Source Kids COVID-19 Survival Guide Special Issue

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APRIL 2020

COVID-19 SURVIVAL GUIDE ndis and coronavirus 7 WAYS TO HELP YOUR MENTAL HEALTH Covid-19, has it changed the disability industry forever?

home schooling tips

What is telehealth?

Therapy at home tips and hacks

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welcome

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APRIL 2020

TO OUR SPECIAL COVID-19 SURVIVAL GUIDE

This is certainly not the welcome I thought I’d be writing a month or so ago! It is hard to fathom the changes everyone across the globe has had to adapt to over the past month; for many, every element of their life has changed, with some form of ‘lockdown’ from the life we know and love.

My heart goes out to all of our incredible Source Kids families as they adjust to this new normal. Special needs families have been impacted more than many realise. Routines have had to change making it hard for our kids to adapt, products can be challenging to get hold of and our regular supports have been greatly impacted.

Families rely so much on external supports to function and ensure our kids are receiving all of the services they need to reach their best potential.

Therapy providers, medical professionals, teachers, support workers are critical parts of our lives and the impact in accessing these services has left many families without the support they need or reliant on alternative virtual channels to continue these important interactions.

Like those businesses on the frontline who have adopted digital platforms to deliver critical services, as a business Source Kids has also pivoted to make sure we do what we do best and provide information

and resources to help our special needs families.

And we’ll be doing it digitally in this COVID-19 Survival Guide to kick things off, with more innovations coming soon!

In this guide, we look at the impact of COVID-19 on the disability industry and if this will change it forever, teletherapy pros and cons, some tips to maintain your mental health, NDIS and what you need to know during the crisis, homeschooling tips, how to incorporate therapy at home from pro mum Tara Thomson, plus some great speech, OT and physio activities to keep your young ones active and focused on skills.

We hope you love our special mini Source Kids issue, we’ll be bringing out more (and more regularly) over the coming weeks and months to keep you armed with great resources and info.

And from our team to yours, we send you all our love and thoughts as you navigate these challenging times. Keep well, keep safe, stay at home and make sure you wash your hands!

Much love, Emma Emma Price CEO/FOUNDER

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

WRITERS AND CONTRIBUTORS Nicole Davis, Rachel Williams, Emma Price, Kelly Wilton, Emily Hayles, Ellen Brown, Tara Thompson, Kylie Martin and Jane Brooksbank.

PARTNERSHIPS Carmen Smith Head of Partnerships & Strategy 0438 847 969 carmen@sourcekids.com.au

ADVERTISING Matthew Rainsford Head of Sales & Business Development 0499 017 354 matthew@sourcekids.com.au

Nicole Davis nicole@sourcekids.com.au

We Love

11 7 ways to help your mental health in the era of the COVID-19 crisis 12 COVID-19, has it changed the disability industry forever?

27 Talking to your child about the Coronavirus outbreak 28 What is telehealth, and why should I consider it for my child?

30 Social hibernation for the vulnerable – one parent’s COVID-19 perspective

15 Good clean fun

33 Tips for home threapy with your child

17 COVID-19 resources for you and your child

39 Speech and language at home

21 Our home survival guide 24 Home schooling tips

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www.sourcekids.com.au

DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR

7 NDIS and Coronavirus – essential FAQs and key info you should know

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

Naomi Sirianni – 0447 755 043 naomi@sourcekids.com.au

inside 3

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43 10 fun ways to work on improving balance indoors

COVID-19 SURVIVAL GUIDE APRIL 2020

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

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

we love

SOURCE KIDS

Sprout APP – stay fit with the Special Olympics team

ABC TV – Learn with ABC TV Education

WE LOVE

Digital Reading Program - Wushka

The Sprout App, in consultation with Special Olympics athletes, has created a home-based inclusive fitness App to help you keep fit anytime, every day. Sprout is based on the FIT5 framework which provides a safe, tested and gradual way for you to stay fit with tips on physical activity, nutrition and hydration.

Switch on to our great Australian ABC and check out what they have in store for families attempting home based learning this term! Each weekday will start with content for Lower Primary students at 10am. Primary and Lower Secondary level content will continue throughout the morning.

Programming then progresses up to Secondary level content in the afternoons. There will be something there for everyone!

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MTA are offering full, no-cost access to their digital reading program for K-6 with over 650 levelled digital books, supporting activities and reading management system until June 30.

The MTA team are ready to support speedy set up and training via webinar, video and virtual meetings. Sign up today and they can assist you getting your school, teachers and classes set up and running as quickly as possible.

Downloadable for iPhone and Android in App stores.

Sign up at: Wushka.com.au

www.abc.net.au/tveducation

Coronavirus Resource Relief Packs

Kiddylicious Snacks Looking for snacks? Of course you are, or at least your kids are! Kiddylicious Snacks are clean, healthy and ideal for finger feeding which promotes independence and we love that! kiddylicious.com.au

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The team from Have Fun Teaching have free Coronavirus Relief Packs to download to help all grades through this transitional time with our schools closing. Whether attending school, home schooling or distance learning, there is something here for everyone!

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Online help for mums from Healthy Mothers, Healthy Families

If you’ve been meaning to get involved with an empowerment program for some time, this online course could be just the thing for you! Healthy Mothers Healthy Families is a health education and empowerment program for mothers of children with a disability. There are now 10 online learning modules that are free to access. The program was developed in Australia, with Australian mothers of children with a disability over the last decade. www.healthymothers-healthyfamilies.com

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Audible - Amazon books Amazon have announced that they are providing FREE access to books and audio stories for children and students of all ages during these uncertain times. Kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories. This is an amazing, free offer from Amazon that educators and parents alike can utilise for their children. All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet using the following link: stories.audible.com/start-listen

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As market leaders in special needs equipment in Australia, Astris PME can provide solutions that match the needs of people with a disability, and help therapists achieve the best outcomes for every client, in every age bracket. Our team is committed to researching new products and global innovation, to find the most technologically advanced equipment that help promote independent, active lifestyles.

And we work with leading international manufacturers supplying some of the world’s best products, which means we can provide bespoke solutions which are just as unique as our valued clients.

Improving Lives of special people and their families Australia wide!

CHOOSE YOUR APPOINTMENT OPTION!

To keep you and your family safe during COVID-19, Astris PME have introduced a range of alternative approaches for safe, practical delivery of our services to you. Appointment options include Zoom or Telehealth and Zero Contact Deliveries (ZCD). Secure your place in the NDIS queue by choosing your appointment option and proceeding with your equipment trials this month.

Manual Wheelchairs

Tilt-In-Space Wheelchairs

Powered Wheelchairs

Power Assist

Wheelchair Seating Systems

Supportive Pushchairs

Walkers

Upright Standers

3-in-1 Standers

Alternative Indoor Seating

Positioning/ Sleep Sytems

Hygiene

Car Seats & Harnesses

Exercise Equipment

FREE TRIALS

Call us on 1300 131 884 or visit our website at astris-pme.com.au to find out more about our products and service.

SYDNEY | CANBERRA/ YOUNG | MELBOURNE | BRISBANE astris-pme.com.au • 1300 131 884 • facebook.com/astrispme

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COVID-19 SURVIVAL GUIDE APRIL 2020

www.sourcekids.com.au

NDIS AND CORONAVIRUS – E SSENTIAL FAQS AND KEY INFO YOU SHOULD KNOW If your child or any other member of your family has an NDIS plan you may be wondering about the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on participants’ plans and interactions with service providers.

As the outbreak evolves, so does the NDIA’s response and they are regularly updating their website with the latest information, guides and a very useful FAQ. Below is just some of the information from the NDIS website (correct at the time of publishing this guide) we think you might find useful. We strongly advise keeping an eye on the official website to see how advice and the official response changes as the Australian reaction to the virus scales.

Participant information On 21 March 2020, Minister for the NDIS, Stuart Robert announced new measures to ensure essential support is in place for participants and providers through the outbreak.

For participants, this means: • face-to-face planning shifted to telephone meetings where possible ensuring continuity of support • NDIS plans to be extended up to 24 months • action plan to ensure NDIS participants and their families continue to receive the essential disability supports they need

• more flexibility in core vs capacity building supports

• Assistance with Daily Life (not including Supported Independent Living)

• proactive outreach to high-risk participants

• Assistance with Social and Community Participation

Participants should contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110 if they need to talk to a planner, make changes to their plan or are having trouble sourcing services due to COVID-19.

What happens if my plan is due for review?

If a participant has a scheduled plan review, the NDIA will contact them by phone or email to undertake their review.

As part of this plan review process, a participant can discuss having a new plan in place for up to 24 months.

To ensure participant plans don’t end on the day a plan is due to expire, it will be automatically be extended by 365 days.

Participants who have plans that expire soon, do not need to do anything to have their plans automatically extended by 365 days.

Temporary changes regarding providers On 25 March the NDIA brought in some amendments regarding pricing and cancellations that will last for six months. They have implemented a 10% price increase in the following categories:

• Improved Health and Wellbeing (not including personal training) • Improved Daily Living Skills Also, the definition of short notice cancellation is changed. From 25 March 2020, participants will be required to give 10 business days’ notice (up from two days) for a cancellation if they want to avoid paying the full fee for a cancelled service.

Some NDIS Frequently Asked Questions (from the NDIS website) Managing your plan and budget Can my funding be used to pay support workers to do important tasks such as grocery shopping?

We encourage providers to give you the essential support you need so you remain safe and have adequate supplies. This means your provider may need to do some different tasks for you, like visiting the pharmacy to ensure you have an adequate supply of medication, or doing some grocery shopping for you.

It’s also worth noting that the NDIA has worked with supermarket retailers to make sure NDIS Continued on page 8

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NDIS and Cornavirus cont.

participants wanting support to grocery shop, have priority access to home delivery services.

All participants will have received via SMS or email a unique home delivery access code from the NDIA which can be used to access priority home delivery services from Monday 6 April.

To access priority home delivery services: 1. C omplete your shopping online for home delivery with participating supermarket retailers 2. W hen prompted enter your unique priority home delivery code 3. S ubmit your order

If Schools, ADEs and Day Programs are shut, will I be able to redirect this funding for supports at home?

During this time, we encourage you to use your Core Supports budget flexibly to ensure you get the support you need.

The NDIA is collaborating with Department of Social Services (DSS), Services Australia and NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NQSC) as well as health agencies to ensure participants receive the support they need and remain safe.

Can I redirect my funds to family or friends to provide support that would normally be provided by support workers?

No, at this time, you cannot use your NDIS funds to pay a family member to provide you with support.

for coronavirus (COVID-19).

What happens now?

What if my provider is not able to provide my supports due to COVID-19?

All Australians, including NDIS participants, who are concerned about their exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19), can contact the Department of Health specific hotline on 1800 020 080.

If essential services cannot be delivered by a provider, the NDIA and states and territories will work together to source an alternative provider who can step in to provide the required essential services.

If you have been in contact with someone who has a confirmed case of coronavirus, you must follow health advice first. After contacting the Department of Health you may need to call your provider or your Support Coordinator to work out alternate arrangements.

If you are having trouble accessing services, call the NDIA on 1800 800 110.

Should support workers be wearing masks?

What if I, or someone I care for, is at high risk of infection or has complex needs?

People with disability who have complex needs or run a higher risk of infection may need extra support during this time.

The NDIA will be contacting targeted higher risk NDIS participants to ensure these people continue to receive the essential disability related supports they need.

The NDIA will also share data with states and territories to assist them with their continuity of services and respond to people’s needs.

Support workers: My support worker has tested positive

It is not necessary to ask your support workers to wear face masks if they do not have a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19). Surgical masks in the community are only helpful in preventing people who have coronavirus (COVID-19) from spreading it to others. If you are well and your support worker is well, you do not need to wear surgical masks as there is little evidence supporting the widespread use of surgical masks in healthy people to prevent transmission in public.

For more questions and answers plus an easy read guide on the Coronavirus which may assist you to have conversations with your child visit www.ndis.gov.au/coronavirus

See our range of products that help with

BALANCE

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Leap in! Plan Management helps you get ready for your NDIS meeting and is the perfect partner to manage your plan.

Unlock your NDIS. I’ve got my NDIS plan and I’m looking for a plan manager.

I’m getting ready for my first NDIS plan.

Leap in! gives you: • Fast turnaround – join today and claim tomorrow!

• Real time tracking of your NDIS budgets • Easy claiming and payment of your invoices • Assistance to find providers that are right for you.

Get started with: • A free NDIS pre-planning consultation – all you need to know in one call • Australia’s leading NDIS planning app • Info on all the options for managing your plan • Experienced and friendly crew ready to help.

It’s time to make it happen.

Call 1300 05 78 78 or download the free app today.

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

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

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

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COVID-19 SURVIVAL GUIDE APRIL 2020

www.sourcekids.com.au

SOURCE KIDS

BY KELLY WILTON

7 ways As parents of children with disabilities and complex conditions, we understand all too well the toll that extra challenges can take on our emotional and physical health.

So, in the days that are ahead, how can we look after ourselves, on a daily basis, so that we can look after our families in this tumultuous time?

For our mental health to endure the current climate of uncertainty that we all face, which can understandably leave us feeling out of control, overwhelmed and stressed – we can aim to incorporate daily practices that will allow us good mental breaks.

Our family situations have a layer of complexity that must be considered when we look at ways to ease our mental load, our emotional guilt-list and our physical to-do list.

This is an unprecedented situation of our time, so it is important to remember there is no ‘how to’ on this. We are all starting from the ground up as we face the days ahead of us.

Look at the suggestions below as simple stepping stones. Even if you only practice one a day, it is one more than the day previously.

We are the families who celebrate inchstones with our very own children, so let’s look at ourselves, and be gentle with ourselves in that very same way, knowing that inchstones are just as big a deal as the milestones.

1. PRESSURE – INCLUDING HOME SCHOOLING!

The daily pressure we put on ourselves has got to stop. We are not meant to be doing everything ourselves. We routinely wear the hats of a parent, carer, therapists and now... a home school teacher!

All schools are implementing plans for this crisis, and guess what, they don’t really know what they are doing either! Ask for help from the teachers, explain your situation. Remember, we are the catalyst of what the teachers ‘suggest’ to do at home. Our kids’ education is important but don’t let it come at the expense of your own mental health. Education can be found in many ways, and your teacher will help you with that, if traditional methods don’t work, or fail to work in your home! Our kids have a lot of accommodations that our teachers account for, and what we see in our friends highlight reels of typical children, do not usually work with ours!

Having a family that gets through this global crisis is what we all want as the ultimate outcome.

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MENTAL HEALTH

to help your mental health in the era of the Covid-19 crisis 2. ASK FOR HELP – RESPITE IS NOT A DIRTY WORD! Please ask for help! Is one of your therapists available for care within your home for 2 hours or so, just on a weekly basis to start off with, while you go and lie in the other room to take some time out? Our therapists are all willing to help our families in ways that we need.

Think of aqua therapy and swim teachers, horse riding etc. that are now facing no work. Reach out to those trusted people in your care circle and see what they are offering in way of services. Our children are in their care circle, but remember you are also in that care circle – and people do want to help! Maybe it’s one family member or close friend that can come to the house and help out during this time. There will be some circumstances that will be very tricky to navigate but with the right person, and good communication, this could potentially benefit your whole family.

Remember by giving people an opportunity to help you, you are helping them too!

3. Breathing techniques and Music With the amount of coffee and/or wine we have all been consuming (and who could blame us!) there are some very good techniques to help your nervous system get back on track.

We’ve all heard of breathing techniques, yet most of us are too busy to even contemplate our breathing. Here is a really easy exercise you can try.

• Breathe in for 4 counts and hold momentarily; • Breathe out for 6 counts.

Do this for a couple of minutes, if that’s all you have time for, and just try and do it throughout the day if you feel the overwhelm creeping in. This concentrated breathing technique helps the body’s ability to heal itself and for your nervous system to reset.

4. STOP SIGNS ON DOOR – BOUNDARIES This effective but simple idea may just be the thing to set some boundaries with kids who just don’t know how to stop and slow down amidst this new routine they find themselves in.

STOP!

Colette Dekker from CoordiKids suggests the following: Everyone, kids and parents, needs some “me time” but we all know too well that just closing your bedroom (or the bathroom) door, does not keep them out.

Most people react better on visual cues so let’s do an art project and let everyone make their own STOP and GO sign to put on their bedroom door. During the art project, using this mindfulness time, explain to everyone the rules regarding the signs and that it needs to be respected. This gives our little ones some control over their space but also teaches them to respect other’s wishes. And, we as parents get some time to ourselves…. even if only for 15 minutes!

5. YOGA/STRETCH Who doesn’t have a sore back?! Sore backs are directly correlated to issues with mental health.

Here are some simple stretches for a sore back:

6. GRATEFUL DIARY Fish out an old notepad and write or draw down what you are grateful for. Or if that’s too much, write your favourite song down and play it. Date everything in this diary. Even if you forget, leave it by your bed and write in it when you see it. It’s just for you!

By the end of this – and there will be an end, you will have a notebook full of what helped you during what seemed like an impossible time. It may seem melancholy now, but looking back on these experiences, and what you were feeling in these moments will give you a sense of achievement that despite it all, you got through it!

7. Get outside!

Sun, rain or snow! Get outside whenever you can – have your morning coffee outside, eat breakfast outside, have your lunch outside, whatever it is you are doing, see if you can get outside even just for a portion of it. The fresh air, will change up your environment.

We appreciate that this won’t work for everyone, especially in colder climates and with compromised health conditions. If you are in a position to have just one of your coffees/teas outside during the day – then see how that small change makes a big impact for that particular time. Having the ability to go outside in the fresh air, will remind you that there is some freedom amongst the mayhem we find ourselves in.

Beyond Blue's new COVID-19 Mental Health Support Service Beyond Blue is working around the clock to build a dedicated COVID-19 Mental Health Support Service. This is in response to the growing demand for mental health support as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. This new service will be funded by the Australian Government. The service will offer free counselling by mental health professionals for all people in Australia 24/7, both online and over the phone. It will also provide free and easily accessible information and advice around coping with COVID-19, isolation and connection, workplace and financial hardship, and how best to support the mental health of loved ones. Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

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SOURCE KIDS

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CORONAVIRUS INDUSTRY RESPONSE

BY RACHEL WILLIAMS

COVID-19, has it changed the disability industry forever?

PRECAUTIONS AND POSITIVITY HAVE BEEN AT THE FOREFRONT OF THINKING IN THE DISABILITY SECTOR AS IT SCRAMBLES TO HELP THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS COPE WITH AN UNPRECEDENTED HEALTH AND ECONOMIC EMERGENCY. Remaining available to those needing assistance has required a rapid shift in processes across every business and organisation fighting against COVID-19.

Source Kids has spoken to three disability leaders about what they’ve implemented during the Coronavirus crisis.

The Brain Train Co, an OT-based neurodevelopmental program for autism, ADHD, sensory processing and other developmental challenges, has found it a major challenge given the requirements of autistic clients.

“Kids with autism need routine and if they are in self-isolation and can’t get to therapy then that will place additional demands and stresses on a family that already has additional demands and stresses,” The Brain Train CEO Justin Goddard says.

“All of our innovation is based on how we can serve our families and add value to them. That’s why most of them are free. The family unit as well as the kids are going to need lots of support getting through this crisis.”

The Brain Train Co has 30 staff in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane servicing primarily children and adolescents.

Justin says the impact of COVID-19 hit hard with a raft of cancellations as families self-isolated.

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“We immediately implemented new protocols to comply with the Governments’ hygiene and distancing standards. This was as much about protecting our clients as it was about protecting our wonderful staff who continue to come to work to help kids and their families.

“We changed our processes around welcoming our clients, cleaning our facilities, required everyone to wash hands at the start and end of every session, reduced the density of people in our facility, amended our payments processing and encouraged social distancing.”

Justin says it’s been challenging to adapt to social distancing measures as the program is hand-on and physical, requiring face-to-face engagement.

China in the last 14 days,” Steve says.

“We later extended this to 30 days, then added Iran, Italy and South Korea. Next, we had to add if they had been overseas in the last 30 days.”

Cancelling appointments was not seen as a suitable long-term approach, given clients need to provide equipment quotes to the NDIS for funding before Astris PME can assemble equipment to meet a client’s needs.

“It would delay the opportunity for clients to look for and apply for funding. If we are in lockdown for 12 months, for many clients that adds 12 months of hardship and suffering until they can apply for funding, and then get their equipment,” Steve explains.

“That being said, the COVID crisis has accelerated a number of innovations which we are implementing to assist our families, including Virtual OT and Counselling services (designed to help parents manage household dynamics and behaviours and develop a child’s skill during a lockdown), Trainer Chats (a free video-conference call with our staff, just to say ‘hi’ and maintain some socialisation goals) and Free Educational Videos (from a range of experts that will give tips around dealing with tantrums and meltdowns, toileting, sensory issues, play-based techniques and communication).”

The business has increased its PPE and hygiene standards and has introduced online appointment options as well as zero contact delivery.

Rearranging business processes has also been a major factor for assistive technology provider Astris PME, which has 73 staff working across five locations on the Eastern Seaboard providing equipment for clients of all ages.

“We are also exploring holding live equipment webinars for families and therapists, so they can continue to learn more about new equipment and have their questions answered.”

Managing Director Steve Joyce said Astris PME responded well before an outbreak hit our shores.

“Very early this year we put in place ‘rules’ where we would not attend any appointment where anyone at the appointment, be it the equipment user, their family/carer or the therapist, had been to mainland

COVID-19 SURVIVAL GUIDE APRIL 2020

“We have had to be very creative,” Steve says.

“Our main service can only continue by appointments, so we are working creatively to keep these going, whilst ensuring that staff, the client, and the community are kept safe.

“We are in the process of releasing some other items to help families in quarantine, including colouring pages, find-a-words, videos, etcetera.

Cerebral Palsy Alliance has also made big changes to continue supporting more than 5000 clients with a range of complex physical and neurological conditions.

CPA’s team consists of close to 2000 specialists including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, health and wellbeing www.sourcekids.com.au

“ THE LARGEST VIRUS CIRCULATING IS PANIC AND NEGATIVITY. WITHOUT BEING NAIVE, BEING A POSITIVE CENTRE IN YOUR CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE IS IMPORTANT.” physiologists and independence coaches, with services including diagnosis, early intervention, therapy, and support for accommodation and employment.

CPA Chief Operating Officer Paul Henderson says the organisation also took early action to reduce any possible risk to clients and practitioners.

“This included transitioning to digital service delivery via CPA Telepractice, using the secure Health Direct platform,” Paul explains.

“We have also recently launched CPA@home – a way to bring CPA expertise into our clients’ homes, so they can continue to work towards their goals with evidence-based programs and services.

“We acknowledge that it is an incredibly stressful time for families. They have lost the structure and routine which is sometimes the difference between coping or not. “Through CPA@home we’ve been able to structure services so families can maintain a planned weekly calendar with options for shorter sessions, taking into account competing family activities. In some geographies we offer access to therapy on the weekend which has been very well received.”

While businesses and agencies scramble to support clients, there will be an ongoing financial toll on those at the front line across the country.

Steve says there are major challenges for the entire sector as a result of the pandemic, not least the

extra expenses that come with increased Personal Protective Equipment.

Among the major issues according to Steve is the exchange rate drop which he says has pushed up the costs of imported equipment by more than 20 percent and major increases in air freight costs.

“This means that once overheads come out we would have been selling equipment at a loss. We have had to have price rises on all our equipment over the last 30 days, and will be continuing to monitor the situation,” Steve says.

He’s also reporting a number of international factory closures which will add further delays to deliveries and the need to stockpile more equipment locally which requires greater upfront costs and warehousing charges.

But, just as after the rain comes the rainbow, all agree there will be one big positive to come from the crisis – an accelerated investment in virtual services.

“I think there will be more alternative methods of service delivery available for people with a disability,” Justin suggests.

“In the short-term, social distancing will remain a priority so it might make it actually harder to secure face-to-face services as practitioners reduce workplace density. “There may also be some pent-up demand after isolation restrictions are lifted, again resulting in some difficulty in getting

appointments. These things tend to swing in extremes and I suspect after a few months things will normalise, albeit with more virtual service and tele-health options available.”

Adds Paul: “We believe this will revolutionise access to disability services and improve outcomes for the many Australian’s living with a disability, particularly those in rural and remote areas in Australia by giving them better access to services that are often not available outside of major cities.

“We feel that our clients’ comfort levels will increase knowing they can access services and gain the same outcomes without having to leave their home. We also know so many of our families are time poor, so by experiencing the benefits of the online services and resources that CPA@home provides, we may ultimately find that many will prefer this method of service delivery in the future.”

Steve says there is one simple way that everyone can help others survive the next few months of uncertainty and it is part of his staff’s new safety policy.

“I have heard some heart breaking stories from various clients, and we are doing everything we can to support them,” he says.

“The largest virus circulating is panic and negativity.

Without being naive, being a positive centre in your circle of influence is important.”

And, that measure is free!

Improve communication with ABA Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is the behavioural intervention model of choice for children with autism. It’s a unique and well-established clinical discipline, supported by scientific evidence.

At Irabina our ABA-based programs can help to increase communication skills; develop positive learning behaviours; decrease problem behaviours that interfere with daily-life and learning; and improve attention, social skills, memory and academics.

World’s best-practice ABA model We incorporate knowledge from over 50 years of research, compiled in hundreds of peer-reviewed papers.

Wrap-around support Combine ABA therapies with other services and supports for children with autism.

You won’t need to go anywhere else.

Family-centric approach We work with families to build the knowledge, understanding and skills to help their child learn, interact and develop.

Sessions available now Skip the waitlist. We have Behaviour Technicians ready to start taking appointments today.

Attend sessions online with Telehealth With COVID-19 requiring many families to stay at home, we are happy to deliver our ABA programs online using telehealth.

Talk face-to-face with your technician online using your phone, tablet or computer.

For more information and to talk to our team, visit: www.irabina.com/applied-behaviour-analysis 14

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SOURCE KIDS

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HYGIENE ACTIVITIES

GOOD CLEAN FUN

You can teach your children about the coronavirus outbreak and the importance of good hygiene in a gentle, non-threatening and fun way with these activities…

GERM TRANSFER GAME

PEPPER AND SOAP EXPERIMENT

COUGH MONSTERS

The pepper and soap experiment is a brilliant way to help explain how soap keeps germs away.

Do you need help trying to get your child to cough or sneeze into their elbow? Make an elbow monster to assist you!

If you don’t mind a bit of mess then this is a fun activity that teaches how germs get transferred from one person to another.

1. G rab a pen and draw a funny face in the crease of your kid's elbow.

Grab some washable paint (double check it’s washable otherwise you’ll be in a world of pain later!) and apply it to your hands without your kids seeing. Next pretend to sneeze into your hands and go about your house touching surfaces and spreading the paint – you might want to avoid fabrics for this bit!

You’ll need: • A plate or bowl • Pepper • Water (colour it with food colouring if you wish) • Washing up liquid

2. T ell them that it's their pet Elbow Monster and they have to feed it sneezes and coughs!

Instructions: - Pour some water onto a plate or bowl. Add the food colouring if you’re using (it makes it a bit easier to see things).

- Sprinkle some pepper onto the water.

- Dip your finger into the dish soap.

- Place your finger in the water in the centre of the plate.

- Watch as the pepper quickly scatters away to the edges (the germs are running away from the soap!)

SOAPY SING-A-LONGS The advice is to wash hands for at least 20 seconds and a way to keep kids focused on the task in hand (quite literally) is to sing a song while washing.

To keep them motivated, why not let your kids decide on a playlist of different choruses from their favourite tunes.

!$

CLEAN HANDS VS DIRTY HANDS – BREAD EXPERIMENT This experiment demonstrates the importance of washing your hands but it is a bit gross! All you need is three pieces of bread and three ziplock bags.

Then ask the kids to go to these places and touch the paint. They’ll see exactly how the germs from your sneeze got onto their hands because you forgot to sneeze into your elbow and also didn’t wash your hands!

Give a piece of bread to your child to hold for a while (after they’ve been playing a while so their hands are nice and dirty). You can pass it around the family if you’re doing this together – the more dirty hands the better for this one! Place the bread into a bag and label it ‘dirty’.

Get your children to wash their hands really well then repeat the bread holding/passing with another slice. Place this into a bag and label it ‘clean’.

Grab a pair of gloves and carefully place the remaining slice in your last bag and label this ‘control’.

Now you can teach your kids about patience and deferred gratification as you watch the yucky changes to the three slices of bread over a week or so!

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Paediatricians who understand Autism At Irabina we’re dedicated to transforming the lives of people and families living with autism.

For 50 years we have been providing best-in-class services, caring for all children and young people on the spectrum, irrespective of severity. We won’t turn anyone away.

Our in-house paediatricians are specialists in children with autism. Their experience combined with our multi-disciplinary expert support ensures that we can help, every step of the way.

Wrap-around support Combine paediatric services with other therapies and supports for children with autism.

You won’t need to go anywhere else.

Family-centric approach We work with families to build the knowledge, understanding and skills to help their child learn, interact and develop.

Bulk-Billing available Our paediatric services are fully bulk-billable. 100% of the appointment cost can be claimed on Medicare.

Sessions available now Skip the waitlist. We have paediatricians ready to start taking appointments today.

Attend sessions online with Telehealth With COVID-19 requiring many families to stay at home, we are happy to deliver our paediatric services online using telehealth.

Talk face-to-face with your paediatrician online using your phone, tablet or computer.

For more information and to talk to our team, visit: www.irabina.com/paediatric-services 16

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SOURCE KIDS

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CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

RESOURCES FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD From social stories on the virus outbreak to hygiene tips, websites and services to help if your child is home from school or if your family is self-isolating; we’ve gathered some useful resources to help you and your family through the COVID-19 outbreak. Also, it goes without saying that the situation regarding COVID-19 is changing daily and it’s important to keep up with the latest news and recommendations from official sources to ensure that you are following the latest advice. To help you stay informed you’ll find a set of government and health authority links at the end of this article.

EASY READ INFORMATION SHEET Here’s a set of information sheets setting out the key facts about the virus and what’s happening in Australia in plain simple language from the good folks at The Growing Space.

The NDIS website also has a useful set of easy English talking points which may help conversations with young adults. You can download it here.

LEARNING AND ACTIVITY RESOURCES IF YOUR CHILD IS OFF SCHOOL There are currently hundreds of companies offering free subscriptions and resources for parents and their children due to schools closing.

This website – amazingeducationalresources.com is doing a fantastic job of keeping up to date with everything that is available and the list is being updated every few hours! The resources are quite US focused but it’s still a vast list so you should be able to find something appropriate for your child or something that you can adapt at least!

How about an excursion from the comfort of your very own living room? Here’s a list of 12 museums that offer virtual tours you can take from home.

COVID-19 CHATBOARD Two Way Street in South Australia focuses on working with adults and children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC); or those with little or no speech. They have a brilliant blog post with tips about talking to your child and a really useful aided language display board for AAC users. Click here to download the board and read the blog post ‘Talking to Kids about coronavirus here.

Scholastic Learn at Home provides 20 days’ worth of active learning journeys designed to reinforce and sustain educational opportunities for those students who are unable to attend school. The day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing include opportunities for kids to go on virtual field trips, meet best-selling authors and dig into topics they love. www.scholastic.com/learnathome

This chatboard from Plumtree Children’s Services in NSW also includes some really useful vocabulary.

STORYLINE ONLINE How did we not know about this before! Storyline is the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s award-winning children’s literacy website which streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations.

Readers include Viola Davis, Chris Pine, Lily Tomlin, Kevin Costner, Annette Bening, James Earl Jones, Betty White and dozens more. Love!

HAND-WASHING WITH CORE VOCABULARY Head to Teachers Pay Teachers for this free visual schedule with core words for hand-washing.

SOCIAL STORIES AND EXPLAINING THE VIRUS TO CHILDREN This social story from Little Puddins The Autism Educator is in a page by page format so you can include or exclude the most relevant information for your family. Download it for free here.

OFFICIAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION NDIS & Coronavirus – the latest updates from the NDIA. ABC Coronacast – Coronacast is a daily podcast published by the ABC Radio that helps to answer your questions about coronavirus or COVID-19. It breaks down the latest news and research to help you understand how the world is living through an epidemic. Additionally, the ABC has compiled more information and resources on their website. Click here Australian Department of Health – For alerts and updates. For fact sheets World Health Organisation – The World Health Organisation has created a website which outlines how to protect yourself, travel advice, situational reports, videos and other information and resources. Visit the website here.

STATE GOVERNMENT UPDATES: And here’s another simple social story from Aussie Autism Family

!$

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@kiddyliciousAUS

Find out more at kiddylicious.com.au

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COVID-19 SURVIVAL GUIDE APRIL 2020

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www.sourcekids.com.au

@kiddyliciousAUS

Find out more at kiddylicious.com.au

Grown out of your car seat?

Give your child safe and supported vehicle seating with the Carrot Car Seat.

Designed to be configured for postural support or behavioural needs, the Carrot suits a wide variety of ages and requirements.

Clever growth system means that the car seat grows with your child from pre-school to 12-15 years of age.

Call 1300 543 343 to chat to the car seat experts, email solutions@medifab.com or visit www.medifab.com.au/products/car-seats-harnesses/carrot-3000-car-seat

!$

Distributed by

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Online Therapy and Supports Lifestart is a specialist in providing quality

online therapy and supports for children, young people and their families.

lifestart.org.au

1800 953 390

Why Lifestart?

• • • • • • •

•

Our staff are creative, committed and energetic and they listen to you.

We offer an individualised approach for your child or young person.

We work as a team, giving you access to a range of expertise.

We are an experienced, award-winning provider of online therapy across Australia.

We will support you to feel comfortable using the technology.

You can access our support anywhere in Australia.

We are a not-for-profit registered NDIS provider, supporting children and young people with disabilities for 25 years.

We use best practice approaches backed by research.

We offer choice in the supports available • • • • •

• • •

Daily life - toilet training, self-care, play skills, sensory regulation, sleep, mealtimes, feeding, independence, routines, getting organised, budgeting.

Communication - early communication, Hanen programs online, Key Word Sign, advice and trials of communication systems, apps.

Movement and fitness - early movement, positioning, mobility, fitness programs for young people.

Positive behaviour support – self-regulation, behaviour plans, strategies and skill building.

Wellbeing and anxiety management - building confidence, skills to manage stressful situations, youth support and counselling, Cool, Calm and Connected program.

Social skills – regulating emotions, skills for building friendships, positive relationships, Secret Agent Society program.

School – getting organised with home schooling, fine motor and handwriting skills.

Assessments – functional and standardised assessments.

“

“With online sessions, my therapist has been able to continue supporting me even when other supports have ceased. We could persist with toilet training and were able to get our first success with the toilet during shutdown!”

- Parent

Our Team “It’s great because I still get to see Rox, Zoom is really easy to use and I’d say to people, give it a go.”

- Young person

”

We have a great team who know how to work with children and young people. They include occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, psychologists, educators, behaviour support clinicians and Inclusion specialists.

SOURCE KIDS

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PRODUCT SPREAD

WITH OUR SO URCE KIDS SU RVIVAL GUIDE – WE HOPE YO U FIND SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE PR ODUCTS HELPF U L FOR YOUR OWN FAMILY. FROM PRODU CTS THAT ENGAGE OUR LEARNERS RIG HT THROUGH TO PRODUCTS THAT CALM! YO SOMETHING FO U’LL FIND R EVERYONE HERE TO GET THROUGH TERM 2, WHICH IS LO DIFFERENT TO OKING A LOT WHAT WE HAD FIRST EXPECTE D!

REMINDER CHARTS

QUICK HIDE (& SEEK!) TENT

ACTIVE PLAY AT HOME

The team from Remindables have a fabulous Weekly Reminder Chart to help your child remember what they need to do each day and what activities are coming up in their week.

This is the perfect addition for our kiddos that are really struggling with the huge change in routine and who love visual prompts!

This great dome tent from Kmart is the perfect hiding spot for mum (or dad)! Ahem, we mean sensory spot for anyone who may be needing it during tense times! This tent will do just the trick if you need another ‘room’!

Our friends at Hart Sport have a variety of active play to suit all abilities. With a huge range to choose from, we love the Paddle Ball set for a bit of turn-taking practice and hopscotch for balance and coordination. Develop coordination, balance and manipulative skills. Great fun for all ages!

www.remindables.com.au

www.kmart.com.au

Paddle Ball set RRP $9.70

RRP $79

Hopscotch RRP $29.90

RRP $39.99

EAR MUFFS

MANAGE THE SNACKS WITH THESE BENTO BOXES

Ems for Kids have a great range of ear muffs for all children. Regulating sensory sensitivities to sound, these will be a great addition during quite time! Discover their full range online.

These Stuck On You bento boxes are perfect to keep all the daily snacks in check, so you’re not eaten out of house and home during this time!

Get the kids to help you chose their snacks at the start of the day. Don’t forget to also check out their great range of learning products too – from personalised puzzles to fun flash cards!

www.earmuffsforkids.com.au RRP Various

www.stuckonyou.com.au RRP - various

SWING ABOUT IN THE POD SWING

SPECIAL TOMATO BOOSTER The Special Tomato's softtouch booster seats are a great indoor seating option to help boost kids for a range of activities within the home. With table-top activities being very much on the horizon for term 2, this is a great addition!

Children can benefit greatly from the sensory Pod Swing as it helps with sensory processing disorder, vestibular input issues and ASD. Kids can swing in or sit back and relax and enjoy the motion and calm this pod provides. Check out their extensive range at:

www.activerehab.net.au

RRP $79.00

www.specialneedsplayequipment.com.au

RRP $420

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ADVERTORIAL

A Message from our General Manager Dear Valued Customers, Here at Atlas McNeil Healthcare, we have been diligent in closely monitoring our supply chain situation, and are committed in serving you, our customer. There has undoubtedly been a massive spike in demand for personal health and hygiene products at the supermarket checkout; similarly, we are experiencing it with our phone and website enquiries. This does mean that it may take you longer to speak to one of our Customer Service team, or receive a response from your email, so placing your order online will help alleviate this wait time.

Click to view products on our online shop

$2.47

$4.95

$6.24

Understandably many in our community are fearful of the long-term impacts of the virus and securing items needed for day-to-day comfort. Our products come from overseas, but also from around Australia and New Zealand. While availability can be impacted by this unprecedented demand, most of our product lines are securely supplied. Items that we are experiencing intermittent availability on, such as wipes, washroom paper and face masks can be safely ordered knowing that if stocks are not in our warehouse, they will be as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about product availability, we recommend checking availability on our website, and following it up with an email enquiry to our team.

We will not substitute any products with inferior quality or easier-to-obtain items. Our duty of care to you remains firm, and this may mean that there is a longer than usual wait time for specific products, but this ultimately guards your safety and peace-of-mind.

Ocean Bed Bath Wipes Pack of 8 Code: NICNP5197

Ocean Adult Body Wipes Pack of 50 Code NICNP5195

$30.89 Abena Zinc Oxide Spray 10% 100ml Spray Code SA1000003933

Abena Skincare Ointment 150ml Tube Code SA6659

$13.99 Abena Shower & Bathing Soap 500ml Pump Bottle Code SA6662

$12.37

$13.99 MoliCare Skin Cleansing Foam 400ml Bottle Code H-9950163

Tenderskin Full Body Bath Cloth Pack of 8 Code LILTS1080

$27.20 Sudocrem Healing Cream 400g Tub Code NP-56940

The full Atlas McNeil Healthcare team is working hard every day to ensure you, our customer, receives the best service and possible outcome available during this challenging time. We appreciate your patience.

Kind Regards,

Steven Pezzetta General Manager Atlas McNeil Healthcare

Contact us for a free sample

$12.95 Premier Low Lint Towel Small Box of 100 Code AIM0399

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

HOME CARE PACKAGE COMMUNITY SUPPLIER

www.amhcommunity.com.au

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

FREE DELIVERY ON WEB ORDERS OVER $100

1800 888 541

Call: 1800 888 541 AUSTRALIA WIDE Email: sales@atlasmcneil.com.au DELIVERY Web: www.amhcommunity.com.au MKT-150

NATIONAL REGISTERED SUPPLIER

ADVERTORIAL

A Message from our General Manager Dear Valued Customers, Here at Atlas McNeil Healthcare, we have been diligent in closely monitoring our supply chain situation, and are committed in serving you, our customer. There has undoubtedly been a massive spike in demand for personal health and hygiene products at the supermarket checkout; similarly, we are experiencing it with our phone and website enquiries. This does mean that it may take you longer to speak to one of our Customer Service team, or receive a response from your email, so placing your order online will help alleviate this wait time.

Click to view products on our online shop

$2.47

$4.95

$6.24

Understandably many in our community are fearful of the long-term impacts of the virus and securing items needed for day-to-day comfort. Our products come from overseas, but also from around Australia and New Zealand. While availability can be impacted by this unprecedented demand, most of our product lines are securely supplied. Items that we are experiencing intermittent availability on, such as wipes, washroom paper and face masks can be safely ordered knowing that if stocks are not in our warehouse, they will be as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about product availability, we recommend checking availability on our website, and following it up with an email enquiry to our team.

We will not substitute any products with inferior quality or easier-to-obtain items. Our duty of care to you remains firm, and this may mean that there is a longer than usual wait time for specific products, but this ultimately guards your safety and peace-of-mind.

Ocean Bed Bath Wipes Pack of 8 Code: NICNP5197

Ocean Adult Body Wipes Pack of 50 Code NICNP5195

$30.89 Abena Zinc Oxide Spray 10% 100ml Spray Code SA1000003933

Abena Skincare Ointment 150ml Tube Code SA6659

$13.99 Abena Shower & Bathing Soap 500ml Pump Bottle Code SA6662

$12.37

$13.99 MoliCare Skin Cleansing Foam 400ml Bottle Code H-9950163

Tenderskin Full Body Bath Cloth Pack of 8 Code LILTS1080

$27.20 Sudocrem Healing Cream 400g Tub Code NP-56940

The full Atlas McNeil Healthcare team is working hard every day to ensure you, our customer, receives the best service and possible outcome available during this challenging time. We appreciate your patience.

Kind Regards,

Steven Pezzetta General Manager Atlas McNeil Healthcare

Contact us for a free sample

$12.95 Premier Low Lint Towel Small Box of 100 Code AIM0399

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

HOME CARE PACKAGE COMMUNITY SUPPLIER

www.amhcommunity.com.au

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

FREE DELIVERY ON WEB ORDERS OVER $100

1800 888 541

Call: 1800 888 541 AUSTRALIA WIDE Email: sales@atlasmcneil.com.au DELIVERY Web: www.amhcommunity.com.au MKT-150

NATIONAL REGISTERED SUPPLIER

HOME

SOURCE KIDS

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HOME SCHOOLING

SCHOOLING

TIPS

WITH RECENT GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS SEEING MANY FAMILIES HOMESCHOOL THEIR CHILDREN, WE'VE PUT TOGETHER THESE HANDY TIPS AND INFO...

AFTER BEING FLOODED WITH CALLS FROM STRESSED PARENTS, DIRECTOR OF TEACHING AT COMPLETE EDUCATION AUSTRALIA, ELLEN BROWN PROVIDES HER ADVICE HOW TO SCHOOL KIDS FROM HOME. ELLEN SAYS THAT “WE’VE BEEN IN THE BUSINESS FOR MANY, MANY YEARS BUT WE’VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS. WE'VE SPOKEN TO MANY PARENTS OVER THE LAST FEW DAYS WHO ARE IN TEARS, THEY ARE SO STRESSED AND OUT OF THEIR DEPTH.” “THE COMMUNICATIONS THEY HAVE RECEIVED HAS LEFT THEM CONFUSED AND UNCERTAIN ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING. THEY JUST DON’T KNOW WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM THEM AND HOW LONG THIS WILL GO ON.”

HERE’S HER ADVICE TO THE MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS SHE HAS BEEN GETTING FROM PARENTS...

What should parents do now to start schooling from home?

Our first goal is to reassure parents not to be worried about their capability to homeschool. They have been homeschooling their children since the kids were born. The only difference is the topics they are teaching. They are well equipped and qualified.

Getting on the front foot and establishing a routine is really important, so kids understand what is expected. Whether you are using online resources from your school, or homeschooling resources from a company like ours, it is crucial to get into a routine fast and set expectations. Be flexible but also make it a positive experience so they want to complete the work assigned for that day.

What government homeschooling resources are available to me?

It depends on the state, but in NSW the education department have directed parents to get their online schooling resources from the schools directly. Your child's school will communicate with you and provide learning activities for your child to do at home.

How do I plan out each day?

Have a daily plan on the fridge. This allows everyone to know their plans for the day.

We all do better when we have a plan to wake up to. Spend time with the kids writing a weekly timetable. By covering Maths and English each morning and one other subject each afternoon, the full curriculum can be covered.

Do I have to work set hours, like 9am - 3pm?

I cannot speak for the online programs that the schools are rolling out, but with our program we encourage students to go at their own pace, many of our parents tell us that their kids are really motivated and so they finish early having completed all their work for the day.

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TRY NOT TO PUT TOO MUCH PRESSURE ON YOURSELF. KIDS ARE ALL INDIVIDUALS AND THEY ALL HAVE DIFFERENT WAYS OF LEARNING AND SOMETIMES ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL.

Will my child fall behind?

Relax and try to enjoy the time together.

Many of the parents I’ve been speaking to are worried that their kids will fall behind, with everyone in the same boat, I am sure this will not be the case, as schools are working hard to provide the lessons required. This is also an amazing opportunity to give their kids extra revision to catch up, or extension to move ahead. They can spend time working on areas they are passionate about. Spending the afternoon completing an Art or Science project is so satisfying. They can actually return to school with confidence.”

Having a lesson focus and plan allows parents to simply become the colearners, not the teacher.

How do I keep the kids motivated?

Also try laughing yoga as a planned activity to keep things fun and positive.

Get the kids involved and let them have a say. Kids need to feel they are a valuable part of the team.

Fostering a “one for all and all for one” attitude is wonderful for building a close family in a difficult time. Add cooking lessons to lunchtime. Meals can be part of the fun of the day. Cleaning can be placed on the daily roster.

Do I need to have teaching experience if I decide to use a homeschool provider?

No need to worry. Parents do not have to be teachers. There are resources available that give you the tools to simply enjoy partnering with your children in the learning and we have teachers and community groups ready if you need help.”

How can I get help and advice at home?

If you use our CEA homeschooling program service, we have teachers ready to help and guide you. If you are using your school’s resources, the school will likely organise a teacher to be available online and you an also join your school community groups to get advice from others in this situation.

!$

Celebrate their wins and completion of work for the day. Just a few celebrations can make the world of difference.

Add in breaks for fun and socialising It’s hard for kids to be suddenly cooped up and away from their friends.

It’s important to add in online or phone social breaks so they can contact their friends and feel connected.

Community support - help each other In times like these we need to help each other and to ask for help from those who have done it before and made all the mistakes already.

We've recently launched a Facebook group Schooling from Home Australia - Curriculum & Parent Support as a resource to parents who need support, resources and tips from teachers, homeschool providers and homeschool parents who are more experienced.

A final thought from Ellen Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Kids are all individuals and they all have different ways of learning and sometimes one size does not fit all.

Just because they are not in school doesn’t mean they cannot thrive.

We see children learn quickly with one-on-one attention and a loving accepting environment.

During the COVID-19 outbreak Complete Education Australia are providing a free week of their Term 2 homeschool program to all parents for all grades. It can be accessed from their website completeeducationaustralia.com.au. The program covers the full curriculum required by the Education Department in every State.

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Freedom is choosing where you want to explore.

Wizzybug!

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

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

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

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

Wizzybugs can be hired or purchased from CP Tech.

Call us on 1300 106 106 to find out more.

BY NICOLE DAVIS

Talking to your child about the Coronavirus outbreak IN THIS UNPRECEDENTED AND DIFFICULT TIME, WE ARE ALL FACING SIMILAR CHALLENGES BUT THERE ARE ALSO THINGS THAT ARE UNIQUE AND INTENSIFIED FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES. THE UNCERTAINTY AROUND THE SITUATION WE’RE ALL IN, THE ENFORCED ISOLATION AND SEPARATION FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY, AND THE CHANGES TO ROUTINES CAN BE DIFFICULT FOR OUR CHILDREN TO UNDERSTAND AND CAN AMPLIFY FEARS INALREADY ANXIOUS CHILDREN. There are some tools to help your child understand what’s happening such as chatboards, easy-read guides and videos which we’ve listed in our resources guide here. It’s also important to consider how you discuss what’s happening with your child. The following tips may help guide your conversations: • If they are verbal and it’s developmentally appropriate, find out where your child is at and what their level of understanding is. Ask open ended questions and let them lead any discussion you may have.

• Find the right time to chat and don’t force conversations.

If and when your child is ready, make sure you’re able to give them your full attention. If you’re busy working, let them know that you can’t listen right now and why but give them a time you can sit down with them and make sure you follow through.

• News media can be frightening for children so you should limit their exposure as much as possible.

If they have been frightened by news try to find out what it has made them think and reassure them with honest simple facts.

• Keep the information you provide age or development level appropriate, explaining about viruses may not be right for some kids; instead explaining about keeping clean to stay healthy may make more sense. If you do want a good overview explainer, we love the recent Play School video put together

by ABC Kids which you can view here - facebook.com/ABCKidsCommunity/ videos/203365794285386

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When it comes to explaining physical distancing and selfisolation in a way your child understands. Raising Children Network - https://raisingchildren.net.au/ has some really useful ideas. Their guide says: This is about sticking to the facts, focusing on the positives, reassuring your child that this situation won’t last forever, and explaining what your family can do to help. For example: - COVID-19 is a virus that makes people sick, a bit like when you get a nasty cold. It gets in your spit and snot, so it spreads easily if you sneeze or cough.

- Physical distancing means staying at home as much as we can. We can go out for a walk, if we stay a long way from other people – as far as the length of your bed.

- The good thing is that staying at home is a chance for us to spend more time together when we’re not doing our paid work or schoolwork. When we finish our work, we can go for a bike ride or a long walk together.

- We don’t know how long things will be like this. But it won’t be forever – we promise!

- If we stay at home and wash our hands all the time, we can protect ourselves. We’ll also be helping to stop the virus from getting to people who might get very sick.

• Don’t dismiss what your child is feeling by telling them not to worry.

Validate what they are feeling and redirect and emphasise the things you can do together such as practicing good hygiene, helping others such as elderly neighbours by shopping for them, keeping connections with people through social media, letters and email etc.

• As you provide reassurance remember the Fred Rogers quote about ‘Looking for the helpers’ – let your child know that there are people working hard all around the world to help us all.

• Try not to entertain ‘what ifs’ when they come up, focus on the now and what is happening around you.

• If your child is struggling with the changes in routine, creating new or updating your routine charts for your new daily schedule will help bring some structure and order to days that are suddenly different. Also, emphasise the things that are staying the same in your lives – getting dressed, your mealtimes, watching your favourite TV shows, brushing your teeth etc.

• For the things that you’re no longer able to do, provide examples of alternatives that you can do instead. For example, ‘we can’t go to the park, but we can play in the back yard.

• If you’re unable to see elderly relatives that your child is used to seeing, set up regular video chats so they can keep in touch and see that they’re ok.

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GUIDE TO TELETHERAPY

BY EMILY HAYLES

WHAT IS ‘ TELEHEALTH’, HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD TO ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Well, hasn’t a lot changed in just a few weeks! The rapid spread of the Covid-19 virus has led to rapid changes in social distancing recommendations, which has then led to us rapidly adapting our ways of supporting children with their development in a way that will limit the spread of the virus in our community.

We have successfully been using telehealth for several years to support children who live in rural and remote locations, or in other towns a long way from our clinic location. Telehealth is a great tool to deliver quality therapy and care to children with developmental delays or disabilities – it is just different to what many of families living in urban areas are used to.

For those parents who are not familiar with telehealth, this blog post will outline what telehealth is, as well as the key benefits of telehealth services for your child with a developmental delay or disability.

AND WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER IT FOR MY CHILD?

can consist of videoconferencing, phone calls, emails and text or other direct messages.

Telehealth can be used for many situations including assessment, direct therapy, parent education, teacher education and support, monitoring of home programs, virtual stakeholder meetings, equipment trials and prescription, and problem solving.

There are some obvious differences between in clinic appointments and telehealth – your child’s therapist is not physically in the room with you, and you will be at home instead of at the clinic.

However, much of the rest of the session is essentially the same: • Your child’s therapist will ask questions about how your child is going and any progress or issues you would like to discuss.

• Your child’s therapist will assess how your child is going, by watching your child move or seeing how

they perform the activities they are working on. If your therapist needs to see a specific movement, they will give you specific instructions on how to do it so you can do it with your child and your therapist can watch.

• Your child’s therapist will still use their clinical reasoning skills to problem solve your child’s movement patterns, thinking strategies, or functional skills, and provide you and your child with recommendations on how to improve their skills.

• Your child’s therapist will still give constant feedback on your child’s performance so they can adapt and improve with practice.

• Your child’s therapist will still engage your child in the therapy activities, providing encouragement, motivation, and positive reinforcement for when they are doing things well (or feedback for when they can improve).

SO, WHAT IS ‘TELEHEALTH’?

Telehealth is a term that refers to the delivery of health care services and support via any telecommunication technology. A telehealth service 28

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• Your child’s therapist will still give you and your child recommendations on things they can continue with at home, to continue to carry over the gains made in the session in their everyday life.

• Your child’s therapist will still follow up with other people involved in your child’s care such as other therapists, equipment suppliers, teachers, daycare educators, or therapy assistants to ensure everyone on your child’s team is working together.

As you can see, besides the physical presence of the therapist and the location of the appointment, not much else in your child’s session will be that different.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TELEHEALTH? Telehealth provides some additional benefits over in clinic appointments. Read our list of benefits below:

problem solve together with you, and provide you direct feedback about how you are supporting or facilitating or helping your child. Your therapist, in effect, helps you to get better at helping your own child.

• Telehealth allows for even the highest level of social distancing:

- Telehealth allows you to continue therapy in situations where you need to stay away from other people to prevent the spread of illness. This might be necessary for children who are immunocompromised or have complex chronic illnesses. Or, as in the current situation – when we are in the middle of a pandemic outbreak. And even when your community needs to shut down and everyone must stay at home – your child can continue working towards their goals and improving their functional abilities under the guidance of their usual therapist.

• No travel is required:

- Practicing activities with your child’s things in your child’s environment means you are more likely to be able to replicate the activity so that your child can practice it again later – which will lead to more opportunities for them to improve.

- While telehealth sessions are frequently held when you and your child are home, it doesn’t just have to be home based sessions – we can do telehealth sessions at other locations such as daycare, kindy or school to support your child and the people that help them in those environments.

- In face to face sessions, when your child is working directly with the therapist, the therapist is the one ‘doing’ the therapy. It is their hands supporting your child, they will be thinking and analysing in their head and adapting the activity in response to what they can see, and they are verbally directing your child. Alternatively, in a telehealth session, your therapist instead becomes your coach – they will watch what is happening,

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- The transfer of knowledge from your child’s therapist to you during a telehealth session can be very empowering. You can then share that knowledge with other people in your child’s life, and advocate for your child confidently.

• If delivered well, the outcomes of telehealth sessions can be just as good, or sometimes better, than in-clinic sessions:

- The reasons for this are due to the benefits outlined above – the session and activity is being practiced in your own environment, with your own equipment and toys, and the therapist is coaching you and your child to improve your child’s performance. Put all of that together, and the likelihood of you being able to replicate the activity later and build the activity or strategies into your child’s everyday life are much higher than if you have a therapist doing the therapy in a clinic setting. The carry over potential of the therapy session is greater.

• Siblings can be more easily entertained:

- When you come into the clinic, it can be difficult to keep siblings occupied whilst also concentrating on what your child is doing with the therapist or what the therapist is saying. During telehealth appointments at home, your child can play with their own toys, can go outside, or watch another TV program and are therefore less likely to be as distracting as they are at a clinic.

- If you want to do a joint session with two of your child’s therapists, then that is easy – they just both log in together, even if they live in different towns/states/continents!

- If a grandparent or an Aunty or Uncle who lives a long way away wants to see how your child is going – they too can log in and join your child’s session. This is a nice way to help involve other family members in your child’s care.

The current Covid-19 pandemic has come quickly, and the impact from this virus and the required social distancing measures are likely to be necessary for many months. We don’t want children to be missing out on therapy while we wait for this to pass, as this could have a negative impact on your child’s development. However, with telehealth, you can rest assured that your child’s therapy and developmental progress can continue, even in these most challenging of times.

If you are interested in switching over to telehealth services now, please don’t hesitate to speak to your child’s therapist or therapy service.

—————————————————————— Author note: Almost every therapy service across the globe will be working hard to move over to delivering telehealth services over the next several months to ensure they can continue to support children with their developmental needs while we ride out the Covid-19 pandemic. Many therapy services are small businesses with teams of passionate, giving and caring therapists.

• Interacting over a screen might really motivate your child:

• You will learn a lot from your therapist:

for appointments – even if they live far away:

• It can be empowering for you as a parent:

- No need to make sure you have snacks packed for the kids, no loading the kids into the car, and no tricky transitions when you arrive (or leave!) the clinic. The travel time you would normally need to get to the clinic can be used for other activities. And no travel costs (which would apply if your child’s therapist would otherwise be coming to your home).

• The activities are done with your child’s things in your child’s environment (instead of using our things in our environment):

• You can have people join you and your child

This is a difficult time for small businesses like ours

- Some children are captivated by screens and find it more difficult to interact with adults.

If this is the case video telehealth sessions might be really motivating for your child.

everywhere and we encourage you to support not only us, but all the local businesses you engage with.

Thank you.

• Your options and choices of therapists for your child is increased:

Emily Hayles is an experienced physiotherapist,

Paediatric Therapy, and author of the book ‘Braver

- Instead of only being able to see and get the support of therapists who live in your local town or who are close enough for you to travel to, using telehealth you can access therapists from anywhere in Australia or in the world.

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owner of the children’s therapy service Move and Play than you think: How to help your child with a disability live their best life’. For more information, visit www.moveplaypaedtherapy.com.au/ or www.facebook.com/moveplaypaedtherapy/

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A PARENT'S PERSPECTIVE

BY FIONA LAWTON

SOCIAL HIBERNATION FOR THE VULNERABLE ONE PARENT’S COVID-19 PERSPECTIVE Welcome to ‘social hibernation’!

Around our great country, the transition to social distancing and tougher restrictions for social isolation measures may result in broad ‘social hibernation’, where we don’t come out for a good while.

For many people this will be a new experience that is, at a minimum, disruptive, and at the extreme, may require an entire lifestyle transformation. Our discretionary social outings have ground to a halt.

For the time being, there are no more lazy Sunday sessions at the local craft brew house? No more impromptu nights out at the cinema or theatre? No long dinners or house parties with friends where you while away worldly cares, heralding the end to another busy week at work.

We are being asked to think carefully before going out in public, and only doing so when it is absolutely essential, and for the shortest time possible. The self-care, pamper sessions at the salon are currently a thing of the past. We are going to need to adapt and evolve and find new ways of doing things that we took for granted before.

If we are lucky enough to be working from home and have school-aged children, we have also been plunged into the world of professional juggling, balancing work with being the new Principal/ Teacher/Childcare worker in our make-shift school or early education facility.

SO, HOW’S IT GOING? HAVING FUN YET? What about that sudden loss of social contact or connection? What about your sense of purpose or meaning in life? And where are all the definitive answers to what this will mean for you, your family, your job and your future?

It’s hard, isn’t it. We know. We’ve been there. There is a group in our society for whom this social hibernation, economic uncertainty, and fear of lifethreatening illness has always, and will continue to be our reality – pandemic or not.

Who are we? We are the people living with rare diseases and intellectual disability, their families and carers. And we’ve been living like this for years.

The concept of staying home with our loved ones, navigating a complex, challenging medical condition that is poorly understood, is ‘par for the course’ for many who are living with a rare disease and intellectual disability. And yes, it can be very lonely.

We have experienced first-hand how some people in your life disappear almost immediately on receipt of the news that you have a loved one with complex disabilities, while others will become absent over time. For some it is like they are afraid of ‘catching’ something – if not the genetic condition or disability (quite ridiculous!) then possibly your grief. They are the ones who go first.

They are followed by the friends and family who try for a while but just don’t understand why it is so hard for you to meet up for a drink, head out for a dinner or drop around their place for a casual family BBQ. So, they just stop asking, and eventually stop checking in on you.

This was already our reality; we were already at home, looking after our own business and caring for our loved ones, when the virus first surfaced in Australia.

Then we watched many of you make a mad rush to the supermarket in the early stages, panicked by an illness you couldn’t see, and a future that was uncertain. You bought up anything you thought you could use if the intolerable happened, and you were stuck at home, or became sick.

AT FIRST WE LAUGHED. WE WERE ALREADY SET UP FOR ONLINE SHOPPING – A NECESSITY FOR MANY FAMILIES FOR WHOM SIMPLY HEADING TO THE SUPERMARKET IS A CHALLENGE THAT REQUIRES DAYS OF PLANNING.

But then you swamped the supermarket online shopping portals, and many of us were locked out of access to this important means of shopping.

We were lucky that some of us were able to apply for Special Access accounts to get our groceries flowing again. But not everyone qualified. Leaving them stranded.

And because of your bulk buying, the supermarkets reached out to help us, but asked us to get up early and line up at 7am. We appreciated the gesture but I wonder if you thought for a second that we might not have anyone at home to care for our person with a rare disease at that time to even make this possible?

And you probably didn’t realise that it can sometimes take 1-2 hours to help a person with intellectual disabilities get ready to head out of the house to go shopping, if they can cope with that experience at all. It would have been better if you’d only bought what you needed at the time, and left enough for the rest of us.

INSTEAD, WE HAVE BEEN LEFT TO FIND SUPPORT TO GIVE US THE SHORTEST BREAK TO GET TO THE SUPERMARKET TO GET THE BARE ESSENTIALS TO KEEP OUR HOUSEHOLDS GOING. The government has gradually put in restrictions on public and social gatherings. To be honest, we weren’t phased as we weren’t going out anyway.

Many of our loved ones just can’t cope with the noise, sights and smells of different places, and all of the different people! They deal with intense anxiety and can have regular meltdowns.

But if we did want to go out anywhere, we were told that to make the health strategy work, our loves ones needed to comply with social distancing and hand hygiene measures, including not hugging anyone or putting their hands to their face.

You probably weren’t aware but at this point things started to get a bit scary for us because, while many of you were still enjoying the crowded beach,

PEOPLE WITH RARE DISEASE AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY STRUGGLE TO UNDERSTAND ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS AND THE RISKS, AND WITH THEIR COMPLEX MEDICAL CONDITIONS, ARE LIKELY TO BE SOME OF THE MOST VULNERABLE IF EXPOSED. 30

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or farmers markets, we wondered how on earth we could even keep our loved one safe in child care, school or adult day program, when they couldn’t follow these new rules?

People with rare disease and intellectual disability struggle to understand about the coronavirus and the risks, and with their complex medical conditions, are likely to be some of the most vulnerable if exposed.

While the ‘schools debate’ raged on, you probably didn’t notice that no one mentioned people with a disability. No one at any level of government was talking about special schools, disability child care centres, or residential or day programs for people with an intellectual disability. All who would find these health measures impossible to implement.

WE STARTED TO GET NERVOUS. As a rare disease disability community, we were feeling forgotten and vulnerable and left to make our own risk assessments. Social distancing wasn’t going to work for our families. Social hibernation was the preferred solution to protect our loved one. Before any government announcements were made, you probably hadn’t noticed that many of us had already taken action and decided to keep our loved ones at home, if we could afford to. Those who couldn’t were becoming increasingly anxious.

Ah, but then the schools around the country were able to finish early and have started moving to online learning. We recognise that for all the families around the nation who are home-schooling for the first time, this has been a shock! Our pride and gratitude for teachers has hit a new high. The teachers have worked hard to ensure that students have videos to watch, modules to complete, online chat rooms to discuss subjects, and a range of selfdirected programs to help the learner.

What about for us? Many young people with intellectual disability can’t navigate technology without some assistance. Some need expensive and advanced technology, integrated with specialised software, to even access computers.

Many also need a learning partner to assist with all aspects of tasks. You probably didn’t realise that most families don’t have any of this technology, equipment or software in their own home.

Without the technology, in home specialised support, and detailed instructions on how to scaffold a learner with disabilities, many of us find ourselves out of our depth, anxious and hopeless.

And we are quickly coming to the realisation that our loved ones will not have access to any quality learning during this pandemic.

While this has been playing out in the education sector, we knew that, just like the flu season, we need to be ready for this virus. If our loved ones gets this virus, they may get very sick. Their underlying complex medical conditions mean it could trigger life threatening seizures and pneumonia, resulting in yet another traumatic stint in hospital that we know only too well.

SO, WE STARTED DEVELOPING OUR INFECTION CONTROL AND MEDICAL MANAGEMENT PLANS. Now, we recognise that this virus scares many, and you may have started using gloves and wipes to sanitise your home regularly, to prevent spread of infection. But did you need to buy all the stock, in store and online, just in case?

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You probably didn’t know that the gloves, wipes, hand sanitiser and disinfectant are part of our daily essential home equipment. They are required PPE for our support workers and carers. Without them, our loved ones are exposed to bacteria and viruses that live in the home, and they can’t be protected.

They can’t apply the hygiene rules, can’t socially distance, and may not understand about the virus and its potentially lethal implications for them.

We are now no longer able to provide the quality level of care they need, or protect them in a safe and hygienic home environment. Oh, and our support workers can’t do their job. Without the appropriate supplies and PPE they are not allowed to come to our home.

YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T REALISE THAT THROUGH YOUR CHOICES, MANY OF US ARE NOW ALL ALONE IN THIS BATTLE, WITHOUT ANY OF THE ARMOUR THAT NORMALLY KEEPS OUR LOVED ONES SAFE, OR THE SUPPORT WORKERS AND CARERS THAT HELP US ON A DAILY BASIS. If you have extra stock, please donate it to a disability service or family in your neighbourhood.

It will make a huge difference. But not toilet paper!

You may not have known but we did – toilet paper can’t kill a virus.

You probably didn’t know, but the ‘free childcare’ that is going to be provided by the government, may not extend to the disability child care providers, because it is calculated on a funding model for typical child care. Our ratio for quality care can be one worker to one child, compared to the 15:1 ratio in traditional centres. If we need childcare or vacation care, so that people can continue to work or study, where do you suggest we go?

You may not have realised that, while many of you in social hibernations are challenging yourselves to take up a new hobby, do some online training, or finally sort out the linen cupboard or shed, we are anxious, nervous, and becoming scared of what this virus may bring. We are worried about whether you are doing the right thing, staying at home, to keep our families safe? We are losing sleep as we try to plan to stay ahead of this situation and to protect our loved ones.

How will our loved ones, who may be non-verbal and unable to indicate that they have a sore throat or aches and pains, tell us they are sick in time for us to get them help? And when we do, will they automatically qualify for COVID-19 testing?

If we go into full lock down, will disability support workers be listed as ‘essential workers’? What if our loved one lives in a group home? Are we able to visit them or will they be left feeling anxious and forgotten?

If they require hospitalisation, will a family member be allowed to stay with them? Or will they be forced to lie in a hospital bed, terrified with no understanding what is happening, and without support for their disability as the stretched health care workers help manage the virus and their other complex medical issues?

Will the ethical standards that are being prepared to consider who should be treated for COVID-19 continue to uphold the Human Rights of people SPECIAL ISSUE

with a disability?

You probably didn’t know that these are the tough questions that the vulnerable people across Australia living with rare disease and disability are raising right now. We need to, because lives depend on the answers.

We are in the thick of this pandemic, and it is likely that things will worsen before they get better. I know the planet is breathing easier, but we are holding our breath. Waiting. Praying. Hoping we all did everything we could to protect people living with rare diseases and disability.

ONLY TIME WILL TELL. We know this pandemic health crisis will pass, and hopefully we will all come through relatively healthy and unscathed.

Our nation will come out the other side, and you will be able to return to your socially active, freewheeling lives, when hand sanitiser and toilet paper are aplenty, and cafes, restaurants, gyms, theatres and hair salons are bustling.

AND WHEN THAT TIME COMES, WHEN YOU ARE FREED FROM RESTRICTIONS AND CONSTRAINTS, WILL YOU REMEMBER US? Is it too much to hope that the world will have newfound empathy and consideration for the most vulnerable in our society?

When this is all over, will you think about us and maybe drop by to say hello?

Because we could always use a hand, and would love some company.

Because we will still be here – living in our social hibernation bubbles.

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The perfect inclusion chair

Rifton Compass Chair offering solid frame, contoured seat and sturdy armrests.

Available in 5 sizes, height adjustable legs, lateral thigh supports and optional seat belt and stability feet.

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

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SPECIAL FEATURE

BY TARA THOMPSON

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THERAPY AT HOME

Tips for home therapy with your child When faced with the prospect of having a daughter who would never be able to crawl, Tara Thompson took things into her own hands, quite literally.

The popular blogger realised the importance of home therapy to help little Willow in her fight against the debilitating effects of cerebral palsy and the former early childhood educator has become a fountain of knowledge and inspiration on home therapy ideas over the past few years.

If you feel that carrying out home therapy with your child is appropriate during your self-isolation – the following articles from Tara will provide a helping hand and hopefully some reassurance that it’s possible to carry out some tasks with your child and have fun at the same time!

TOP TIPS FOR IMPLEMENTING THERAPY AT HOME WITH YOUR CHILD I remember it like it was yesterday, leaving my daughter’s first occupational therapy appointment and trying to wrap my head around fitting home therapy in. As the months went on, the list of skills practice grew and grew. I had this frustrated baby that didn’t want to be part of it, I had my other daughter who did want to be involved and my brain was in a constant fog of worrying how I would fit it all in.

Well fast forward 3 years and I now have a 4-yearold that asks if we can do therapy at home. It has played a huge part of our family’s life over the years and is something that is no longer seen as this requirement that has to be squeezed in, we would not have been able to keep it up if it was.

Here are some of my top tips for therapy at home that have helped us find our balance.

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By incorporating all or some of these ideas I truly think therapy can begin to become more fun and less daunting. Find what works for you and your child, the right way is your way!

IT’S OK TO TAKE A BREAK If you are finding that therapy is taking its toll, take a break. If your child is showing signs of stress, take a break. If a lot is happening in your life, take a break. I used to feel so guilty about this but have learnt over the years that breaks are very much needed and more often than not my daughter learns something new within this time. Their little brains and bodies need rest and time to process things you have been working on.

NO NEED TO SPEND BIG In the early days I thought the way best way to keep Willow motivated was through buying the flash therapy toys. I soon realised that while these SPECIAL ISSUE

are great the novelty soon wears off and it is too expensive to keep up. Instead, use items around the house; recycle things and stock up on cheap supplies and craft items from the dollar store. Put holes in shoeboxes to post things, use Tupperware containers for water play; we have even used socks for a throwing activity. Taking this approach means you will be able to come up with more activities instead of expecting your child to play with the same therapy toys time and time again.

FIND WHAT WORKS FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD There might be a certain time of the day that is easiest for therapy to be implemented or your child may be at their happiest first thing in the morning.

Maybe you prefer having one or two solid sessions a week or maybe short stints throughout the day or week might work best. There is no right way, that’s the beauty of it. Remember every little bit adds up.

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THERAPY ENVIRONMENT Have a place where you do therapy regularly.

When we use my daughter’s therapy table I position it in the same spot where there aren’t any distractions. This happens to be against the wall we use for most of our physio play too. This doesn’t mean it is the only spot where therapy happens but it’s nice that we have a dedicated play spot.

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OF OUR MOST USED THERAPY ITEMS

INCLUDE SIBLINGS Don’t be afraid to include siblings. Think of something they can both do, if it isn’t age appropriate, modify it. I have a one-year-old, a four-year-old and a six-year-old and there are always ways that they can be included.

Sometimes I let my eldest be the therapist. There will be times when it needs to be one-on-one.

This is when I will set up other ‘special’ things for her siblings.

Here is a list of items that we constantly use over and over again for different skills and activities for therapy.

KEEP IT PLAYFUL

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Keep in mind that therapy is play and play is therapy so learn to approach it this way. Find things your child is interested in and go from there. Think outside the box. Maybe your child loves cars so get creative and let them push the car through shaving cream for some standing play, sensory play or therapy play.

MAKE THERAPY ACTIVITIES SPECIAL Have toys and activities that are packed away that only come out for ‘special’ therapy time. This helps to create interest and keep it exciting for them.

STAY ORGANISED This is a big one! I have ideas and activities stored away in containers. So, when we are doing therapy all I have to do is choose one. This saves time and limits the stress of figuring out what we are going to do. If we are working on two-handed play, I simply grab one of our containers with our bimanual activities. Sure, you might not start with much but over the years they will accumulate.

I have so many tubs of things to do, our issue is not what will we use for therapy but that I wish we had extra time to use more of all the resources we have built up.

This is one of my favourite categories to use things from. Children love to think they are using something that they usually don’t get to play with. Items like flour, rice and shaving crème are great examples of ideas to use for sensory play. Pegs and cotton balls can work on fine motor, jugs, spoons and water have endless opportunities for water play……

1.

cookie cutters

2.

flour

3.

rice, grains and pasta

4.

cotton balls

5.

food colouring

6.

laundry basket

7.

plastic food containers

8.

photos

9.

food colouring

10. measuring spoons and jug 11. outdoor natural materials (sand/dirt/leaves) 12. shaving crème 13. water 14. pegs 15. aluminium foil 16. zip lock bags

Recycled materials

Gone are the days where an egg carton was just an egg carton, I often incorporate them into therapy. Using fine motor skills to fill them or setting them up with sensory materials for some creative and dramatic play.

My husband will often make sure that he asks if I need any of the items below for therapy before throwing them out. I really enjoy using these sorts of items for two main reasons; they get one more use before they are recycled and because you don’t need to worry if they get dirtied or broken as you were getting rid of them anyway.

17. egg cartons 18. milk cartons 19. empty boxes e.g. cereal boxes 20. lids of baby wipes 21. bubble wrap 22. foam from packaging

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23. paper towel and wrapping paper rolls 24. shoe boxes 25. lids from pasta jars, juices, squeezy yogurts 26. empty herb jars

CHEAP CRAFT MATERIALS

One of my favourite things to do it visit the cheap dollar stores as they are FULL of never-ending ideas on items that can be easily incorporated into therapy. More often than not these items can also be used over and over again and are SO cost effective.

Stacking paper cups to knock down to encourage crawling, elastic bands on paper cups to encourage two handed play, painting on butcher’s paper against a wall for some standing practice, stickers on dining chairs to encourage side stepping and cruising along furniture.

27.

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pipe cleaners sticky tape (coloured and clear) paint (can make homemade) cellophane butchers paper blue-tac buttons glitter crepe paper playdoh (can make homemade) a variety of different sized balls paper cups and plates elastic bands stickers

I can honestly say I have used each and every one of the items on the list at least 10 times each. For both constraint and bimanual therapy and for physio activities to work on a heap of different skills such as rolling, crawling, standing, side stepping, sit to stand and much more. It is so much more satisfying coming up with something unique and creative and it also allows you the freedom to develop a larger variety of activities. This way therapy is in no way repetitive and boring and it is such a cheap, convenient and quick way to implement into your home therapy program.

www.sourcekids.com.au

simple (and cheap!) at home

therapy hacks

THERE’S NO DOUBT ABOUT IT, THERAPY TOYS AND EQUIPMENT ARE SUPER-EXPENSIVE AND AS A SPECIAL NEEDS PARENT YOU FIND YOU WANT ALL OF THE THINGS.

So many times I have been to appointments with my daughter and thought ‘wow, we need that at home’, but the reality is, money doesn’t grow on trees (if only), funding is often limited and has already been allocated to the never ending list of must-haves. As a result, lately I have been searching for equipment alternatives and have found some great ‘therapy hacks’ that have been working for us.

My criteria is cheap, easy to make and effective.

Take a look at what we’ve been using for my daughter who has cerebral palsy:

exercise step

I already had an exercise step at home (Kmart $20) – it wasn’t really getting a workout from me but has definitely been put to good use with our home therapy. We have used it for sit to stand activities, stepping up and over and to practice weight shifting with one leg off and one on while engaging in an activity. It could also be used for tummy time play and high kneeling.

peanut gym ball

I picked up a peanut gym ball from Kmart for $4 (bargain!) and we use it often. Willow loves it and always gets the giggles and has no idea I’m actually doing some physio with her. We use this to work on core and balance. I often set an activity up to engage her while she sits and balances on it.

Another idea is to have them lay back on it, assist them to pick things up off the floor and then use their core muscles to sit up and pass it to you. An alternative activity we do is for Willow to sit against it standing, she balances and bounces on it and then gains momentum to stand independently.

hula hoop

I have found the hula hoop great for practicing walking and really tuning into their balance. You can hold the opposite side of the hoop and move it according to your child’s needs to assist them in balancing and remaining upright. It’s also a great

therapy tool for children that might have trouble holding on with a particular hand as it gets them to open and grasp.

dining chairs

These are definitely up there with one of my favourite things to use for physio at home. I have found so many ways to incorporate them and the best part is you can change and adapt play activities easily to keep them interested and entertained.

Ways in which I have used them include: • Making a barricade by lining them up so Willow has to stand to throw things over the top (one stand out was when Willow and her sister threw socks at each other over the top of the chairs while we worked on sit to stand).

• Side stepping, I line the chairs up against a wall for her to side step along. Activity ideas for this are endless.

• Another way we have used them is by spreading them out to encourage Willow to have to take one of two steps in between them. I end up moving the chairs further away as she gets more confident and her body warms up (one favourite activity was when we played shops, each chair had things on them and I was the customer. She had to move around the chairs to get the things I wanted).

• Finally, whenever we incorporate dining chairs I always get Willow to help me pack them away, this consists of her holding onto the base of the chair and helping me push it back to the table.

weighted pram

Willow is a mad doll lover but I haven’t been able to find a pram that doesn’t tip and cost a fortune. For her birthday I bought her one and attached some weighted ankle straps to the base. I found four weights for $12 (another bargain!). This makes the pram heavy enough that it doesn’t tip and it also helps her to slow those steps down.

cube floating wall shelves

This is perhaps one of my favourite therapy hacks.

Willow often uses wooden boxes during her CME physio sessions and they are a great tool to get her to practice stepping in and out while bringing much needed awareness to her right/left reciprocal

movement patterns. For at home, I picked up a 3 pack of wooden floating wall shelves for $15 and they work just as well.

wheely board

Willow often uses one of these during therapy to work on core strength and bringing awareness to her right arm. They are super expensive to buy from therapy sites but his ‘creeper’ (board with wheels that mechanics lay on to work underneath cars) works just as well and it was only $15. Willow lays on her tummy and it requires the use of both of her arms to move it around. It’s super easy to incorporate it into many play situations.

towel ladder

Wooden ladders are useful in coordinating hip and knee flexion while walking and I’ve found it really brings awareness to step placement and right/ left leg awareness. This is something I went to buy so many times but they were just too expensive. I was going to try to make my own when I thought a decorative towel ladder might do the trick. I brought one for $25 from Kmart and it works a treat.

balance board

These are so great to practice weight shifting and work on balancing and core strength. I managed to grab one for $8 from Kmart (yes I know there is a common theme here but doesn’t everyone love Kmart) and this has become such a vital physio tool in our house. It’s something that can be easily incorporated into the day, we use it most mornings after I dress Willow. A couple of songs later and we have worked on weight shifting to awakening her body for the day.

sit to stand beach

I’ve saved the best to last. This is my favourite ‘therapy hack’ and could be easily made out of a couple of pieces of wood – which was the initial plan. However, we had a cheap Ikea hallway table that we no longer needed and I got my husband to cut it down to a suitable sitting height for Willow. It literally took 5 minutes to do and we use it at least once everyday!

So there you have it….. easy to do, cheap and effective therapy hacks. I am so excited by each and every one of these and the endless opportunities they provide us for home therapy.

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TIPS FOR THERAPY

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TIPS FOR THERAPY WITH A FRUSTRATED CHILD

AT HOUMSETRWAITTEHDACHILD FR

HERE ARE SOME OF MY TIPS FOR MAINTAINING THAT HOME THERAPY BALANCE FOR THE FRUSTRATED CHILD: • Keep it to their interests. Okay, this is an obvious one but is the most important thing to keep in mind. For a while there, my daughter was obsessed with dolls so not only did we incorporate them into our therapy I also came up with games, I laminated pictures, I used videos of children playing with dolls on her iPad. If your child happens to have sensory needs and enjoys cars, set up a tray of shaving foam and have them drive the cars through it. Whatever the interest is just get creative and think outside the box.

• Timer. Sometimes we use a timer. My daughter likes visual aids so this can work well when she is becoming fed up. She has that visual reminder that the time is nearly up. So, if we are getting closer to the end of our session and she is losing interest I set up the timer as a reminder we are nearly finished. More often than not this makes her even more motivated and we finish off on a high note. For older children you could have the timer on for the whole session and also communicate with them about where they are at e.g. ‘you have already done this for 10 minutes so that means you are nearly half way there’.

• Give them choice. Allow your child the freedom to choose; have a few activities ready and ask what they would like to do first. More often than not if Willow has choices she will get through all of the activities anyway. This allows her to feel that she is very much a part of the process and isn’t just being forced to do things.

• Rewards. Incorporate the use of a sticker chart. Perhaps they get a sticker every time they complete an activity, then after a certain amount of time they might get a reward of some kind.

• Positive praise. Give praise for everything not just if they master or complete something. Say things like ‘I love that you kept trying even though that was so hard’ and let the little things slide.

Just focus on the positive reinforcement. I will often tell my daughter things like ‘I am going to tell Nana you were able to do that she will be super proud’ and then I always make sure I follow through, either with a phone call or next time we see her.

• Short sessions. There is nothing wrong with short sessions. A short enjoyable session is far more important to me than a long and drawn out one where more often than not my daughter will lose motivation. Plus, short sessions are more practical and easier to implement.

• Incorporate therapy into daily tasks. Think of

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the skills that you can work on during the day, for example if a skill is to practice using both hands have your child put their own toothpaste on their toothbrush every morning and night. Little things like this add up. When you begin to really think and take note of all of these little but practical and beneficial moments you will realise that it can be fit into so many tasks throughout the day. All of this adds up.

• Set expectations. Let them know exactly what you will be doing and plan it out for them. Tell them what you will be working on together, show the activities and give constant prompts like ‘we are going to do this 4 more times and then you can choose something else’.

• Keeping on track. Find ways for your child to tick off what they have done, keep score or have a tally. For example, if you want them to try something three times make up a chart and they can put a tick or line, even a stamp each time they have completed it.

• Visual aids. Take photos of some of the activities so they know what is coming up next. You could make up a little routine board of what you will do for therapy that day or week.

• Be silly and have fun. Therapy doesn’t have to be serious. The more fun you have with it the better your child will respond; make a mess and have a laugh. We have a lot of activities where we use pegs, usually she has to take them off something. Instead of putting them on a table I will put them in my hair to make her laugh.

• Engage in dramatic play. My daughter loves dramatic play so if I am starting to lose her attention I will turn whatever we are doing into a dramatic play scenario and we will get into different characters.

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• Use favourite toys. Have their favourite toy and tell them when they are finished they can play with it. Or even have a special after therapy box.

• Variety. We always change it up and are constantly doing different things. My daughter often asks if we can do therapy now and I know this would not be the case if we were constantly repeating the same thing. It may take a while to build up resources but that is fine. I usually try to think of one thing new to incorporate each time and this just gets added to our therapy box of goodies.

• Finished box. Make up a finished box so that once they have mastered or completed something they can have the pride to put it away in the box.

• Take a break. If nothing is working and it’s just not going to plan there is no harm in taking a break. I never push it. Sometimes you both need some time out to recharge and to get motivated again.

• Siblings. Don’t be afraid to get them involved. If my other two girls are home and we are doing some therapy or physio they can take part or more often than not I plan for them to be involved in some way or another.

The reality is that therapy is hard; your child is working on something that doesn’t come naturally to them so it’s perfectly normal for them to resist it.

It’s our job to find ways to make it a calm, enjoyable and motivating experience. My daughter actually asks to do therapy now, it’s no longer a fight or feels like a chore. It did take a long time to get to this point but using these tips and tricks has helped us find our balance. It is now something that we can both enjoy.

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BY KYLIE MARTIN

SPEECH & LANGUAGE AT HOME

WITH SO MUCH TIME AT HOME, WE TALKED TO SPEECH PATHOLOGIST KYLIE MARTIN ABOUT BRINGING SPEECH AND LANGUAGE INTO THE HOME THROUGH LEGO, PLAY AND ZINGO! THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES AND STRATEGIES ARE SURE TO MAKE YOUR TIME AT HOME FUN, ENJOYABLE AND PRODUCTIVE ALL AT THE SAME TIME!

then talk about that. Always remember the rule WAWA (watch, announce, wait, add).

For younger children who might be interested in stacking and knocking, you could add commentary to what they are doing…”Up, up, up, more up, more up……. down! Crash!” Then quickly scoop all the blocks to you and over your child one block and announce “Up?” Then wait for your child to respond with “Up!” (Don’t forget, it can take up to four seconds for our children to think, plan and say so wait, wait, wait!”). Hand your child the block and say “Up block”.

You could do this for colour, size, actions, speed (fast, fast fast, slow) and as we know, kids can stack and knock for hours!

For 3-4 year olds you could focus on:

LEARNING LANGUAGE WITH LEGO Lego has been a part of Australian childhoods for many, many years now, with the first catalogue being released in Australia in 1962. Almost every home would have at least one mega tub full of blocks, little heads and bodies and wheels, and who hasn’t experienced the pain of standing on one of those pieces in the middle of the night!

When we think of Lego as a play activity we rightly, might think of it as an activity of creativity, good for fine motor skills and early skills of engineering and design. But Lego is also a great activity for building speech, language and social-skills.

Now when I say speech, language and social skills, bear in mind that I am talking about a wide-ranging set of skills – I could write for a whole year and still have more ideas on how you can use Lego for specific skill development (perhaps this can become a series!). So, let’s just start with some broad-brush strokes using Lego activities to help kids develop receptive and expressive language skills.

Receptive language (understanding the meaning of words and how words go together) Understanding is the foundation of good communication. Kids generally won’t use words until they have a good understanding of the meaning of that word and the situations it relates to.

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For younger children, you can develop understanding of single concept ideas and following simple instructions. You might use these activities for 2-3 year olds.

• Find me one like this.

• Can you find a green block?

• Where is a big block?

• I need a boy.

• Let’s look for a wheel.

• Taking turns explaining what you are building.

• What you are going to add next.

• What you are both looking for and have a race to see who can find their part first.

• Giving clues about what you are making and waiting to see if the other person can guess what you are going to make.

Then you can try more complicated instructions.

These are good for 3-4 year olds: • We need one that is red and has 4 bumps. I’m looking for wheels that are not red.

• Can you get me two of these big blue blocks. Find a blue square and a red square.

For older children try asking questions that require more thinking and planning: • What would we need first to build a truck? What would be our next step?

• What would happen if I swapped this for that?

• Where did I go wrong with this?

You could also try giving a series of instructions and seeing if your child can recall and follow them, telling stories with the objects you make and asking your child to retell the story or tell them how you made your object (but miss out a step) and see if they can work out what you forgot.

Expressive language (using words and knowing how to put words together to express ideas) Children generally learn through interest, so when it comes to Lego, before you jump in and ask a hundred questions that they need to find answers for, stop and watch what they are interested in, SPECIAL ISSUE

Older children might enjoy a game where you hide some blocks in a box and they have to guess what’s in there by describing the blocks to you, or request a block out of the box for their construction by describing the block. You could also put a small construction inside a balloon, blow up the balloon and then hold near a light.

Your child could describe the blocks they think you used, they could describe what your construction is used for (e.g. if you made a car they could say “you made something that drives on the road and takes people places”) then they can pop the balloon and have the construction.

And a quick word on ……. social skills (the skills kids need to use their language skills effectively and appropriately with other people) Children often find it difficult to multi-task if one of the tasks is a bit tricky. If they have trouble with fine motor skills or planning or even communication, they may prefer just to sit and build in silence. That is not your cue to leave. Sit with them, build next to them, comment as you build and ask for help when you need it. You are modelling social skills of shared interest, personal space awareness, turntaking attention, problem solving and how to use language in play.

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HOW TO PRACTICE SPEECH AND LANGUAGE SKILLS DURING PLAY “Mummy, daddy come and play.”

might go something like this:

MINDFUL

You know you should say yes to that sweet little face BUT there are clothes to put away, stuff that needs to be filed and you’d really like to drink your coffee while it’s still hot.

Adult: “What’s this one?

Child: “It’s a cow” Adult: “ What does a cow say?”

Child: “Moo” Adults: “Where does the cow go?”

Child: “Here” Commenting may allow the conversation to flow like this: Adult: “You have the cow” Child: “Cows say moo and they make milk” Adult: “Cows do make milk” Child: “I had milk in my breakfast” Adult: “You had cornflakes and milk today” Child: “And I had sandwiches for lunch. At kindy Jacob had sandwiches and they had ham on them.

I could have ham”

You could focus on being mindful. Mindfulness has been the “buzz term” for a while now and essentially it is being focussed on the present moment. The use of mindfulness strategies at work, at home and in relationships has been found to lower stress, improve productivity and provide a better sense of connection and over-all well-being.

How often have you found yourself mentally ticking off the to-do list or checking your phone while on the floor “playing” with your child. Sometimes your child just needs you to be near them while they play, sometimes though, they need or desire you to be fully engaged with them.

Let’s be honest, play can be really boring for adults. Independent play is an important skill for children to learn. It helps them to practice problem solving skills, develops their imagination, fosters an understanding of their own likes and play preferences and gives them opportunity to explore learning without structures or boundaries that others may bring to play.

But interactive play is such a beautiful opportunity for us to build relationship, model speech and language and practice social skills with our kids as well as develop cognitive and motor skills.

In her research, Dr Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, a neuroscientist, has found that we shift from apathy to engagement when tasks have personal relevance and there is a level of emotional connection to the task we are involved in.

So, what skill could you practice in play? What parenting strategy do you want to develop?

Perhaps you would like to practice commenting during play more than questioning.

COMMENTING Commenting shows your child that you are noticing what they are doing and allows the child to lead the interaction. It allows them to take you into their world, into their imaginations and show you what is topical, important and relevant to them at this point in their lives.

Your current interaction when playing with a puzzle

Focussing on your senses is a good way to bring your attention to the task at hand and move your brain away from all the distractions. Imagine sitting at the table with your child and a bucket of playdough. Roll the playdough into balls and feel how smooth it becomes as you keep rolling it. Add some more food dye to homemade play dough and watch how the colour changes as you knead it in. Talk about the swirls and areas of darker colour vs lighter colour. You could add a drop of essential oil to the playdough and enjoy the smell. As you experience the different sensory characteristics of the playdough, talk about them together and enjoy sharing the moment!

QUESTIONS Maybe you’d like to try asking open ended questions rather than closed questions. Closed questions allow for a yes/no or specific answer.

Open ended questions not only allow for more interaction between you and your child, but asking a variety of open question forms, fosters development in your child’s comprehension, storytelling or narrative skills and, in their problemsolving skills.

By the time a child starts school they should be able to understand and respond to all of the “Wh” type questions (who, what, where, when, why, how, what if, how do).

If you can find a reason for play to be meaningful for you, it is likely that you will enjoy the experience more and not want to hide in the pantry with your coffee when that little voice asks “mummy, daddy, will you play with me?”

- “Will we build a tower?” could become “What should we build?”

- “How will our tower look?” “Is he sad” could become “How do you know he is sad?”

Kylie Martin is a speech pathologist at Chatter-boxes Speech Pathology Services. For advice or information on speech and language development, play, feeding or social communication visit www.chatter-boxes.com.au

- “Are these different” could be “What makes these different.”

BOARD GAMES TO GET KIDS THINKING, WORKING AND MOVING The humble board game can be much more than just that. Not only can these games provide hours of entertainment for your family, but some also allow your child to work on developmental issues at the same time.

GUESS WHO?

This is a family classic that has stood the test of time. The object of ‘Guess Who’ is to be the first to identify the person on your opponent’s chosen card. By asking yes or no questions, you try to figure out who is on the mystery card.

Great for: Improving visual motor and visual perceptual skills, organisational skills, focus, and attention. Through the asking of questions, it also aids language development, information processing and social skills.

JENGA

Jenga requires players to pull out a block at a time from the tower, without making the structure tumble down. It requires players to be

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aware and focused and, importantly, in control of their actions. Great for: Fine-motor skills, selfmonitoring, flexible thinking and impulse control.

CONNECT FOUR

Connect Four provides an opportunity for children to develop their skills in strategy.

It requires planning to get four of the same coloured discs in a row in any direction (horizontally, vertically or diagonally). To win, a player has to think both critically and logically, while also focusing on what their opponent is doing. Great for: Developing the skills of divided attention, critical thinking and forward planning.

HOPSCOTCH

Hopscotch can be played on a DIY mat (think felt and a glue gun if you’re feeling crafty), or one ordered online. Otherwise, go back to basics and use some tape on the floor or chalk outside on the driveway or in the courtyard. Great for: Gross motor and coordination skills, numeracy skills and social skills.

TWISTER

Twister is a classic family game that gets kids moving and laughing too as everyone gets tangled up in knots! It’s fun to play, entertaining to watch, and it helps to teach children the difference between left and right. Great for: Gross motor and coordination skills, social skills, flexible thinking and forward planning.

MINDTRAP

Best suited to older children, MindTrap is all about riddles and word problems. There is a scenario on each card that encourages players to use critical thinking to answer a tricky question. It can be played either in teams or individually. Great for: Flexible thinking Is it time for a family board game afternoon soon?

Your kids will be having so much fun they won’t even notice they’re learning. And you’ll feel good knowing you’re helping their development through play.

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BY JANE BROOKSBANK

10 FUN WAYS

TO WORK ON IMPROVING BALANCE INDOORS Good balance and coordination is not genetic; it is the culmination of many factors.

2. OBSTACLE COURSES: cushions on the floor, tunnels through the chairs or under the table or your legs, swimming noodles, to walk, crawl, roll through.

Starting from gaining head and trunk control in conjunction with visual control (coordinating eye movements, being able to stare at and track moving objects) and righting reactions (maintaining your head in the midline as your body moves) to developing body awareness (knowing where you and your limbs are in space and precisely judging movement patterns to perform various activities), spatial awareness (knowing how much space you need) and of course having the postural strength and endurance to maintain a stable trunk and head to not slip, trip or fall down when challenged.

These factors are trainable.

Enhances: visual perception, motor planning, righting/equilibrium and protective reactions, spatial awareness, strength and control.

3. DANCING OR NINJA TURTLE MOVES: +/- weapons – two cardboard rolls from the kitchen paper towel held together with cord make an excellent set of nunchucks to fight imaginary ‘bad guys’.

Enhances: motor planning, righting/ equilibrium and protective reactions, spatial awareness, strength and control.

Enhances: motor planning, righting/ equilibrium and protective reactions, spatial awareness, joint and body sense awareness, postural strength and control.

8. SKITTLES: vary your starting position – from sitting, kneeling, standing, squatting/lunging to lunging on one leg.

Enhances: motor planning, righting/ equilibrium and protective reactions, spatial awareness, joint and body sense awareness, postural strength and control, also involves visual perception.

9. STOMPING ON A SQUEAKER TOY (PET TOYS ARE IDEAL): can be carried out in sitting, kneeling or standing – it is harder to quickly stomp and return foot to starting position than to stomp down hard on the toy – but that is more fun!

Our sensory systems (visual, vestibular, touch and pressure) play a major role in the development and maturation of ability to maintain our balance in all environments and across a variety of tasks from sitting at a table to running, kicking balls or riding a bike. So logically the activities to improve our balance need to stimulate these senses and improve our postural strength and endurance, and limb sense awareness.

4. TWISTER: the goal is to make your way across the mat and can therefore be an individual activity, add in elbows and knees to promote more body awareness.

Depending on the age and development of your child these activities can be performed in sitting, kneeling, standing, or, to really push the envelope or to challenge other members of the household, standing on one leg.

Enhances: motor planning, righting/ equilibrium, reactions, spatial awareness, joint and body sense awareness, postural strength and control.

1. BALLOON PLAY: chasing the balloon, keeping it up off the ground (less likely to break windows than a ball!).

Enhances: righting/equilibrium reactions, spatial awareness, joint and body sense awareness, postural strength and control.

Have fun and here’s to less Dettol and Bandaids!

Enhances: visual tracking and perception, righting/equilibrium and protective reactions, motor planning, spatial awareness and postural control.

7. ANIMAL POSES: make up certain poses and name them your favourite animals and then randomly call them out – progression from twister and freeze.

Written by Jane Brooksbank, physiotherapist, Movement Solutions www.movementsolutions.com.au

Enhances: motor planning, righting/ equilibrium and protective reactions, spatial awareness, joint and body sense awareness, postural strength and control.

5. SIMON SAYS: using a range of movements.

6. FREEZE: with or without music.

Enhances: motor planning, righting/ equilibrium and protective reactions, spatial awareness, joint and body sense awareness, postural strength and control, also involves visual perception.

10. ROCKING HORSE/HORSEY RIDES: on your legs or the arm rest of the couch.

Enhances: righting/equilibrium reactions, postural strength and control.

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SPECIAL ISSUE

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COVID-19 SURVIVAL GUIDE APRIL 2020

43

STATE DIRECTORY

Meet William…

he’s part of our Allowah Family

Keeping up therapy online

What is your family’s story?

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

If you were to describe your family in three words, what would they be?

My husband, Rob, and I have three sons, Kyle, David and William. Kyle, my son from my previous marriage, is twenty. I raised him as a single Mum for six years.

When I met Rob, I didn’t really want anything to do with In responding to the precautionary him - I wasn’t interested in a relationship. But, he was measures social distancing, persistent!

We fellaround in love, got engaged and got married.

Kyle Allowah walked meis down the aisle, andonline gave a speech at now offering therapy. the wedding - every girl in the room cried! Then, we had David. William came as a surprise, a year later.

A mad-house. That’s three words!

Online therapy sessions can offer you

NSW / ACT

We knew something was wrong with William when he the tohecontinue tojust access was in myflexibility tummy. Once was born, he wouldn’t stop services crying. He cried all daydesktop, and all night.

I took him to a via your computer, paediatrician, who told me he was ‘just being naughty’. laptop and other mobile devices.

This I told them that a six-month old can’t be naughty, they means you can continue to access don’t know how. Finally, William was diagnosed with a serviceswhich wherever youbrain. areIt(provided rare condition effects the explained why he never and couldn’tto eat.

He internet)! started having seiyouslept have access the zures. It was a hard time. David was only one, so I had two babies. I never saw David, I was always at the hospital withSome William.benefits I would drop off at day-care and then ofDavid online therapy Rob would take him to his grandparent’s place. I spent all include: my days with William in hospital.

Finally, I met a wonderful paediatrician who told me Strengthening partnerships withit to go• look at Allowah. As soon as I visited Allowah, parents and carers appealed to me. Everyone there was so nice and when William first started coming there, I don’t think he cried Empowering carer’s interaction at all,• he loved it so much.

That’s how we knew it was the right place.

• Engage with other individuals who take part in your child’s care such as

What have your experiences been, both negative and positive, of raising a child with disabilities? What are some of teachers, disability support workers the challenges and joys?

and even siblings!

In terms of the negative, I struggle to give all my boys equal • time Therapy can now accessed in takes a up all and attention.

Whenbe William is home he my time andenvironment while Kyle and David familiar to understand, the child.it is still hard. I try to spend as much time as I can with all of them.

This can be a huge advantage for Kyle is old enough to look after himself but I still like to the children who are comfortable spend time with him when I can, I take him out for brunch and that. and I will hang out too, in things theirlike day toDavid environment and arewe go to the movies together. reluctant to leave this.

The other challenge of having a child with disabilities is that you’re limited in what you can do with them. I can’t How will Allowah therapists just take William to a trampoline park,continue the other kids are toosupport big and it would be too dangerous. to you and your child in this

challenging time?

Having William was a big learning curve for our family. I

have worked with people with disabilities for a long time but my husband had never encountered anything like • this.

Goal – We But,directed it has madediscussion him a much more gentle, open and honest person. It has made us andtherapy our marriage resilient. I understand that online know that now there is nothing that life could throw at us might be new to a lot of families that we couldn’t cope with.

and perhaps some families wonder

There have been so many positive experiences whether online consultation is forin raising William. He brings so much joy to our family. Whenever we them, our therapists are happy to get together with our extended family they all say, ‘He’s so discuss with how William’s online smile, therapy great, look how far you he’s come!’ like all the other at Allowah, is the best.

All he has to do is smile cankid’s meet your child’s goals and he melts everyone’s hearts - especially the nurses!

NSW / ACT

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

When he first walked, that was a special day. It was Christmas day, and he would have been about three and a half or four. We were at my in-laws and he pulled himself up on the edge of the lounge and then made his way to the other lounge. Everyone in the house lost it! We were all so • Technical – contact your excited, screamingsupport and shouting.

Even David was saying, ‘He’s therapist doing it! He’s and doingthey it!’ can guide you

set up the appropriate app on your

I actually was recently talking to a family who is considering One of Allowah’s therapists trying Allowah. I told them, ‘Do it, absolutely!’

I know that in ourThe playground – about to William is getting such good care there. staff are well trained. William gets to do great stuff with - he head offAllowah to an online even went to the Easter show. On the weekends, I am busy therapy session? cleaning the house and looking after the whole family, I don’t have time to bake a cake with him. But, he can do that at Allowah! The activities they put on are really good, the principles and continue the and Rowena is fantastic.

therapy at home.

Allowah has been so good for us. When William needed to

We acknowledge that your child

• Other modalities – If video have regular blood tests, they helped with that. When he conferencing doesmonitoring, not work best needed to have seizure they helped with that. for you, our therapists can also William receives the same loveand at Allowah than he would at schedule phone calls emails home.

He loves the attention!

On the car trip here, for consultation.

You can record a he knows where we are going and says, ‘Allowah! Yay!’ video or take photos on your child’s progress; therapist can review it and What are your dreams and hopes provide recommendations during scheduled meetings. for William and your family?

the therapy. That’s okay! Therapy sessions are relationship also a great opportunity What is your with for parents and carer to chat Allowah like?

What would through barriers and discussyou to achieve goals. We don’t saystrategies to a family considering want to hold onto our coming to Allowah? knowledge, but rather, we want to pass on our William comes here every fortnight so during the term knowledge so you canorimplement

is the dream of every parent of a disabled child. I would love Online therapy is just another mode him to be able to feed and himself. of for providing services anddress does not Kyle and David have already told me that they will look after William when compromise the quality of the service, I’m not around anymore. But, I don’t want that weight on instead it builds a strong partnership their shoulders.

I’ve said to them, ‘I will put him somewhere with and you have and parents you can take himcarers. with youIf everywhere youany can. Share the load’. After all, they will have their own families. question about online therapy, please feel free to contact your therapist and mostly I just want for William what I want for my weBut, are more than happy to help.

Recently, William has started putting sentences together. mobile device the other day and they said to We were at the neurologists him, ‘How’s David?’ He said, ‘Good.’ They asked, ‘How’s Kyle?’

• Resources – our therapists plan for He said, ‘Good’. Then, they asked him, ‘And, how’s Dad?’ and your We can William said,session.

‘A pest!’ I nearly lost it,send it was material so funny!

or resources you need to prepare

When I was driving William up to Allowah, we had the radio prior to the session so you are ready on and Colby Caillat’s song ‘Bubbly’ came on. I used to sing to go when he was little, in hospital. When it came on it to William in the car, William was singing it at the top of his lungs. He • Education and troubleshooting knew it, word for word.

He must have been a good – listener!

The doctors told us that he would walk, may not like sitting innever front of never the eat and never talk. And, look at him now! He’s doing all of that. screen for the whole duration of Imagine what else he will be able to do.

and stays a few days a week during school holidays. He loves it! I’m pretty sure Monty is his best friend. He loves Ruby too.

I would love for William to be independent, which I’m sure

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

Allowah provides Disability Support services for children aged 0 - 18 years with complex disabilities and medical conditions.

disability support services

Complex Disability and Health Provider

• Short term accommodation Planned or Emergency • School Holiday programs • Post surgery care • Early intervention • Therapy Services • After school care • Support Coordination (children and adults with complex needs) • Many other supports including Assessments, Equipment advice and so much more

Allowah 8 Perry St Dundas Valley NSW 2117 02 8877 3400 admin@allowah.org.au

allowah.org.au

QUEENSLAND

STATE DIRECTORY

STATE DIRECTORY

QUEENSLAND

Therapy and care for young children with autism AEIOU creates a lifetime of opportunities for children with autism, and provides practical advice and support to families.

AEIOU is an NDIS-approved service provider.

To find out more, call 1300 273 435 or visit aeiou.org.au.

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9/04/2020 9:23:48 AM

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