is born with a staggering 100 billion neurons in their brain. That’s a galaxy worth of nerve cells ready to start exchanging electrical impulses and creating neural pathways.

While you’re never too old to learn, the first five years of life are critical for neurological development. During this time, the brain is developing at rapid speed making it the ideal time to harness neuroplasticity.

• Be diagnostic specific (i.e. individualised to the child’s specific needs) to maximise a child’s potential.

• Minimise known complications that might interfere with learning.

• Focus on practising real-life skills (training in motor skills, cognitive skills, communication skills, reading skills, sleeping skills).

• Maximise learning opportunities in the home, preschool/school and other key environments • Include parental support to reduce anxiety, stress and depression in parents.

Children with special needs have the best chance of flourishing when early intervention is delivered harnessing the principles of neuroplasticity.

Researchers Kleim and Jones¹ have outlined ten principles that are proven to facilitate neuroplasticity in the therapy environment:

In the case of brain injury and neurological disability, the more specific the skill is that a person practises, the more likely they are to recover. To maximise the brain’s ability to adapt or rewire itself, research shows that getting access to intervention as early as possible will give a child the best chance of learning, regardless of the condition or diagnosis.

Early intervention can involve a number of therapies and treatments, delivered by a range of professionals including medical and allied health teams working collaboratively to reach goals and improve outcomes for a child.

Your child is born with 100 billion neurons in their brain.

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1. U se it or lose it: Children who do not regularly use and practise a skill can lose these skills and the brain function dedicated to these skills.

FOCUS ON YOUR CHILD’S STRENGTHS.

2. U se it and improve it: Training or specific practise will enhance a function.

3. S pecificity: Practise of each skill must be very specific to induce plasticity. For example to learn to walk, the child must specifically practice walking, not just general movement skills.

RESEARCH SHOWS THAT MOTIVATION IS CRITICAL TO LEARNING A TASK

4. R epetition matters: Sufficient repetition is required to induce plasticity, refinement of the skill and memory for how to perform the skill.

5. I ntensity matters: Practising skills must occur regularly to induce plasticity. The frequency of the skill practised is very important for infants, who tire easily.

6. T ime matters: Different forms of plasticity occur during different stages of the learning. For example, learning new knowledge about a task, refining execution and making the skill automatic so you can execute without even thinking about it 7. M otivation matters: If the tasks are motivating for the child more plasticity occurs.

8. A ge matters: Plasticity occurs more readily in younger brains, as the younger brain is more open to possibilities.

9. T ransference: Practising skills should occur in multiple environments, so that the child can learn to execute the task without you being present or with competing demands.

10. I nterference: Plasticity can be for good or bad.

For example if you have a bad habit it is hard to unlearn. It takes time and dedication to learn a new alternative habit.

HOW PARENTS CAN MAXIMISE THEIR CHILD’S NEUROPLASTICITY

2. C onsider ways to increase how often your child practises skills by:

You, as the parent, are the most important influence on your child’s development.

Relationships are the foundation of your child’s development, together with nutrition, health, community, physical activity, stimulation and play. Here are some actions you can take today to advocate on your child’s behalf, maximise intervention and improve their learning and development:

• Continuing learning at home, school or in the community while doing everyday activities.

• Undertaking an intensive therapy program that focuses on short, intense bursts of therapy to work on a specific set of goals.

1. S peak to your therapist about implementing the principles of neuroplasticity into your child’s therapy program.

4. G et involved and partner with your therapy team so you can problem solve together and actively participate in your child’s intervention.

3. F ocus on your child’s strengths and motivations.

Research shows that motivation is critical to practising and learning a task.

At CPA, we understand the importance of neuroplasticity and development in the early years. And we know how to point each child’s neurons in the right direction through scientifically designed activities, and engaging learning experiences that help children become their best self.

Through our clinically backed early childhood intervention programs, and experience leading one of the world’s largest early intervention clinical trials to improve movement and cognition², we provide science backed hope.

Visit cerebralplasy.org.au/eci today to find out more.

FREE EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION EGUIDE Some information in this article has been taken from an educational eGuide developed by CPA for parents of young children with disabilities.

Download your FREE Early Childhood Intervention eGuide by visiting cerebralpalsy.org.au/eci. ¹Kleim, J. A., Jones, T. A. (2008). Principles of Experience-Dependent Neural Plasticity: Implications for Rehabilitation After Brain Damage. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, Vol. 51, S225–S239, February 2008, D American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. ²Morgan, C., Novak, I., Dale, R. C., Guzzetta, A., & Badawi, N. (2016). Single blind randomised controlled trial of GAME (Goals. Activity. Motor Enrichment) in infants at high risk of cerebral palsy. Research in developmental disabilities, 55, 256-267.

Let’s put them to work and

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! n u F Water

PRODUCT FEATURE

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WATER FUN

Y INPUT, ERAPEUTIC. THE SENSOR TH SO IS AY PL R TE WA E CALMING SWIMMING AND COORDINATION AND TH E EY D AN ND HA , CT E NO OTHER! CAUSE AND EFFE ENRICH YOUR CHILD LIK LL WI S IDE OV PR R TE EXPERIENCE WA

A SELECTION O PRODUCTS TO F SUIT ALL ABIL ITY LEVELS F O R A S U N-F ILL FUN-FILLED ED, SUMMER!

SAND AND WATER TABLE

CEREBRAL PALSY FLOAT SUIT A success story from boutique Brisbane company, Theraquatics, the CP Float Suit provides great outcomes for children with severe physical and neurological disabilities, enabling them to enjoy the water. The comment most reported by parents is the feeling of independence children have when they discover they cannot only float by themselves, but they can actually move around the pool at will!

The CP Float Suit is comfortable to wear and has an adjustable belt around the waist with a quick release buckle. It will also grow with your swimmer.

RRP $409.95 www.theraquatics.com.au

Ideal for school or for use in the home, this Wooden Sand and Water Table is great for little explorers to experience different textures in a creative and fun way helping sensory development in little hands and fingers.

RRP $432.97 www.teaching.com.au

KINETIC SAND We know not everyone lives by a beach in Australia, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make colourful and creative sandcastles! Kinetic Sand is a great way to explore textures, sensory elements and creativity from your very own backyard.

RRP $20.00 www.kmart.com.au

SWIM BAR This Swim Bar is an essential learn to swim tool and is ideal for a swimmer who finds a kickboard challenging to hold onto and control. It isolates the kicking action if floating on front or back or alternatively it helps the swimmer to concentrate on combining the twin activities of breathing and kicking while eliminating arm movement. Being pulled through the water or gliding through the water while hanging onto a Swim Bar also provides vestibular stimulation.

RRP $23.20 www.theraquatics.com.au

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AQUAPLANE The AquaPlane, designed in the UK, has been successfully trialled as a swim device to help children develop confidence and skills in the water, by selected Autism Swim instructors in Australia. Endorsed by Olympic and Commonwealth medalist swimmers, it enables movement of arms and correct positioning for breathing.

Head to aqua-plane.co.uk and www.facebook.com/ aquaplane2015 for more info.

WATER HAMMOCK We are loving the size of this great big ‘water hammock’ from Temple & Webster!

If you can relax on it, then that’s a bonus, but we think the kids will have too much fun playing on it!

PUDDLE JUMPERS These swimming vests are a great way to support your budding little swimmer as they gain their confidence in and around the water. Puddle Jumpers fit like a t-shirt over the head whilst supporting arms and body into an upright position. With a variety of character styles the Coleman Puddle Jumper is available from a variety of major retailers including Big W and BCF! RRP $30 www.bigw.com.au

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RRP $32.95 www.templeandwebster.com.au

www.bcf.com.au

RECYCLED BEACH MATS Recycled Beach Mats are not only durable and UV protected, but are ideal for families who need a bit of extra strength on their outings!

Made with recycled plastics, these are ideal for the beach – with no more sandy towels to deal with – we think you will love this summer alternative!

RRP from $85.00 www.recycledmats.com.au

AQUAFIT SQUARE FLOAT WITH SEAT WATER WALL A terrific backyard addition guaranteed to keep the kids entertained with the cause and effect sequence of this magical Water Wall!

RRP $432.97 www.teaching.com.au

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A very popular float used by children and adults, the Aquafit Square Float is a super floatation device for swimmers with poor arm and leg control. A secure, stable and adjustable seat attaches to the float and the sling allows for vertical and forward positioning. The float also allows the swimmer to rest back into it, so they can kick and splash freely while supported in comfort.

RRP $136.99 www.theraquatics.com.au

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SOURCE KIDS

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CHALLENGES OF SUMMER

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

OF THE SEASON

BY MARGA GREY, MSC OT

JUST WHEN YOU THINK YOU’VE CAREFULLY CRAFTED A DAILY ROUTINE THAT MINIMISES YOUR CHILD’S ANXIETY AND TANTRUMS, THE HOLIDAY SEASON COMES ‘ROUND. INSTEAD OF THIS TIME OF YEAR BRINGING PEACE AND ENJOYMENT WITH EXTENDED FAMILY, SOME FAMILIES WILL FACE CHALLENGES OF OVERSTIMULATION AND MELTDOWNS.

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NEW PLACES, NEW FACES, NEW SIGHTS, SOUNDS AND SMELLS; THE HOLIDAYS CAN BE A TOTAL SENSORY OVERLOAD FOR PRACTICALLY ANYONE. HERE ARE SOME RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WAYS TO MINIMISE THE IMPACT ON YOUR CHILD AND WIDER FAMILY. CHANGES TO THE REGULAR ROUTINE Create a holiday calendar together that illustrates the timeline of the various holiday activities for each day. On days when activities will be atypical, such as parties, travel, visiting Santa, decorating days etc., it’s best to prepare your children in advance.

Read books about the holiday season or watch videos that demonstrate some of the activities you’ll be doing together. This way, if there are any aspects that make your child nervous, you can focus on preparing them for these things in advance.

Even if meals are different or bedtime is later than usual, keep the actions and the order of the routine the same. If you use a routine chart at home, bring it with you if you’re traveling.

If there are other children staying with you that do not follow the same routine, use this as an opportunity to share your routine with the whole family, and invite them to participate. Get your child involved. They will enjoy teaching their cousins and friends about how things are done in their own house and learning about the differences between everyone’s routines.

Keep up with rewards systems. Earning rewards and using positive reinforcement are always the best methods to encourage good behaviour.

Make a list of examples of good behaviour that is expected during holidays. You can include things like sharing toys, teaching a family member something new, keeping a low voice while indoors, saying please and thank you, minding what other adults ask, and manners at the dinner table.

Be sure to look for opportunities throughout each day to commend your child’s good behaviour and reward them with activities of their own choice.

Practice self-regulation techniques in advance. Don’t wait until the holiday chaos to try out calming techniques or wearing sound-cancelling headphones.

Some good physical activity before, sporadically during, and right after overwhelming situations have been proven helpful for children to adapt, recuperate from, or prevent meltdowns. We like to use the How Do You Feel? chart to start discussions about our emotions and what we can do to adjust.

MANAGING THE OVERWHELM OF MEETING NEW PEOPLE If you’re traveling, consider private accommodation rather than staying with large groups of family. Staying at extended-family’s homes might be fun for a little while, but everyone needs a break from time to time. If finances allow, choosing a hotel or AirBNB will build in some breathing room and opportunities to decompress. Be sure to explain your motives to the family ahead of time to avoid hurting anyone’s feelings. It might even be an option to split the time – two nights with the family, followed by two nights at the hotel.

Inform your family and friends. Even if your family and friends know about your child’s special needs or sensitivities, it’s a good idea to give them a quick run-down as a reminder. Let visitors or hosts know what types of events might trigger discomfort or put them into sensory overload.

Many parents tell us that they feel more comfortable letting family and friends know in advance what types of behaviours might seem “out-of-place”. This way, they don’t have the added stress and chaos of trying to explain a situation or defend an action. Most times, family and friends simply want to help, and the best help is often to give a parent and child a bit of space and alone time to cope with a meltdown in the moment.

The same goes for children whose challenges affect their ability to greet family with hugs and kisses. Preparing your family in advance for what to expect (or more realistically, what NOT to expect) will save you both from hurt feelings on either side.

HANDLING HOLIDAY EXCITEMENT AND OVERWHELM Does your family have lots of fun holiday traditions together? We strongly encourage parents to over-estimate the amount of time each activity will take.

Allow some breathing down time in the schedule, even if it means missing one or two planned activities this year. Rushing makes sensitivities worse and tempers flare, so allowing plenty of time will reduce meltdowns.

Schedule some alone time for your child to play and decompress. Also, plan a little one-on-one playtime with your child each day to allow you to check in on how he or she is coping along the way.

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For some children, baking is a wonderful way to decompress; practice following ordered steps, get some hands-on sensory play, and even practice motor skills.

Plan a sensory escape area. A lot of parents find that having a place they can retreat with their child that has low lighting, silence or soft music playing, and “sensory toys” helps their child to regroup after a moment of overwhelm or meltdown.

You could consider setting up a quiet place in your house, hotel, or even your car if you plan on driving somewhere for your holiday festivities. Sensory toys include fidget toys, a favourite blanket to run their fingers through, playdough, oral stimulation bricks/bracelet/necklace, and a blanket to wrap up tightly in.

Remind your child to check in with his or herself throughout the kids’ holiday activities to see if it’s a good time to mellow in the sensory escape space. If your child is sensitive to noisy places, invest in ear mufflers or noise cancelling headphones to wear to these events.

If you do plan on attending sensory overwhelming holiday events with lots of crowds, noise, and holiday lights flashing, look for quieter areas you can take a quick escape to in order to break up the time exposed to the stressful situation. Two or three minutes re-centreing yourselves can do wonders for decompressing the nerves.

HOW TO ENCOURAGE HAPPY EATING HABITS AMIDST NEW FOODS AND NEW PLACES Mealtime is one of the most common high-stress routines for families, so it deserves some attention and preparation.

For children who have a very limited palate, replacing their comfort foods with completely new holiday treats and meals might be too much of a challenge.

It’s perfectly okay to make the decision to cater to their special diet rather than putting on a brave face to ‘fit in’ at the holiday table.

Be sure to forewarn friends and family if you’ll be preparing specific foods.

Although you don’t want to offend anyone who offers a treat that your child can’t manage, you also don’t want to cause a scene that will further pressure or hurt their confidence.

Try a few food games throughout the day to keep up with oral-motor therapy and to keep fun and relaxed eating at the forefront of everyone’s mind leading up to dauntingly long holiday meals.

Some common oral-motor exercises are quite silly and fun for the whole family to get involved with. Perhaps they would be fun to do around the dinner table before starting a meal. For example, “Lizard Lips” is when you pretend to be a chameleon trying to catch a fly with his tongue. But the silly fly keeps walking back and forth in front of his face! Stick out your tongue and move it slowly from corner to corner of your lips. Hold in each corner, relax and repeat several times. Be sure your tongue actually touches each corner each time. This is sure to have all of your relatives giggling together.

Also, don’t forget to incorporate those oral sensory components at mealtime. Use a narrow or twisty straw whenever possible. Include a variety of crunchy and chewy components. These will help give that oral sensory feedback a lot of children need at mealtimes.

We know it can be a challenge but by incorporating some of the ideas above we hope you all have a very happy holiday season!

Marga Grey (MSc OT) is a paediatric occupational therapist with a keen interest in children and their families. She is CEO in charge of program developing at CoordiKids - www.CoordiKids.com Marga provides therapy at Tyack Health, a multidisciplinary private practice in Brisbane.

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(02) 9838 8869 • therapy@dejay.com.au www.dejay.com.au www.sourcekids.com.au

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• The Gorilla Frame from Funky Monkey Bars, valued at $2,310.00 • Two night’s accommodation in a two-bedroom apartment at any Adina Hotel across Australia & New Zealand, valued at $1000.00 • Platinum Merlin Annual Pass for a family of four with a choice of 10 locations around Australia • iFly Family and Friends experience in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne or Sydney • Two large circle ‘Recycled Mats’ for the home or beach • Brolly Sheets voucher to spend on any products • The Beamz – the device that allows anyone to play along with or create music with a laser hand controller, from Sensory Connect • Digital family portrait with Blayzing Photography

• Pair of shoes from Well & Able •M odern Teaching Aids voucher • Experience Oz voucher •F ramed water colour artwork

by Sara Cantena •E ndota Spa voucher thanks to My Diffability •L adies pyjama set from Peter Alexander •A sun protection and sun location package from My Sun Protection & Treadley •A mixed dozen box of wine from Naked Wines •M edline Remedy Skin Care range and a family movie pass from Medline • Modibodi prize pack •1 0 passes to Crocs PlayCentres located in all states • I talian inspired summer gift box from The Best Kind • Dan Murphy’s voucher

Go to www.sourcekids.com.au/win to enter and for full terms and conditions.

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THERAPY TIPS

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MAINTAINING SKILLS DURING HOLIDAYS

MAINTAINING AND DEVELOPING SKILLS during the summer break A physiotherapist, speechie and OT have provided us with some fantastic activity ideas to keep our kids skills up if they’re taking a break from therapy and school over the summer. All the ideas are such good fun your child won’t even realise they’re working!

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE

BY KYLIE MARTIN

FIND A PEN PAL Writing on the holidays can seem like a chore but for many kids who have difficulty with reading, writing and spelling, consistency is key. Six weeks is a long time to neglect the skills of thinking, sounding out, writing and reviewing and sometimes our kiddies feel like they are starting all over again when they get back to school. Why not exchange addresses with the families you meet in the caravan park, unit complex pool or holiday club and keep those literacy skills going in a fun and friendly way.

MAKE AND DO Staying with literacy….. why not Google a “How to” project. You can practice reading the instructions, then when you know what you need to buy have your child write a shopping list. A younger child could find all the items in the junk mail catalogues. Why not set up your own shop and roleplay. You get to practice greetings and farewell, social communication skills, requesting and listening skills and money skills. Once you have completed the project, set up the phone/tablet/other electronic device and record your child retelling how they did it. This is great for memory, expressive language skills, sequencing and story-telling.

SECRET SOUND SANTA What about writing a letter on each door of an Advent calendar and make that your letter of the day. This activity is great for kids with speech sound errors, phonological delays and auditory processing difficulties. Each day, talk about the sound the letter of the day makes. What are the features of the sound? Is it loud or soft? Long or short? Think about which part of our mouth do we use to make to sound. The letter M makes this sound mmmmm. It is a loud sound, a long sound. You use both of your lips to make the sound and the sound comes out of your nose. You could colour the parts of the mouth used to make the sound on a picture of Santa or Rudolf or even Frosty the Snowman. Throughout the day, try to spot items that start with that sound. You can keep points and give double points for any words that are related to Christmas. (Mary, Mistletoe and Moet would all score 2 points!)

AAC WITH ME If your child is getting a special something for Christmas, why not set their talker up with related vocabulary the night before so that they can talk about 30

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their toys straight away. Think about what they would say, what they would ask, how they would express their joy if they could and make it so they can. Spend some time playing, using the device and modelling the new language skills and opportunities. You could also put some of the special gifts their siblings are receiving on as well to facilitate the natural celebration and conversation that we all enjoy on Christmas morning.

HOLIDAY JOURNAL So many people will ask your child what they did in the holidays; where they went and what they got for Christmas. Teachers will ask, therapists will ask, relatives will ask, other kids will ask and there’s nothing worse for the child than not being able to think of something on the spot. Grab your camera (better yet, give it to your child) and take a photo of each meaningful event and activity that you do. Print them out, stick them in a book and write a short thought about each thing. You can review the book at the end of each day to build memory and language skills. Try working through the wh questions (Where is it, who was there, when did we go, what did we do, why did/didn’t you like it?). Then jump online and print out a copy of Blanks levels of questions and use them to talk about the day’s activities. Practice answering all those “holiday” questions together and maybe even build a little script for your child to use. You could look at the book in the car before going into school or a therapy session so that the ideas are fresh in your child’s mind or you could take the book in with you and your child can use it as a conversation prompt.

Kylie Martin is a speech pathologist at Chatter-boxes Speech Pathology Services. For advice or information on speech and language development, play, feeding or social communication visit www.chatter-boxes.com.au or call 07 5444 2451 | email admin@chatter-boxes.com.au www.sourcekids.com.au

MAKE YOUR OWN MOVIES Helping your child to be the director/actor in their own movie can be a great way to practice different social skills. Studies have shown that video modelling is an effective strategy to support children to learn a range of skills. Try using dress-ups or your child’s favourite toys in the movie.

It can be helpful to think about the specific skill your child is working on (e.g. whole-body listening, taking turns, keeping personal space). Writing a script that demonstrates that skill prior to pressing record can be useful in keeping the movie on topic.

The iModeling app is a useful tool for creating and editing your movies (search iModeling on the App store)..

SENSORY TRAYS Sensory trays enable your child to gain sensory input whilst working on a variety of skills. It can be helpful to think about the textures your child prefers and use these textures to fill your sensory tray. You can encourage your child to interact with new textures through using different household items (e.g. paintbrush, spoon, measuring cup).

A couple of ideas for sensory trays are:

SHAVING CREAM Fill your tray with shaving cream to trace shapes, faces and write numbers and letters. Having a paintbrush on hand can be helpful if your child is wary of the shaving cream texture.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

BY HAYLEY HUGHES

GET CRAFTY Art and craft activities are a great way for children to work on their fine motor skills over the summer break. Children can build the strength and coordination of the muscles in their hands and fingers through snipping with scissors, tearing tissue paper, painting, sprinkling glitter, using stamps, threading beads and peeling stickers. Activities that encourage use of the thumb, index and middle finger together are particularly beneficial, as we tend to use these fingers for a functional pencil grasp.

The school holidays provide the perfect opportunity for Christmas crafts. Why not try making a Christmas card or ornament for the Christmas tree? Writing a letter to Santa is another fun way to practise handwriting or typing skills over the holidays.

SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS Asking your child to practice their handwriting over the holidays may seem like a daunting task. However, adding a functional reason for writing can be an effective way to boost your child’s motivation to practice. Writing the steps to a science experiment can add some fun into handwriting practice.

Ideas for quick and easy experiments to google are baking soda and vinegar volcanos, slime recipes, DIY lava lamps, invisible messages and a balloon hovercraft.

Before you start your project it can be helpful to consider what you would like your child to work on during their writing practice. For instance, is the main goal to work on the formation of letters, the spaces between words, writing along the lines or spelling. Having one main goal and providing a model of the writing can be a helpful strategy.

COOKING Getting kids involved in the kitchen is another activity that can help your child to work on a range of skills. Skills that can be practiced through cooking include:

RICE TRAY Using a rice tray is another entertaining way to work on fine motor skills. Scoop and pour rice into containers and colanders. Try a treasure hunt by hiding different figurines in the rice. You can use tongs or spoons to find the figurines.

To add to the sensory experience, try making rainbow rice using vinegar and food colouring.

Hayley Hughes is an Occupational Therapist at Tools 4 Life. Visit www.tools4lifeot. com or www.facebook.com/tools4lifeot/ to learn more about how Tools 4 Life can support your child. | ph 0429 165 488

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- Typing or writing out the recipe. Choosing a recipe to type or write provides a functional and fun reason to practice typing and/or writing skills.

- Rolling dough, chopping, sprinkling and using tongs all require your child to use their fine motor skills.

- Counting, measuring ingredients and setting timers are all functional skills your child can practice in the kitchen.

The Kiddie Food Kutter is a helpful tool to use for kids in the kitchen. The knife can cut through fruit and vegetables using a sawing motion, but is safe for children to use (kiddiesfoodkutter.com.au).

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WALKING AT THE BEACH If you have ever gone for a walk or a run at the beach, you will understand how much harder it is than walking around your usual neighbourhood! Sand is unstable under your feet, which requires more strength, balance and coordination to walk (or crawl) on.

Walking on soft sand is much harder than walking on hard sand. So if your child is finding it difficult to walk on soft sand, move them closer to the water’s edge to help them to succeed.

And remember, it’s not just walking on sand that is harder so, why not give some bear walks, crab walks, crawling or jumping on sand a try – the options are endless!

WATER SLIDES Water slides – whether they be the big water park or the at home DIY variety – can be great for your child’s physical development.

Climbing up the many steps to get to the top of the water slide will help to strengthen your child’s legs, practice going up stairs (if this is something they find difficult), as well as give them (and you!) a good cardiovascular workout!

Then sliding down the slide will give them some great vestibular input as they slide forwards and turn the corners. Finally, at the bottom, when they land in the water, your child will have to right themselves again to get up and out of the water, challenging their balance and transitions from sitting to standing.

PHYSIOTHERAPY

BY EMILY HAYLES

SWIMMING OR OTHER MOVEMENTS AND PLAY IN THE WATER

If you don’t have a local water park you can go to, you can try these options at home: • Water running down the slippery slide (make sure your child is supervised going up the ladder as it will be wet and therefore be more slippery than usual!)

• Set up a ‘slip-n-slide’ with some plastic or tarp down a hill. Walking up the hill after every slide down will be great for your child’s leg strength!

Moving or playing in the water is a great and fun activity for children with movement difficulties and has numerous benefits: • It takes some of their body weight – this means that your child should be able to do things in the water that they cannot do on land, such as walking, jumping, going up and down steps, or running.

• It provides resistance to movements, which can help to strengthen your child’s muscles – you can strengthen their arms by asking your child to push or pull their arms or floating toys through the water, and you can strengthen their legs by getting them to walk or run through the water, or kick their legs (and you can add flippers for even more resistance!)

• It can help to relax tight muscles – the pressure and warmth of water, as well as the ability to move more freely in water can help your child to relax tight or stiff muscles.

• It can help them to practice their balance skills – the water around their body provides additional support enabling your child to hold themselves upright and balance for longer. This means that your child might be able to do things they find difficult on land, such as standing on one leg. In addition, the movement of the water around them can challenge their balance – swish some water around them and see if they can hold themselves upright.

DECORATING THE CHRISTMAS TREE Decorating the Christmas tree – particularly the baubles and hanging decorations – can give your child an amazing opportunity to practice bending down or squatting down to the floor, standing up from a squatting position, and also reaching above their head.

When you get all the decorations out, put them all on the floor. This will encourage your child to squat down to pick them up before then putting them onto the tree. If your child has trouble squatting or reaching all the way down to the floor, then you can put them onto a low foot stool. Then, when putting the decorations on the tree, encourage your child to reach their arm up high to get to the higher branches. This is a great way to practice reaching high into the air, or alternatively encouraging them to rise onto their toes.

And if your child is little and they start pulling the decorations off again – rather than getting annoyed, you can now think of this as another opportunity to practice squatting, standing and reaching.

Emily Hayles is the principal physiotherapist and owner of Move and Play Paediatric Therapy, a multidisciplinary children’s therapy service based in Mackay, Queensland, as well as the author of ‘Braver than you think: How to help your child with a disability live their best life’.

Ph: (07) 4942 9343 |Email: admin@moveplaypaedtherapy.com.au www.moveplaypaedtherapy.com.au Facebook: facebook.com/moveplaypaedtherapy Instagram: @moveplaypaedtherapy

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SOURCE KIDS

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BY NICOLE DAVIS

OUT AND ABOUT LEISURE ACTIVITIES

FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY: ACTIVITY IDEAS EVERYONE CAN ENJOY The long hot days of summer are upon us and while there’s so much to love about the holidays (let’s hear it for six weeks without school drop offs and pick ups!), it means there are a whole lot of hours to fill with kids who need entertaining!

Finding things to do that the whole family can enjoy can be especially challenging when your child has a disability, but don’t despair – we’ve put our thinking caps on and reckon some of these ideas just might fit the bill...

CELEBRATE THE GREAT OUTDOORS WE ARE BLESSED WITH SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS IN THE WORLD HERE IN AUSTRALIA AND THANKS TO BOTH ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT AND ORGANISATIONS’ INITIATIVES THEY ARE GRADUALLY BECOMING MORE ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE...

GO FISH! One of our very own Source Kids mums is a huge fan of fishing with her boys and can attest to what a great, relaxing activity it is for all the family. There are kid safe spots and creeks all over the country so you can easily kit yourself out with some rods and bait and set up with a picnic for the day. If you want a bit of help and advice to get you going you can “hook” up with an organisation with programs specifically for people with disability and their families.

Check out: Fishability (WA) – fishability.org.au Young Guns Fishing (NSW, VIC & QLD) www.younggunsfishing.com.au That’s the Thing About Fishing (VIC) thatsthethingaboutfishing.org.au

Some accessible trails to try include Buderim Boardwalk and Barron Falls Lookout Track in QLD, Bungoona Path and Lookout and Ironbank Flat – both near Sydney and in Victoria check out the Surf Coast Walk and Lake Trail of Lake Karkarook.

For more trails and tracks check out www.trailhiking.com.au/tag/accessible-hikes Also, take a look at the National Parks website for your state to get more info on accessibility and trail grades. On the Parks Victoria website for example you’ll find social scripts for some of their locations – and TrailFinder availability.

HIT THE BEACH

TAKE A HIKE Another way of celebrating the Australian great outdoors is to pay a visit to one of our beautiful National Parks or local nature trail. Many parks have easy circuits and wheelchair accessible trails and there are a growing number of beauty spots 34

that now provide access to a TrailRider – an allterrain wheelchair which can be hired for free. The TrailRider does require two people to handle it but in Victoria you can book the services of a ‘Sherpa’ – a volunteer who manages the TrailRider and can guide you around the park. Remember you’ll also need to book ahead for use of the chair.

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Universal access to our country’s beautiful beaches is starting to become a reality, largely due to the astounding work by Accessible Beaches who have now helped to activate at least 25 wheelchair accessible patrolled beaches across Australia. There are a number of key features that make a beach

accessible and different spots may have one or all facilities available at different times throughout the year. Beach wheelchairs – including those that float in the water, facilities with bathrooms, showers and changing rooms that can be accessed by a wheelchair user, wide walkways and matting, as well as transport infrastructure and parking are all elements that contribute to a beach’s accessibility.

Find out what’s available near you or your upcoming vacation spot at www.accessiblebeaches.com Also, take a look at our article on page 26 for some more ideas for overcoming challenges you can encounter with your child at the beach. www.sourcekids.com.au

MAKE SOME NEW FRIENDS

PARKS AND PLAYGROUPS CAN BE INTIMIDATING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILIES BUT THERE ARE OPTIONS WHERE YOU DON’T HAVE TO REACH TOO FAR OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE.

PLAYGROUPS

WATER PLAY

Playgroup Australia provides Supported Playgroups, which are available for families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, indigenous families, families with mental health or disability issues, teenage and young parent families, families who are socially isolated, vulnerable or disadvantaged and grandparent carers. For further information on Supported Playgroups in your area, contact your local State and Territory Association on 1800 171 882.

Splash parks, water play parks, splash pads etc. are another great idea for free fun that everyone can get involved in. The wide flat surfaces provide easy access for wheelchairs and are a great sensory experience everyone can enjoy; just make sure you

take lots of sunscreen and sun-safe rash gear as shade isn’t high on the priority list of many of these parks. Unless you own a beach wheelchair you may also have do a spot of DIY waterproofing to your child’s chair to protect cushions and upholstery.

If you’re happy to get a bit wet however, Google will help you find your nearest spot for some splashing fun.

ACCESSIBLE PARKS For a park experience like no other, make a plan to visit a Livvi’s Space – a network of truly inclusive playgrounds across Australia with a unique environment that allows children of all ages and all abilities to play side by side. Each play space includes some soft fall rubber flooring, visual and audio stimulation and is configured to maximise creative, physical, social and cognitive play. They are also totally fenced and shaded for protection from the elements. These wonderful spaces are definitely worth a visit. Find your nearest playground at touchedbyolivia.com.au/open-for-play/ or you can head to Playground Finder for more accessible options – www.playgroundfinder.com/lists/32

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Freedom is choosing where you want to explore.

Wizzybug!

Exciting and fun powered Ability mobility option for young children Wizzybug is a powered vehicle for young children to experience early years in an adapted mobility device.

It has a range of controls and seating adjustments and can be used with close adult supervision indoors and outdoors in accessible areas such as level gardens, playgrounds and parks enabling children to have a fun experience with their first wheels.

Independent mobility has been proven to assist and encourage important developmental skills, along with giving your child the freedom to safely explore their environment.

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- Suitable for children aged between 2-5 years (maximum weight 20kg) - A range of control options including joy stick, specialist switches and remote operation - Easily transportable – dismantles quickly - Has a standby charge of 2 weeks and will usually run for a few days based on moderate use - 8km range on full charge - Maximum speed of 2.9km/hr (speed can be limited)

Wizzybugs can be hired or purchased from CP Tech.

Call us on 1300 106 106 to find out more.

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GET YOUR SKATES ON Ask your local ice rink if they run any fun, informal sessions suitable for people with a disability. The skate helpers/ice penguins are a great aid for some kids who need a little extra help on the ice and it’s even worth asking if any rinks hold sessions where wheelchairs are allowed on the ice. It’s not unheard of and if you don’t ask, you’ll never know!

BEAT THE HEAT

WE DO LOVE A GOOD DOSE OF VITAMIN D AND SUNSHINE BUT SOMETIMES THE SUMMER HEAT CAN BE TOO MUCH FOR FRAGILE AND EASILY FATIGUED KIDS (AND PARENTS!). TRY THESE INDOOR ACTIVITIES WHERE YOU CAN STAY COOL WHILE HAVING FUN.

HIT THE LANES Did you know that Tenpin bowling is one of Australia’s most popular leisure and sporting activities for people with a disability. Tenpin Bowling Australia pride themselves on the inclusiveness of their venues and measures to include all participants in play. Facilities will differ from centre to centre but initiatives include wheelchair access to lanes, lighter balls, special bowling ramps and more. The computerised scoring systems are great too for anyone who may struggle with numbers.

MUSEUM A museum can be a great place to explore and often in air-conditioned comfort on those superhot days! Many facilities have great interactive science-based displays with tactile displays that children are encouraged to explore. Many facilities are free and for those that charge, Companion Card holders can often bring their attendant for free. Melbourne Museum is known at the Autism friendly museum with a number of facilities for patrons with special needs including social stories, a map of high and low sensory spaces and a number of quiet times for visiting. Google your local museum to find out if it is as accommodating.

TAKE IN A MOVIE OR SHOW In the height of summer there’s nothing quite like the air-conditioned respite of your local cinema or theatre but sometimes worries about your child’s behaviour can, quite literally, be a show-stopper.

We know we should live in a world where everyone is welcome all of the time, but if you’d rather not worry about eye-rolls from people who just don’t understand, keep an eye out for sensory sessions both at the movies and at any of the big touring shows that hit the theatres for the summer season.

Sensory session times can be found on the Event Cinemas website or visit Sensory Souls Facebook page and check out the what’s on info at places like Arts Centre Melbourne and Sydney Opera House etc for accessibility info and sensory session dates.

SENSORY SESSIONS If your child goes stir crazy being cooped up inside for too long then an inclusive sensory gym could be just the thing you need. The Shine Shed in Campbelltown, Sydney provides a unique sensory play experience designed to meet the needs of children, teens and young adults with a disability.

Everyone is welcome – with or without special needs – it’s a venue where everyone can play, meet other families and enjoy their time in a supportive and non-judgemental environment.

Bookings can be made for open play sessions at www.shineshed.com.au If you’re in Victoria check out the awesome Sensory Gym, We Rock the Spectrum in Preston – another fantastic inclusive play space providing kids of all abilities with a fun and motivating environment to play, regulate and grow together. Outlets are also planned for Geelong, Western Sydney, Wollongong and Moorabbin. www.werockthespectrumaustralia.com

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2020 PLANNER JANUARY

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N O S WHAT'

SOURCE KIDS

|

WHAT'S ON

EVENTS

CALENDAR OF

December

15 Library backstage pass, Redcliffe QLD www.sensorysouls.net

3 International Day of People with Disability www.idpwd.com.au 3 Victorian Disability Sport & Recreation Festival, Crown River Walk, Melbourne dsr.org.au

24 Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, VIC

January 2020

3 WCMX & Adaptive Skate demo/clinic, Riverslide Skate Park, Boathouse Dr, Melbourne www.facebook.com/events/417237669189885

8 Variety Santa Fun Run, Newcastle, NSW variety.org.au

10 Human Rights Day 10 DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition Quiet Hours. National Museum of Australia, Canberra www.facebook.com/events/443253556547158

14 Spot, Auslan performance.

Sydney Opera House www.sydneyoperahouse.com/events/whats-on

NSW Saturday 7 December 2019 – Clarkes Beach Byron Bay Saturday 14 December 2019 – Flynns Beach, Port Macquarie Saturday 4 January 2020 – Jetty Beach, Coffs Harbour Hands on Day Saturday 18 January 2020 – Coastguard Beach Kingscliff, Cocky Classic Saturday 1 February 2020 – Main Beach Woolgoolga Hands on Day Saturday 15 February 2020 – Flynns Beach, port Macquarie Saturday 15 February 2020 – Rob West Dunga Day Surf Rally Fundraiser Sunday 16 February 2020 – Minnie Waters Main Beach Hands on Day

QLD Sunday 1 December 2019 – Len Wort Park/Flat Rock Beach, Currumbin Sunday 19 January 2020 – Len Wort Park/Flat Rock Beach, Currumbin Saturday 8 February 2020 – Ballinger Beach Currimundi Sunday 16 February 2020 – Len Wort Park/Flat Rock Beach, Currumbin

VIC

8 Sensory Movie Day – Frozen 2, National locations www.eventcinemas.com.au/EventsFestivals/ SensoryFriendlyScreenings

8 Emil & the Detectives, Auslan and Audio described performances + preshow tactile tour. Sydney Opera House www.sydneyoperahouse.com/events/whats-on

DISABLED SURFERS DAYS

11 91 Storey Treehouse, Auslan interpreted performance, Melbourne Arts Centre www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/ kids-and-families 11 The Midnight Gang, Auslan interpreted performance. Sydney Opera House www.sydneyoperahouse.com/events/whats-on 14-18 Stick by Me, Melbourne Arts Centre.

This work is non-verbal, highly visual and an assistive hearing loop is available in the space.

With resources to support your experience, including access notes designed to help you prepare for your visit. This is suitable for children with a range of disabilities. www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/ kids-and-families 18 91 Storey Treehouse, Relaxed performance, Melbourne Arts Centre www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/ kids-and-families

February 2020

Saturday 14 December 2019 – Warnambool Surf Club Saturday 18 January 2020 – Pt Leo Surf Club Sunday 2 February 2020 – Ocean Grove Main Beach Saturday 8 February 2020 – Warnambool Surf Cub Sunday 15 February 2020 – Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club

WA Saturday 7 December 2019 – Leighton Beach, Fremantle Saturday 18 January 2020 – Leighton Beach, Fremantle Saturday 22 February 2020 – Leighton Beach, Fremantle

SA Sunday 23 February 2020 – Moana Beach Surf Lifesaving Club Visit disabledsurfers.org

Coming up in March...

2-8 Feeding Tube Awareness Week www.feedingtubeaware.com.au 14 Day of Hearts/Sweetheart Day, Heart Kids Australia www.heartkids.org.au 18 Disability Support Workers Conference, Ridges Hotel, Brisbane dsw.org.au

14 Sensory Movie Day – Frozen 2, Dendy Cinemas Canberra www.dendy.com.au/events/sensory-friendlyscreening 42

ISSUE 22

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SUMMER 2019

29 Rare Disease Day www.rarevoices.org.au

The Illume Learning Australian Inclusive Schooling Conference is an unmissable opportunity for those with an interest in and passion for inclusive education. The conference will comprise of two full days of keynote and concurrent sessions featuring over 20 nationally and internationally acclaimed speakers, including an exclusive Australian appearance from the renowned Dr. Paula Kluth. Set to attract delegates from across Australia including educators, therapists and parents, this event is not to be missed!

The event will be held in Brisbane on 12th and 13th March 2020. www.inclusiveschoolingconference.com.au

www.sourcekids.com.au

SAVE THE DATES

6-7

MAY 2020

13-14

Claremont Showground, WA

MAY 2020 Melbourne Show Grounds

For more information contact Allison Miller on (02) 4646 1453 or amiller@intermedia.com.au www.atsaindependentlivingexpo.com.au Organised by

!$

Media Partner

ISSUE 22

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SUMMER 2019

43

PRODUCT FEATURE

|

SWIMWEAR AND BUOYANCY VESTS

SWIMWEAR & BUOYANCY

GREAT PRODU C TO HELP KEEPTS YOUR CHILD SECURE AND S AFE, HA THIS SUMMERPP Y !

LEARNING TO SWIM, TOGETHER WITH SAFETY AWARENESS IN AND AROUND WATER ARE IMPORTANT ALL YEAR ROUND IN AUSTRALIA, BUT EVEN MORE SO DURING OUR WARMER MONTHS. ANOTHER CONSIDERATION IS HOW TO AVOID UNWANTED ACCIDENTS IF YOUR CHILD IS NOT TOILET TRAINED. WE'VE FOUND SOME GREAT SWIMWEAR AND BUOYANCY PRODUCTS TO SUIT A RANGE OF NEEDS.

CONTAINMENT SWIM SHORTS Conni Swim Shorts have a great range of products for children, youths and adults. Conni is designed to contain! The technology provides a safe, secure and confident aquatic experience when those unexpected accidents occur; while choosing an environmentally sustainable alternative to disposable products.

RRP $69.95 (kids) & $79.95 (adults) www.shop.conni.com.au

BABY BEEHINDS REUSABLE SWIM NAPPY This multi-award-winning reusable swim nappy will grow with your child and prevent any ‘code brown’ situations! Perfect for the younger child as it’s one-size-fits-most. There is a velcro waist closure for quick and easy adjustment and removal, a soft inner lining that goes against the skin with strong but gentle elastics to keep everything contained for a fun swim!

RRP $26.00 www.babybeehinds.com.au

RASHEE SUN TOP Night N Day’s Unisex Short Sleeve Rashees are a great addition to style and compliment their incontinence swimwear including Swim Shorts, SwimSkorts and Swim Nappies.

The rashees are regular fitting, plus seam free and UPF 50+ sun protection rating.

SWIM SHORT Night N Day Comfort’s Unisex Swim Shorts provide discreet style to incontinence swimwear whilst still being leak-free with non-removable pad, elastic legs, thick waistband with drawstring for a safe, secure and stress-free swim.

RRP from $64.95

SWIMSKORT Night N Day Comfort’s SwimSkort provides fashionable style to incontinence swimwear like never before! Leak-free with nonremovable pad, elastic legs and waistband for a safe, secure, and stylish stress-free swim.

SWIM NAPPY

LIFE JACKET VERTICAL Life Jacket Adapted Inc produce safe and reliable lifejackets designed for people of all ages with reduced mobility. Check out the great range they have including the Life Jacket-Vertical. It has great capacity to keep the body vertical and supports people with multiple disabilities. This style of floatation aid keeps the mouth away from water and maintains the body at the vertical, despite challenges with the lower body.

Night N Day Comfort’s Unisex Swim Nappy is perfect for incontinence.

With a waterproof outer with a non-removable pad, double elastic legs, thick waistband with drawstring, they ensure a safe, secure, leak-free swim.

RRP from $54.95 All available from www.nightnday.com.au

From approx. RRP $250.00 – ships worldwide www.pfd-a.com 44

ISSUE 22

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SUMMER 2019

www.sourcekids.com.au

SPLASH JAMMERS

Never fear, your SuperHeroes are here! We love these Marvel Buoyancy Vests by Zoggs to keep your little super heroes equipped for action this summer!

Splash Jammers have been designed to cater for people of all ages and abilities. These swimmers have a built-in suction ring to stop leakage which is reliable against leaks into pools.

These swimmers have been tested and approved by swim schools around the world and are considered best practice by the British Standards Institute.

RRP $60.00 www.zoggs.com.au/collections/dc-super-heroes

RRP $49.95 www.topcattreasure.com.au

DC SUPERHEROES

KONDFIDENCE JACKET ORIGINAL The Konfidence Jacket is designed for 1-7 years olds. The built-in buoyancy gives a boost to the wearer’s natural buoyancy allowing the development of a swimming technique. It has 8 removable foam floats which allow the buoyancy to be tailored to the wearer’s needs and ability. It’s also is 100% sun protection for your child!

RRP $64.95 www.konfidenceaustralia.com.au

KONDFIDENCE JACKET - YOUTH

AQUA JOGGER The AquaJogger is a buoyancy belt that comfortably suspends you at shoulder level in deep water allowing you to breathe normally and move freely while performing a wide variety of water exercises. With a multitude of accessories to enhance rehabilitation, including Aqua Jogger complete sets, which are a great way to work towards some water therapy goals.

The Konfidence Youth Jacket is designed for 8-14 years olds. It offers a credible alternative to other swimming aids, particularly for older children that want to avoid the stigma of wearing arm bands.

It has an adjustable buoyancy system for staged swimming development and an adjustable neoprene crotch strap that ensures a snug fit (this can be removed if preferred).

RRP $119.95 www.konfidenceaustralia.com.au

RRP from $39.95. Ships to Australia www.aquajogger.com

SPEEDO SWIM BACK FLOAT The Speedo Swim Back Float is designed to increase your child’s confidence around the water. It has a fully adjustable belt for a snug fit and will help build your child’s confidence as they progress through the three stages of learning to swim.

RRP $40.00 www.speedo.com.au

!$

WONDER BOARD The Sprint Aquatics Wonder Board can be used to improve balance, coordination or provide stabilisation. It is made from durable and dense closed-cell foam, in a unique “V” shape design. This Wonder Board can be used for sitting, kneeling or standing exercise to strengthen the core and back.

Approx. RRP $50.00 Ships to Australia www.sprintaquatics.com

WOW POOL NOODLE This heavy duty, thick swimming pool noodle will last the distance this summer! WOW ‘World of Watersports’ have created a noodle with soft luxurious foam; ribbed texture for extra grip and non-slip makes floating comfortable and easy plus it conforms to the body.

RRP $80.00 Ships to Australia www.amazon.com ISSUE 22

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SUMMER 2019

45

WARM IN ONE WETSUIT How’s this product for anyone living in a state that isn’t always warm? The Warm In One Wetsuit is an award winning special fleece-lined baby wetsuit and is perfect for chilly pools, windy beaches or for children with very sensitive skin. It will keep barrier creams in place for comfort and peace of mind while swimming. Easy change, on and off with a deep back opening.

RRP $44.95 www.aussiebabies2kids.com.au

AQUA SPHERE GOGGLES Aqua Sphere goggles enable leak free fun! Suitable for children over 3 years of age, these googles have easy adjustable side buckles with lenses both with antiscratch and anti-fog coatings. As well as being 100% UV proof they provide excellent peripheral vision.

EAR BANDS Zoggs Swimming Ear Bands are designed to keep water out of little ears, hold earplugs in and are designed from 6 months to 12 years.

They are reversible, adjustable, fun and ENT recommended.

RRP $10.00 www.zoggs.com.au

RRP $29.99 www.childrenssafetyglasses.com.au

EENEE SWIMMERS

Disposable swim diapers

SWIMWEAR DISPOSABLE NAPPIES

Eenee swimmers look like regular swimmers and have waist and leg cords for a secure fit plus a stretch waterproof inner sling for containment while swimming. Comes in 6 unisex sizes in red or blue, to fit children to adults. With a range from 5 to 95 years, there is something to suit everyone here.

Theraquatics have a range of disposable swim diapers from child to adult. They are made from a laminated (waterproofed) nylon/lycra fabric with a 100% knit polyester inner. It does not contain latex or any latex properties. Its non-absorbent, breathable material won't come apart and clog pool filtration systems. They are effective in containing solids without adding weight or disintegrating.

Swimmates are designed for aqua therapy or any day in the pool. This discreet disposable bowel containment swimwear is designed for one time use under swimwear then torn away and disposed of after swimming and come in adults size. Feel confident and enjoy the water without the worry!

RRP from $61.95 www.eenee.com

RRP $22.90 www.fishpond.com.au

RRP from $5.70 www.theraquatics.com.au

46

ISSUE 22

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SUMMER 2019

www.sourcekids.com.au

Follow ids Source K ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK AND GET YOUR DAILY DOSE OF INSPO & INFO!

$ @sourcekidsmagazine ! @sourcekids

Road-tripping? Need screen-free activities to avoid the back-seat road-trip rage?

• Scissor-free • Sits easily on the lap – ideal for travel • Fully self-contained with built-in storage trays • Encourages independent play • Guaranteed hours of engagement

We love our Source Kids families – enter the code SKS19 for a 15% discount (unlimited uses. Offer ends 31 Mar 2020)

! @Shapeeze www.shapeeze.com.au/shop

Discover the power of play for children with autism

R82 EXPANDS We are now direct in SE Queensland, NSW and Victoria If you have a current quote for R82 equipment from our previous dealer SNS, please contact us for an update that can be submitted to NDIS for funding.

For ALL QueenR82 require sland p m lease cents in SE ontact E : ll elga@r ie Gambli 82.com ng OT www.r8 0499 78 2 2.com .au 202

48

ISSUE 22

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SUMMER 2019

www.sourcekids.com.au

BY JULIE JONES

SOURCE KIDS

TIPS FOR THE PERFECT

|

ROADTRIPS

ROAD TRIP When travelling by car we arrive at our destination knowing our son’s wheelchair and our luggage won’t be damaged. It’s always nerve-wracking entrusting expensive and vital equipment to baggage handlers who may not treat it with the same care.

Breaking up a trip with frequent stops when, or if needed, is a bonus to road tripping. It gives everyone a chance to change position and have a stretch. Air travel poses a challenge for our on-thego son who gets fed up with sitting for long periods of time.

Road tripping is ingrained into Aussie culture; backpackers, families and grey nomads take to our highways and lesser known tracks to enjoy the freedom of the open road.

Before children, hearing anyone mention a road trip would conjure up thoughts of a carefree holiday filled with spontaneity and without time constraints. Fast forward several years to life with two children, one of whom lives with cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair and requires various pieces of equipment to travel, and a road trip has taken on a whole new meaning. We’ve found there are still many advantages to driving to a destination, but that spontaneity I dreamed of has been replaced with research and planning.

Whizzing by other cars, scenery and towns provides entertainment and stimulation. For this reason, car trips keep our son far more content as he watches the world go by from his window. He finds take-off and landing on a plane exciting but once we are floating above the clouds, he loses interest.

In our family, road tripping equals increased appetites and I find food and drinks are requested regularly. It’s easy to have a cooler bag filled with favourite foods and drinks to satisfy the snack attack which is inevitable. Liquid restrictions on international flights are a challenge with our son so it’s lovely to be able to carry what we need in the car.

Car rental is expensive and finding wheelchair accessible vehicles can be difficult, particularly in regional areas of Australia. Using your own vehicle saves money and you can be confident you have the right vehicle for your needs.

ADVANTAGES TO ROAD TRIPPING

DISADVANTAGES OF ROAD TRIPPING

Swapping plane travel for our car provides many comforts. We don’t pack light so the ease of loading the car the day before we travel without weight restrictions makes life easier. Airlines' strict luggage limits mean we often travel without items we need.

Travelling on our own schedule means any lastminute delays, aren’t a problem. No-one holds a plane because your child needs one last bathroom visit. Car travel offers time flexibility.

We find there’s only so long we can spend in the car getting to a destination and therefore we often need to break up a journey with an overnight stay on the way. This adds to holiday costs but also to the inconvenience of the journey. With a car packed like a Tetris game it’s nearly impossible to remove the wheelchair without the rest of the luggage. We are usually packed to the roof with every inch of space used.

Progress is instant on a road trip, unlike the many hours spent at an airport before you even get on a plane. Check in for an international flight is 3 hours prior to departure and then it’s a matter of entertaining the troops at the airport before take-off.

“Are We There Yet?” – not everyone is as keen on road tripping and with one family member suffering from motion sickness, particularly on windy roads, we need to plan drives carefully. We stop regularly, switch seats and try to stick to straight roads as much as possible.

WHIZZING BY OTHER CARS, SCENERY AND TOWNS PROVIDES ENTERTAINMENT AND STIMULATION. !$

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL ROAD TRIP After many road trips we’ve found a few simple things make travel more comfortable.

• Purchasing a roof pod for our car increased space, allowing us to travel with everything we need. Even on weekends having the extra space of a roof pod has meant we have enough room to take our son’s beach wheelchair and his manual chair on outings to the beach.

• Getting our son’s wheelchair in and out of the car is tough on the boot floor.

We travel with a thick plastic sheet which covers and protects the carpet in the boot of our station wagon.

• Loving off-road wheelchair adventures, we often find the tyres of the chair get thick with dirt. Travelling with a dish brush helps us clean the tyres before putting the chair in the back of the car.

• A relaxed dress code on car trips allows our son to have bare feet, which he prefers. On hot days or pebbly surfaces this poses a problem, so we always keep a thin piece of rubber matting in the car to put on the ground for transfers to save his feet.

• The availability of accessible bathrooms makes road tripping easier than flying but we suggest researching locations. A list of hoisted and adult change facilities can be found on the Changing Places Australia website.

Other accessible bathrooms can be found on the National Toilet Map. And when in doubt, most McDonald’s have a stand-alone accessible bathroom.

• Like any travel, planning and research will help to make your road trip holiday as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

ISSUE 22

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SUMMER 2019

49

ADVERTORIAL

Understanding NDIS with VHP

Can I use NDIS funding to buy Victoria Healthcare Products?

Yes Victoria Healthcare Products is a registered NDIS provider.

Who needs to complete a Victoria Healthcare Products NDIS Participant Account Form?

If you are working with an NDIS participant/support coordinator, they would need to complete the VHP NDIS account set up form on your behalf. This is how VHP determines whether you are agency managed, plan managed or self-managed.

I have an approved NDIS plan - how do I buy from Victoria Healthcare Products?

The way you purchase from VHP will depend on how you have chosen for your funding to be managed: 1.

The NDIA are managing my funds Simply complete the VHP NDIS account form and email to e: sales@ vichealth.com.au. Information captured includes NDIS reference number and contact details. Once returned and processed, you will then be able to place your order and we will invoice the NDIA for your purchases. You will be provided a copy of all invoices for your records.

2.

My funds are managed by a service provider Complete the VHP NDIS Account Form and include the billing details of your service provider. We will set up an account for you so you can email your order request to sales@vichealth.com.au and invoices will be sent to your service provider. You will be provided a copy of all invoices for your records.

3.

I am managing my own funds Being self-funded means that you can go ahead and place orders as normal, i.e., online, by phone or email, and pay at the time using your credit card/EFT. Once payment has been made to VHP, you will then need to submit your invoice to the NDIA for reimbursement.

V

ictoria Healthcare Products is a supplier of healthcare products to the community and home care sectors. The team prides itself on offering exceptional service, reliable products and ongoing support and education. They’re a phone call or email away, ready to provide specialist knowledge and support.

From left: Megan Botsford (Team Leader), Lauren Connolly (Community Account Manager), Lawrence Prasad (Sales Support)

Shop Online: www.vichealth.com.au Children’s Disposable Products We provide a wide selection of disposable products for children, catering for different needs.

Home Care Products

Toilet paper, tissues, kitchen towel We have a huge range of products ideal for all your home care needs.

Bed Protection

Soft, comfortable and breathable, our bed protection lets air vapour in, while keeping spills and stains out.

Available in a variety of fabrics and sizes.

Wipes

Whether they’re used on skin or surfaces, wipes are a hygiene and cleaning essential. Stock up today!

December Special - Save 10% on Eenee Swimmers

As the weather warms up, many of us will take to the water for a refreshing dip. Eenee Swimmers are the waterproof solution for those swimming with incontinence. The best part is, they look and feel just like regular swimmers and are suitable for the whole family. Available in blue, sizes XS - XL. For the month of December you can receive 10% off Eenee Swimmers at VHP, because we believe that swimming is an activity that anyone should be able to enjoy. Visit www.vichealth.com.au

VHP is a Nationally Registered Provider

Contact us for a free sample

The full Abena range available from

Abri-Flex Junior is a disposable pull-up style continence aid that is discreet, comfortable and can be worn just like normal underwear. Designed specifically to fit teenagers and children aged between 5-15 years.

HOME CARE PACKAGE COMMUNITY SUPPLIER HOME CARE PACKAGE COMMUNITY SUPPLIER

Free Call: 1800 888 541

Abri-Form Junior is a disposable continence pad specifically designed to fit teenagers and children aged between 5-15 years. Winged for comfort and security, absorbent and fully breathable.

FREE DELIVERY ON WEB ORDERS OVER $100 FREE DELIVERY ON WEB ORDERS OVER $100

www.vichealth.com.au

1800 888 541

AUSTRALIA WIDE DELIVERY AUSTRALIA WIDE DELIVERY

sales@vichealth.com.au

NATIONAL REGISTERED SUPPLIER

Christmas SOURCE KIDS

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SENSORY GIFT GUIDE

GIFT GIVING GUIDE WITH A SENSORY TWIST

Sometimes, we need to think outside the box when gift giving for kids with high needs.

We’ve put together some ideas to help you find the perfect special present for your child.

LIGHT STAX - VISUAL AND FINE MOTOR LIGHT STAX brings LED light into the world of bricks! Light Stax are beautifully illuminated construction blocks that use LED technology, but are still 100% compatible with existing traditional building blocks. Each Stax will magically light up as it is connected to a power base or any lit Stax. No special connectors or wires are needed. These funky building blocks are sure to be a hit with the additional quality of magical lights – just stack ‘em and they light up!

Starting from approx. AU$26.00 (plus freight costs to Aust) www.lightstax.eu

BUILD A BEAR – BEAR WITH WHEELS We love this little dude from Build A Bear – a perfect little bear friend for your child.

Matching outfits and matching wheels!

RRP $40.00 www.buildabear.com.au

VIBRATION PILLOW AND HAND MASSAGER This great sensory combo from My Diffability is ideal for children needing extra sensory input to help with calming and regulation. Senseez Pillows can be used anywhere – school, during group time, or sitting for mealtimes at home. They’re activated simply by applying pressure – through squeezing, hugging or sitting on them. The Senseez Soothables Handheld Vibrating Massager is a great little gadget to provide the calming and regulating effects of vibration.

RRP $60.00 & RRP $30.00 www.mydiffability.com.au

LIGHTS – VISUAL We love the festive lights at Christmas time, and if your child responds well and loves lights too, why not find something to make the magic of Christmas last and last?

There are many different lights to choose from; we love this Remote Control Ocean Wave Projector Night Light from Amazon. It has 7 colour modes, timer options and an adjustable angle – a beautiful sensory experience all year round!

RRP $28.99 www.Amazon.com.au

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REMO OCEAN DRUM Now that Summer has arrived, we think this is the perfect addition to your child’s music kit! The Remo Ocean Drum recreates the soothing sounds of both rolling and crashing waves. It’s an incredibly versatile instrument that can be played with hands or mallets; and can also be used as a shaker. Now you can bring the ocean to you! www.remo.com/products/product/ ocean-drum/

www.sourcekids.com.au

NEST SWING What better way to enjoy the outdoors than with the relaxing motion of a Nest Swing! These swings are great for sensory regulation for young children through to teenagers/adults. These swings also allow parents and therapists to work with children on vestibular orientation, linear acceleration, balance and motor planning. Special Needs Play Equipment have a wonderful selection for you to choose from on their website.

RRP from $145.00 www.specialneedsplayequipment.com.au

CUBBY HOUSE FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS Special Needs Play Equipment have a fabulous cubby house for our kids in wheelchairs! Who doesn’t love the fun and imagination that comes from playing in a cubby house in the backyard? To check it out how this could become a permanent fixture in your backyard, just go to: www.specialneedsplayequipment.com.au

WATER PLAY MAT – WHEELCHAIRS This water play mat is the perfect size for your child’s wheelchair table and it’s a wonderful way for your child to explore the wonders of the sea with bright colors, sharp contrasts and engaging floating toys. We have found a great selection on Amazon – check them out here, search for water play mat!

RRP from $12.00 www.amazon.com

LED SPEAKERS – SOUND AND VISUAL For our music lovers, this is a great visual and sound combo! Play your child’s favourite music and watch the magical speakers come alive as it dances to the musical sounds!

RRP $69.95 www.sensoryconnect.com.au

MAGIC SMILES PROJECT

NINJA BABIES – ORAL SENSORY We love Ninja Babies products! They fill our kids’ sensory tanks and help them to self-regulate, concentrate and participate. There are so many different designs and colours to match your child’s personality!

RRP from $10.00 www.ninjababies.com.au

!$

Vicki Watson is a professional photographer who was inspired by Karen Alsop’s photography work to create her very own Magic Smiles Project. Vicki understands that it is not easy to book a photo session whilst your little warrior is going through treatment or work it around appointments so she’s created a beautiful way to create amazing images using digital wizardry. To find out more about the The Magic Smiles Project, please head to Vicki’s facebook page: No cost www.facebook.com/MagicSmilesProject/

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Now offering a specialised...

Early Intervention Program

NEW in 2020

Sunshine Butterflies, a registered NDIS provider, located just mins from Noosa, is now offering specialised Early Intervention Program for children aged 0-6 years.

Our highly experienced team of Early Learning Specialists, disability support mentors, along with our team of therapists, will be delivering this unique program at ‘Our Backyard’, a purpose-built 5 acre farm-based facility.

Call 07 5470 2830 for more info. www.sunshinebutterflies.com.au

Play equipment designed for CHILDREN and ADULTS with Special needs to have the freedom to PLAY! OUR RANGE INCLUDES: ● Sensory swings ● Swing frames ● Outdoor play equipment ● Disable swings for children and adults ● Therapy sensory gym frames ● Wheelchair designed play equipment

(02) 9725 4961

www.specialneedsplayequipment.com.au

! @specialneedsplayequipment

The fully enclosed, portable bed Find out how The Safety Sleeper can improve quality of life for your entire family!

TM

Contact Avant Innovations to learn more and request a trial.

www.avantinnovations.com.au • Phone: +61 2 8315 2834 54

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www.sourcekids.com.au

www.avantinnovations.com.au • Phone: +61 2 8315 2834 YES! we are a registered NDIS provider

Large bodysuits to assist everyday living • full bottom coverage to help keep wandering hands out of nappies and pants

SIZE 4T TO E LARG T ADUL Back Zip can be worn day or night and also popular for aged care

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• deters inappropriate undressing and other challenging behaviour • tag free and styles to suit all seasons Tummy access for easier tube feeding

Our suits are available in toddler to large adult sizes

www.wonsie.com.au

A place where different abilities are celebrated!

www.sourcekids.com.au

SPRING 2019

Source Kids_magazine_Spring2019.indd 34

The new standard in therapy for brain-injured children

6/9/19 9:51 am

Combining parent education and intensive therapy to unlock children’s potential.

CME | TheraSuit | Powerplate | Parent Education

We are an online supplier of therapy equipment, toys and resources for people with different abilities.

Our products are carefully selected to assist in the development of skills in a wide range of areas, and are also motivating and engaging for endless fun!

Our product categories include: Sensory, Oral Motor, Fidgets, Fine Motor, Gross Motor, Social Skills, Play, Books, Gifts, Communication / Educational, Timers / Schedules... and more!

Locations: Adelaide Melbourne • Auckland Sydney • Brisbane Head office: 490 Brighton Road, Brighton SA

To book your free assessment email admin@timmermansmethod.com.au or phone 0411 696 839

!$

PO Box 3121, Caroline Springs, VIC 3023

(03) 8456 6613 • www.mydiffability.com.au e. advice@mydiffability.com.au

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BY SAM PAIOR, THE GROWING SPACE

NDIS

ASSISTIVE

TECHNOLOGY WHAT EXACTLY IS THAT, DO I NEED IT AND HOW DO I GET IT? PUT SIMPLY, ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IS THE PHYSICAL “STUFF” YOU NEED BECAUSE OF YOUR DISABILITY. The “big ticket” assistive technology items are things like electric wheelchairs, cochlear implants, electric beds, hoists and eye gaze systems, and all of these often more specialised and customised items can only be purchased with NDIS funds, and only if you have a therapist prescribe them and put them through the NIDS approvals system. These sorts of items (and you can find a full list on the NDIS website) are considered specialised or complex and if approved, the funds will be in your “Capital” budget in your NDIS Plan.

I’m not going into more details about those big items – as they are unique to each participant and need to go through internal NDIS approval processes.

These items would generally, though not always, cost more than $5000.

What I want to talk about today, is the “stuff” that families and participants can purchase without specific NDIS approval, using your low risk assistive technology, or consumables and core budgets.

LOW COST ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IS THE STUFF THAT YOU NEED, BECAUSE OF YOUR DISABILITY, TO MAKE REGULAR STUFF WORK BETTER FOR YOU, OR A MODIFIED VERSION OF REGULAR STUFF. I’m talking about a moulded plastic spoon for someone who needs a spoon that’s easier to grip, or a bib for a school kid made out of school fabric, a talking alarm clock if you’re vision impaired, a visual timer to help someone with cognitive impairment, an app to build social stories, a tipping kettle, laminating pouches for all those visual schedules, a large print calendar, cup holder for your wheelchair, pick up stick thing, a replacement mobility cane, elastic shoelaces or bike gloves for a wheelchair user.

There are probably *thousands* of other things that might be covered under this – each person with disability will have different disability related needs to meet their goals.

This stuff can be purchased using a specific Assistive Technology budget line item in your plan, BUT, you can also purchase it through consumables in your CORE budget. If your plan is Agency managed, you can find Agency registered providers of AT stuff through the portal – you can even order stuff online (just Google “assistive technology NDIS shop”).

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www.sourcekids.com.au

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR IDEAS ON LOW COST ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND WHAT MIGHT HELP YOUR CHILD, WE PUT TOGETHER A HUGE LIST WITH THE HELP OF DOZENS OF FAMILIES AND DISABLED PEOPLE AT

WWW.THEGROWINGSPACE.COM.AU/ASSISTIVE-TECH-HUGE-IDEAS-LIST WHICH SORTS MORE THAN 300 ITEMS AND IDEAS INTO CATEGORIES.

The rules basically state that the items need to be low risk – for example, even though bed poles are low cost, they can be super dangerous, so those must be prescribed individually by a professional.

DO I NEED AN OT TO SIGN OFF/APPROVE/APPLY FOR THESE LOW COST/LOW RISK AT ITEMS? No, you don’t, but it might be a good idea to speak to an OT or other people with similar needs as your child about what stuff might be useful. A letter or email from your OT outlining some suggestions might also be useful as evidence if you’re ever audited.

As with all things NDIS, the stuff you buy must be “reasonable and necessary”.

While a walking stick might be fun for a dress up costume for a party, unless you actually need it because of your disability, you really can’t spend your NDIS funds on it!

Check out www.ndis.gov.au/providers/assistive-technology-faqs for more info.

Here’s just one snippet from that web page: “As outlined in the AT Complexity Classification document, the NDIA recognises some AT as low cost, low risk (Category 1) and participants who have AT identified in their plan will generally have funding in that plan for them to directly purchase a modest amount of this AT that is integral to meeting their plan goals. The Daily Adaptive Equipment (03_131_0103_1_1) line item under a participant’s CORE budget (Consumables support category) would be where they would claim these expenses.”

If you don’t have a CORE or Assistive Technology budget in your plan, this won’t work, and neither will it work if you are both Agency Managed, AND your planner did not include Consumables at the back end of your plan (you will not be able to tell this by looking at your plan and will need to call NDIS to confirm one way or the other).

HOW MUCH CAN I SPEND? Currently the limit appears to be $1500 per item, but stay tuned to the Growing Space Facebook page @thegrowingspaceaustralia as I’ve heard rumblings of changes afoot and we’ll be sure to announce them as soon as we know!

WHAT ABOUT “SENSORY ITEMS”?

Sensory items are things like chewable jewellery, or fidget spinners or tight sensory undergarments. There are masses of these products available to help sensory seekers and others, often with autism, to self-regulate. Sometimes planners or LACs will say that sensory items are not claimable under NDIS plans. This is not necessarily correct, as the NIDS Act is very clear that disability related needs are to be funded. As you and I are not NDIS planner delegates, we actually have no way of legally determining what is or is not “Reasonable and Necessary” so we need to use the “Can I buy it?” list shared by the NDIS in the NDIS Guide to Self Management which you can (and should!) download at www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan/self-management.

If you can check off each of the items on the list on this web page, then chances are you are able to claim the item. If you desperately need clarification, you’ll need to contact your LAC or the NDIS directly, but just a heads up – you will likely get an answer from someone who doesn’t have enough information to make a good answer.

MY PLAN MANAGEMENT PROVIDER IS BEING DIFFICULT! Plan Managers try to ensure that participants and nominees don’t claim for items that are not allowed. Unfortunately, some have gone a little overboard, and demand an OT report for every item. They do this to protect you from having to pay stuff back on audit, and to protect themselves in case they can’t get that money back from you, so while it’s understandable, it’s a pain, and not how the NDIS should be working.

When you choose your Plan Manager, ask them some hairy questions about what they will or won’t approve as Low Cost Assistive Technology, and what hoops you might need to jump through to get your reimbursement – and keep calling around until you get a Plan Manager that works for you!

And here’s a little tip too, in the latest NDIS price guide, one of the examples written is: “- a $530 digital text player – the provider would submit a payment request for 5.3 units of 03_220300911_0113_1_1 (Low Cost AT for Vision Related AT) at total cost of $530" So, if your Plan Manager says you can't get anything above $100/item or $500/ item, please let them know, they’ve got it wrong!! And tell them Sam Said So, or just politely point them to the new AT Price Guide for clarification.

If you’re looking for ideas on Low Cost Assistive Technology and what might help your child, we put together a huge list with the help of dozens of families and disabled people at www.thegrowingspace.com.au/assistive-tech-hugeideas-list/ which sorts more than 300 items and ideas into categories.

And finally, when trying to decide what you can and can’t claim, always start off by asking yourself “Would I buy this anyway, if my child wasn’t disabled?”, and if you’d probably buy it anyway, chances are you shouldn’t be claiming it from their NDIS plan.

For more information about making the most of your NDIS, check out The Growing Space’s ever growing library of free and subscription based resources written for carers and people with disability at www.TheGrowingSpace.com.au/library Subscription to this resource can be claimed from Self or Plan Managed NDIS plans from Core of CB support budgets.

!$

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SPLISH, SPLASH – BATHING MADE EASY! We have a huge range of hygiene equipment that makes bathing a breeze.

You can even trial some of our equipment.

All you need to do is call us to make an appointment with one of our Specialist Consultants, arrange a trial, or enquire about any of the products and services we offer.

astris-pme.com.au

1300 131 884

facebook.com/astrispme

Inclusive sensory play for kids, teens and young adults!

Australian designed and built, The Shine Shed features a wheelchair swing, zipline with adaptive seat, therapy swings, trampoline, foam pit, spinning pods, sensory room, climbing walls and more!

Available for open play sessions, birthday parties, school visits and adult programs

Body Socks

R

5 Mount Erin Road, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560 Ph. 02 4629 5555 enquiries@shineshed.com.au

www.shineshed.com.au

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www.sourcekids.com.au

Enjoy the outdoors this summer

Waterproof Bed Linen, Furniture & Clothing Protectors

www.IndependentlyYou.com Ph: 1 8 0 0 8 0 9 8 47

Rifton Pacer utility base with larger wheels. Available in small, medium and large bases.

Bandanas

Visit www.medix21.com.au to find your closest distributor.

Brolly Sheets

Chair Pads

Plus Doona Protectors, Waterproof Fitted & Flat Sheets, Bibs & more The Brolly Sheets Group is a registered provider to the NDIS

Waterplay can now be safe and fun in the shower… with a thermostatic shower mixing valve from Therm-Oz Showers

• Maintain a consistent water temperature • Prevent chance of scalding • Easy child-safe controls • Cool-Touch technology ensures the surface remains cool • Stylish, yet functional and water efficient

THE

new bib

what to wear when you don’t want to wear a bib

The absorbent and quick drying backing is designed to keep the chest dry and protect clothes. Bibulous bibs are both practical and stylish made with premium cotton and linen.

!$

www.therm-oz.net.au Ph. 08 6117 3877

No moreg wrestlinto arms in sleeves!

Create childrend for teenag and who fee ers conscio l self u wearings about bibs

! Bibulous $ bibulous_bibs

new stock with new designs arriving November

bibulous.com.au

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SOURCE KIDS

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EXTREME SPORTS

EXTREMTEURES ADVEN

!

N U F M U M I = MAX

orts and adrenaline and dad! Extreme sp m mu es ey ur yo se Clo domain of the ablen’t have to be the sole pumping activities do has energy to burn not-so-little dare-devil bodied. If your little or se ideas? the not check out some of and then some, why

BY NICOLE DAVIS

WCMX & ADAPTIVE SKATING Do you have someone who’d love to shred it up on the ramps? In the words of Aaron ‘Wheelz’ Fotheringham of Nitro Circus fame “when life gives you a wheelchair find a skatepark”.

WCMX stands for Wheelchair Motor-Cross. Despite the name, there are no motors involved, the naming is similar to BMX (Bike-Motor-Cross). WCMX riders use specialised wheelchairs (WCMX wheelchairs) in skateparks in place of a skateboard, scooter or bike to perform tricks and ride ramps.

Adaptive skating is using a skateboard in a way that differs from standard skateboarding. Some examples include: - Sitting on a skateboard and using the hands to push, - Using crutches to push and help maintain balance, or - Using a support/white cane to guide the skater if they are visually impaired (This list isn’t exhaustive, there are many forms of adaptive skating, new methods are being created every day!)

Although new, the concept of WCMX and adaptive skating as a form of occupational therapy continues to be recognised by therapists and parents as a revolutionary new method of boosting your child’s confidence, independence, motor skills and self-worth.

The activities provide transferrable life skills such as persistence and goal setting; advanced mobility skills that enable your child to conquer access barriers encountered in daily life; social connectivity in the form of a supportive network of like-minded peers and the ability to shift perceptions of disability in society, through demonstrating that people with disabilities

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can achieve whatever they want with persistence and the right adaptation of the task.

WCMX and adaptive skating are also incredible tools for changing society’s perception of people with disabilities. When you see a wheelchair backflip, you don’t see the disability, or perceived limitations that person may have. You see them for the incredible athlete they are, the determination and drive they have to get to where they are. WCMX and Adaptive skating show that wheelchairs, crutches and other mobility devices can be more than a medical device, they can be used in alternative ways to perform cool tricks and stunts. These sports show that disability can’t hold you back once you find the right way to adapt the activity to suit your needs.

Timothy Lachlan, third-year Occupational Therapy Student and Founder of WCMX & Adaptive Skate Australia began using a wheelchair at 11 years old due to a fatigue disorder. Tim told us, “I had no wheelchair skills when I started out, I was heavily reliant on wheelchair access. That all changed after I was inspired by a video of Aaron ‘Wheelz’ Fotheringham’s wheelchair backflip. I begged my parents to take me to the skatepark, I fell in love with the sport and the skills I quickly picked up.

“Within 6 months, I went from being unable to hold a wheelie to being able to go up and down stairs and drop in on 6ft ramps. This sport has changed my life, allowed me to travel the world and gift kids and adults the freedom to go anywhere and do anything thanks to the advanced mobility skills that are embedded in the sport.”

IS IT DANGEROUS? Like all sports, there is some risk, this risk is greatly reduced when riders wear appropriate safety gear such as helmets, elbow and knee pads; in addition to performing tricks within their skill range (no backflips on your first day!).

www.sourcekids.com.au

HOW TO GET INTO WCMX AND/OR ADAPTIVE SKATING? Riders can use their daily wheelchairs to skate; however, if you are serious about the sport, it is advisable to invest in a WCMX wheelchair, so you don’t damage your daily chair and get stuck waiting for repairs. WCMX wheelchairs can be funded through the NDIS as they contribute to community participation.

To get into adaptive skating, it is recommended to purchase a good quality beginner’s skateboard from a skate shop, as cheap boards from department stores have poor quality bearings and wheels which can increase the risk of injury.

Where to go to find out more: WCMX & Adaptive Skate Australia: Email: wcmx.au@gmail.com ! aussiewcmx $ wcmxaustralia Skate & Relate (Skate and Relate are also NDIS providers): www.skateandrelate.com.au ! skateandrelate $ skateandrelate

WATER SKIING Over the years, water skiing has been adapted so that physically challenged athletes can also participate; the first disabled world water ski tournament was held in 1987 in Western Australia, and the West Australian Disabled Water Ski Club (formerly known as the Challenge Water Ski Club the umbrella organisation for water skiers with disabilities) has been in existence since 1988.

The club’s doors are open to people with disabilities as well as the able-bodied and everything that someone would require to try out the sport is provided. The club is used mainly as a social and recreational venue but they also hold tournaments with events including slalom, tricks and jumping for blind or partially blind athletes, multiplegics, amputees and athletes with various disabilities in the legs or arms.

Over on the East coast, the NSW Waterski Federation Disabled Division is a water ski program open to all ages with various physical disabilities or vision impairment. Their program operates between October to April and they try to hold six open ski days during the water ski season where people with disabilities can ‘Come n Try’ or develop their water-skiing skills. A pool of modified equipment is available for use.

For more info visit www.disabledwaterskinsw.com and www.waterskiwa.com.au/disabled

IFLY INDOOR SKYDIVING iFly Indoor Skydiving prides itself on offering a facility and experience that is accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities. With locations in Sydney, Brisbane and Gold Coast, the state-of-the-art wind tunnel provides a fully controlled, ultra-safe environment giving truly anyone the opportunity to fly. iFly have flown wheelchair users, people with low vision, hearing loss, paraplegia or amputees, as well as people living with autism, cerebral palsy and more. Each flyer is helped by specially trained flight instructors with appropriate accommodations based on their individual challenges.

The all-inclusive experience is open to all ages 3 - 103 and provides all the fun of skydiving without the need to jump out of a plane! All locations have lift access for wheelchair users, as well as restrooms and entrances that are designed to be wheelchair and pram accessible. Even service animals are welcome at the iFly locations. Although your treasured pet won’t be able to fly(!!) – the 360-degree glass tunnel means that they can watch their companion during the whole experience.

SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF INDOOR SKYDIVING INCLUDE: Hand-eye coordination/proprioception – the safe wind tunnel is a perfect way to learn body positioning (like the family-fun game, Twister!), and the experience stimulates the senses and brain function.

Builds patience and confidence – it may look easy, but it takes effort and time to learn how to hover and then fly around the tunnel like a bird.

Leave Fortnite and the screens behind – what better way to encourage time away from screens than with the promise of flying?

More info at www.downunder.iflyworld.com

TREE TOPS CRAZY RIDERS

Tree Tops adventure parks offer high energy (high, geddit!), extreme amounts of fun amongst the tree-tops. Not all of the activities they offer are fully inclusive but if you have an older child or young adult with a head for heights and speed, they might want to check out the wheelchair accessible Crazy Rider experience available in their Central Coast location. Billed as the fun-filled love child of a rollercoaster and a flying fox, riders experience the wow factor as they swoop, twist, turn and zig zag through the trees.

For more info take a look at www.treetops.com.au/adventures/treetop-crazy-rider

DISABLED SURFERS BEACH DAYS This is such a wonderful organisation run solely by volunteers. The Disabled Surfers Association of Australia hold numerous beach days all through the summer across Australia’s coasts allowing children and adults with disabilities the rare chance to catch a wave. Their mission is to put ‘Smiles on Dials’ by taking disabled participants of all ages and all disabilities surfing in a fun, friendly and safe environment. There’s no pressure to win gold, it’s all about having fun and making new friends in your local community. Make sure you visit the Disabled Surfer’s website for the latest on all the planned days around Australia.

For more information visit www.disabledsurfers.org

BACKYARD FUN

How about taking it to the extremes in your own backyard?

When Funky Monkey Bars started making monkey bars for families’ backyards in 2011, schools and councils were taking them out for fear of kids falling.

Leap forward nearly 10 years and Funky Monkey Bars now has 22 frames in response to a parent and child led demand for play that challenges kids to take calculated risks on equipment that can be customised to each child’s capability.

Every kid now considers themselves a Ninja Warrior in training and Funky Monkey Bars latest backyard frame, The Combat Ninja, caters to this latest craze for fitness that’s encouraging a digital generation of kids to get outside and play.

The Combat Ninja has monkey bars that climb to three metres high, from which kids can then clamber down a long Jungle Rope or slide the 3 metre Fireman’s Pole. Ninja handles and grips challenge the kids to swing like monkeys – building strength and persistence with huge boosts to their self-esteem when they conquer the frame.

Learn more at www.funkymonkeybars.com

WINTER SPORTS Ok, we know it’s the wrong season right now, but adrenalin junkies need to have fun all year round, right? Disabled Winter Sport Australia (DWA) offer one of the most advanced adaptive skier programs in the world with both private lessons and ski camps on offer at various Australian resorts like Perisher, Falls Creek, Thredbo and more. Membership of DWA is essential to use their services and members range from recreational skiers all the way through to Australia’s Winter Paralympians. Adaptive stand-up skiing, sit-skiing, adaptive snow-boarding and more is available through their programs. www.disabledwintersport.com.au to learn more about how to get involved.

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Live the life you want to lead with Leap in!

NDIS Plan Management.

No waiting and no cost to you Use the providers you want

(whether registered with the NDIS or not)

Track your NDIS budgets in real time Fast payment for your providers Great advice and experience.

PLUS a free planning and budget app!

Join today, claim tomorrow.

!$

1300 05 78 78 leapin.com.au

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RARE DISEASE

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BY RACHEL WILLIAMS

LIMB DIFFERENCE

RARE DISEASE:

LIMB DIFFERENCE The frustration of not knowing why your child is born without an arm or part of their limb is a challenge that appears to be offset by the remarkable achievements made by the children faced with the difficulty.

That’s the consensus from one mother faced with the reality of dealing with the situation.

And, one surgeon on the frontline assisting families navigate the challenge is confident that a new research program will paint a clearer picture of the disability.

Limb difference is when a person has more or fewer than five fingers, fingers that will not bend or will not straighten, fingers that are joined together or bones in the hand or arm that are too short or missing.

It’s a reality that seven-year-old Charlotte Lachs faces.

Charlotte’s arm stops just below her left shoulder.

Mum Narelle explains that she and husband, Shaun, found out at her 13 week scan about the difference.

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“She had a lot of tests for other problems including her heart but all tests came back as normal so the doctors were unsure as to why this had happened,” recalls Narelle, who is also mum to Liam (20), Max (14), Dylan (13) and Brodie (4).

“The doctors didn’t have any answers, so I think they just put it down to amniotic band syndrome.

They think when I was pregnant early on, because I had a slight fluid leak, that it might have had something to do with it.

“At 28 weeks the doctors were still asking to do more tests but as all of the previous tests had come back fine, I opted to not do any more.

“I don’t think there are any answers we will get now – seeing as all her tests including genetic testing came back normal – so we just deal with what life has handed us and move forward.”

“A few days later I went into premature labour.

Charlotte was born 11 weeks early at 29 weeks weighing a tiny one kilogram. She spent eight weeks in hospital before we were allowed to bring her home three weeks before her actual due date, weighing two kilograms.

“She was amazingly healthy for being so premature.

She didn’t need oxygen and thrived from the first day.

“She has had two operations to shave the bone back in her arm because the rate it is growing is faster than the muscle and tissue around it. Both times the recovery has been fine but it will need to be an ongoing thing every few years when required.”

Narelle says it was frustrating not knowing why it happened.

Not a lot is known about the causes and prevalence of limb differences.

In Australia it is estimated that close to 2,500 children and young people live with a limb difference – some of which have congenital differences and others who need assistance post injury.

It’s experts like Dr David McCombe who are on the front line to ensure children like Charlotte can reach their best potential under the circumstances.

Dr McCombe is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne and works at the Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of the Royal Children’s Hospital and Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery Unit at St. Vincent’s Hospital.

www.sourcekids.com.au

“We have a clinic at the RCH which has 4 surgeons and is run every 2 weeks and between us we see around 50-60 kids as well as the kids we see in our private offices,” Dr McCombe says.

“Given the complexity of some of the children we often need to have multiple consults to come to a plan of management.

“There is a wide range of congenital differences and each child presents their own individual challenges and while we have a number of established techniques we can use; each child requires a specific approach.

“Some of the work is pretty delicate as we are operating on very small blood vessels and nerves as we rearrange things to optimise function. We use magnification for almost all procedures and specific instrumentation for the more demanding ones.

“For the most part it is incredibly rewarding treating this group of children. Often you meet with them when they are infants and maintain a long-term relationship with them and their families and are able to see them grow and adapt.”

Narelle says that Charlotte’s plastic surgeon, Dr Paul Allcock, has been amazing.

“After discussing prosthetic arms with him when she was younger, we decided against the need for a prosthesis for the time being. Because of the fact that her arm is not past the elbow he felt that a prosthetic would just get in her way. She has often said she doesn’t want one however it will be something that we look into sometime in the future,” Narelle says.

Dr McCombe confers that prosthesis’ aren’t used very often.

“In the past they have been pretty bulky and cumbersome and kids generally have preferred to cope without them. There are dramatic advances being made with technology that will make them more useful.”

Aside from the occasional emotional meltdown – which any young child has in spades anyway – Narelle says she is amazed by what her daughter can do despite her difference.

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“ ...THIS YEAR FOR HER SCHOOL HALLOWEEN DISCO SHE WENT AS A ZOMBIE WITH A PLASTIC ARM THAT LOOKED LIKE IT HAD BEEN RIPPED OFF HER ARM. IT WAS A GREAT CONFIDENCE BOOST FOR HER BECAUSE EVERYBODY LOVED IT SO MUCH AND IT MADE HER FEEL GOOD ABOUT HERSELF. “She is very independent and will do pretty much everything her brothers and other kids do,” she explains.

“One time she found a bow and arrow toy at a friend’s house and after racking my brain to think of a way she could do it and coming up with nothing I told her that was something she probably wouldn’t be able to do and she said ‘I will just do it like this’ and went straight ahead and did it. I was blown away.

“She always proves that having one arm is not going to hold her back. She dresses herself almost all the time. She rides a 2-wheel scooter like a pro and is so proud of herself for learning to ride her bike without training wheels with no modifications to the bike.

“She can dress and undress her Barbies and baby dolls unassisted and loves to build with lego.

“She does well at the school swimming, this year she was in the most advanced learning group for kids her age in the pool.

“She loves dressing up especially for book week and Halloween and this year for her school Halloween disco she went as zombie with a plastic arm that looked like it had been ripped off her arm.

It was a great confidence boost for her because everybody loved it so much and it made her feel good about herself.

“In general, she copes really well but she does have her moments where she thinks everybody is staring at her and it makes her very self-conscious.

We explain to her that everybody is different and if someone is staring at her just say ‘Hi!’.”

Narelle says bullying remains her biggest concern.

“We hope that she will have the confidence and strength to deal with it if and when it comes her way,” she says.

The family has benefited from friendships formed through national support group Limbs 4 Kids, which is an initiative from Limbs 4 Life.

She says the group they have become a part of in South Australia, has allowed them to connect with other families in a similar situation.

From bowling to a dolphin cruise, the group provides safe activities for Charlotte to participate in.

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“This year is really the first year that we have reached out to others in our situation. “We tried to bring her up like she was the same as everybody else but just this year we realised that she might actually need to meet and socialise with others in the same or similar situation as her so she knew that she wasn’t alone.

“I think it has been great for her.”

Aussie Hands Foundation is another organisation providing guidance and support and also offers programs including play therapy and mentoring.

Dr McCombe is just one specialist who has teamed up with the foundation to facilitate the development of the Australian Hand Difference Register.

Perhaps surprisingly, there has been a gap in data collection for those with limb difference, with decades-old documentation still in circulation.

“While the various hand differences have been thoroughly described, classified and reclassified, and multiple operations designed for each of them the data that informs families and assists in decision-making is sparse and often historical,” Dr McCombe explains.

“It is this gap that the Australian hand difference register (AHDR) aims to fill by providing nationally collected and standardised data on incidence, demography and long-term outcomes in order to assist patients, families and treating clinicians.

“There is no tool to avoid it or prevent it at this stage. Unlike the tragedy of the morning sickness drug Thalidomide that caused limb anomalies, we don’t think that a lot of new cases are drug related or from environmental exposure. But we need to collect information to recognise patterns to give you a starting place – it will be easier to step back and look at the whole picture rather than being in the middle of the jigsaw puzzle.”

The register is managed by researchers at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, which is located at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.

You can learn more about the work of Aussie Hands at www.aussiehands.org and Limbs 4 Kids via www.limbs4kids.org.au www.sourcekids.com.au

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ISSUE 22

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SUMMER 2019

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PROFILE

|

THE WHITNEY FAMILY

MEET THE

Whitney FAMILY

WE ARE A FAMILY OF 4: DAD (DINO), MUM (CLARE), LEXI IS 7 YEARS AND SUMMER IS 4½ YEARS. WHERE DO YOU LIVE? We live in Thornbury, Victoria. We love where we live and feel a huge part of the local community here.

WHAT IS YOUR CHILD’S DIAGNOSIS AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT THEM? Lexi has quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Intellectually Lexi presents as a typical 7-year-old but her physical disability is significant and she requires full assistance to participate and do everything. We are very lucky that Lexi is verbal and also uses a speech device independently using head switches.

WHAT LED TO HER DIAGNOSIS? Lexi’s cerebral palsy was caused by a stroke or lack of oxygen in utero, but like hundreds of other children with CP, what caused this is unknown. I had an emergency C section at 37 weeks whilst having a regular check-up due to weak fetal movements. Within 40 minutes of arriving for the routine appointment Lexi was delivered via C section. Her weakness and distress at birth meant she went straight into NICU where she remained for 3 and a half weeks. At day 5, a precautionary MRI was suggested, with concerns that she may have suffered a lack of oxygen in utero. This was devastating and before we had even held her, the MRI showed she had a significant insult/injury to her brain. It was over a week before we were able to kangaroo care/cuddle her, as things were touch and go many times. Lexi progressed well through NICU eventually and by the time we went through the Nursery stage of the Children’s Hospital Lexi was almost fully breastfeeding. It was hard to believe by looking at her that she had just been diagnosed with such a massive brain injury with an unknown future outcome.

IS LEXI IN SCHOOL? HOW IS SHE DOING AND IS SHE SUPPORTED? Lexi attends our local mainstream primary school and she loves it! As do we. Lexi is now in Grade 1 where she is excelling and keeping up with her peers. She has three full time aides who alternate working with her as she cannot be left unsupervised for more than a few minutes. I like that the school rotates three very dedicated aides so Lexi does not become dependent on just one person; and it challenges her to create new bonds and relationships.

The school is very small and extremely supportive of our whole family. It values and nurtures friendship and inclusion and that shows with the genuine admiration and understanding her peers have for her and them wanting to educate themselves about her disability and how to be as inclusive with her as possible. This also overflows into the other families and social side of school too. Lexi has her speech therapist, OT and physio all visit her at school all working hard to keep the teacher, Lexi and aides up to speed with her speech device, equipment and tech devices which are essential for her participate in the curriculum.

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WHAT THERAPIES DOES LEXI DO? You name it we have done it! From the day Lexi left the hospital ALL my focus and energy went into therapy research for her. It was all I could focus on as naturally I wanted to understand everything I could about cerebral palsy and to do as much therapy as possible in the early years. It gave me a focus and as Lexi was my first child, I was able to put all by energy into her. I decided that it was best for our family and Lexi to do as much therapy early on to educate ourselves and set her up for the future. I knew that once we got to pre-school and school age we would want the focus to shift to friendships/inclusion and access education.

HOW DO YOU FIT IT ALL IN...?

You either do or you don’t really. You do as much as you can, when you physically can and when you can afford it! It’s important to remember that for our kids just “doing life” is therapy.... Integrating therapy into daily life for kids is the best way, simple things like feeding, holding a book and turning pages, making eye contact, all the way through to riding a bike. Yes, riding a bike. Lexi can’t stand or walk but she can ride a specialised bike.

These are all therapy activities that can be done every day with intent and practice and without a paid therapist present.

WHAT CURRENT GOALS DOES LEXI AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE? We are currently focused on forming real friendships independently. We are so lucky to have a great social and school community of friends, but it’s still something we work on constantly – setting up play dates and social outings both for Lexi’s confidence and to help educate her peers.

Since having our second child, Summer, who is now 4, it is really important to us – and extremely challenging – that we nurture both our girls’ needs. Summer is at the age of understanding the difference and not always liking that her sister cannot independently do things or play with her. I find this the hardest thing to manage emotionally. www.sourcekids.com.au

THE BEST THING WE EVER DID WAS REACH OUT TO ONLINE GROUPS AND CHAT WITH OTHER FAMILIES IN THE SAME SITUATION

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU SHARE WITH SOMEONE STARTING OUT ON THE SPECIAL NEEDS JOURNEY? Oh this is a hard question......and I am not sure why, however, the best thing we ever did was reach out to online groups and chat with other families in the same situation; talking online with them, getting advice from their similar experiences. I would find myself chatting online for hours every day to other parents. Those connections and words of advice from parents a few years ahead of us on the same journey, are far beyond anything any doctor has ever said to us.

AND WHAT’S THE MOST ANNOYING/ UNHELPFUL/STRANGE ADVICE YOU’VE EVEN BEEN GIVEN? There are so many things that people, even

!$

complete strangers, feel they can say and email me without even knowing our family. The list is quite long and to me it can often feel like a lack of empathy or real understanding. I also passionately dislike the ‘Welcome to Holland’ poem. I know it’s helpful to some people and well-liked by many – I guess you either love it or hate it! To date, however the most unhelpful advice anyone has given me comes as an acronym: “NDIS”!

first time in almost six years. It was incredible and just what I needed. We are now both still working full-time and it’s been an essential part of healing.

Staying social and having a community presence has helped me keep my passion for advocacy for inclusion for my family at the forefront. I am a doer and so having projects, both work and community based, is what drives me.

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR YOU TIME?

WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE FUTURE?

I am an artist. When Lexi was born I stopped being creative and closed the doors on my studio as I couldn’t bear being alone with my thoughts for a second. After Summer was born, within the first year I felt myself slipping into a black hole. I knew then I had to get back to my creative self no matter how scary that would be. My incredible partner took a year off work and became the full-time carer for Lexi and I went back into the studio for the

Inclusion, access and acceptance, for all our children. I want to see so many small but simple changes to take the weight off families living with a loved one with additional needs. I want the caregivers and siblings along with those living with additional needs to feel valued, heard and supported every day in every way.

ISSUE 22

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STATE DIRECTORY

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NSW / ACT

Meetmany William…

How days

he’s part of our Allowah Family until Christmas??

If you were to describe your famChristmas Fun Activities Groups ily in three words, what would

What is your family’s story?

How did you come to be part of the Allowah community?

they be?

NSW / ACT

The lead up to Christmas time is very busy for most families A mad-house.

That’s children three words!

My and husband, and I difficult have three sons, Kyle, Davidsurprises it isRob, often to conceal when your and William. Kyle, my son from my previous marriage, are with on yourMum last runs. crowds What have yourThe experiences been, both negative and posis twenty.

I raisedyou him as a single forminute six years. shopping itive, of raisingand a childkeeping with disabilities? What are some of When I met Rob, I didn’t really wantaanything to do witha challenge can make propelling wheelchair the challenges and joys? him - I wasn’t interested in a relationship. But, he was your child with an and abundance persistent!

We fell incalm love, got engaged got married. of sensory stimulation in In terms of So the negative, I struggle Kyle walked me down the aisle, and a speech at shopping centres can begave hard for some families.

Allowah has to give all my boys equal the wedding - every girl in the room cried! Then, we had time and attention. When William is home he takes up all the solution!

David. William came as a surprise, a year later. my time and while Kyle and David understand, it is still

hard. I try to spend as much time as I can with all of them.

We If knew something wrong William when Kylefor is old enough to lookwhile after himself but I still like to you wouldwas like towith have time toheprepare Christmas spend time with him when I can, I take him out for brunch was in my tummy. Once he was born, he just wouldn’t your child is all having and lotshim oftofun Allowah Support andthe things like that. David and I will hang out too, we go to stop crying.

He cried day andcare all night.

I took a with the movies paediatrician, told me he was ‘just being naughty’.

Worker who Team ring Maura and book them into together. the Christmas I told them that a six-month old can’t be naughty, they Fun Activities Groups on Saturday 21/12, Sunday 22/12, ofMonday The other challenge having a child with disabilities is don’t know how. Finally, William was diagnosed with a that you’re limited in what you can do with them. I can’t and Tuesday 24/12. rare23/12 condition which effects the brain. It explained why just take William to a trampoline park, the other kids are he never slept and couldn’t eat. He started having seitoo big and it would be too dangerous. zures. It was a hard time. David was only one, so I had Your child will have fun doing Christmas crafts including making two babies. I never saw David, I was always at the hospital was aalong big learning decorations tree and presents you,William singing to curve for our family. I with William. I wouldfor dropyour David off at day-care and then forHaving have worked with people with disabilities for a long time RobChristmas would take him to his grandparent’s I spent all movies, riding or leading music, watchingplace.

Christmas but my husband had never encountered anything like my days with William in hospital. it has made him a much more gentle, open and the fabulous pony who is coming to visit this. andBut, much more! honest person. It has made us and our marriage resilient. I Finally, I met a wonderful paediatrician who told me know that now there is nothing that life could throw at us to go look at Allowah. As soon as I visited Allowah, it that we couldn’t copeYou with. are The groups will run from 8.30am – 4.30pm each day. appealed to me. Everyone there was so nice and when welcome to coming book there, for the hours that you need.

William first started I don’t think he cried There have been so many positive experiences in raising at all, he loved it so much. That’s how we knew it was the William. He brings so much joy to our family. Whenever we right place. get together with our extended family they all say, ‘He’s so

Payment can come from your child’s NDIS Core Support funding. great, look how far he’s come!’ William’s smile, like all the Please call or email to discuss and book. other kid’s at Allowah, is the best. All he has to do is smile and he melts everyone’s hearts - especially the nurses!

STATE DIRECTORY

NSW / ACT

What are some of the best memories you have with William?

When he first walked, that was a special day. It was Christmas day, and he would have been about three and a half or four. We were at my in-laws and he pulled himself up on the edge of the lounge and then made his way to the other lounge. Everyone in the house lost it! We were all so excited, screaming and shouting. Even David was saying, ‘He’s doing it! He’s doing it!’

I actually was recently talking to a family who is considering trying Allowah. I told them, ‘Do it, absolutely!’ I know that William is getting such good care there. The staff are well trained. William gets to do great stuff with Allowah - he even went to the Easter show. On the weekends, I am busy cleaning the house and looking after the whole family, I don’t have time to bake a cake with him. But, he can do that at Allowah! The activities they put on are really good, and Rowena is fantastic.

Christmas School Holiday P rograms

Allowah has been so good for us. When William Allowah is running its usual School Holiday Programs this needed to Recently, William has started putting sentences together. have regular blood they helped with that. When he Summer. of tofun activities and tests, outings planned.

We were at the neurologists theWe otherhave day andlots they said needed to have seizure monitoring, they helped with that. him, ‘How’s David?’

He said, ‘Good.’ They asked, ‘How’s Our support workers areKyle?’ experienced and fun-loving folk, and He said, ‘Good’. Then, they asked him, ‘And, how’s Dad?’ and we Ispecialise in looking after kids with complex William said, ‘A pest!’ nearly lost it, it was so funny!

William receives the same needs. love at Allowah than he would at home. He loves the attention! On the car trip here, he knows When I was driving William up to Allowah, we had the radio where we are going and says, ‘Allowah! Yay!’ on and Colby Caillat’s song ‘Bubbly’ came on. I used to sing it to William when he was little, in hospital. When it came on in the car, William was singing it at the top of his lungs. He knew it, word for word. He must have been a good listener!

The doctors told us that he would never walk, never eat and never talk. And, look at him now! He’s doing all of that.

Imagine what else he will be able to do.

What is your relationship with Allowah like? What would you say to a family considering coming to Allowah?

What are your dreams and hopes for William and youror family?

For enquiries

bookings contact Maura:

I would love for William to be independent, which I’m sure is the dream of every parent of a disabled child. I would love for him to be able to feed and dress himself. Kyle and David have already told me that they will look after William when I’m not around anymore. But, I don’t want that weight on their shoulders. I’ve said to them, ‘I will put him somewhere and you can take him with you everywhere you can. Share the load’. After all, they will have their own families.

Maura Hanney maura.hanney@allowah.org.au Ph: But, mostly I just88773400 want for William what I want for my

William comes here every fortnight or so during the term and stays a few days a week during school holidays. He loves it! I’m pretty sure Monty is his best friend. He loves Ruby too.

other boys - for them to be happy and healthy. If they are happy and healthy, that’s all that really matters.

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STATE DIRECTORY

NSW / ACT

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STATE DIRECTORY

QUEENSLAND

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STATE DIRECTORY

QUEENSLAND

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ALL THE FUN OF THE SEASON! ts and Twinkling lights, rustling paper, special scen ides a prov year of sounds...the most wonderful time , lating stimu some do to ties multitude of opportuni ... ideas few a are Here . child your with sensory activities

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ALL THE FUN OF THE SEASON

FESTIVE LIGHTS ACTIVITIES Christmas lights are simply the best and we’re sure your child agrees. Under close supervision, they can provide some beautiful sensory moments...

Why not create a blanket fort in your living room with a string of indoorsafe festive lights strung throughout the inside? Cuddle up inside with some pillows and share a festive story.

If you can find a plastic jar that’s big enough, a set of battery operated lights inside the jar can provide hours of fun and stimulation.

Would your child love to sleep under some twinkling lights? You could string some strands of lights across their ceiling in a criss cross pattern (use hooks or strong tape) – just make sure you unplug them once your child is asleep for extra safety!

WATER BEAD SEARCH Water beads provide a great sensory experience – add a festive twist by hiding red, green and white Christmas buttons and any another Christmas odds and ends you have among the beads for your child to search for. This provides a nice fine motor work out too!

CHRISTMAS CUTTING TRAY Another way to work on your child’s fine motor skills with a Christmas theme is to provide them with a tray of seasonal material that can be snipped to their hearts’ content. Think cut-offs of wrapping paper, tinsel, ribbon, Christmas themed material and washi tape! Take this activity to the next level by grabbing some glue and creating a collage with the resulting snipped pieces.

CHRISTMAS PIZZAS Cooking with your kids is a wonderful way to work on fine motor skills and speech while providing a sensory, tactile experience. We love this yummy way of changing up the use of cookie cutters for mini pizzas. Keep things simple by buying pre-prepared dough for the base and then decorate with the toppings of your choice. Allow your kids to twist off, kneed and roll-out the dough as well as cut out and decorate the shapes for some extra finger and hand-based therapy!

FESTIVE FRUIT PLATE Entice your child to eat more fruit with a decorated tree-themed creation!

All you need are kiwis, berries and a bit of creativity. You could create the main tree for them and then have your child do the decorating.

CHRISTMAS TREE APP This is an adorable and stimulating way for your child to celebrate the festive season on the iPad. Decorate your tree with a huge assortment of ornaments. Stage it in the perfect environment with your favourite photo.

Then relax in joyous delight to realistic animated snow, shimmery animated lights, and your favourite holiday songs. With over 221 ornaments, trinkets, toppers, gifts, ribbons, and more to create your own jingly and jolly Christmas tree experience over the holidays. https://apps.apple.com/au/app/christmas-tree/id481956567

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ISSUE 22

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SUMMER 2019

79

snooza The all-foam Snooza Chair with its planar angles uses gravity to keep the occupant safe with good postural stability while they are out of their wheelchair.

The soft snug close support helps the occupant to relax, and high armrests promote better breathing.

CHAIR

Well placed carry handles make transportation easy, and large storage pockets are located on each side.

Available in four sizes and four colours.

Easy to clean, just wipe down the medical grade vinyl cover or wash the centre comfort wrap.

www.permobil.com.au info.au@permobil.com