All the fun of the Circus - Cerebral Palsy League

Trusts and foundations fill the gapIT is said cerebral palsy is one of the most expensivedisabilities to manage. There is no ‘one size fi ts all’solution and equipment is customised to the individual.As a child grows, their equipment must be modifi ed orreplaced.League therapists provide families assessment,prescription and assistance to obtain assistiveequipment such as wheelchairs, bath trolleys, computerswitches and communication devices designed toadapt everyday items so people with limited physicalabilities can function more independently.Assistive technology makes it possible for childrento interact with peers on and off the playground,engage in the curriculum by reading books, preparingassignments, and contributing to discussions andinitiating conversation. It assists adults to engage inthe community, seek employment and retain jobs.The gap between state subsidy funds and the actualcost of equipment can run into thousands of dollarsthat families need to unearth. Yet these tools arevital for their children’s optimum physical, social, andacademic growth and development.The League applauds the actions of several trusts andfoundations that made dreams come true for familiesover the past quarter. These include:• St George Foundation: Approvals of individualequipment needs for children $72,890• Honda Foundation: Equipment Loans Pool Itemsfor Adults $22,948• Townsville City Council: Equipment Loans PoolItems for Children $1,000Tim says “Thank You” HBOSLEAGUE Client, Tim Pearce now has no diffi cultysaying “thank you”, thanks to a generous donation of$11,300 from the HBOS Australia Foundation.Tim has diffi culty communicating as a result of hisCerebral Palsy. Of the funds donated $9,000 willbe allocated to the purchase of a Dynavox DVRcommunication device to assist Tim communicate.The remaining $2,300 has been allocated towardsanother League Client for the purchase of a wheelchairmounted communication deviceCommittee Member, Lydia O’Brien and Asset FinanceSpecialist, Danika Harrison from the HBOS AustraliaFoundation presented the funds to Tim’s motherCathy Pearce and League Speech Pathologist,Wendy Webster on Wednesday, 26 September.“With the aid of Tim’s new communication device hewill now have the opportunity to communicate andexpress himself like never before”, Wendy said.• Gambling Community Benefi t Fund: Ceiling Hoistsfor Sevenoaks $30,000The League offers letters of support to individualsapplying directly to trusts and foundations.Acknowledgment is made in appreciation to theapproval of funds to the following organisations:••••Aussie Kidz CharityVariety ClubEliza and Walter Hall TrustMcDonalds Foundation, Greater BrisbaneVarious service clubs of Rotary, Lions•Filling the gap has allowed people with limited physicalabilities to become more active members in theircommunities.Pictured above: The team from’ St GeorgeFoundation’ Mt Gravatt Manager, Peter Newman;Regional Executive, Ros Hawkanson; League Client,Elliott Erzetic; and State Manager, Rhyll Gardener– present a cheque for $72,890 to the League.Pictured: League Speech Pathologist, WendyWebster (from left); Mother, Cathy Pearce;HBOS Asset Finance Specialist, DanikaHarrison, League Client, Tim Pearce (front).The HBOS Australia Foundation operates as anindependent company and works with charitableand not-for–profit organisations across Australia,supporting people and their local communities.League News Volume 31 Edition 4, 2007 - Page 7