ISSUE 29 / SUMMER 2021
O T K C BA L O O H S CFamilies and schools in partnership
P re p a ratio n fo r
+
P A R A LY M P I C
DREAMS
+
PRODUCT REVIEW
BEDS
M a na g i n g s c h o o l r e fu sa l S c h o o l a c c e sso r i e s
FUN IN THE SUN!
+
+
Datin g + Relationships
Childhoo d D e me ntia
you employ your CarerHelping Solutions Australia own Support Workers Redefining help, defining lives.
and direct your own care. We help you employ your own support workers and We believe thatown you have the right to live direct your care. the life you choose, on your terms.
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want and we support you in your role as the employer.
YouYou identify recruitcontrol your own workers and retainand ultimate oversupport the people who work we support yourthey role work as employer. You retain with you,you theinhours and the tasks they perform. ultimate control over the people who work with you, help with: the We hours they work and the tasks they perform. Payment We •help with: of wages • PAYG income tax • Payment of wages • Superannuation • PAYG income tax • WorkCover insurance • Superannuation • and more • Workcover insurance MANAGEMENT WITH A DIFFERENCE WEPLAN OFFER PLAN MANAGEMENT IN TASMANIA When become a Plan ManagementPartner Partner,we pay When youyou become a Plan Management we pay your provider bills on your behalf your provider bills on your behalf and assistand withassist the with the financial management of your NDIS financial management of your NDIS plan, takingplan, away taking away your stress and giving you your time back. your stress and giving you your time back. provide youManagement with a weeklyProvider, Statement Funds As aWe leading Plan weofare proud and a monthly Statement of Spend to help you track to offer a unique service to our Partners in Tasmania. and monitor potential over and under spending.
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care@carersolutions.com.au | 1300 729 839 CarerSolutions.com.au
Single Singleshoes, shoes,different different sizes, sizes, different differentwidths. widths. everyhuman.com.au
42
CONTENTS
44
contents
42
46
Childhood Dementia: Noah’s story
44 What is the Childhood Dementia
ISSUE 29 / SUMMER 2021
BAC K T O OL S CF Hes aO n d s c h o o l s i n p a r tn e r s h i p
P re p a ratio n fo r
+
P A R A LY M P I C
DREAMS
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PRODUCT REVIEW
amili
BEDS
21
We love
Ask a plan manager
46
6
24
Fun in the sunshine
Welcome
School Accessories
50
27
Travel accessories
W-sitting: what is it?
54
32
Young adults
EDUCATION SPECIAL
M a na g i n g s c h o o l r e fu sa l S c h o o l a c c e sso r i e s
FUN IN THE SUN!
10 Your child's
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Childhoo d D e me ntia
Starting school
education: Families
36
and schools in
Paralympic dreams
partnership
Datin g + Relationships
Initiative
5
39
advice: Dating and relationships
56 Fun in the sun! Our picks
14
Inspiring a new
How to manage
generation of young
school refusal
athletes
62 Inclusive design
65
19
High tech for
Your child @ school
the home
68
66 Apps to help with learning
67 Watches & reads
50 4 SO U RCEKI DS .CO M . AU
68 Bed reviews
FUN STUFF
LEARN AUSLAN WITH OUR FAVOURITE WIGGLE, EMMA Despite the recent news that Emma Wiggle is moving out of the Wiggle house to pursue some of her other dreams – it doesn’t stop us from loving her latest book! Learn Auslan in a simple yet engaging way; this book is a great first guide to Australian Sign Language. bigw.com.au
1 month FREE pass for Source Kids families
D I Y C A L M D O W N B OT T L E F O R T H O S E M O M E N T S ! We do love this DIY Calm Down Bottle from JellyStone Designs. This is a unique sensory bottle, helping children to self-regulate. You receive the creative elements required to create a sensory bottle, all you need to do is add water and a dash of washing up liquid and it’s ready to go! jellystonedesigns.com.au
Lah-Lah’s Stripy Sock Club Online Our friends Lah-Lah and Buzz have an amazing offer for our readers! To celebrate their online platform, this month all Source Kids families can enjoy a 1 month pass to the Stripy Sock Club online. Enjoy over 200 unique Lah-Lah videos, watch this week’s live stream show and print and download some great fun activities to do at home. To claim your 1-month free pass head to stripysockclub.com and use the code STRIPY21
A BEDWETTING SOLUTION FOR ALL CHILDREN Did you know that the Pjama bedwetting alarm solution using either pants, shorts or the newly added boxers and briefs, is a unique way for you to help treat your child’s problems with their bed-time toilet occurrences? The Pjama Bedwetting Alarm simply connects to the Pjama Treatment Pants, Shorts, Boxers and Briefs. A sewn-in conductive thread connects to the sensor unit which in turn communicates wirelessly to the speaker unit, via Bluetooth. You connect your smartphone to the system to also record incidents and keep track of the treatment progress. pjama.com.au
I SSU E 29 | SU M M ER 2021 5
WELCOME
magazine
Hello Summer and hello 2022!
A
s we round out the 2021 year there is an air of freedom and excitement around the country, as restrictions lift, the weather starts to warm and life feels like it’s getting back to some sort of normal. Hats off to Australia, it’s been a long road to get to this point. And a huge shout out to the Source Kids community – the last two years have been brutal for all of the country but to our special needs families it’s been that little bit more. It has disrupted routines, therapies, learning, and presented challenges to kids with a disability and their families more than most. So, onwards and upwards! November saw us run our fourth and final expo for 2021 in Brisbane and what an expo it was! With over 2600 people attending, the event brought together a range of product and service providers under the one roof for families to come and check out. We’ve launched our 2022 expo program too. We’ll be heading to Sydney on March 26-27, Melbourne on June 18-19, Brisbane on 30-31 July and Perth on 15-16 October – pop those dates in your diary for an expo near you! In other news, we are sadly saying goodbye to our beautiful Nicole Davis next month as she shifts her focus to her family. Nic has been part of the Source Kids and Source Mama tribe for 5 years and is responsible for bringing you all of the fabulous magazine, online and social media content over the years. We are truly going to miss Nic, there will be plenty of tears come December when she finishes up, but we wish her all the very best…and we have a feeling this won’t be the last we see of her (hey Nic – wink!). So, onto our fab summer issue – we put the spotlight on education focusing on families and schools in partnership, school refusal, what has worked well for our community, and have included some helpful school accessories to get your child ready to head back to school in the new year. We also look at childhood dementia, dating and relationships, ideas to have fun in the sunshine and we review a bunch of super cool and functional beds. There is a tonne more than I’ve mentioned, so enjoy the read! On behalf of the Source Kids team I’d like to wish all of our families and community the most wonderful festive season, thanks for your support during the year and we can’t wait to bring you yet another mag come autumn next year. Much love,
Emma x
6 SO U RCEKI DS .CO M . AU
SOURCE KIDS LIMITED PO Box 690, Noosaville QLD 4566 ABN: 36 614 552 171 sourcekids.com.au Send all letters and submissions to: editor@sourcekids.com.au WRITERS AND CONTRIBUTORS Nicole Davis, Rachel Williams, Emma Price, Kelly Wilton, The Association for Children with a Disability, Casey Standen, Leap In!, Alison Gebhardt, Tamar Kaplan, Fiona Passmore and Care Squared. ADVERTISING Matthew Rainsford Head of Sales & Business Development matthew@sourcekids.com.au 0499 017 354 Naomi Sirianni Business Development Manager naomi@sourcekids.com.au 0447 755 043 DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR Nicole Davis nicole@sourcekids.com.au DIGITAL MARKETING Rebecca Pinese rebecca@sourcekids.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGN Emma Henderson 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.
FUN STUFF
DA I N T Y D I N O T U R Q U O I S E F E LT D I N O S A U R Meet Dainty Dino - a precious, sweet handmade felt dinosaur, who loves to play dress-up with her friends! Dainty Dino is made from high-quality wool which has an exceptional durable quality, ideal for play. She is ready for tea parties with her friends, cuddles and exploring new worlds. Each unique, handmade brontosaurus will inspire imaginative and creative play as children create new worlds in another time. Ethically sourced, compostable and plastic free. dashdu.com.au
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T H E M A G I C O F I N C LU S I O N B Y J U L I E F I S H E R The second book from Julie Fisher is here; “The Magic of Inclusion”. The book delves into what happens when acceptance and inclusion magic is made. Julie has made it her passion to educate others on the profound impact even the smallest acts of inclusion can have on the lives of others. As a mum to a young boy with Down syndrome, Julie Fisher knows firsthand the heartbreak of seeing your child be made to feel like they don’t belong. In this inspiring book, Julie shares real-life stories that demonstrate why we must promote inclusion, not just in groups, clubs, and organisations but also in our everyday interactions with others. The Magic of Inclusion shows us how the simple act of including others can be life-changing. To purchase, head to tinyurl.com/ themagicofinclusion
theunexpectedjourneybook | juliefisher.com.au
I SSU E 29 | SU M M ER 2021 7
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Your child’s education: Families and schools in partnership 10 SO U RCEKI DS .CO M . AU
Every child has the right to participate, learn and achieve at school, and the best outcomes are possible when families and schools work together. Working in partnership with the staff at your child’s school is just like building any other relationship; it’s about good communication, mutual respect and empathy. We spoke to the Association for Children with a Disability (ACD) about how you can work together with school to help your child.
EDUCATION
meetings in Victoria), where you will meet with your child’s teacher, the Principal and specialists if applicable. These meetings give you the chance to work with the school to make decisions, check progress, address challenges and work on solutions to support your child’s learning.
DEVELOPING A POSITIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER •
Building relationships When you have a strong and respectful relationship with your child’s school and teachers, it’s more likely they will listen and take on board any information you provide about your child. This will inform and guide them to provide the right support for your child to get the most out of their education. It’s a good idea if you start developing good communication and healthy relationships with teachers, other parents and students early in their school life. Think about which school staff can support your child and build your relationships with them. Get to know your child’s classroom teacher or homeroom
Arrange a time to meet at the beginning of the year • Decide together on the best way to communicate • Develop a child profile to help the teacher and aides get to know your child • Keep a positive attitude
teacher at secondary school, the year level coordinator, the integration or welfare coordinator and others who can help your child. Check in with them regularly, be supportive of their work, share information and ideas, get involved at school if you can, and use every opportunity to stay in touch. This might include using a communication book, emails, school events and assemblies. It will also include formal meetings each term (called Student Support Group
Being part of the school community Families are important and valued members of the school community. When children and young people feel part of the school community they learn better. As well as learning new skills, a positive school experience also means being included, making friends and having a sense of belonging. As mentioned above, there are many ways to get involved at your child’s school. Not all parents are able to help out, but for those who can, it’s another way to build a positive relationship with the school. If you’re unable to regularly be at the school, you can try to follow the school on social media and engage with their posts, reply to email communications, and become a regular visitor of the school’s website.
Reasonable adjustments Schools have legal obligations to support your child’s access and participation at school by making what’s called ‘reasonable adjustments’. This can include making changes to the curriculum and programs, teaching approaches, the classroom, or accessing support services. For an adjustment to be reasonable, it has to be fair to everyone involved. Adjustments made to support students with disability can also be helpful to other students as well. Professional development for school staff can help to build capacity across the school, to better meet the needs of all students. I SSU E 29 | SU M M ER 2021 11
EDUCATION
Schools can make many different kinds of adjustments to meet your child’s needs, in many different areas. For example, adjustments can be aimed at supporting your child’s: • academic progress • personal or medical care needs • participation in school activities • communication • physical development and therapy • social learning and inclusion If an activity, facility, service or program cannot be adjusted or made accessible or suitable for your child, the school is legally required to offer an alternative comparable to what is offered to students without disability. New approaches to supporting students with diverse learning needs are being developed all the time. Your input and ideas are also of great value, as you know your child best. You should feel confident to offer them through the Student Support Group and in communication with your child’s teachers.
Raising concerns and advocating for your child Most concerns can be resolved by working together with the school towards the best outcome for your child. You have the right to raise a concern if there is a situation at
POSITIVE ADVOCACY • Be clear about what you want to achieve • Be aware of your child’s rights • Be prepared to compromise • Try to appreciate everyone’s perspective • Avoid ‘blaming’ and negative language 12 SO U RCEKI DS .CO M . AU
school that you want changed or improved. It could be about something that just affects your child, or something that affects other students as well. You might offer ideas for improvement or just want to bring the issue to the school’s attention. Raising a concern is different from making a complaint. A complaint is a more formal step you can take if you are not satisfied with how your concerns have been addressed.
Tips for raising a concern • Communicate clearly. If you raise a concern with the aim of resolving it together, you are more likely to get a positive response. • Get your child’s input. Your child is often a crucial source of information
How can I raise a concern with school?
about any problem or concern at
Following the school’s policy and procedures for raising a concern will increase your chance of success. It will also help if you need to take your concern to the next level and make a complaint. Planning your approach will help to get the best outcome for your child: Gather and write down all the facts to clarify if your concern is about: - a particular issue or incident - an aspect of your child’s program - one or more of the school’s practices or policies - the conduct or performance of a staff member, or - a combination of these. • T hink about how you will raise your concern. For example, this could be in person, by email or a phone call. Concerns can also be raised through formal meetings that occur once a term. • Focus on what would be the best outcome for your child. For example, it could be acknowledgement, a change to school policy or training for school staff. It’s important to raise your concern with the person who can help to resolve the issue: • For concerns about something that happened in the classroom – contact the teacher. • For concerns about the school – contact the Principal. You might raise an issue informally first, but you may then need to make an appointment to discuss it further. You have the right to have an advocate or support person at any meeting with the school, and to ask for an interpreter if you need one. You can get advocacy support from friends, family, other parents or professional advocates.
across. Write down what you want to
school. • Plan how to get your message achieve and the points you wish to cover. Discussions often take longer than planned, so consider numbering your points to make sure you cover the most important ones. • You are more likely to succeed if you have a good understanding of your child’s rights, supports for students with disability and education planning. • Set a realistic but positive goal of what you want to achieve by raising your concern. Clarify this in your own mind and be clear about it in communications with the school. • Offer positive feedback when you can. People are often more open to making changes when the good things they are doing are recognised. Acknowledge what is working well and let the school know that you appreciate their efforts. • Try not to get discouraged. Your role is important and you can make a real difference. Speaking up for your child can also be very empowering. Finally, think about your own needs too. We know that it can be daunting when advocating for your child and it’s easy to feel emotional and overwhelmed. It’s important to take some time for yourself so that you can continue to be the best support for your child.
The Association for Children with a Disability (ACD) advocates for children with a disability and their families in Victoria. For more info visit acd.org.au
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E
veryone has days where they just don’t want to go to school, right? Maybe it’s because they stayed up too late the night before, have a scary speech to give or just don’t feel like lugging sporting equipment across the city on public transport. These are one-off responses to the complexities of school life and the exhaustion of growing up, and often a single mental health day will solve the problem. This is not school refusal. School refusal is a consistent behaviour of avoiding school, initiated by the student. School refusing behaviours are often emotionally charged and may present as angry and rebellious, or sad and scared, or even as lethargy and apathy.
How do you know if it’s school refusal? 1. Consistency in refusal – this isn’t just every now and then, and it’s also not just on every sport day or during assessment season. School refusal will feel like a constant, if not daily, battle. 2. Variety in execution – school refusal is largely fuelled by fear, which can manifest as anxiety, anger or aggressive apathy, and it might differ day-to-day. This consistent aggression will bring unpredictability to your morning routine and may extend throughout the day into calls from school and mystery ailments arising at school needing your urgent attention. 3. You know where they are all day – unlike students who skip school, you know exactly where your child is when they’re not at school, and they’re likely to be willing to work from home. 4. Bedtime can be miserable – sometimes anxiety will show up the night before, and some school
How to recognise school refusal and ways to help your child overcome their reasons for refusing to go to school.
HOW TO
refusers will delay going to bed to delay the inevitable conflict in the morning, or even to delay going to bed because the anxiety might be ruining their sleep. 5. Bed becomes a magnet in the morning – consistent refusal to get up despite being awake and physically healthy, and developing a range of physical excuses suggests school refusal. 6. Self-destructive behaviours – your child isn’t just in conflict with you but with themselves. Self-destructive behaviours don’t have to be dramatic displays of selfharm (although they can be and should be taken very seriously). They can be as small as nail biting or pulling at cuticles, chewing on or peeling lips, scratching, hair pulling, or holding their head more tightly than is comfortable.
Why is my child refusing to go to school? While school refusal may come as a surprise, it’s almost always a sign that your child has been trying to process something for a while, without success. Every child is unique, so there is no uniformity of cause for school refusal. One child might be avoiding school because of bullying, or a bad relationship with a teacher, or because they’re not excelling in a subject when they’re used to higher marks. Another might be struggling to deal with a change in family or geographical circumstances and school refusal is them demanding the time and space to process things alone. The person who’s most likely to know why your child is refusing school is your child. Choose a time and place that isn’t associated with the school refusing behaviour and have the awkward conversation. Remember to put yourself in your child’s shoes, be compassionate and open minded, no matter how illogical or frustrating you find their behaviour to be. Sometimes school refusal can be
manage school
14 SO U RCEKI DS .CO M . AU
EDUCATION
Some helpful questions to open a dialogue with your child about their school refusal include: g • If you could change one thin ld it be? wou t wha ol, scho about your you ering both ne anyo e ther s I • at school? ol? • How can I help you with scho t abou miss you • What do e was homeschooling (assuming ther ng duri g a period of homeschoolin n)? pandemic lockdow hing at • Are you worried about anyt school? school • How are your friendships at going? general? • Is anything worr ying you in your • Is there anything you wish teachers knew ? I knew ? • Is there anything you wish
an indicator that something serious is happening that your child feels powerless to manage. These questions might give you more insight into whether you need to investigate further or whether it’s time to seek further help to solve problems with your child.
So should I force them back to school? No. Forcing your child to go to school without doing anything more about the problem will only bring bigger problems later on. You have to access and address the core problem – why are they refusing to go to school? Ultimately, you may end up changing schools but that is not perpetuating school refusal. Rather, that is showing your child how compromise works and that their health and wellbeing matter enough to you to be worth making big changes.
Daily strategies for dealing with school refusal 1. Stay calm. You have more power to influence the situation than you realise so by appearing calm, you leave all of the work of creating a conflict to your child, while also creating space for them to come to you in a calm way themselves. 2. Use positive presumptions. If the problem seems to be more about the process of getting to school than of actually being at school, lace your language with positive presumptions. This means avoiding asking questions or shaping questions so that all responses suit your goals. For example, instead of ‘are you going to get up and go to school today?’ try ‘what shall we do after school today?’. This creates more distance between your child and refusing school. Instead of just saying ‘no’ they have to explain that there won’t be an ‘after school’ because they’re refusing school today. 3. Debrief. Make a habit of debriefing about every single day. This creates lines of communication for your child to share what might be bothering them, or what might be so appealing about being at home all day. 4. Call in reinforcements. Carpooling with friends can be a very helpful way to get your child in the car (or on the bus, train or footpath) and off to school, and can take some of the fear of school away by proving to your child that they have a friend, that their friendship goes beyond the school gate. The accountability of making someone else late or worse, miss out, can be enough to crack open the school refusal conversation.
What if that’s not enough? School refusal is a complex mental health issue. It can indicate so many other things going on that a few survival strategies and
refusal
deep conversations might only be able to help your child manage the behaviour, not overcome it. Professional help (whether that’s an educational or a psychological professional) may prove invaluable in getting your child back on track in both attending school and managing their own wellbeing. School is a good place to start. It may be the focus of the problem but that means it’s also the focus of the solution. You and a trusted teacher or school counsellor may be able to help your child articulate what it is about school that they’re avoiding. Once you open up the school refusal conversation, your school or your paediatrician may recommend a child psychologist or other expert health professionals. This is something to embrace, for you and your child, as it means that you’re addressing a problem that isn’t going to solve itself. By Casey Standen, Cluey Learning
HOW CAN CLUEY HELP? Cluey can help children to build their confidence in learning, and can help them stay in touch with their school work while they’re refusing formal schooling. Cluey’s expert tutors are patient and kind, and often having an adult to communicate with who is new to your child’s world might be the opportunity they need to open up about their school refusal. Cluey can also help with supplementing school work during extended periods of school refusal and can help your child catch up on work when they haven’t engaged with their education at all for some time. Cluey Learning is Australia’s leading online tutoring provider for school students and provides each student with their own learning plan, tailored to their unique learning needs. Cluey support a variety of learning needs, from students who need to catch up, keep up or excel, as well as those with additional learning requirements such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and more. If your child would benefit from additional learning support, Cluey is here to help. cluey.com.au
Cluey is offering 20% off for new enrolments for readers of Source Kids Magazine through this link clueylearning.com.au/sourcekids
I SSU E 29 | SU M M ER 2021 15
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Aids therapists to perform the Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo) Also can be used to facilitate child active therapy
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EDUCATION
Your tip! Your tip! Build and maintain your relationships with educators and aides. Be open with what worries you, and support the school where you can. Communication is the key to ensuring the supports are working for your child. My son has a number of required adjustment so I write a quick start one page guide, as it’s not always the same teacher or aide working with him. - ALISON
A school willing to listen to our needs and willing to do full inclusion is paramount. Strong advocating combined with diplomacy skills also helps. Aids, tools and tech will fall into place if the school is willing to align with the child’s needs. Inclusion in mainstream school is hard work, but without visibility it will never happen. My daughter is well known by her
Your tip!
school community and I’m always amazed at how kids
Don’t accept the first answer when
want to say hi when they see
it’s no; advocate for your kids like
her outside of school (before
you would anywhere else. Keep
lockdown) - ALE
great working communication with teachers and aides - they are so important in your child’s life. Keep the school parents you connect with close, sometimes they can be your lifeline when unknown situations arise and you need help. - STACEY
Your tip! The best thing I discovered - you have other options. All
YOUR CHILD @ SCHOOL
3 of mine made the switch from mainstream to home schooling and it’s the best thing we ever did. I wish I’d known so much earlier how much easier life would be for my whole family. It would have saved us a lot of trauma if we switched sooner. - ANDREA
Your tip!
Our children’s experiences at school are high up on the list of ‘things that keep us awake at night’. From the learning environment through to the social experience, communication, physical considerations and more there are so many things we need to consider! We asked mamas in our online Source community what has worked well for them, and we received some great responses...
We have loved a wireless keyboard with big keys for my son who started kindy this year. I also wrote a social story helping to explain his disability and his wheelchair etc. - EMMA
Your tip! Our school uses Class dojo and we communicate through a daily book and also can message via the app. It’s an opportunity for
Your tip!
the teacher to post photos and stories of the activities they do every day / week. In the daily book, we start off by recording how
Get to know the advisory visiting
they slept / if they ate breakfast and had a good morning, what
teachers (this is in QLD). They are a
their mood was when they woke etc. The teacher then assesses
great resource and can help advocate
behaviour during day and gives an update of activities done and
for your child’s needs. - NICOLA
any notes required to pass on. - CARRIE
I SSU E 29 | SU M M ER 2021 19
Ask a plan manager! Do you have questions about your child’s NDIS Plan or what the NDIS may fund? Our friends at Leap in! plan management support thousands of families across Australia to get the most value from their child’s NDIS Plan.
M
elanie E. is an experienced plan manager with Leap in! She answers some of the most frequently asked questions about kids and the NDIS. What exactly does “reasonable and necessary” mean? Reasonable is something that is fair and necessary is something your child needs because of their disability. The NDIS funds “reasonable and necessary supports” to help your child live an ordinary life and achieve their goals. They must be: ➜ Related to the child’s disability and support needs ➜ Good value for money ➜ L ikely to be effective and beneficial. Everyday living expenses that people without a disability have to pay, like food, train travel or movie tickets are not covered. How does respite care work under the NDIS? Respite care provides an opportunity for a child to get support from someone else while parents or regular carers take a break. It may also give your child a change of scenery or help them achieve other goals like becoming more independent. The NDIS may fund respite in your home or at a respite centre for up to 14 days at a time.
Respite care covers accommodation, assistance with self-care or accessing the community, overnight support, food and additional negotiated activities. Refer to STA and Assistance (inc. Respite) in the NDIS Support Catalogue for pricing. Do I need a quote to purchase consumables? The Core – Consumables budget covers the purchase of items required to manage your child’s personal disability-related needs. Examples include pull-ups and nappies, absorbent products, food preparation products and modified eating aids. Items under $1,500 generally don’t need a quote. Does the NDIS fund prescription medication? The NDIS does not fund prescription or over the counter pharmaceutical products. Prescription medicines are the responsibility of the health system while over the counter medicines such as cough medicines or supplements are day-to-day living costs which the NDIS does not fund. My child has been diagnosed with ADHD. Are they eligible for the NDIS? On its own, ADHD is not usually covered by the NDIS because it can be hard to meet the NDIS eligibility criteria. Eligibility is determined on a case-bycase basis rather than diagnosis. Your child must have a disability causing an impairment that: ➜ I s permanent or likely to be permanent ➜ Results in substantially reduced capacity to undertake day-to-day activities ➜ A ffects their capacity for social or economic participation ➜ Means they are likely to need lifelong support.
I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H
Melanie knows!
Where ADHD occurs alongside another condition such as an intellectual disability, the child may be more likely to obtain NDIS funding. Can a provider charge my child’s NDIS Plan for transport costs? NDIS participants can use Core funding flexibly for support worker costs associated with transport to and from NDIS funded community-based activities. Where a worker accompanies a participant or transports them from home to an activity, the worker’s travel time can be charged at the agreed hourly rate for the support. The worker may also be able to claim other costs such as transport, road tolls or parking fees. Claims for transport can only be made against a plan if you agree to the cost in advance. We recommend including transport costs in service agreements with providers. Do you have a question you’d like us to answer in the next edition of Source Kids? We’d love to hear from you. Send your question to: mystory@leapin.com.au Leap in! can help you navigate the NIDS and get the most from your child’s plan. We also take care of all the NDIS bookkeeping for you! Call us on 1300 05 78 78 or email crew@leapin.com.au to find out if plan management is right for you. I SSU E 29 | SU M M ER 2021 21
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mathematical concepts including:
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identifying colours, classification, patterning, counting and early number recognition. It can be used in a variety of ways to encourage hands-on, tactile learning and active engagement. RRP $60 illumelearning.com.au
oi uc rK s p
School
Accessories Supporting children and young adults with their learning and educational needs will look different for each family. Whatever your journey, we’ve found some great products for all learning envirnonments!
RELAX AND RECHARGE BUILD IT BOARD
The therapeutic cloud
The Build it Board is a
foam which conforms and
great resource to build
moulds to your body. It
on skills. The desktop
provides proprioceptive
magnetic whiteboard
sensory input and even
is perfect for practising
pressure, promoting body
building and writing.
awareness and helping to
It comes with pockets on
improve mood for those
the reverse side so you
with sensory issues.
can display visuals, flash
A calming addition to
cards and more. RRP $59
any home or education
illumelearning.com.au
space! RRP $458
chair is filled with memory
elizabethrichards.com.au
2 4 SO U RCEKI DS .CO M . AU
SHOPPING
L E T T E R F O R M AT I O N WITH WILLIAM READY Learning letter formations has never been so easy! The Simple Click and Connect puzzle pieces all click together in any order, to form words sentences and more! RRP $79.95 williamready.com.au
R E M I N DA B L E S N E U RO D I V E R S E SCHOOL SET
MEET JOANNA THE GOANNA! Joanna the Goanna is a 2kg weighted lap
Got your fidget? Yes! Got
toy/animal that can be draped over the lap
your lunch box? Yes! The
or shoulders to provide deep pressure/
Remindables colourful
proprioceptive input across the day. Weighted
clip-on reminder tags
animals are designed to help children calm and
are a brilliant way to
organise themselves while seated at home or in
help your child improve
the classroom. RRP $102.50 mydiffability.com.au
their confidence and independence for getting ready for the school day. RRP $39.95 williamready.com.au
WRITE AND WIPE POCKET BOARDS These versatile pocket boards feature rigid backing to provide a stable work surface wherever your child chooses to work. Simply slip worksheets into the pocket board and re-use them over again! Just write directly on the sleeve and wipe off when finished. RRP $44 elizabethrichards.com.au
TIME TIMER V I S U A L S U P P O RT B O A R D If you’re looking for a simple form of visual support, you will love the First-Then board. It allows a child to clearly see the task they are currently undertaking and that which immediately follows it. The simple, uncluttered layout is great for students of all ages, helping them to focus and engage. The resource contains a laminated first-then board and a set of 20 common school and home boardmaker symbols. RRP $25 illumelearning.com.au
These timers are a popular resource used by therapists, teachers and parents alike! The Time Timer is great at helping kids, teens and adults to visually understand how much time is left, or how long until a transition to a new or planned activity is happening. Available in 3 sizes to suit a range of environments. RRP from $48.50 mydiffability.com.au
I SSU E 29 | SU M M ER 2021 2 5
Designed for kids. Easy for parents. Introducing the Sharky Bathroom Chair. Introducing the Sharky Bathroom Chair, the versatile, travel-friendly commode that’s easy for parents and caregivers to use – and to take anywhere. To find out more and watch the full video series, visit medifab.com.au, or reach out to our friendly team on 1300 543 343 or via email solutions@medifab.com.
2 6 SO U RCEKI DS .CO M . AU
W THERAPY
g n i g t S iS tittin What is it? W-sitting is when a child sits with their knees bent in front of them, placing their feet and ankles on either side of their hips and their bottom on the floor. This position is known as W-sitting because it creates a W shape. This sitting position becomes an issue if your child W sits often or if it is their preferred position to sit.
I SSU E 29 | SU M M ER 2021 27
Why do toddlers/ children W sit? • B one alignment or positioning in utero (how your child is built can predispose them to W sit). • E xcessive hip flexibility and/or joint hypermobility. • L ow muscle tone. • Core and trunk weakness. Some children with a weak core may choose to sit in this position as they are able to use two hands to play and in other seated positions, they need to prop themselves up with one (or two) hands which makes play increasingly difficult. • It’s easier! W-sitting creates a wider base of support which means it is easier to sit upright, easier to balance, requires less muscle work, and is less fatiguing. • Children may start sitting in this position because it is easier for them, and through repetitively sitting in this position (and for long periods), their muscles can get tight and make it uncomfortable to sit in different positions.
Why don’t therapists like W-sitting?
• W-sitting forces the knees to rotate inward. Increased stress on the knees and hips can lead to knee and/or hip pain over time. • It may contribute to in-toeing. If your child is already hypermobile, this is more likely. • It causes muscle tightness – in the hips, hamstrings, ankles, and feet. • I f your child is W-sitting, they often can’t easily and fluently transition out of this position, have limited side to side weight shifting, and limited trunk rotation, so their development of motor skills can be affected. 2 8 SO U RCEKI DS .CO M . AU
• W hen in this W-sitting position, children are not required to switch on and use their core muscles.
What can you do about W-sitting? • Stretch! You won’t be successful getting rid of W-sitting if your child is tight. A good stretch needs to last at least 30 seconds. Singing songs or watching short videos can help pass the time! • Strengthen the core! A weak core causes poor posture. W-sitting requires very little core work, so posture will become an issue if a child’s W-sitting habit continues. • Encourage other forms of sitting.
What are stretches that help? To stretch hips, try the butterfly stretch! W-sitting is internal hip rotation, so we need to stretch those hips in the opposite direction. Sit on the ground with your child in front of you, with the bottoms of their feet touching. Use your legs around your child’s legs in the same position to keep them close and calm. With your
hands, apply gentle pressure to both your child’s knees toward the ground. For a hamstring stretch, consider a tug of war method. Start with you and your child sitting on the ground with straight legs, facing one another. Place the bottoms of your feet against the bottoms of your kid’s feet and reach for their hands, then gently pull them towards you, keeping legs straight. Check where they feel a stretch to ensure you’re stretching hamstrings instead of low back. They should feel the stretch along the back of their legs, not in their lower back. Don’t forget to stretch those ankles! For a calf stretch, you can have your child sit or lie on their back. Holding your child’s foot in your hand, apply light pressure at the base of the toes and flex the foot towards their head. Hold for 30 seconds once you feel resistance. There are two muscles in the calf, so keep their knee straight for a gastrocnemius muscle stretch, and you can bend their knee to stretch their soleus muscle. To address and prevent in-toeing of the foot, we need to stretch the feet in the opposite direction. Start by holding your child’s heel with one hand. With the other hand hold the front of foot at the base of their toes, and gently pull toes in outward direction, toward the pinkie toe side.
THERAPY
Break the Habit!
“If we see Suzy in a W
Initially, providing
sit, we can say ‘______’
these consistent
and then help her
verbal cues as you
choose a better position
reposition your child’s
for her body.” Some
legs will help them to
options to consider:
eventually respond to
• “feet in front
the verbal cue only by
please!” or “feet
repositioning their legs
Breaking habits is
forward please!” These
themselves. In addition,
hard, especially when
help when repositioning
framing your verbal
it comes to W-sitting.
your child into a ring sit,
cue in a positive way,
One thing that can help
long sit, or cross legged
such as “feet in front!”,
is to get everyone in
sitting.
rather than a negative
your household on W sit
• “feet are friends, they
way, such as saying
patrol. Choose a family
stay together!” This
“no W-sitting” or “stop
phrase or tagline for
one is great for
sitting like that!”, is less
helping the W sitter fix
repositioning your child
frustrating and more
their body. For example,
into a side sit, also
effective for long-term
you can tell your family,
known as a mermaid sit.
change.
What are some core exercises to help Crab position: To make it fun, place your
child’s feet on sliders or paper plates and have them straighten one leg at a time to destroy a block tower, knock over a bowling pin, or kick a ball. Ankle art: With your child lying on their back and propped up on their elbows, place a balloon or ball between their ankles. With their knees and hips bent, have them draw a rainbow with their feet moving in an arch. For older kids, have them write out the ABCs or their name with their feet! Dead bug: Have your child lying on their back, arms and legs in the air. Try it with their knees bent at 90-degree angles or keeping legs straight. Balance a toy or bean bag on their feet or shins to encourage them to hold the position (“don’t let Teddy fall into the lava!”). Hands and knees play strengthens the core, with the added benefit of an arm workout! Kids will love playing with shaving cream or play dough, colouring or drawing, or even putting together a puzzle. Rolling and crawling: You can have your child roll up a slight incline, across a crash mat or rolling wars where they need
to roll and push you or a gym ball away to get to the other side. Crawling can be great fun over uneven surfaces like a crash mat, crawling backwards up a ramp, or crawling trains (also on your hands and knees, you hold onto your child’s ankles and become a train carriage and they need to pull you to collect passengers. Knee walking: Have your child knee walk back and forth between two tables several times to build a block tower or bring pieces of a toy. This targets core stability and glut strengthening. An alternative activity is knee walking while pushing a weighted laundry basket to further engage tummy muscles!
What are some alternatives to try instead of W-sitting? Encourage other forms of sitting (such as sitting crossed legged, long sitting, side sitting or kneeling – ensuring feet are under the bottom in kneeling rather than out to the side). If a child is having difficulty sitting in a cross-legged position due to tightness the muscles in their inner thighs, you can sit the child on a wedge or have their bottom on a slightly raised surface from their feet.
Squatting – playing in a deep squat is a good balance challenge. If your child is moving from lying on their stomach into W-sitting while playing on floor, a kids’ activity table encourages them to play up higher! You can try having them play in tall kneel or half kneel. Bonus points for keeping that tummy off the table! Hands and knees or lying on your stomach are two great floor play positions. By Alison Gebhardt, Paediatric Occupational Therapist, NAPA Centre NAPA Centre is a specialised paediatric clinic that brings together innovative therapies for children living with disabilities from all over the world under the one roof. Their qualified Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech therapists will customise their approach to each child and deliver therapy in either an intensive format or as ongoing weekly sessions. NAPA Centre is located in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia and Los Angeles, Denver, Boston and Austin in the USA. For more information visit napacentre.com.au
I SSU E 29 | SU M M ER 2021 2 9
Perfect snacks for little ones Our snacks keep tiny tummies topped up between meals as well as supporting little ones’ development such as practising their pincer grip.
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T
ransitioning from preschool to ‘big’ school is an important milestone for any child, as well as for the whole family.
Starting school is a time of excitement and enjoyment, but for some it can be a time of uncertainty and anxiety. When faced with this transition each child and parent may react differently and while there is often no way of knowing how your child will react, there are many simple things you can do to prepare yourself and them!
Here are a few strategies that you can use:
1
Help them become familiar with their school environment
To help your child prepare for ‘big school’, visit the school for a tour before their first day to make sure they are familiar with the environment. As you walk around the school, make sure they feel comfortable finding the classrooms, toilets, bubblers, school office,
g n i t r SStchaool the bus stop, entry and exit gates and any
other important parts of their new school.
You can also use this time to explain school routines such as the school bells, lining up
Learning Links’ 7 top tips to get you and your child ready to start ‘big’ school.
for class, assembly etc. If they have any
concerns or doubts, speak to the school about additional visits.
sure to pack your child’s lunchbox with foods
accidents that might happen, like what to
go for walks past the school, or drive by,
they can peel or unwrap independently.
do if their lunch falls in the dirt or their
so your child can become familiar with
Allow your child to practice opening their
drink tips over.
the environment and the journey in.
lunch box, peeling fruits and opening food
In the holidays before school starts,
2
While it might be tempting to wait until
wrappers. If there are any items your child
their first day of school to try on school
Develop your child’s independence
struggles with, send these items unwrapped
uniforms, it can be helpful to have your child
before they start school
or pre-cut until they develop more
dress themselves to make sure they feel
independence with these skills.
comfortable and that they know how to do up
To help develop their independence you can practice school-related tasks at home.
When packing their lunchbox, talk to them
Your child won’t have as much help at
about which foods to eat for recess and
mealtimes when they start school, so make
which foods to save for lunch. Talk about
32 SO U RCEKI DS .CO M . AU
any zippers, buttons and straps on their own. Buy school shoes as early as possible so your child can start practicing putting
EDUCATION
them on and gain confidence before
so they can feel confident when you’re
them, the better they can teach and
school starts. Velcro shoes can be useful
not there to help.
support them.
as many kindergarten age children don’t
Sometimes a to-do list or visual image
yet have the skills to tie laces, this can be
cards can help a child remember the routine
child’s teachers throughout the year. Often
particularly challenging for children who
better. Consider printing off a visual list
this can help to reduce emotions and provide
have dexterity issues.
and putting it on the fridge or on the back of
solutions quickly. Discuss the best method of
their bedroom door, ticking each item off as
communication with your child’s teachers.
Talk to them about how they should look after their own belongings and try to help
you do them every morning. An extra trick is
them recognise their own name tag on their
to laminate or put the checklist in a plastic
clothes, lunch box, drink bottle and anything
sleeve, so they can check it off each day with
else they take to school.
a whiteboard marker.
3
Keep open communication with your
7
Let your child play Starting primary school means
more independence and responsibility for your child, but this doesn’t mean they need
Create excitement about starting school and learning
5
Help your child learn to manage
to stop playing and having fun! Playing
their emotions
enhances a wide range of skills that are
The first few years of a child’s school life
The first few weeks of school are going to
essential for school. Not only does it provide
can determine their attitude to learning
be exciting but tiring. When children get
an opportunity to interact with other children
and can influence a child’s self-esteem and
tired, they can start to behave in negative
and practice social skills and effective
success. Talking about the fun things they
ways such as mood swings or disruptive
communication, but it also allows them to
will learn and showing excitement toward
behaviours. If you notice any changes in your
practice gross and fine motor skills through
school can help to instil a love of learning
child’s behaviour, acknowledge how they’re
games and movement.
within your child.
feeling and offer them more positive ways
You can also encourage your child’s enthusiasm for learning by incorporating
preschool friends or meets someone new
breaths or talking about it.
at orientation, try and schedule in some
learning into your day-to-day activities before they even start school. For example, taking your child with you for your weekly
play dates in the weeks leading up to school
6
Communicate expectations and needs
so they have some familiar faces to look for
with your child and their school
on the first day.
grocery shop can help to build skills such
In the weeks leading up to the start of school,
as counting, vocabulary, colour recognition
talk regularly about what they’re going to be
and social skills.
doing. Encourage them to ask questions and
4
answer them honestly. Establish a new routine early
If your child is going to school with
of managing their emotions, like taking deep
If your child has any additional needs or
And remember, it’s OKAY to cry when starting school! No matter how much you do to prepare your child for starting school, there may be a range of emotions when they walk
medical conditions, talk to them about what
through the gate or wave goodbye for the
understand expectations, provide
to do and where to go for help if they need
first time.
reassurance and predictability, and foster
it. Talk with your child’s school ahead of
independence through repetition. Routines
time to make sure that the relevant teachers
(both from them and you!) and you’re
can take weeks to settle into, so consider
understand the strengths and difficulties
certainly not alone!
starting a school morning routine at least
that make your child unique. The more your
two weeks before school starts.
child’s school and teachers know about
Routines enable children to
Don’t worry – tears are part of the journey
By Tamar Kaplan
Start your new morning routine by waking up, having breakfast and brushing teeth at the same time each morning. This will also help you to get an idea of how long it will take them to get ready for school each morning. You can also use this to start showing your child how to pack their bag. Make a checklist of all the things they will need to take to school each day and make a habit of going
ABOUT LEARNING LINKS Learning Links is a not-for-profit charitable organisation dedicated to helping children learn. For over 50 years Learning Links professionals have provided educational, language and wellbeing support to children with learning difficulties and disabilities. Learning Links is a registered NDIS provider in the area of improved daily living. Our experts provide evidence-based supports and programs in our centres across Sydney, online and in schools. We provide a range of supports including diagnostic
through the list each morning. As you go
assessments, psychological therapy, speech therapy, social skills group programs,
through the list, check that they know how
preschool, early intervention playgroups, parent and professional learning
to open and use items like their pencil case,
learninglinks.org.au | 1800 003 900 | mail@learninglinks.org.au
their lunch box and their drink bottle,
I SSU E 29 | SU M M ER 2021 33
“Sensory overload” What is it? What effect does it have? What can be done about it?
Parents do any of these sound familiar? Isn’t taking anything on board. Not coping with the work. Can’t keep up. Looks confused. Enters the classroom and doesn’t know what to do next. Flits from activity to activity. Wanders around the room. These behaviours are indicators of the child’s possible difficulties with regulating incoming sensory information. Sensory overload occurs when the stimulation of one or more of the sensory areas is too much for the brain to take in and filter. The child’s ability to filter and process sensory information becomes refined as they develop. This discussion focuses on what happens when a child has issues regulating visual, auditory and language input.
visual stimulation
Excessive visual stimulation occurs when there is too much in the child’s visual field for the brain to process and comprehend. In the school environment those working with children need to be mindful of the visual stimuli from both outside and within the classroom. Visual stimuli extraneous to the classroom includes all visual action
occurring outside the class learning area. For example, trees waving, cars driving past, children and adults moving around the school area etc. Visual stimulation in the classroom includes everything static or mobile. The organisation of the classroom is a major factor in how easily and quickly the child can process what is happening within the room. An organised classroom helps reduce panic in those who have difficulty filtering visual information. For example, desk, seating spaces and walkways need to be well defined. Visual cue systems are useful in organising and locating information in and around the room. Such cue systems may include highlighting information using colour, shapes and visual representations. One example of a simple strategy that may be used within the classroom are stop/go buttons. A red stop sign with the word STOP inside the stop sign shape. A green go sign with the word GO inside the same sign shape. GO is placed at the beginning of when work begins, and the end is cued by the red STOP button. This stop/go system may be applied to any range of activities that require delineated limits. A tool such as MyBurrow®* allows a child to work in a visually defined space, thereby reducing the amount of extraneous visual stimulation. This is most useful
for children who have issues with bright lights and who have difficulty with spatial awareness, i.e. limited perception of personal space.
auditory processing
The increase in children who have had auditory processing assessments reflect the impact of increased auditory stimuli in the school environment. It is not uncommon for 5-6 students of a mainstream classroom to have been identified with auditory processing difficulties. There has been a rapid increase in the size of schools, and hence the consequent increase in the associated “traffic” e.g., noise from vehicles, parents, students and staff around the school. As with excessive visual stimuli, the regulation of auditory stimuli, needs to be addressed in the context of the total picture both inside and outside the classroom. Within the classroom, the sources of auditory stimuli include overhead fans, physical movement of bodies around the room, shifting of furniture and the background noise of students talking etc. Outside factors may include proximity of air conditioners, carparks and noise from nearby classrooms etc. The regulation of auditory stimuli on the child is the responsibility of everyone dealing with that individual. If you are
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concerned about excessive noise, a chat with the teacher may be all that is necessary to adjust the situation. Other interventions may include changing seating position, or if appropriate, use of noise cancelling headphones, in conjunction with MyBurrow.® Its flexibility allows for easy relocation of student/s to a quiet area in the classroom. MyBurrow®* is a stretchy safe space designed to address sensory issues. The child’s developmental level is not only a major factor when presenting visual and auditory stimuli, it must also guide the complexity of language used for all instructions and explanations.
Language processing
In giving instructions or explaining topics, teachers and parents need to be mindful of what is known as the language of discourse. i.e. The language used by teachers to impart knowledge. The process involves 3 steps. Step 1 is the presentation of information using language most of the students can comprehend. Step 2 involves repetition of information in a simpler format using short sentences or phrases. The final step presents the information in a form of telegraphic speech using visuals, simple words and phrases to demonstrate the key concepts/what is required. Effective teachers use this process constantly to ensure that they are communicating effectively with the wide range of developmental levels in their classroom. Mums, have you ever wondered why the children tend to take more notice of Dad’s instruction when you can say the same thing 3 times and get no response? It is because males tend to naturally use short sentences
and telegraphic speech when giving instructions. Another hint: Females, drop the tone of your voice. Lower toned voices tend to be processed more effectively than high toned voices. It is assumed that appropriate hands-on experiences/use of concrete materials are used in conjunction with verbal input whenever possible. MyBurrow® may be useful to assist children to focus on verbal presentations during learning experiences.* All children’s skills develop at different rates, albeit within a wide range of average for age. It is easy to recognise a child who is attempting to cope with information overload because they simply “don’t know what to.” It should always be remembered that any child who has difficulty coping with sensory information, will usually require extra time and assistance to help them manage their environment. Children who have problems with regulation of stimuli have to work much
harder than their peers to take in, sift through, and find the piece of gold, that is the learning that needs to occur. It is up to those parents, teachers and others around them to provide the assistance and consideration to ensure their success. *MyBurrow® has been designed to address sensory issues and its flexibility of location makes it an excellent resource for the classroom to address sensory overload. Furthermore, its’ use is consistent with non-restrictive practice guidelines. Strategies and ideas, including lesson plans introducing and demonstrating the use of language concepts, as well as further information are available as free resources when you sign up at myburrow.com.au No cost involved, resources and ideas are free. MyBurrow’s® potential to increase a child’s focus makes it an effective tool for working with children with sensory processing issues. By Dimitra Baveas & Helena Smith
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Paralympic dreams Paralympic dreams among opportunities knocking for Knox.
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hen I tell people what difference until Claire’s mum pointed it happened to my arm, out, so he’s following someone who has they sometimes think something else in common with him. Knox that’s my joke version of and Claire were hoping to meet up when events, and assume I was born like that,’ they both did the same catwalk in Sydney Knox explained. last year, but unfortunately on the night ‘It’s a phone call you never want to things got a little too hectic. get,’ his mum Kate remembered, when When he was younger Knox had a just before his 4th birthday Knox was myoelectric hand, but the rough and involved in a ride-on lawn mower tumble of childhood meant it didn’t accident, ‘but so many opportunities last long. He moved onto a recreational that Knox has had may not have prosthesis that can have different come about if he didn’t have his arm attachments screwed to it. ‘I manage difference.’ to do things without a prosthesis, but Social media receives plenty of having one makes some things easier, negative publicity, however, it has for example when I’m riding a bike and allowed Knox and Kate to connect with want to do jumps,’ Knox explained. They other families going through the same have an NDIS application in progress for thing, who need or want to give advice a new myoelectric hand, which medical or support. ‘It’s being part of that community, where we can relate to "We are constantly learning each other in the same way,’ said Knox. so much more about what As well as sharing stories on our kids can do when Instagram, Knox has helped given the opportunity." Aussie Hands with the Individual Capacity Building (ICB) Project, giving feedback on what information professionals advise will minimise the teenagers would find useful to access chances of arthritis or strain on his other online. arm when he’s older. ‘As we have joined social media As well as connecting through social groups and people who are involved with media, Knox thinks teenagers would be modelling and acting, we were following interested in a movie night, to go bowling Claire Bampton, the young dancer and or somewhere like Holey Moley, the Aussie Hands member, on Instagram,’ themed mini golf venues. ‘If the focus is said Kate. At the time, neither Knox on an interactive, fun activity and you can or Kate realised Claire had a hand talk at the same time, it’s less awkward
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hts on Knox has set his sig ic Games the 2024 Paralymp
than standing around trying to make conversation with people you have just met,’ suggested Knox. We think this would help break the ice for any age group, not just adolescents. Project ARI is a new podcast to help kids understand the importance of respect. Knox had previously worked with the children’s book author, Nat Amoore, so when they needed a voice actor for this podcast, she suggested Knox audition for one of the roles. She thought he would suit the character of Jeremy, a naughty kid who’s known for making sarcastic comments. Although Knox is not mean like Jeremy, Kate says he does have a cheeky side which is probably where Nat saw the similarity. During the 2018 Invictus Games (an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women) in Sydney, Knox was a junior reporter
SPORT
K n ox m eeting Michea l Lyddia rd
It’s mind over matter. Anything’s possible if you put your mind to it, the important thing is having a positive mindset.’ – Michael Lyddiard for the ABC and interviewed some of the competitors, including Nathan Parker, the 2021 NSW Young Australian of the Year, who has an arm like Knox. At the games Knox was introduced to Michael Lyddiard, a former Sergeant in the Australian Army who lost his right arm below the elbow, his right eye and part of his left hand when a bomb exploded in front of him in Afghanistan. Michael’s advice was: 'It’s mind over matter. Anything’s possible if you put your mind to it, the important thing is having a positive mindset.’ Michael was competing in various events including the long jump but suffered a hamstring injury earlier that day. Having just met Knox, he somehow arranged with officials to let him jump on his behalf, and if that wasn’t enough of an OMG experience, Knox then got to keep the silver medal they won! Just to demonstrate his positive and tough mindset, Michael
then went on to run the 1500m the next day with his torn hamstring. That experience has whetted Knox’s appetite to swim in the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris or four years later in Los Angeles. This would be following in the footsteps (or swim strokes) of Aussie Hands Patron Jessica Smith who was a Paralympic swimmer. Knox and Kate do however share Jessica’s view that: ‘Not everyone living with a disability who enjoys sport needs to go on to represent their country at the Paralympics…because this can create misplaced pressures on other disabled people to behave in certain ways and achieve certain markers of success. That is unrealistic and unfair.’ To prepare for his ambitions, Knox now swims 6 times a week and competed at the Australian Age Championships on the Gold Coast in April this year. He swims multi class – S9 or SV9 classification – which means the winner isn’t necessarily
the one who touches the wall first, but based on what their time is in relation to that classification’s record time. Diving in can sometimes cause problems with balance and Knox’s body tilts to one side before he hits the water, but he’s working with an exercise physiologist to help strengthen his shorter arm and improve his technique. Through social media and acting networks, Knox was granted the lead role in a short ‘proof of concept’ film for Netflix last year. It was produced in Toronto, so Knox and Kate got special exemptions to fly over during the Covid-19 pandemic. A sign of the times saw production crew wearing masks and face shields, and everyone on set being tested every 2 days. Knox and Kate haven’t seen the finished product and are waiting to hear if it gets the green light to be made into a longer film. That’s why we can’t reveal the plot, but say that it would provide an interesting and powerful history lesson. When Knox does find time to relax he likes to play Xbox, kick a footy with his mates, go for bike rides, listen to music and watch movies. Thanks to Knox and Kate for taking time out of school holidays and swimming schedules to chat with Aussie Hands. You can help Aussie Hands continue to support aspirational member like Knox by making a donation. aussiehands.org By Fiona Passmore
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SPORT
INSPIRING a new generation of YOUNG ATHLETES Hundreds more children with disability from across Australia have been inspired to pick up a ball, get into the pool or take up track running after the successful Tokyo Paralympics.
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that allows you to look up support hile Australia finished 8th providers, therapists and inclusive on the medal tally with sporting clubs. 21 gold, 29 silver and Disability Sports Australia is 30 bronze medals, the also working with Occupational real rewards will be felt into the future, Therapists Australia, Exercise with a massive increase in participation and Sports Science Australia, the expected as a result of the awe-inspiring Australian Physiotherapy Association performances by our representatives. Disability Sports Australia CEO Murray and Sports Medicine Australia to Elbourn says the Paralympics were a major ensure that links can be made with local sporting groups and support success for our country. providers to promote greater activity “This was our most successful games in the sector. yet from a total medal tally and so yes, Murray says they anticipate everyone really put in at Tokyo despite 10,000 referrals very little opportunities through the Hub in to train or compete due to “My best the first 12 months, Covid,” Murray says. But the most special memory from with the coverage of the Paralympics outcome was the massive the games inspiring many children support our athletes was seeing to dream big. received online and the amount of “If you can’t ever see on television during yourself achieve with your the games. support from disability, it’s extremely “My best memory from mainstream hard to motivate your own the games was seeing the Australians" ambitions,” Murray says. amount of support from “We see this all the mainstream Australians time with our Variety Activate Inclusion who really embraced disability sport Sport Days program for school aged kids. through outstanding viewer ratings, This is why Disability Sports Australia which were four times better than Rio are pushing for more disability sport on 2016,” Murray explains. mainstream media. It seems those viewer numbers will “Australians with disability need to see translate into increased participation - a what is possible and set goals to become great result given that of the 472,000 more active, more often. NDIS participants registered across the Another positive step in that direction country, Murray says only around four per will come from the announcement that cent are active through community sport. Brisbane will host the Olympics and “We saw a 435% increase for enquires Paralympics in 2032, with three-time during the Paralympic Games,” he says. Paralympic gold medallist Kurt Fearnley Players and aspiring players across are set to serve on the Organising Committee. being encouraged to sign up through the “This is a very important step for new National Referral Hub, a website
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disability sport and participation around marketing and coverage to find the future Paralympic athletes,” Murray explains. “DSA will work closely with our Government and sport partners including our Queensland member Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association to really drive outcomes.” There are over 30 sports to chose from in the Paralympics and the options increase further with various disability components and classifications for those sports. For a full list of the sports and classifications, people can visit dsa.lexi. global to start developing their dreams for 2032. By Rachel Williams To refer someone with a disability to get into a sport, you can visit the National Referral Hub to get started via sports.org.au I SSU E 29 | SU M M ER 2021 39
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Childhood
Noah’s story
D E M E N T IA
Being robbed of a life full of joy and laughter is a devastating reality for Noah Lindsay and his parents Jane and Geoff.
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he once active little boy who loved the beach and riding horses is slowly being taken by Niemann-Pick type C (NPC), a fatal degenerative genetic disorder. The symptoms Noah has from NPC fall under the umbrella of more than 70 diseases that are called childhood dementia. It’s a tragic story for the Melbourne family who have been forced to watch their precious son quickly deteriorate a situation made even worse by being locked down by the city’s COVID restrictions throughout 2020 and 2021. Noah was born in Bali and at just 11 hours old was fostered by Jane and Geoff, who were living and working on the island. They weren’t to know he had inherited the rare genetic disorder as a result of both his Balinese biological parents carrying the genetic fault. “Noah absolutely loved performing, he just loved dancing, singing and was front and centre at kinder and school concerts,” Jane reflects. “Noah was always smiling and never
cried – not ever. Nor did he ever throw a tantrum. We used to say he is calm and ‘almost Zen’ because he is Balinese. “In hindsight these characteristics may have been a symptom. There were other things too, like an ever so slightly slurred speech that sounded almost like an American accent and the occasional facial tick when he was tired.” Noah had started having noticeable problems jumping and keeping up with his peers before he turned four but any concerns held by Jane were dismissed as being over protective as a first time mum or living in a bilingual home. In a cruel twist, it would be the joy that Noah experienced in life that would affect him the most. “He loved horse riding but when he got on the horse it made him so happy, he passed out,” Jane remembers. “We later found out he had cataplexy and narcolepsy brought on by joy and happiness.” The couple were challenged by Indonesia’s health system and were unable to return with Noah for treatment in
DIAGNOSIS
Australia because Noah was not allowed a passport for travel until his adoption process was complete – a journey that took almost five years. “Noah and I finally arrived in Australia in 2019 and after five months of tests he was diagnosed with NPC. At this time Noah was very unsteady on his feet and could no longer run without falling over,” Jane says. “He ‘lost words’ and began answering questions with either single words or gestures. He coughed and choked when eating. Up to six hours a day was spent slowly feeding, one small mouthful at a time. Around this time was the first time we heard the words ‘childhood dementia’. “The day we were given the diagnosis was a most devastating and heart breaking experience. It was a complete shock and very difficult to understand that our son was never going to grow up or grow old. “I can’t put into words the pain.” Noah was given only a few short years to live. He now requires 24 hour care. He can no longer walk, talk or even sit up. He is fed via a stomach tube and suffers regular seizures. “Children are supposed to learn and grow. Much like adult dementia, Noah used to be able to read and speak,” Jane says. “His favourite book was ‘The Treasure of Pirate Frank’. He could read the words out loud and knew most off by heart as it was a nightly ritual. As he began to decline, he could only say the first or last word of each sentence. Now, when I read the book to him I look for a glimmer of recognition. Sometimes there’s a nod or a smile if I’m lucky. “It is so difficult but we keep reading and I live in hope he might one day murmur a word. “He no longer recognises people and
places but is most happy when he is doing the things he used to love as a 2-3 year old. He loves music, especially anything Zumba. “He can’t express to anyone how he feels anymore. We try make each day special with an activity he enjoys. It might be a trip to the beach or a play in the local park. Noah still loves trains and boats, and most of all warm water and the beach.” Jane says the work of the Childhood Dementia Initiative (see article on following page) shows great promise in bringing awareness to diseases that feature dementia and the family is also supported by the NPC Disease Foundation and Very Special Kids organisation. While Noah is starting a medical trial at the Royal Children’s Hospital in the hope
"The day we were given the diagnosis was a most devastating and heart breaking experience." it might help him with his symptoms or aid longevity, they know it won’t save him. “Some days are easier than others. Sometimes Noah is so ill I am worried he won’t make another day, and sometimes I see a smile from him and it fills my heart and gives me enough to keep pushing forward,” Jane admits. She says it’s devastating that her greatest wish for her son will never come true. “I wish for a cure. I wish for Noah to live longer. I wish he never had this disease. I wish for him to have the best life possible.” By Rachel Williams I SSU E 29 | SU M M ER 2021 4 3
DIAGNOSIS
What is the
Childhood Dementia Initiative? The Childhood Dementia Initiative was established in 2020 to transform research, care and quality of life for the 700,000 children with dementia across the world. CDI’s Care and Quality of Life Head of Services, Gail Hilton, says it’s estimated that one in 2800 babies are born with a disorder that causes childhood dementia, making is as common as Cystic Fibrosis and at similar levels to Motor Neurone Disease. “Sadly, for most children, dementia is a life-limiting condition. Some will die in infancy, while others will experience many years of progressive disability and die in their teens or early adult years,” Gail explains. “Damage to the brain caused by childhood dementia initially leads to similar sorts of problems that we see in adult dementia, like loss of memory and poor concentration. “With time, it affects the body’s ability to carry out essential functions. That’s because the brain controls our bodies and the systems essential to life like breathing, pumping blood through the body, moving muscles and digesting food.” There are over 70 rare genetic disorders that cause childhood dementia but less than 5 per cent have widely-available treatments that can greatly improve life expectancy. “Average life expectancy is 28 years,”
Approximately how many household members who are affected by childhood dementia.
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AUSTRALIA
Gail reports. “Sadly, for 75% of children with dementia, it is much lower at just 18 years or less.” Gails says that finding a diagnosis can be a long process. “Children are usually diagnosed following tests by a specialist team at a children’s hospital. If a parent is concerned their child is showing signs of dementia, it’s best to first connect with a GP who will make a referral for further investigation,” she suggests. “Of course, it’s not just children who suffer. Families watch their children slowly die and face many challenges including grief, isolation, stress, depression and anxiety, sleep deprivation, misdiagnoses and financial instability to name a few. “There are approximately 8,750 household members in Australia who are affected by childhood dementia. Worldwide, that figure is estimated to be 3,143,000.” Gail explains the goals of the Childhood Dementia Initiative are to raise awareness and understanding, improve care and quality of life and fast-track effective treatments for diagnosed children. “The brilliant minds and technologies that can find cures exist. What’s missing is awareness, collaboration and action. Until now, the 70+ rare genetic disorders that cause dementia have been researched individually and in isolation. It’s time to change this. We exist to encourage the research world to think differently
WORLDWIDE
8,750 3,143,000
and leverage and share research data, infrastructure, equipment and expertise across disorders,” she says. “There are a number of gene therapies for childhood dementia disorders currently being investigated in ongoing clinical trials. Preliminary data from some of these studies is promising, however, regulatory approval has not yet been granted for any of these therapies. These are high-cost therapies that are very specific to certain genetic changes so we are advocating for the sharing of infrastructure and expertise to to ensure progress continues and that we see positive outcomes for patients as soon as possible.” Symptoms vary and every child’s experience with dementia is unique. They share many similarities with the hallmark features of adult-onset dementia, including... • Memory loss and learning difficulties; • Decline in cognitive ability; • Problems with attention and concentration; • Problems with thinking and reasoning; • Confusion and disorientation; • Uncooperative and disruptive behaviour; • Wandering and restlessness; • Emotional disturbance including anxiety, fear and panic attacks.
Personality and behavioural changes which can include aggression, irritability, and hyperactivity... • Sleep disturbance which is often severe; • Deterioration of social skills; • P sychosis including hallucinations; - Loss of speech; - and, incontinence.
By Rachel Williams To learn more and find out how you can help visit childhooddementia.org
Intensive Physiotherapy Program MOVE, LEARN, ACHIEVE
Paediatric Physiotherapy Centre’s intensive physiotherapy program is inspired by the growing body of evidence that supports the benefits of intensive goal-directed therapy. By increasing the frequency of practice, our fun-focused physiotherapy program optimises learning to achieve your child’s goals. Our three key success factors of our program are:
Daily physio for 2 weeks
Our goal-directed program uses the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) to measure progress. We collaborate with the family and other health practitioners to set relevant goals and we provide a report upon completion of the program.
Play-based studio
Our studio is filled with an adaptive playground and equipment to engage children and ensure skills translate into the community.
Paediatric physiotherapists
Our physiotherapists have experience working with individuals from the ages of 0 to 18 with a wide variety of conditions. Our physiotherapists know how to engage children, manage behaviours, and provide child specific interventions – children are not small adults! Paediatric Physiotherapy Centre has been supporting families in Melbourne for over 30 years.
We will engage and motivate your child with our state of the art equipment including:
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NSW
Raging Waters If the weather is warm enough then there’s a whole heap of fun to be had here. The Splash Pad, Dinosaur Lagoon and The Beach are all wheelchair-accessible. Water wheelchairs and strollers have historically been available for loan from Guest Services but unfortunately due to covid safety measures this service is currently unavailable. Raging Waters Sydney also offers people with disability a discounted disabled admission rate, which can be purchased at the box office on the day of your visit. ragingwaterssydney.com.au
Kamay Botany Bay National Park and Dorrigo National Park NSW National Parks provides a TrailRider all-terrain wheelchair for visitors at Kamay Botany Bay (located at Kurnell and La Perouse in Sydney) and Dorrigo National Park (an hour from Coffs Harbour). They are free to hire but bookings are recommended and you need
fun in the sunshine! Does the relaxing of COVID restrictions make you itchy for some action and adventure? While we may not be venturing too far afield just yet, why not check out some of these accessible leisure experiences in your state that you can do with the kids, or work with your support workers to get them out and about in the community.
to bring your own guides. At Dorrigo you can experience World Heritage listed rainforests, waterfall walks, scenic barbecue areas and enjoy excellent birdwatching opportunities, while at Kamay Botany Bay you can explore the historic Captain Cook’s landing place. For more info call 1300 072 757.
NSW Rail Museum Located in Thirlmere, approximately 1.5 hours South West of Sydney, The NSW Rail Museum is a must for the locomotive buff in your family and is a fascinating and exciting step back in time with interactive
displays, kid’s activities, glimpses behind the scenes at Australia’s newest locomotive roundhouse and a priceless collection of historic locomotives, carriages, wagons and memorabilia. In terms of accessibility there are accessible toilets, single level access to all areas and ramp access to the Great Train Hall platform and Roundhouse. Prams and wheelchairs will not fit through the doorways of the carriages on steam train rides. However, a safe storage place will be provided and assistance to board the trains is available if required. nswrailmuseum.com.au
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I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H
VIC
Melbourne Museum There is so much for kids to see and do here and so many visiting exhibitions that one visit is never enough. And, we love that the museum has pretty much set the standard for creating accessible and welcoming experiences for people with autism and their families. With social stories, sensory maps, quiet times and more, find out what’s on by visiting - museumsvictoria.com.au/ melbournemuseum
Werribee Open Range Zoo Who doesn’t love an African safari experience? Just 35km west of Melbourne, admission to Werribee includes a 45-minute safari tour where you’ll see grazing rhino, giraffe, antelope and zebra on savannah-like plains. There are four wheelchairaccessible safari buses which can accommodate two standard wheelchairs, or one electric wheelchair per vehicle. The wheelchairs are accommodated at the front of the vehicles alongside the driver and will be safely strapped in. Zoo volunteers also offer free tours in an electric golf cart designed to assist with accessibility through the zoo grounds. Vehicles can carry up to three passengers at a time and they travel at a slow pace so that carers, families and friends can walk alongside the cart. Tours run for approximately 60 minutes. Bookings are advisable. For more info call (03) 9731 9601
Brimbank Park Playscape, Melbourne A haven for creative play, Brimbank Park Playscape was designed to create opportunities for children of all abilities, including those in wheelchairs. The playground design embraces several themes which focus on the Aboriginal and European history of the land where Brimbank is located. There are a range of tactile circular paths and animal
sculptures that children can explore. There is signage in Braille and Auslan throughout the playground and an accessible water fountain. The playground includes swings catering for younger and older children with physical disabilities, a hammock, an accessible sand pit, interactive colourful murals, a build it yourself cubby house and many other exciting features.
Choose from over 10,000 people offering care and support services through the Mable website. See the back cover to find out more.
I SSU E 29 | SU M M ER 2021 47
sAsa
Adelaide Zoo Adelaide Zoo is within easy walking distance of the central business district. The biggest attractions are Wang Wang and Funi, the only giant pandas in the Southern Hemisphere. See devils, kangaroos, giraffes, lions, meerkats, lemurs, squirrel monkeys, penguins, chameleon and hippos. All the walkways and trails are wheelchair accessible and the wonderful all abilities Nature Playground has an accessible toilet that contains a hoist. adelaidezoo.com.au
Hendrie Street Reserve Inclusive Playground, Marion This is South Australia’s first truly inclusive all abilities playground brought to life by the awesome team at Touched by Olivia. Consideration has been given to children who may have mobility issues, vision and hearing impairments and spectrum disorders such as autism and incorporates principles of inclusive play. There’s a fun multi-station for all types of play, sand and water stations, carousels, different types of swings, a bike track and more. The park is adjacent to the Marion outdoor pool (open from October) so after a tiring, warm morning of play you can cool off in the water!
QLD
Australia Zoo The Ultimate Wildlife Adventure! The famous (late) Steve Irwin’s zoo with a team of passionate conservationists working around-the-clock to deliver an animal experience like no other. Located in Beerwah, Australia Zoo is the biggest and best wildlife conservation facility in the world with over one hundred different species including crocodiles, tigers, cheetahs, zebras and snakes. Australia Zoo is an accessible venue with disabled parking, amenities, wheelchair and scooter hire, accessible elevator, ramps, pathways and more! Keep an eye out also for their special behind the scenes sensory days. Also, hot off the press the zoo now has a Changing Places facility accessible via an MLAK key! More info (07) 5436 2000.
Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Museum
Sea World We can’t go past Queensland without featuring at least one theme park! Sea World is a wonderful destination for anyone using a wheelchair with wide, flat walkways and heaps of shows and experiences. The amazing dolphin encounter has a pool hoist for access and is a once in a lifetime experience for everyone. We also love that Parent Swap and Queue Proxy services are available within the park for guests who are unable to stand in a queue for extended periods or have children unable to experience a particular ride or attraction and require supervision. seaworld.com.au
The Ginger Factory, Yandina The iconic Ginger Factory offers fun rides, fascinating tours, a unique retail precinct and cafe surrounded by beautiful subtropical gardens for all to enjoy. Free entry and open seven days, year-round, there is something for everyone here. Only the overboard boat ride is not accessible for wheelchair users. gingerfactory.com.au 4 8 SO U RCEKI DS .CO M . AU
TAS
About 40 minutes north of Launceston, the museum was given a major overhaul following the rockfall disaster that trapped two miners underground for two weeks. Be entertained by the interactive displays and live a different story around every corner with buttons to push, levers to pull, tunnels to crawl through and animals to search for. A Tamar Triple Pass allows you entry into the museum and nearby Seahorse World and Platypus House for a discounted rate. More info (03) 6383 1473
Hastings Cave and Thermal Springs Hastings Caves State Reserve is situated 125 kilometres south of Hobart. Made from dolomite, rather than limestone, it’s the largest tourist cave in Australia. A visit to the historic underground caves includes the use of the thermal spring pool and its facilities all day. These facilities include the pool, change rooms and hot showers, free electric barbeques, barbeque tables, picnic shelters, 10 minute platypus walk and 30 minute hot springs forest walk. Both the thermal pool and the trail which leads through the surrounding forests are accessible to wheelchair users. More info see the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife website page.
I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H
WA wa
Rottnest Island
NT
Territory Wildlife Park, Darwin At the Territory Wildlife Park, not only do you see wildlife up-close in their natural habitats, you meet them walking through tree top aviaries, strolling around a natural lagoon and even get to interact with them during daily presentations. The park has an extensive system of wheelchair-friendly walking tracks that are well sign posted. Many of the exhibits are located quite closely together, so it is an easy walk between many of them. There is also a free shuttle train runs continuously around the park’s 4km loop road, picking up and dropping off around the park. territorywildlifepark.com.au
Rottnest Island provides an access and facility-friendly holiday destination for all visitors with wide pathways, easy to read signage and ramps to most facilities on Rottnest Island. There are a number of specially designed chalets for disability access accommodation, with wheelchairs, electric scooters (gophers) and beach wheelchairs available for hire. There is a wheelchair compatible shuttle bus for access to and from the ferries. Rottnest ferries take approximately 25 minutes from Fremantle, 45 minutes from Hillarys Boat Harbour, or 90 minutes from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty. More info (08) 9432 9111.
Forrest Place Water Labyrinth Back in the city, this grid of nine squares, shooting walls of water into the area in constantly changing configurations is the perfect place to cool down and shake out those sillies. It operates daily from 8am to 8pm unless there is an event in Forrest Place.
Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk In WA’s Southern Forests, you’ll find this internationally recognised nature-based tourism attraction, which is located between Denmark and Walpole in the WalpoleNornalup National Park and in the heart of the Walpole Wilderness. The Tree Top Walk features a stunning walkway positioned 40 metres above the ground in the spectacular heights of the tingle forest canopy. The 600-metre walk is accessible and suitable for children of all ages, wheelchairs and strollers. parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/site/treetop-walk
Howard Springs Nature Park Want to enjoy nature on Darwin’s doorstep? This beautiful park is 27km south-east of Darwin. Picnic in a natural bush setting, let the kids explore the natural playground and cool off in the safe, shallow rockpools after walking through the monsoon forest. The springfed waterhole is a great place to birdwatch and spot fish and freshwater turtles. You can even hand-feed Barramundi and turtles. Plus there’s lots of shade and wheelchair access! More info (08) 8983 1001
If you don’t have a support worker, or you need one, visit Mable at mable.com.au I SSU E 29 | SU M M ER 2021 4 9
TRAVEL TRAY FOR JUST ABOUT ANYTHING! A travel tray is ideal for playing games, watching devices, colouring in, and keeping busy minds active and engaged! Keep your child occupied for the car trip and make the journey the adventure, until you reach your destination. With a dry board for writing/drawing, places for snacks and drinks, this will keep everyone happy. RRP $109.49 amazon.com.au
Travel
o p i cuKrs
Accessories Remember the simple car trip when we were kids? Here are a few products to help with a day trip for any family wanting to have a change of scenery, not too far from home.
RO A D S I G N SCAVENGER HUNT Who doesn’t love a bit of car bingo! This magnetic set comes complete with some common Aussie road signs for kids to recognise and complete with their bingo card. It’s the perfect game to take on car trips! RRP $29.95 starfishstore.com.au
P J A M A PA N T S F O R A D RY , O V E R N I G H T S TA Y The Pjama range includes a dynamic product with materials that keep the bed dry in case of an accident while sleeping. Made with Tencel, a material that is super absorbent in critical areas, together with an outer waterproof and soft layer that breathes. The inner layer is soft and smooth and as Tencel has capillary breaking properties it absorbs fluid effectively. The waterproof Pjama bag is specifically designed for putting away Pjama discreetly and practically in a bag to be washed when getting home. RRP from $216 pjama.com.au
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SHOPPING
N E C K P I L L O W / I PA D HOLDER – 2 IN 1! This great product doubles as 2 in 1! A neck pillow as well as an iPad holder. Once you have finished playing games or watching shows on the iPad, unzip and shake the beads in the neck pillow to use for neck support for those little naps along the way! RRP $21.95 littlegulliver.com.au
One of the most important elements of
NOISE REDUCTION HEADPHONES
any trip – food! Wholesome Blends provide
Banz Kids Earmuffs are designed
FOOD ON THE GO!
to comfortably protect children
a wonderful alternative to food on the go for our kids who are tube fed. Wholesome Blends have a great range of healthy, high calorie meals that are easy to store
FROM THIS TO THIS
from loud noises and act as noise reduction headphones. They help to reduce background noise while
and perfect for busy families! With no
still allowing your child to hear the
preservatives, no added sugars you can be
voice of someone speaking to them
sure to know that you are giving your kids
and reduce background noise for
a great healthy choice. RRP $95 (pack of 10)
calming. Great for all the family!
wholesomeblends.com.au
RRP $33.00 starfishstore.com.au
S uper easy to fi ll and clean!
POP TIL YOU CAN’T STOP! Don’t forget to pack this oversized fidget toy to keep the kids entertained. It comes with a dice, (you can also use an app on a phone to minimise the dice being chucked out the window!) and each player has 60 pop bubble
REUSABLE FOOD POUCHES
poppers. Kids take turns to roll the dice and
Ready to fill with your favourite, healthy food and anything else you can think
press the pop fidget poppers according to the
of! Sandwiches, yogurt or jelly – these pouches are designed with a spout for
number. It’s a race to see who will press the
you or your children to suck or squeeze out the contents, so no need for a bowl
last popper! RRP $25.99 amazon.com.au
or spoon! Litter free lunch kit - RRP from $40 sinchies.com.au
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Caloundra, Sunshine Coast. Qld, 4551 Other locations by request
Young adults advice:
dating and relationships Dating can be challenging for most people, but when you have a disability, it can feel like you’re navigating a minefield.
I
t can be scary; dealing with the fear of judgement and rejection is often draining, impacting self-confidence. And, given the judgemental nature of ‘swipe right’ dating apps, it can become frustrating as we don’t have the chance to show who we are. Covid times have added an additional layer of complexity, as many of us have been missing our regular social connections and the introductions they bring. At Care Squared Connect, when working with our participants, relationships and dating are topics we discuss regularly and through these conversations, we see how important selfesteem, confidence, and understanding are in helping to successfully navigate this area of life. Participants sometimes feel they’re the only person in their position, and this, coupled with a lack of representation of romantic relationships for disabled people in the media, can make them feel like dating is not something for them. As a parent or carer of a individual with a disability, we realise the challenges you face when helping them to negotiate interconnection and romance, particularly in the early stages. Communication is key in keeping your young person safe, resilient, and confident as they test these waters.
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So where do you begin? Care Squared Connect Managing Director, Dr Kylie Henderson, has put together five tips to help you prepare both you and your developing young adult to explore the exciting, and sometimes nerve-wracking, world of dating and relationships:
1
Start the conversation
There may come a time when your child stops asking questions, so you may need to be the one to bring it up. Start the conversation with phrases such as: ‘Now that you’re growing up, I want to talk with you about how our bodies change,’ or, ‘As we get older, we sometimes have lots of new questions, like where do babies come from? What is a condom? How do I tell someone that I like them? Or will I ever fall in love? What questions do you have about these?’
2
Use ‘teachable moments’ for timely conversations
The best way to start a conversation is to leverage everyday events that provide a perfect opening for discussion and learning. If someone in your family or social network is pregnant, talk about it together. When you see a same-sex couple on the street or in a tv show, use this to spark a conversation about sexuality and gender identity.
3
Keep it Simple
We all know the phrase ‘less is more’. When answering questions, start with the simplest explanation. If your child continues to be interested, or asks subsequent questions, build into a more detailed response. We know children learn through repetition, so expect to be asked the same questions over and over again. Find ways to be consistent when discussing a topic. Reach out to your Allied Health Practitioner and ask them to develop resources or activities to help with this.
RELATIONSHIPS
5
You’re not expected to know the answer
4
Try not to react
If you see your child or young adult doing something inappropriate, or they ask a question that surprises or shocks you, try not to react. Take a deep breath, remain calm and respond to the behaviour by naming it, and telling them what is appropriate in that situation. Be straight-forward in how you answer the surprising question, ensuring your body-language and facial expression match your response. How you answer questions builds your child’s confidence and lets them know it always okay to ‘ask’.
Sometimes we’re asked questions we’d like to answer, but we’re not quite sure how to respond. It’s okay to say, “I’d like to answer your question, but first I need to think about what I want to say.” Just make sure you answer the question later. Try imagining the hardest question your child could throw your way and practice answering it. Let them “overhear” conversations. Your child may be too embarrassed to discuss sexual topics directly with you, but they may not mind hearing a positive discussion between others. If you’re not sure of the answer, look for it together. Use the resources around you, libraries, community centres, doctors, nurses, or your allied health practitioner. Consider joining a ‘Dating & Connection Parents Program’ to prepare yourself and learn from other parents’ experience. Use these tips as a starting point for conversations on dating, relationships, and sexuality. Remember to keep the lines of communication open to support your child’s learning and help you feel more comfortable talking.
Care Squared Connect Dating & Relationships Programs bring participants together to share their experiences, connect with new people, and learn from each other in a safe, inclusive group environment. Together we explore different types of relationships, open communication, becoming a couple, body autonomy, sex and intimacy, internet safety, family planning, healthy vs unhealthy relationships, what to do when it’s time to move on, and more. If you would like to learn more, please reach out: connect@caresquared.com.au, or 1300 632 639. Our Programs are available, country wide.
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Fun in the sun! p iocuKrs Summer has arrived! And with the warm weather, comes the end of another big year and time to take a much-needed break. We’ve picked some great products to help you get in the mood – so get ready, it’s time to shine!
BE LIKE A MONKEY AND CLIMB A TREE Here is a great way to keep the active adventurer in your family busy. Slackers Tree Climbers make climbing trees easy! Easy to install on trees, and the design can be moved closer together for smaller children or further apart for older kids. RRP $144.99 professorplums.com.au
S U M M E RT I M E = B I O G L I T T E R S U N D U S T Summer is here and it’s time to get outside with beautiful glittery abundance with reef safe BioGlitter. Perfect for the most sensitive of skin! SunDust has produced a broad-spectrum sunscreen, rated SPF50+; it is certified in Australia, approved and regulated by the strict standards set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). As well as being plastic-free, fragrance-free and contains no parabens, it’s loads of fun for kids! RRP $30 sundust.com.au
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I N F L ATA B L E S FOR THE POOL This inflatable rainbow water wheel will keep active kids happy in the pool and is great for balance and core strength fun (they won’t even know they’re doing it!) RRP $25 kmart.com.au
SHOPPING
W O N S I E – B A C K Z I P B AT H E R S Wonsie are super excited to introduce a Back Zip swimsuit to their range. It is designed to prevent unwanted undressing and nappy access when having fun at the beach or in the pool. The surfsuit style offers high UV protection and is crafted from a durable 4 way stretch fabric in a cool contrast print suitable for all ages. Available in size 4 Toddler - 18/L Adult – perfect for all swimmers! From $79.95 wonsie.com.au
MODIFIED CRICKET SETS Enjoy some backyard cricket with this modified cricket set
C AT C H A MONSTER! At a bit of a loose end? Hand the kids
from Hart Sport. Made from a lighter, moulded material, this will have all the family improving their cricket skills! RRP $36.50 hartsport.com.au
a Catch a Monster net to catch bugs, tadpoles, butterflies or baitfish to encourage fun in the fresh air and sunshine. RRP $15.99 bcf.com.au
S W I T C H A DA P T I V E DINOSAUR Take your dinosaur everywhere over summer! With a recording function of up to 5 minutes, the Record & Play Dinosaur can record your voice and playback multiple times. A perfect toy for kids who are learning to speak or just want to sing/ speak and listen. BYO switch; product uses 2 switches to operate, depending on the child’s motor skills. RRP $75
Cam p out underneath the stars!
Experience the magic of being underneath the stars with this super cool light projector. Beaming hundreds of stars across your child’s bedroom, it’s all the comforts of camping without having to go anywhere! With a variety of stars, music and activations, just let your imagination run wild. RRP $49.50 amazon.com.au
avantinnovations.com.au
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A place where different abilities are celebrated! We are an online supplier of therapy resources, toys and equipment for people with DIFFerent abilities.
Owned and operated by a Speech Pathologist and OT team with over 25 years combined experience.
10% OFF CODE: SOURCEKIDS10 Owned and operated by a Speech Pathologist and OT team with over 25 years combined experience, Oral-Motor, Fidgets, Fine Motor, Gross Motor, Social Skills, Play, Books, Communication, Timers, Visual Schedules and so much more!
mydiffability.com.au
(03) 8456 6613 • info@mydiffability.com.au
Supporting Source Kids PLAY
SELF-CARE
POWERED MOBILITY
We have a comprehensive range of paediatric products for hire and purchase.
We specialise in complex rehabilitation for both short term and long term care.
Our expert staff are available to assist with in-store trials.
With over 50 locations nationwide. Simply call 1300 133 120 to be connected with local specialist support.
1300 133 120
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www.aidacare.com.au
HenderCare Plan Management Taking the stress out of managing your child’s NDIS funding With years of experience providing services under the NDIS, at HenderCare, our plan management service provides you with access to your real time funding data through our client portal and fast access to services. We pride ourselves on quick payments and delivering a personalised and tailored experience.
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No more late nights spent submitting NDIS claims or chasing invoices, let our team help to lighten your busy load.
OVIDER
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WE’VE GOT THIS, WE’VE GOT THIS, PERIOD. PERIOD. M
The new standard in Intensive Therapy Combining parent education and intensive therapy to unlock childrens’ potential.
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on on
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a n i c C ott
CME | TheraSuit | Powerplate | Parent Education To book your free assessment email admin@timmermansmethod.com.au or phone 0411 696 839 Adelaide • Melbourne
Washable Pyjama For Bedwetters
Takes away the stress from bed wetting A useful solution for traveling • Convenient and discreet
Takes away the stress from any night • Confident away from home and safe • Protects sheets and mattress Convenient andthe discreet Confident and safe • Soft and breathable Protects the sheets and mattress • A useful solution for traveling Soft and breathable Allows continued bedwetting Pjama bedwetting alarm treatment away from home
available for treatment Bring your bedwetting treatment kit with you during your travels this summer. The Pjama pants and shorts protects the bed, and with the Pjama bedwetting alarm you can maintain the treatment in a discreet way by setting your phone alarm to vibrate.
Pjama now stocked at Every Human & BrightSky
Pjama Down Under
pjama.com.au 6 0 SO U RCEKI DS .CO M . AU
Testimonial: I have found the pyjama pants to be such a great design - I have tried many versions, but yours are the only ones that work and that he feels comfortable in. My son is 7 years old and diagnosed with ASD and nighttime accidents have been a long hard road to try and figure out a solution. These pants give him confidence and allow me not to be washing sheets every day. Thank you. ˜ Happy Mom
Shower time can now be fun and safe for everyone!
Making Physical Therapy FUN
Nearly 3 children every day are treated in Australian hospitals for burns as a result of scalds, mostly caused by hot water. 80% of those in the bathroom… but the award winning thermostatic shower mixer can help change this. • Maintain a consistent water temperature • Prevent chance of scalding • Easy child-safe controls • Cool-Touch technology ensures the surface remains cool
Low Cost Low Risk with NDIS Motivates achievement of ALL movement Goals Use in clinic, at home, anywhere, anytime Remote monitoring by clinicians 26 FUN and Engaging Games Get a Quote Today
www.therm-oz.net.au • Contact Sarah on 0439 992 011
1300 1 LUSIO letsplay@lusiorehab.com www.lusiorehab.com
mers & swim Large bodysuits to assist everyday living
NEW
Our new Back Zip swimsuit is designed to prevent unwanted undressing and nappy access when having fun in the outdoors. • high UV protection • durable stretch fabric with room for a swim nappy • available in sizes up to large adult
www.wonsie.com.au
A brighter way to shop your healthcare products At BrightSky, you can shop all your specialist healthcare products from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Our convenient, one-stop online shop delivers an extensive range of continence, wound and skin care, nutrition, respiratory, mobility aids & equipment, pressure management and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) direct to your door. Shop our reliable, discreet, home delivery service now at …
Call us on 1300 886 601 www.brightsky.com.au orders@brightsky.com.au
Registered NDIS Provider
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Inclusive Design Making architecture more inclusive and accessible for people with a disability is the goal of one Melbourne woman who takes inspiration from her little sister.
I
lianna Ginnis is an interior intellectual disability still cannot order architecture and spatial design coffee independently. We need to make expert who is completing her PHD changes, particularly with design to at Monash University’s Design make the built environment a more Health Collab. accessible space for diverse cognition and Her dedication to design is inspired by communication.” her 16-year-old sister Michelle who has Ilianna grew up learning diverse forms neurofibromatosis type 1, as well as an of communication and interaction to meet intellectual disability. She is a non-verbal Michelle’s needs. communicator who uses objects, behaviour “Being that I was one of Michelle’s main and gestures as well as vocalisations to caregivers, I would see the challenges Michelle experienced in her environment. communicate. “Being a non-verbal communicator, The empathy Ilianna developed as her experiences in private and public she watched her sister struggle against spaces are more challenging, as space does conventional design is now reflected in her not accommodate diverse architecture designs that communication needs. take into account diversity "Spaces have a “For instance, spaces were and functionality. greater impact too bright, or sensory rooms Her goal is to create systems for other designers and outcome were controlled by adults with no disability, therefore, to learn from non-verbal and when the limiting her engagement minimally verbal individuals non-verbal and consider them in the with space further. development of design. “I adored looking after communicator Michelle so much I studied “There are individuals is involved to become a disability within our community who within the support worker. This are currently being excluded process." introduced me to even because design knows more incredible people little about their needs and like Michelle, who too, were non-verbal desires,” Ilianna explains. and minimally verbal. These experiences “By advocating for communication further exposed me to the problematic access in design, Michelle and children sides of architecture. like Michelle will have their voices “We experienced a variety of spaces heard. Spaces will begin to be designed together, including sensory rooms, quiet with non-verbal and minimally verbal spaces, shopping centres, supermarkets communicators to produce a more and even parks. They all had challenges accessible design. that restricted Michelle and the other non“It is 2021, and people with an
62 SO U RCEKI DS .CO M . AU
verbal communicators. “Architecture systems are designed in a way that excludes diverse forms of communication and prioritises spoken language. So, by the time I graduated, there has been no change within architecture in moving towards diverse communication inclusion. “I didn’t like the way architecture was excluded, so I decided I wanted to make a difference. “Michelle is my why and the reason I want to make space more accessible to her communication needs.” Ilianna studied Interior Architecture at Monash University and completed an honours in developing spaces for non-verbal and minimally verbal communicators. “When studying, I saw nothing was developed within architecture practices for the inclusion of non-verbal individuals or even individuals with diverse cognition,” she recalls “Spaces designed for non-verbal communication are designed in their absence excluding them from design, therefore, design outcomes don’t respond to their needs and desires.” Being able to see the world through the lens of disability has allowed Ilianna to create concepts and develop a career that will make special needs children who, until now, have been inadequately considered when it comes to public and private spaces. Iliana is relishing the opportunity to work alongside non-verbal individuals to reveal the potential and possibilities for new builds. She recently facilitated the design of a house with five non-verbal individuals to
DESIGN
home for children who are non-verbal, I noticed through observation the natural behaviours of the children, where they sat within the spaces of the rooms or how they used space. “I would encourage them to use their forms of communication to express the qualities of the space. “With all this in mind, the compositional layout of the home was completely diverse. One shared room was for sensory seeking and stimulation, the other shared room was for sensory avoidance and the room in between was neutral to assist in the transition. “Through co-design, the non-verbal accommodate their needs. Aesthetically the rooms use more neutral children were able to communicate through their own forms of expression how colour pallets to avoid visual sensory stimulation as well as diverse textures they wished space to meet their needs.” which increase tactility Ilianna says the use of “I didn’t like within the space. technology is increasing She says it’s important to within new buildings, to the way let the child with disability make areas like bathrooms architecture be part of the process. and kitchens safer. One was excluded, example is the use of taps “Spaces have a greater impact and outcome with certain degrees to so I decided when the non-verbal increase independent use. I wanted communicator is involved “Additionally, spaces to make a within the process,” can include technology difference." Ilianna says. to increase the sensory “By offering the child stimulation of children. samples and materials or even colours For example, lighting which is responsive and textures of which best would go to touch or even real-time tracking in the space it allows for the inclusion projection,” Ilianna explains. “This can be placed within public of their needs. programs and environments but can “More importantly, non-verbal also be within a child’s bedroom and the communicators can look past traditional shared spaces of the home to increase domestic designs of homes, making the layout of space unique to needs and social participation. desires. This is something that may not “Similar to this, one of my supervisors, be considered within the traditional Dr Kanvar Nayer, developed a personalised multimedia system called modifications of a home. ‘MemoryBox’ for people living with “When I was designing a respite
dementia. MemoryBox was designed to reduce boredom, loneliness and isolation by providing a high degree of autonomy to older people with cognitive impairment who are able to access their life stories, family messages, favourite music and movies, all in the same place. “This is a great developing technology that has the potential to increase the quality of life for people with communication diversities and has the potential to assist even children with intellectual disabilities.” Ilianna says that any extra cost incurred by improving design in public spaces to better include special needs children would be easily recouped. “When it comes to the cost of the participatory and exclusive design, there is the assumption that cost is a negative aspect of inclusion,” she says. “However, by spending more on space to make the design more inclusive for diverse cognition and communication, people are more likely to spend more time there as space becomes more user friendly. “A great example of this would be including signage that is legible for diverse groups of non-verbal communicators or sensory rooms for people to retreat from overstimulation in shopping centres. By including diverse groups of individuals in design processes, especially non-verbal communicators, we can create spaces that listen and accommodate diverse needs. “Spending more time in space allows the individuals to engage with activities such as food as well as shopping which in turn, assist the economic potentials of space, as the individual is spending more time there.“ By Rachel Williams
Dr Kanvar Nayer
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Your trusted source of information to help children, youth + young adults living with a disability. Source Kids is Australia’s leading magazine for parents, carers and professionals of children, youth and young adults up to 25 years of age living with a disability. The glossy, national magazine is printed quarterly with relevant, reliable and up-to-date information.
Livi ng w ith
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Bathroom aids KEY T
Toddlers
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Children
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Youth
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Adults
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An overview of the shower and bathchairs, and other accessories on the market to make bathroom time safe and simple for your child.
T C Y A
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BEST SUITED FOR: 18 months to 16 years. 10kg to 80kg. SPECS: Backrest recline, upright to full
BEST SUITED FOR: Up to 170kg. Height less than 150kg. SPECS: Adjustable support - height. KEY FEATRURES: • Compact paediatric size shower trolley. • Hydraulic or electric height adjustment. • Mattress available in 40 different colours to suit your child’s preference. This product allows for showering in supine when shower chairs do not provide enough support. avantinnvoations.com.au
NEW
SHARKY
AVA N T I PA E D I A T R I C SHOWER TROLLEY
recline of 140°, No tilt.
RIFTON HTS (HYGIENE & T O I L E T I N G S Y S T E M) BEST SUITED FOR: 8 months to adult
KEY FEATRURES: All the great features and benefits of the Splashy in a bigger size. activerehab.com.au, medifab.com.au, specialneedssolutions.com.au.
years. Height: 76cm to188cm. Weight: 1kg to 113kg.
“I didn’t know whether I’d be giving birth to a live child or not.“
SPECS: Available in 3 sizes – 1,2,3. Seat backrest recline, 5° forward to 25° backwards. Adjust support – seat, backrest, height.
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KEY FEATRURES:
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• Versatility of toileting, showering and
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bathing system all in one. • Varied support options help clients
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maintain optimal positioning. • The HTS comes in three sizes, each with a wide range of adjustment. As your child grows the chair can adapt, giving you years of useful service. The HTS is a shower/commode chair that
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hen one of your miracle babies is diagnosed with a major heart condition in-utero, and then needs major surgery during the middle of a global pandemic, it’s an understate ment to say the journey of parenthood has been an emotional rollercoast er. For Rebecca Fitzgerald and husband Mitchell the last two and a half years have been marked by stress but touched by hope with the arrival and survival of their much-longed-for daughter, Rebecca and Mitchell, Audrey. from Belair in South Australia, had struggled to conceive and five years to welcome a healthy, ago were thrilled happy, typical boy, Declan, born young after extensive IVF. They were then overjoyed to discover they were pregnant, again via IVF, two years later. But Audrey’s pregnancy was far from normal. At 20 weeks they were told their baby had significant issues with its heart and they were encouraged to undergo an amniocentesis to gain a clearer picture. “Having gone through IVF for both kids they were like miracles to us so we didn’t want to take the risk of an amniocentesis because the 1/200 chance of miscarriage was too us,” Rebecca remembermuch of a risk for s. “We would have found out if there more chromosom were al abnormalities that could have been associated with the heart condition, but we knew we would love her when she comes out, however she comes out.”
Other scans and tests diagnosis of Tetralogy provided a of Fallot, which rare condition caused by a combinatio is a four heart defects n of – Audrey would be with a hole in the heart, an overridingborn aorta, stenosis of the pulmonary artery
can be placed on the toilet or used on its own. activerehab.com.au, doability.com.au, medix21.com. au, specialneedssolutions.com.au, urgoform.com.au
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Independence in young adults PRODUCT REVIEW: S TA ND ER S AND WALKERS
NDIS: Independent
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assessments Funding Sensory Equipment
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SHOPPING
S M A RT W I F I L E D BULB LIGHTS Paired with Alexa, you can simply tell your lights to switch
TICK TOCK WITH T H E S M A RT C L O C K
themselves off! With a dimming feature as well, these soft lights are ideal for day or night
The Lenevo smart
and compatible with Hey
clock works with the
Google, Alexa and Apple.
simple command of
RRP $49 amazon.com.au
“Hey Google”. You can set up alarms, enjoy
High tech
p iocuKrs
for the hom e
music, check your next appointments, and so much more, all while being hands-free. Wake up by choosing one of the hundreds of sounds and media alarms; and of course, also great for winding-down at the end of a long day too! RRP $69 jbhifi.com.au
Creating an accessible home has been made easier thanks to smart home technologies. We’ve found a few products here to get you started!
GOOGLE NEST HUB Meet the Google Nest Hub, which is a smart display that is at the centre of your home by helping your family stay entertained with shows, videos and music. You control your compatible devices, such as lights, doorbells and tvs by saying “Hey Google”! RRP $149 jbhifi.com.au
E C H O D OT F RO M A L E X A
T E M P R E G U L AT I O N FOR ALL YEAR RO U N D The ecobee3 lite Smart
The Echo Dot is a voice-controlled speaker paired
Thermostat can be used
with the Alexa App. Simply ask Alexa to play music,
on your iPhone or iPad
answer questions, find recipes, check the weather
to help you live better,
and set alarms! Set up multiple ‘Dots’ around the
with its easy-to-use
home so you can make announcements to every
touchscreen display, and
room at the same time, like “dinner’s ready – come
HomeKit compatibility.
get your chicken nuggets!” RRP $59
The ecobee3 lite helps
amazon.com.au
to control the temp in your home, smarter and more comfortably all year round. RRP $169.95 apple.com
A S M A RT H O M E S E C U R I T Y K I T This home security kit has been designed for outdoor use with its weather-resistant features but can also be used indoors, great for keeping an eye on kids in many rooms! The security kit features 2 cameras so you can monitor two separate areas at once. With a battery lasting for 365 days, or up to 3 years in standby mode, without charging – you can have your eyes everywhere! RRP $565 officeworks.com.au
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Apps to help with learning There are so many different apps to help your child’s learning journey – we could write a whole book on them! Here are just a few ideas to get you started...
MODMATH This is a free iPad app (there is also a paid pro version) that helps kids
TIMES TABLES / MULTIPLICATION Most educational apps that
LEARN WITH RUFUS: GROUPS AND CATEGORIES Learn with Rufus: Groups and
with dyslexia and dysgraphia do math. It lets
teach multiplication are almost exclusively
Categories aims to help children learn groups
you write and solve math problems right onto
limited to testing your child’s ability to do
and categories such as colours, shapes,
the touch screen of an iPad using the custom
calculations. This “Times Tables” app goes
fruits, and other common objects. Children
keypad helping kids who struggle because of
one step further and teaches your child the
will learn a variety of typical and less typical
writing legibility.
basics as well.
examples to help them form broad categories and to increase generalisation. The game is
ABC READING EGGS LEARN TO READ
highly customizable to meet the needs of
ABC Reading Eggs is the multi-
learning styles.
award-winning learning program that helps children learn to read. Based on scientific
VOICE DREAM READER
research and designed by experienced
A 2021 Apple Design Award Winner,
Australian teachers, it’s proven to help
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children with varying skills, ability levels, and
Voice Dream Reader lets you listen
kids learn to read using interactive reading
to any document and ebook using text-to-
games, guided reading lessons, fun activities
speech. The app is hailed by many as the best
and over 2,500 digital story books.
mobile text to speech (TTS) app.
Watches Reads
&
APPS, WATCH & READ
For your bookshelf
Books and shows on our radar right now…
Movies for your playlist SOME KIDS WEAR LEG BRACES
TRIUMPH
Some people need to wear leg braces. What does
Inspired by a real story, a determined
colour photos, readers learn how leg braces can
high school senior strives to be a
help and what daily life is like for someone who
wrestler one last time despite having
wears them. This book includes a video, which
cerebral palsy, and goes to extreme
launches via a 4D app. amazon.com.au
that mean? Using simple, engaging text and full-
lengths, crushing obstacles and inspiring others along his journey to prove his abilities. Available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime, and starring RJ Mitty of Speechless.
C O DA Ruby is the only hearing member of a deaf family from Gloucester, mornings before school to help
THE INCREDIBLY BUSY MIND OF BOWEN BARTHOLOMEW CRISP
her parents and brother keep
This is a beautiful picture book which reveals what it’s
their fishing business afloat. But
like to live with dyslexia and ADHD.
in joining her high school’s choir
Most children would say that the ocean is blue, but
club, Ruby finds herself drawn
when Bowen looks at it he sees white where the waves
to both her duet partner and her
crash, deep black on the ocean floor, and green when
latent passion for singing. This
there’s a storm. He wonders whether fireflies are hot,
critically acclaimed movie has been
and notices how the brushstrokes of a painting tell a
praised and embraced by the deaf
story too. Bowen sees the world differently to other
community and is available to watch
children and struggles to fit in. How will he find his
on Apple TV+
place in the world? amazon.com.au
Massachusetts. At 17, she works
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ALRICK NINO SERIES • Electric Hi-low; Electric Backrest. • Fully customisable bed (colours/sides/ends);
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Optional Perspex, bars, fabric, colour, timber and upholstery. • P eace of mind for parents and carers. The Nino Series electric adjustable bed gives children a view of the world around them while keeping them safe and secure. Built for little legends! astris-pme.com.au | caremed.healthcare
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bed reviews Sleeping solutions to help with positioning and safety.
KEY
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Toddlers
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Children
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Youth
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Adults
GENI BED
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C A R E M E D A L R I C K E N 9 000 ENDLESS BED SERIES • Available in Single, King Single, Double and Queen widths. • Genuine 3 in 1 bed (Floor line, Hi-Lo and Bariatric). Universal 3-in-1 bed to suit low-high and bariatric care. It has a low height of 100mm and no towers! astris-pme.com.au | caremed.healthcare
• E xceptional height adjustment from floor (42cm) to waist height (102cm) enabling independent transfers and a safe working height for caregivers. • A unique opening door system prevents the doors from being opened from the inside and ensures that the bed is “sibling safe” with a two-handed release lock. Has 8 outward opening doors to enable complete access to the user to provide therapy, changing and care. • A ssists physical needs of the user with 4 section profiling sleeping platform with adjustable head and leg elevation that can operated together or independently. The Genie Bed System is for superior nursing care for toddlers to adults with very high needs and where safety needs to be maximised. medifab.com.au | stepaheadpaediatrics.com.au
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S AV I K N U T PA E D I A T R I C B E D • Models with electric height adjustment have a residual height of at least 300mm if the lying area is completely raised. • Minimal operating strength required (push button). • L ockable control element prevents unsupervised opening. Manufactured with the greatest care using natural timber in the construction for a more tactile experience for children. ‘Tailor-made’ options to suit a range of individual needs. activerehab.com.au | astris-pme.com.au
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PRODUCT REVIEW C
I CARE BED
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• Hand Piece – Backlit for night time use. Easy
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press buttons. Wired stretch cord. Hook attachment for hanging to side of bed. Wipeable. • S trong breathable mattress platform. • Available with headboards. The IC333 Bed is available in several sizes, and is unmatched for function and durability, taking the hospital look out of your room. This four-function bed, features dual lift motors, unlimited underbed clearance and eight heavy duty castors. shhc.com.au | aidacare.com.au
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VOLKER 5384 KEPLER BED • S afety Rail System – tucks neatly underneath the laying surface of the bed, and are pulled out and up only when needed. • T he Volker MiS Micro stimulation system – (the lying surface) promotes blood circulation and pressure care. • Aesthetically pleasing design that looks like a typical bed with all the profiling features of a Hospital Bed. The bed’s close proximity to the floor when at its lowest position can give patients who are prone to falls a greater feeling of safety and may also reduce the occurrence and severity of falls. shhc.com.au
TRANSFERMASTER BED
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• Hi Care 5 function hi/lo and
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lo/lo mechanism. • Under bed clearance for hoist.
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Transfermaster 1000 is Solace
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• Real 25 year guarantee.
SIMPLE STUFF WORKS SLEEP SYSTEM
• Fully adjustable sleep system developed to prevent, accommodate, or even
Sleep’s premium adjustable bed base, providing the user and caregivers a complete customisable sleep system. solacesleep.com.au
restore body shape changes. • Supports are completely silent to use, making changes in position throughout the night as gentle and calm as possible. • Using a specialist non-woven fibre, the supports are highly breathable, wick away moisture from the skin and do not retain heat as foam is known to do. This allows the user to remain comfortable whilst having the risk of tissue damage reduced.
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THE SAFETY SLEEPER
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• Sleeping enclosure for children
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at risk of harm when leaving their bed space. • Fully portable for travel use, giving parents peace of mind when on holiday. • Funded through the NDIS & not-for-profit organisations.
Unique therapeutic positioning
The ultimate solution for young
equipment designed to eradicate the
escape artists who put themselves
preventable problems associated with
at risk by leaving their bed space
body shape distortion. astris-pme.com.au
intentionally or otherwise.
medifab.com.au
avantinnovations.com.au
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PRODUCT REVIEW C
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• Adjustability; High Density
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Memory Foam Mattress; 3 Memory Positions. • 100% Certified Organic Fabric; Anti-Snore; Zero Gravity. • 3 levels of massage intensity. With an Adjusta Mattress you can enjoy & benefit from all the
T C Y A
advantages of an adjustable bed
LECKEY SLEEPFORM
whilst being able to keep your current bed base and surround.
• Provides night-time positioning
adjustamattress.com.au
as part of a 24-hour positioning regime. • Quick and easy to setup; easily transportable for use at home, respite or holiday. • Sleepform reduces heat and
JENX DREAMA SLEEP SYSTEM • T his sleep system includes a
pressure build-up by way of its
pressure-relieving mattress and
airflow mattress overlay and
offers a large range of pads that can
temperature control sheet.
be selected according to individual
The Leckey Sleepform supports the individual comfortably in a
client’s needs. • T he base cushions, upholstered
symmetrical posture while the child
in fire-retardant, water resistant,
is asleep thus improving quality
2-way stretch and antibacterial
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of sleep for the child and in turn
fabric, enable specific areas to be
the carer. Can be used to support
cleaned easily during the night with
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multiple postures and can be changed over time to accommodate
minimum disturbance. • T he superior design of both the
postural changes.
aluminium base and the modular
aidacare.com.au
mattress cushions allow for airflow,
astris-pme.com.au doability.com.au gtk.com.au medifab.com.au sunrisemedical.com.au
helping to maintain a comfortable and stable temperature overnight. A unique night-time positioning system comprised of a superior pressure-relieving mattress and various multi-adjustable lateral pads to support clients with complex
POZ’IN’FORM SLEEP SYSTEM • T he various shapes, sizes and models available with this product allow for a wide range of positioning possibilities. • Comes standard with wipe down covers
postural presentations in bed. astris-pme.com.au doability.com.au medifab.com.au T
for ease of cleaning and has the option
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of adding a Lenzing breathable cover
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for greater comfort on the skin and wicking away of moisture. The microfibres in Poz’in’Form cushions provide regulated temperature control Microfibre adjustable positioning system with various cushion shapes and sizes offers excellent offloading and comforting properties for people with postural needs. astris-pme.com.au medifab.com.au Y A
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S A F E S U R R O U N D P LU S B E D • Height-adjustable lying surface range from 52-92 cm (floor to top of mattress), low entrance for self-transfers and providing a safe working height for caregivers. • T he unique opening door system prevents the doors being opened from the inside and gives complete access to user from side of the bed. • Contouring sleep platform assists physical needs of the user with a 5 section profiling sleeping platform. The Safe Surround Plus Bed is designed to provide a safe environment for active people that have the physical ability to stand. Available in two height variations, 135cm or 170cm. stepaheadpaediatrics.com.au medifab.com.au
CUSTOMIZABLE FOR ALL AGES zPods are a customisable, sensory friendly, sleeping pod jam-packed with features such as multi-mood LED intelligent lighting control, white noise generation, USB plug ins to charge electronic devices, enough space to fit a single mattress and a person up to 1.95m and a sturdy frame. We believe that zPods is not just a concept for children individually, but a concept that can be life changing for the whole family. We want to create a safe space in an environment that becomes a constant variable which can change the world of sleeping. sales@sensorywizard.com.au
A g e d
C a r e
•
|
www.sensorywizard.com.au
A u t i s m
•
STATEWIDE Premium HOME HEALTH CARE Healthcare Beds
Premium Healthcare Beds
shhc.com.au | (03) 9591 6220
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German Engineering Maximum Comfort Modern Design Fully Featured Local Support Let our friendly staff show you all the features of our amazing range of homecare beds.
Your home. Your health. We care.
I SSU E 29 | SU M M ER 2021 71
We believe in the unthinkable. We live the unbelievable. We know the incredible.
Join the Source Kids community Source Kids is on a journey. Come join us. @sourcekids @sourcekidsmagazine sourcekids.com.au
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QLD
Rare Kids of Australia Jack’s Butterflies is an Australian Charity raising awareness and providing support to children and their families who have been affected by a life limiting rare disease.
Jack’s fun factory Fun 4 Hire is our new hire program that consists of a huge range of LEGO sets, sporting equipment and outdoor games that encourages family play and creating memories. With the added benefit of helping gross motor skills, active play, fine motor skills, increasing concentration, problem solving and anything else to help your little one working on their capacity building skills.
The best thing about this program... It’s for everyone!
FUN
HIRE GREAT FOR: Family time • Birthday Parties • Adults • NDIS Participants
SKY HIGH ABILITIES
Garden Services
Plan Management
Registered NDIS Provider
Cleaning Services
Support Coordination
07 3359 9004 info@jacksbutterflies.org.au
Support Workers
Allied Health Services
“Life isn’t a matter of milestones, but of moments” - Rose F Kennedy jacksbutterfliesaustralia
jacksbutterflies
jacksbutterflies.com.au I SSU E 29 | SU M M ER 2021 73
QLD
QLD
2022
S Y D N E Y
M E L B O U R N E 1 8-19 J U N E
26-27 M A R C H
B R I S B A N E
P E R T H 15-16 O CTO B ER
30-31 J U LY
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DATE
THEME
20 - 23 Dec 2021
Christmas
4 - 7 Jan 2022
Four Seasons
10 - 14 Jan 2022
Book Week
17 - 21 Jan 2022
Explorer
24, 25, 27 Jan 2022
Up Up and Way
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NSW / ACT
I SSU E 29 | SU M M ER 2021 77
VIC / TAS
If you have asked these questions...
How do I start toilet training?
Toilet training has not worked, what next?
We are here to help! Our skilled staff at Conquip work with parent and kids to develop individualised toileting advice to make sure you and your child are comfortable and understand how our bladders and bowels work.
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We have a graphic artist onboard to help us design all your toileting social story needs
From toilet training to constipation to bed-wetting we have tips and tricks we would love to share!
Contact us: 03 9876 3374 conquip@suttonhouse.com.au
Your ONE STOP shop for all your healthcare needs
Have you seen our continence range?
Order Today! 78 SO U RCEKI DS .CO M . AU
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VIC / TAS
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Mable is a website where people living with disability can find and connect directly with independent support workers. By joining Mable, you and your family are able to: Choose your independent support worker from over 10,000 people offering care and support services.
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