Melbourne Source Disability Expo Guide 2026

FREE ENTRY

Melbourne CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE

17-18 APRIL 10AM – 4PM

Win an iPad PAGE 6

FLOORPLAN PAGE 14-15

SENSORY GUIDE PAGE 16

STAGE: FULL PROGRAM PAGE 18-20

Isabelle

Assistive Technology That Fits You Perfectly At Astris PME, we believe no two people are the same - and neither are their assistive technology needs. Made for Me is our commitment to delivering Mobility and Positioning Assistive Technology solutions that fit the individual, not just their body, but their life.

For Isabelle, being the big sister means staying close to the action - spending time with her family and sharing everyday moments with her two younger sisters. With the support of her stander, Isabelle can spend time upright, engaging with the world around her at eye level and taking part in daily routines, play and family life.

Our Specialist Consultant worked closely with Isabelle and her family to ensure her stander supported both her physical development and the things that matter most to her - connection, participation and being part of every moment.

Because great assistive technology isn’t just about positioning.

It’s about belonging, confidence and growing stronger every day.

Made for connection.

Made for possibility.

Made for Isabelle.

(03) 9134 2100

astris-pme.com.au EXPLORE OUR FULL RANGE Mobility and Positioning AT Solutions Showrooms & Experience Centres in Truganina and Braeside. Free trials VIC wide!

More flexibility, less hassle – and it doesn’t cost you anything extra!

Pg 4/5 – Dbl page

Self manage with the support

of a plan manager?

Yes, it is possible!

You don’t have to choose between self-managing or plan-managing your child’s NDIS Plan. You can do both! It just depends on how hands-on you want to be with managing each aspect of their plan.

e spread (Leap in!)

You might choose to self-manage Core supports so you can arrange your child’s daily supports directly, while plan-managing Capacity Building budgets to have therapy invoices paid and tracked for you.

With Leap in! plan management, everything stays connected in the Leap in! app, where you can view claims, payments and budgets in real time – without the burden of chasing invoices or juggling paperwork.

More flexibility, less hassle – and it doesn’t cost you anything extra!

Call 1300 05 78 78 or email crew@leapin.com.au to find out more about your options.

Visit leapin.com.au Call us on 1300 05 78 78

Win an iPad win

SOURCE

PASSPORT 202

6

Melbourne

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

17-18 APRIL

SOURCE PASSPORT

Go in the draw to win an iPad - courtesy of Assistive Tech.

Grab your ‘Source Passport’ upon entering the expo.

Go on a scavenger hunt & visit each of the sponsor’s booths to get your passport stamped.

Once all sponsor pages are stamped head back to the Passport desk at Entrance/Exit, complete the Contact info located on the back page and hand to Source staff member who will verify and rip off your contact info page & place into box.

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

WELCOME TO

Hi Melbourne!

We’re thrilled to be returning to beautiful Melbourne for the seventh time, after an incredible expo last year, and I couldn’t be happier to welcome you back.

This year, we’re bringing together 130+ product and service providers, giving families, caregivers and professionals the chance to explore, experience and trial innovative solutions all in one place.

Our expo comes with interactive hubs, including Active Hub, Hush Hub, StyleMe Hub, Street Play Hub, Build Hub and Dino Hub and of course, there’s our Stage hosting awesome entertainment from Hawthorn Football Club, Sensory Motor Fun with Neurodiverse Playhouse, Fighting Crime with Victoria Police, All Abilities Circus with Circus Fit Studio, Sing along and dance with Dance 4 All and much more – just enough fun without going over the top!

A huge shoutout to the incredible Source team for bringing this event to life, and a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers and performers, your support truly makes this inclusive event possible.

So, Melbourne, get ready for a weekend of discovering, trying, connecting and soaking up a whole lot of inspiration.

The Source Disability Expo is all about keeping it fun, welcoming and energising - just like catching up with friends on a great weekend.

Emma x

FOLLOW US FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES BEFORE AND DURING THE EXPO

@sourcecoau

@sourcecoau M E LBO U R N E E X PO 2 026 7

WHO WE ARE..

Special Care Australia (SCA) is a registered NDIS service provider specialising in personcentred support for individuals with special needs. We are committed to empowering people to live their lives to the fullest and making a meaningful difference in their daily lives through strong collaboration and advocacy.

Our tailored services ensure that every individual receive the highest quality care and support.

Ready to Start Your Journey SERVICES WE PROVIDE School Holiday Program Day Centre & Weekend Activities Short Term Respite (STR) Supported Independent Living (SIL) Specialised Disability Accommodation (SDA) Youth Employment Service (YES) Transport Available

Registered NDIS Support Service Provider in Australia.

.

(03) 5906 8722 info@specialcare.au www.specialcare.au

SCA is a Disability Support and Service Organisation

Let’s find the support that fits you best.

providing a wide range of disability supports and services for children and adults, tailored to meet individual needs.

We deliver NDIS Core and Capacity Building Supports, including Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Short‑Term Respite (STR), based each participant’s goals and approved funding.

Our team supports daily living, independence, and community access to enhance quality of life. Through safe, supportive environments and person‑centred care, SCA empowers participants to live more independently.

OUR VALUES

Support Collaboration Advocacy

QUIET HOURS 10AM – 12PM BOTH DAYS OF EXPO

Key Infomation FIRST AID If you require First Aid assistance, please see security at the hall entrance who will be able to assist, or please find a Source team member and they will call

LOST CHILDREN separated from a child

MALE / FEMALE DISABILITY FACILITIES

If you have become accompanying you,

Can be located inside

please advise security

at the rear of the

at the front of the

exhibition hall

hall, or a Source team

near café.

first aid on your behalf.

member immediately.

ACCESSIBLE TOILETS / CHANGE FACILITIES

INFORMATION / ASSISTANCE

Light snacks and a selection of freshly

CATERING

Accessible Change facilities

If you require

– thanks to Active Rehab, are

information or

prepared food is

located in the front right-

assistance, please

available for purchase

hand corner of the exhibition

visit the registration/

during expo hours

hall (as marked on the

information desk at the

from the onsite Café,

main entrance to the

located at the rear of

floor plan, page 14).

event, or locate a Source

the exhibition hall.

team member wearing

There are also many

a Source t-shirt and

cafes and restaurants

lanyard.

in and around South Wharf and Crown Casino Complex.

SENSORY HEADSET LOAN Should you require the loan of a Sensory Headset, proudly sponsored by CareChoice, these can be located at the hall entrance. Speak to one of our friendly Source team members at the Sensory Headset Loan counter, to assist.

PAYMENTS Our event will be a cashless event and payments for products within the event can only be made via EFTPOS payments.

10 SO U R CE K I DS .CO M . AU/ D I SA B I LIT Y- E X PO

WE WILL BE AT STAND A31 B12 Visit us at stand B12 A31 during the Source Kids Expo to discover the best range of products for kids’ toilet training

www.conni.com.au

Empowering care.

Enabling independence.

Celebrating 40 years of real outcomes. Dejay continues to lead the way in assistive technology-supporting individuals, families and communities across Australia

STAND C24

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

CONTACT US!

02 9838 8869

dejay.com.au

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK A FREE TRIAL

Floorplan Melbourne

A

B

C

D

F CAFÉ

FRAME RUNNING HUB

A24

E

MELBOURNE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE

HUSH HUB

A23

Sponsors

Booth

BLUE

F20

A21

Astris PME

A38

Leap in!

C23

Special Care Australia

C21

PINK

D14 B21

A20

C24

Holstep Health Carer Gateway

C7

C12

C17

E12

E15 F15

D8

B23 B12

C11

STAGE

D16

E11

D17

E10 E19 F12

ETAC

A35

LiveBig

B4

The Inclusion Project

A5

SHOWBAG SPONSOR Assistive Tech

B9

B25

C8

C18

D18

E8

D20

E6

V3 B8

A14

C19

C7

D7

C6

A33 BUILD HUB

B7

C5

A34

DINO HUB

A35

CareChoice

A10

C20

D6

B28

A12

A11

C21

C22

ACTIVE HUB

D22

STREET PLAY HUB

V4

C23

F31

A36

B4

E4

B30 C3

C24

D23 E3

E23 F8

F33

E24 F7

F34

E26 F5

F35

E27 F4

A8

E28 F3 C25 C26

A38

A6

D25

C1

E2 V5

A5

ACCESSIBLE CHANGING ROOM SENSORY HEADSET LOAN

E22 F9

D4

B31

FIRST AID

E20 F11

F32

A9

DISABILITY TOILET

F27

F28

HEADSET SPONSOR

MALE/FEMALE FACILITIES

F25

A13

C1

B7

F24

F26 A15 A31

A36

STYLE ME HUB

E17 F14 E18 F13

V6

A16

GREEN Care Fast

E14 F17

F22

A18

A31

Dejay Medical

V2

D11

V1

B16

A17

Conni

C15

A25

A22

D26

E29 F2

F37 F39

E30 F1

ENTRY/EXIT

MALE/FEMALE FACILITIES

14 SO U R CE K I DS .CO M . AU/ D I SA B I LIT Y- E X PO

DISABILITY TOILET

FIRST AID

ACCESSIBLE CHANGING ROOM

SENSORY HEADSET LOAN

Exhibitor

Booth

Exhibitor

Booth

Exhibitor

Booth

Ability Action Australia

A17

Freedom Motors Australia

V5

NAPA CENTRE

B31

ACD

E19

Friend in Me

V2

C17

GRP Speech Pathology

E22

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

E12

Acorn Stairlifts x Polyspine Active Rehab

B12

HART Sport

C18

National Positive Behaviour Support

B25

Arliam Allied Health

B21

HECSA

D6

NDSP Plan Managers

B8

Aruma

D18

Helper Fairies and Friends

A14

ONCALL Group Australia

A20

Assistive Tech

C1

Holstep Health - Carer Gateway

C7

ORS Group

D20

Astris PME

A38

Home Education Network Inc

D11

Orthokids

C22

At Home Care

D7

Hope Physio

F2

Ottobock Australia

D17

Aurora Allied Services

F34

I CAN Network

F31

Paragon Mobility

B16

Automobility

V1

Independent Living Specialists

D22

Paralympics Australia

E18

Avant Innovations

E14

Independently You

E11

Paylos

F20

Belmore School

E17

Insight PBS

A6

Perfect Care

E15

Blended by Sarah

C19

Interact Australia

D8

D16

Jeniro Consulting - Advocacy

F5

Planet Puberty | Family Planning Australia

D26

BlueRocket Therapy Boomaroo Plan Management

E28

JessiCare

A13

Plan For You

F12

Brazier Mobility

V4

Jigsaw Australia

F7

Rainbow Club Australia

F9

CAP Furniture

F35

Just A Thought Allied Health

A23

Raise Your Spirit

B23

RareWear Australia

B30

Renew Living

E4

Reptile Encounters

E2

Scope (Aust)

F24

Care & Co Media

E6

Just Feel Psychology

F15

CareChoice

B7

Key Word Sign Victoria

F17

Care Fast

A36

Caring Lotus

A21

Comfort on the Spectrum

F26

Conni

A31

Continence Health Australia

F14

Core Assist

A9

Latrobe Community Health Service

B9

Leap in!

C23

Sensory Connect

A34

Lets Play Lets Grow

F13

Shine Foundations

D25

Liberty Behavioural Services

D4

Solongo Early Intervention

C25

Lightmare Studios

A22

Special Care Australia

C21

LiveBig

B4

Spectronics

C3

Lizard Centre

C8

Sunny Disability Care

E20

Mable

A8

Superior Healthcare

C12

Malvern Speech Pathology

F27

Team2Care

F33

MathDingo Australia

F37

The Inclusion Project

A5

MCM - Melbourne City Mission

E10

The RealEat

E30

MDA Twista Potato

V6

The Sensory Specialist

F28

MindClimb Fun Therapy

E23

The Therapy Store

A25

CVGT Employment Pathways + Inclusive Employment Australia

A15

CYDA

F11

Dance 4 All | All-Abilities Dance

E8

Dejay Medical

C24

DoAbility

B28

Down Syndrome Association of Victoria + MyTime

E3

Early Start Australia

F22

Mobility Engineering

V3

The Timmermans Method

D23

Elevate You Australia

A16

Mobility Plus Wheelchairs

C6

Topcat Healthcare

C5

Endeavour Foundation

C11

Moosebaby

E29

Toy Libraries Australia

C15

Etac

A35

Multicap

C26

Urgoform

A12

C20

Muscular Dystrophy Australia

E24

Victoria Police

F39

Extended Families

A11

My Buddy Boo

E26

WaitOnce

F1

fabb.feel a bit better

F8

My Burrow

A33

Whipped Up Cooking

F32

F4

My Med Pouch

E27

Wonder Kidz

A18

My Plan Manager

A10

Your Nursing Agency

F25

Everyday Independence

Focus Bear

M E LBO U R N E E X PO 2 026 15

Sensory Guide A

B

C

D

F CAFÉ

FRAME RUNNING HUB

A24

E

QUIET HOURS 10AM – 12PM BOTH DAYS OF EXPO

PERFORMANCE PROGRAM Stage Zone

HUSH HUB

A23

F20 C15

A25

A22 A21

V2

D11

V1

B16

D14

A20

B21

C12

B23

C11

C17

E12

E14 F17 E15 F15

D8

STYLE ME HUB

LOW VOLUME

10.00am – 12.00pm

F22

A18 B12

A17

STAGE

D16

E11

D17

E10

E17 F14 E18 F13

V6

E19 F12

A16

F24

HIGH VOLUME

F25

12.00pm – 3.00pm

F26 A15

B9

B25

C18

C8

D18

E8

D20

E6

A31

V3 B8

A14

C19

C7

D7

F27

F28 A13 C6

A33 BUILD HUB

B7

C20

C5

A34

A12 DINO HUB

A35

D6

B28 C21

C22

ACTIVE HUB

POSSIBLE NOISE IN THESE AREAS

E20 F11 E22 F9

STREET PLAY HUB

THIS AREA OF THE EXPO MAYBE BRIGHTER

MALE/FEMALE FACILITIES

D4 D22

V4

C23

A11

POSSIBLE AROMAS IN THESE AREAS

F31

DISABILITY TOILET

F32 A10 A9

A36

B4

B30 C24

C3

E4

E23 F8

F33

E24 F7

F34

E3

E26 F5

F35

D23

B31

E27 F4

A8

E28 F3 C25 C26

A38

A6

D25

C1

E2 V5

A5

D26

E29 F2

F37 F39

ACCESSIBLE CHANGING ROOM SENSORY HEADSET LOAN

E30 F1 For assistance please reach out t o a Source team member or volunteers

ENTRY/EXIT

MALE/FEMALE FACILITIES

FIRST AID

DISABILITY TOILET

16 SO U R CE K I DS .CO M . AU/ D I SA B I LIT Y- E X PO

FIRST AID

ACCESSIBLE CHANGING ROOM

SENSORY HEADSET LOAN

The Hubs

DINO HUB Get ready to roar with excitement with Jurassic Jack and his Dino Jeep!

Meet Jack and his rangers in the Dino Hub located at the middle left side of the hall. Stomp by the Dino Hub and have photos with the prehistoric tribute Jeep (it even roars like a T- Rex).

Fossils and movie replicas will be displayed along with Jr ranger’s fossil dig boxes.

You will be delighted to meet the cute baby dinosaurs and cheeky Spike the Spinosaurus.

Jurassic Jack is looking forward to helping make the Melbourne Source Disiablity Expo a RoARsOME event.

STAGE Get ready to be entertained! We’ll have

- Hawthorn Football Club, Sensory Motor Fun with Neurodiverse Playhouse, Fighting Crime with Victoria Police, All Abilities Circus with Circus Fit Studio, Sing along and dance with Dance 4 All and much more! Plus, some of your favourite characters coming to join us. You won’t want to miss out. The Stage is in the centre-back of the hall, and you can check out the full program of entertainment on pages 18-20.

STREET PLAY HUB This is the place to be! So much fun for everyone! Head to the Street Play Hub on the middle right-hand side of the hall where there are three interactive areas to choose from. Air Hockey, basketball and cocktail arcade - do them all in any order you like! The Street Play Hub will be the happening place, open both days of expo.

HUSH HUB Put on some headphones, kick back on a bean bag and enjoy our Hush Hub. It’s a great place to chill out and enjoy some down time before setting off again to explore the rest of the expo. The Hush Hub will be open on both event days and located at the back of the hall.

BUILD HUB Step into our Minecraft world and let your imagination run wild in our cool interactive Build Hub space. Dive into a world of blocks and build whatever you imagine, from cool houses to epic castles. Play solo or team up, trade ideas, and show off your awesome creations. The Build Hub will be located on the middle left side of the hall and will be open for play during all opening hours of the expo.

ACTIVE HUB Come and find out what your body can do in the Active Hub, where you’ll be able to test your balancing, climbing, and jumping skills with a fun soft-fall obstacle course. No matter if you’re 6 or 60, this is sure to be a good time! The Active Hub is located centre right of the hall, where it will be available for play during all opening hours of the expo.

SUPPORTED BY

STYLE ME HUB Welcome to the Style Me Hub, your new favourite hangout for all things beauty. We’ve combined a Nail Bar, Hair, and Makeup areas into one comfy, chic space where you can unwind, get styled, and leave feeling like your best self.

The Style Me Hub will be located on the back right side of the hall and open both days of expo.

SENSORY HEADSET LOAN Do you want to dive into the full expo experience without being overstimulated?

We have your ‘ears’ covered! Proudly sponsored by CareChoice. Speak to one of our friendly Source members at the Sensory Headset Loan counter (front of hall entrance), where you can loan a headset for the duration of your stay. Please drop the headset back on your way out of the expo.

SUPPORTED BY

M E LBO U R N E E X PO 2 026 17

THE STAGE

The Stage

11:00am – 11:30am FRIDAY ONLY

FRIDAY 17 APRIL & SATURDAY 18 APRIL

TIME

SESSION

11.00-11.30AM

Hawks For All, proudly presented

by Hawthorn Football Club + The Inclusion Project

11.00-11.30AM

Sensory Motor fun with Neurodiverse Playhouse

11.30-12.00PM

Fighting crime with Victoria Police

12.00-12.30PM

Sing along and dance with our favourite pups from Paw Patrol - Chase and Marshall

FRIDAY ONLY

SATURDAY ONLY

12.30-1.00PM

All-Abilities Circus, proudly presented by Circus Fit Studio

1.00-1.30PM

ShineNow proudly presented

by CareNow

1.30-2.00PM FRIDAY ONLY

Inclusive footy with SaintsPlay

1.30-2.00PM SATURDAY ONLY

HoopNow proudly presented

by CareNow

2.00-2.30PM

All abilities dance by Dance 4 All

2.30-3.00PM

Sing along and dance with our favourite pups - Bluey and Bingo

3.00-3.30PM

Inclusion, Resilience and Transferable skills by Hunger for Dance

18 SO U R CE K I DS .CO M . AU/ D I SA B I LIT Y- E X PO

Hawks For All, proudly presented by Hawthorn Football Club + The Inclusion Project The Inclusion Project is shaping the way people experience events, by ensuring hidden disabilities are seen. This is achieved by having Occupational Supported sensory space and lived experience support in and around the stadium.

They work alongside venues and organisations to remove barriers and create environments where everyone feels welcome. Come find out about the exciting new initiatives, and also meet new mascots Ace and Indi who are a visible symbol for hidden disabilities.

Join the team at the stage Friday only from 11:00am!

11:30am – 12:00pm Fighting crime with Victoria Police Any budding police officers out there, Melbourne? Come and join the Victoria Police team who will talk to us about safe spaces, what to do in an emergency and how they keep us all protected. They will dive into road safety and the importance of wearing a helmet whilst riding a bike or scooter too. They may even show us how to use their radios and other equipment and look for clues like a real detective!

Victoria Police will be on Stage between both days from 11.30am-12pm.

11:00am – 11:30am SATURDAY ONLY

12:30pm – 1:00pm Sensory Motor fun with Neurodiverse Playhouse

All-Abilities Circus, proudly presented by Circus Fit Studio

Join the Neurodiverse Playhouse team for a handson, interactive session where children and adolescents explore, move, and learn through play!

Their Sensory Motor Fun session demonstrates how primitive reflex integration can support executive functioning, emotional regulation, gross and fine motor control, and focus and attention–all through fun, playful activities that empower children to thrive.

On stage Saturday only from 11:00am.

Come along to the All-Abilities Circus and experience exercise and movement in a fun and accessible way!

At their purpose-built studio, Circus Fit aim to deliver innovative ways to move your body and develop new skills using acro, aerials, and object manipulation tools.

Come one, come all and experience a new way of fitness with their supportive coaches!

On stage both days from 12.30pm.

12:00pm – 12:30pm Sing along and dance with our favourite pups from Paw Patrol Chase and Marshall

1:00pm – 1:30pm ShineNow proudly presented by CareNow ShineNow is a weekly drama workshop for young neuro/physically diverse individuals!

Their dedicated young facilitators create a welcoming environment for everyone regardless of skills or experience. Class structures are designed to develop performing arts skills and self-confidence, as well as social skills.

Join them on the stage both days from 1:00pm

M E LBO U R N E E X PO 2 026 19

THE STAGE

1:30pm – 2:00pm FRIDAY ONLY

1:30pm – 2:00pm SATURDAY ONLY

Inclusive footy with SaintsPlay At the SaintsPlay session you could take part in and learn new fun footy skills from the Amaze trained coaches and maybe even meet one of the Saints players from the men’s or women’s teams. What a treat that would be!

SaintsPlay – All Abilities Football Program is an inclusive, fun, footy program for children aged between 5 – 18 years of age with developmental challenges/autism, that enhances social connectivity and confidence in participants.

On stage Friday from 1.30pm.

HoopNow proudly presented by CareNow HoopNow’s group programs focus on developing both physical and social skills through basketball.

Their young, enthusiastic coaches create an inclusive environment for practicing teamwork and building social skills.

HoopNow also provides a private coaching service for individuals to further improve their skills. The HoopNow family has a diverse team of private coaches ranging from representative coaches to energetic support workers who share a love for the game.

On stage Saturday from 1.30pm.

2:00pm – 2:30pm 3:00pm – 3:30pm All abilities dance by Dance 4 All Join in a free demo session of the Dance 4 All Abilities dance class. The session will include movement and music activities guaranteed to get everyone up dancing, smiling and having fun.

A visual schedule of all the activities will be available to support participants, as will props to encourage movement and motor patterns.

Dance 4 All breaks down barriers to inclusion one dance step at a time, because dance is 4 everybody!

On stage from 2.00pm.

2:30pm – 3:00pm

Sing along and dance with our favourite pups - Bluey and Bingo

2 0 SO U R CE K I DS .CO M . AU/ D I SA B I LIT Y- E X PO

Inclusion, Resilience and Transferable skills by Hunger for Dance Hunger for Dance - Triple A: Artists of All Abilities, is a dance and movement program designed specifically for kids and youth with additional needs. These programs are run as a group yet cater to the individual needs of each artist.

Not just about ‘dance’, the Triple A program improves gross and fine motor skills, helps to develop social cues and express emotions and is an outlet to be who you are, just as you are! On stage from 3.00pm.

Come meet us!

A new release is hiding in the shadows.

BOOTH A35

NEW

Visit our booth for the reveal! www.etac-au.com

M E LBO U R N E E X PO 2 026 21

22 SO U R CE K I DS .CO M . AU/ D I SA B I LIT Y- E X PO

NEW

Time Timer Element

calm the shower-time chaos

assistivetech.com.au

Sign up today to receive all the latest info and inspo direct to your inbox!

RELEVANT+ RELIABLE+ VIBRANT+ POSITIVE

RELEVANT+ RELIABLE+ VIBRANT+ POSITIVE

RELEVANT+ RELIABLE+ VIBRANT+ POSITIVE

RELEVANT+ RELIABLE+ VIBRANT+ POSITIVE

M E LBO U R N E E X PO 2 026 23

als

to complex supports, everything we do is designed to help families feel supported and children grow in confidence, connection and independence.

Our supports include:

Caring for children.

Empowering families.

Building brighter futures.

Complex and 24/7 Care

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) In-home, School & Community Assistance

Get your daily dose of inspo and info!

Transition & Hospital-to-Home Support Community Nursing & High-Intensity Supports

IN O

UR COM M

UN

IT

Y

OR

E

N

D

JO

FI N D O U T M

r 942 or e.com.au

A

With more than 19 years of experience, CareChoice is a trusted registered s of experience, CareChoice is NDIS provider, helpingand children and S provider, helping children nd live happy and connected young people thrive supports, at the right time. and live happy and connected lives with the right supports, at the right time.

Scan to visit our website

For more information, contact our friendly team 1300 737 942 carechoice.com.au

@sourcecoau

sourcekids.com.au

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SKILLS & DEVELOP

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Le ar ni ng At te nt & ion

WHAT HAPPENS DURING KIDS? ASSESSMENT FOR

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Soci al Inte ract ion & Play

Communication

The ABCs of FCAs

most current So, when it came to her my her therapists' our years. That’s how long review period, alongside same Capacity daughter has been on the reports, I decided a Functional fit for probably the best NDIS plan. It was the right Assessment (FCA) was her midher current a while, but once she hit way we could demonstrate My daughter teens, suddenly it wasn’t. abilities. and needs plan began. was 11 when her most recent she needed, the NAL FUNCTIO Funding covered what A IS WHAT I’m sure you’ll ENT supports were okay, and CAPACITY ASSESSM I say that it was ONE BE know what I mean when AND WHEN MIGHT year after year easier to let it roll over NEEDED? the drama of Assessment rather than deal with all A Functional Capacity on and e evaluation of the new rules, LAC communicati (FCA) is a comprehensiv gotten older, my perform daily paperwork. But as she’s an individual’s ability to obviously have goals and disabilities, with daughter’s needs activities. For children Therapies, support functional been growing with her. assessment looks at their managed her day- this the types of needs, and even how she strengths, challenges, and much more age to participate to-day life needed to be support they might need appropriate. and development al-level

F

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. It offers insight fully in their communities limitations, into a child’s abilities and d support helping to shape individualise plans. when applying An FCA might be needed funding. It helps for or reviewing NDIS supports your the NDIS understand what goals, increase child requires to meet their in everyday independence, and engage requested by be also may It activities. , educators, or healthcare professionals need a clearer therapy teams when they needs. understanding of your child’s from mid Note: At the time of writing, Assessments will this year, Independent for assessing become the main tool used formulating plans NDIS participant needs, for those over 16. and allocating funding reports, carer FCAs (alongside therapists’ likely still be most will etc.) statements, under 16. highly relevant for children

AN

are evaluated?

What kind of things professional During an FCA, a trained your child to observes and interacts with abilities in understand their functional typically various domains. The assessment

or more hours, Duration: Typically 3 if your sometimes split across sessions tired. You’ll child needs breaks or gets answering the probably spend more time that make up the different questionnaires too. assessment

AN WHO CAN PERFORM ASSESSMENT?

I PREPARE MY CHILD FOR AN ASSESSMENT?

for an FCA can Preparing your child smoother. help make the experience Here are some tips:

: If the covers: Familiar surroundings your child or be conducted by Communic ation: How assessment is at home In Australia, FCAs can ability your child is school, make sure including: expresses themselves, their qualified professionals, at a clinic, and use of comfortable. If it’s (OTs) to understand language, or items. ➜ Occupation al Therapists bring familiar toys communication aids. ➜ Physiotherapists the move around, Relaxation: Try to schedule Mobility: How well they Speech Pathologist s ➜ when your or time a at wheelchair, a assessment including walking, using and in a ➜ Psychologists child is usually relaxed to assess transferring between positions. professionals are trained These mood. good dressing, a child’s functional Self-care: Activities like how disability impacts the assessor Ask for breaks: Let the assessor feeding, and personal hygiene. for abilities. It’s crucial to ensure know your child’s tolerance play: How your with children to ask for Social interaction and has experience working activities. It’s okay in engages and appropriate child interacts with others breaks if needed. and is registered with the play or recreation. professional body.

How they Learning and attention: and follow THE process information, focus, into their support WHAT WILL I SEE IN that need to be factored instructions.

REPORT? child your plan How detailed Emotional regulation: of years is The FCA report will provide Generally, every couple handles stress or current manages emotions and a specific need information on your child’s recommended unless there’s areas of need. changes in routine. functional abilities and for more frequent assessments. in a child(ours The assessment is conducted run over many changes play, tasks, and It will includes: friendly way, often through came in at 48) and it usually FINAL WORDS OF ADVICE on your child’s strengths and conversation, depending process.

• A summary of your child’s An FCA is a collaborative about needs and age. assessor the challenges with Speak openly therapies, for your child.

• Recommendations for your concerns and goals or may feel HOW IT’S DONE supports, assistive devices, Remember that the assessment The assessor so much Direct observation: environment al modifications confronting as it often highlights everyday it’s about watches your child performing • Suggestions for skill development or that they can’t do, but ultimately, them tasks at home, in the community, help to ways to support your child’s supports and right finding the for example, in a clinic. My daughter, independence thrive.

OT in order to child’s your ask? Well, how went shopping with her you • Insights into And what about us, I hear and abilities life and demonstrate her awareness assessments in disability impacts day-to-day my daughter took all the around her showed in the community, mum thing and participation in activities her stride; I had to do that did some basic important piece of her bedroom at home, and came up seeing that feelings This report becomes an the all suck up and funding. meal prep in the kitchen. do compared to evidence for NDIS planning everything she couldn’t activities: Still Structured tasks and fork or stuck plan? bowl newone to use ablethe her peers. beingAnd abilities in only A FCA Designed to see your child’s you believe such it. would textures, HOW OFTEN SHOULD queue, to in the NDIS tivity from a chair to • hypersensi we wait. action – like transferring or while crunchy BE UNDERTAKEN? rolled be very to over old plan foods The task (my needing as but at be completed: a bed or completing a self-care typical,like But not getting FCA should so NDIS daunting.

Anbecome and that are smooth clothes). can Frustrating,foods To she put preferring a meal foron reviews: showedashow a family effect on that will daughter negative athering have aplan Before eat canNDIS to major least now we have the evidence fromFor enough puree. questionna in your purposes:ires: giver changes several any on actually Parent/care health.

NDIS can serve plan next g due to fit update the learning and undereatin or the hopefully make • overeating routines,tochallenges, nutrition. and behaviour, child into daily connection we go. insight social abilities know howunderstand you children child’s can you do to help your lethow setting.

So, what her life. I’ll in the assessment differences outside make eating changes occur: If can also functioning But this significant a sense need at mealtimes? what they getWhen or and respond to body signals, when Sometimes teachers, functional abilities improve mean child’s can mealtimes tricky to manage your andInterviews: This Davis n”. for Nicole By are askednt. as “interoceptio known new skills other carers orfamily acquired is neurodiverge therapists, URS in the decline, or if they’ve eating, or BEHAVIO someone COMMON they go long periods without context. behaviours in autistic children and children Many the day. T U M N 2026 31 Common abnormal feeding graze throughout AU I SSU E 46 | others, with ADHD choosing with attention-deficit hyperactivity autistic children and children • avoiding eating with what has been room or their disorder (ADHD) display include: instead to eat in the lounge behaviours”. a child has where called “abnormal feeding selectivity, • food bedroom. these behaviours foods and Children may develop altime a small range of preferred • i nflexibility around me complex task of children as a way to cope with the for consistency limited variety. For example, routines due to a drive or dairy foods, mealtimes.

This means choosing only grain-based such and sameness to feel safe. or toast and The skills involved in mealtimes at different such as noodles and yoghurt, eating in different places, of hunger and foods as recognising feelings cheese. times, or having unfamiliar in a set order, in how food is thirst, completing tasks • strong preferences challenging. using becomes input, sensory of including processing all kinds to mealtimes prepared and presented, socially • d ifficulty tra nsitioning – such as only fine motor skills, and interacting preferred task. brands or tableware used due to hyperfocus on a meals occurring one source, or can be challenging. With accepting hot chips from whole activity up to six times a day, the

Mealtimes e without th ns w o d lt e m

when your child is Mealtimes can be tough are 5 tips to try autistic or has ADHD. Here

G

FOOD & NUTRITIO

N

Let your Explain the process: will visit child know that someone do certain to observe how they chance to tasks. Frame it as a great at. show what they’re

5

ways to suppo rt childr en with differ ent mealt ime needs 1. Identify safe foods

a – if your child prefers particular food or type of food (such as salty, find “safe foods” crunchy, sour), try to group (grains, within each core food vegetables, and meats and fish, fruit, foods may help dairy). Offering these intake of key increase your child’s food group in a way nutrients from each preferences. that suits their sensory

GETTING ENOUGH

4. Keep offering a

FUEL

meet their While some children can despite these nutrition requirements more serious challenges, others face these difficulties consequences. Sometimes lead to vitamin can impact their growth, stomach or cause deficiencies, or mineral the risk of gut issues, and even increase later in life. developing chronic diseases impact on It also has a significant and caregivers the daily lives of parents while trying to challenges these navigating provide food for their children. how best to Parents struggle to know worry about the approach mealtimes and of their child’s potential health impacts

mix of foods – children may go through phases of wanting only one be due to type of food. This can a need sensory-seeking behaviours, on topics for sameness, or fixations approach is to or items. A supportive diet. foods with other or offer familiar, safe Instead of panicking, punishing food groups or a more foods from the core trying to “fix” these behaviours, important to that the family meal. It is s supportive mealtime approach opportunitie continue to provide es the to try a acknowledges and accommodat everyday for your child strategy.

A special plate, might look like child’s needs can be a better range of foods. This dinner spoon or set – if your them some of your offering them to child prefers specific WORTH THE EFFORT on a side plate, or allowing to approach to tableware, allow them a selection of Taking a neuroaffirmi ng serve themselves from the home. This will ed foods. reduce the stress use it in and out of preferred and non-preferr eating can significantly with you when dining at mealtimes. mean taking items experienced by children types of tableware out. Introduce new understood and Making them feel better and use them in outside of mealtimes lead to a healthier Manage sensory cafe or shop) more accepted can even play (such as a pretend – some children time. familiarity input over build to diet or other activities find mealtimes mealtimes. before using them at to the overwhelming due For more advice on feeding smells, tastes, check sensory input from neurodivergent children, even the sight . textures, sounds and out growandgot oolbox.com Offer regular meals To help your child of food and eating. consider and snacks – differences Research Fellow manage sensory input, how

By Stella Boyd-Ford, in interoception, or to reduce noise, headphones The using can mean with the Grow&Go Toolbox, strong smells, or we feel bodily sensations, using a fan to divert do not of Queensland and Clare University Your child might foods. neurodivergent children cold offering in Nutrition hunger and thirst watching TV, Dix, Research Fellow interpret feelings of need distractions like of do. So your music.

University to people l The listening or neurotypica as & Dietetics, using fidget toys to tell if they at the family child might not be able Queensland Always set them a place food on Offer with easily. eat to full them are hungry or from The Conversation table and encourage This article is republished license. theconversation. (roughly every them to move a predicable schedule under a Creative Commons the family, but allow hen-your-child-isSome children will com/mealtimes- can-be-tough-w -tips-to-try-2310 61 space if they feel two to three hours). to a separate quiet autistic-or-has-adhd-here-are-5 safety from regular also get a sense of overwhelmed. routines.

19 I SSU E 46 | AU T U M N 2026

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