Thank you! Issue 3

Thank you!

Born prematurely and diagnosed with Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) and chronic lung disease. He was sent home on oxygen therapy, and multiple surgeries followed. Life was destined to be tough. His parents decided that they were going to need expert help.

Noah has been receiving Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology through Ability WA’s in-home program for all areas of his development. He has made significant progress to now meeting all of his milestones!

“The support we received has been pivotal to the development and progress of our son. From the beginning, my husband and I knew we had some significant hurdles to overcome if we would help our son with his developmental needs and milestones. We knew we would need experts. With the support of the Ability WA therapy team, we have seen Noah’s ability to move, learn and play progress significantly. His speech and communication have expanded and improved drastically. I am a beneficiary of this amazing team’s service and work, and I will gladly shout it from the rooftops for everyone to hear and know. With gratitude, Yvonne.”

Noah, just before 26 weeks

“I will gladly shout support for in-home therapy from the rooftops! ” Yvonne, Noah’s Mum

Why therapy?

Suzy started working as an occupational therapist in the Wheatbelt working for the WA Country Health Service to build her experience as a generalist therapist and work where she grew up. Suzy’s pathway into disability and paediatrics started whilst working in the UK, and on her return to Perth, she started with Ability WA’s early intervention program.

“Parents who have a child with additional needs still have to do everything other parents do, such as work and take care of everyday tasks. Understanding an ever-changing disability sector can be challenging and take away focus from the family unit and what is most important to them.”

One of Suzy’s young customers is Isaac.

“I smile every time I think about Isaac, because he’s just a really fun little guy. He’s so engaging, he lights up a room. He just needs a little bit of support. He’s got some delays with his gross motor and his fine motor development.”

Suzy is Isaac’s Early Intervention therapist and works with him to give him the best start to his life.

“Early intervention is so important because if you think about how much a child develops in those first few years, from 0 – 2 or 0 – 7 it’s huge, it’s massive, so if they don’t get that input at the start then they’re really less likely to achieve those goals down the track.”

“I enjoy working with children living with a disability because I get to support families on their journey. You’re not just a therapist to children. You’re a friend, a play partner, and someone that parents can talk to about anything.” Suzy explains.

“It’s so rewarding to be part of a child and their family’s journey. No intervention is ever the same.”

Meet Suzy, Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist at Ability WA.

Your gifts make a real difference

“giving Finn joy on the beach...”

Your generous support means that Finn can experience joy at the beach with his family! The Joy On the Beach wheelchair is going to give Finn the independence he craves while dipping his toes in the ocean. And his Mum, Dad & Sister will be able to see the huge smile on his face, building precious memories together.

THANK YOU!

Your gifts help to build a library of equipment for all WA kids.

Meet Naakin and his Mum, Laurie.

“Young children grow at such a rapid rate, it’s really hard to plan ahead and find the equipment that will suit their needs. Scott and the team help us plan for that, while making sure Naakin is safe and comfortable. And give him the opportunity to trial equipment so we can get it just right.”

You’re a STAR!

It’s because of you and our Ability Stars that we are able to continue to support Western Australians with disability as they strive to realise their abilities.

Ability Stars send regular monthly gifts providing services and equipment for people with physical and intellectual disabilities, direct access to therapists helping them to improve their development and learn skills they will use their whole life, setting them on a pathway to be all they can be.

Regular monthly gifts make a real difference and go a long way in developing programs so Western Australians have the support they need, when they need it!

Equipment and Assistive Technology

Early Intervention & In-home therapy services Research

“We’re grateful for the kindness of our Ability Stars monthly givers, and for each and every gift”

Jacquie Thomson CEO, Ability WA