Originally published in The West Australian, Friday, 15 December 2023.
Rebecca Parish
Families of children with disabilities will now be able to access specialised equipment needed for early interventions as part of a new hire service supported by Telethon.
Ability WA will offer 76 pieces of equipment including mobility scooters and wheelchairs as part of its new AssisTKids Library.
Children will work with therapists to be fitted with the best equipment for their needs, and when they outgrow it physically or developmentally, they will receive specialist service to size up as needed, or to be fitted with a different piece of equipment to better suit their changing needs.
Ability WA Chief Executive Officer Jacquie Thomson says the program will allow children access to what they need to, to explore the world as they grow.
“Exploration is an important part of childhood,” Ms Thomson said.
“All children should have the freedom to explore, feed their imaginations, go on adventures and realise their abilities.”
The gear – which usually costs thousands of dollars per item – is expected to help about 300 children each year.