Since Frankie’s diagnosis 3 years ago we have seen a lot of health professionals, and been referred to a number of support service providers. These are some of the services and special needs organizations that we have been fortunate enough to deal with, and that have made a real difference for us – we rate them!
Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital
A brand new fancy hospital filled with dedicated paediatric specialists, all under one roof and only just down the road. Pretty lucky to have access to all this.
LCCH Website or Facebook page
Disability and Community Care Services – Family and Early Childhood Services (FECS)
FECS supports families with a child aged up to 6 years who has significant developmental delay. Their team of physiotherapist, occupational therapist, social worker and speech therapist help families to promote developmental learning and inclusion in the local community. They have been privy to the full catastrophe, being involved with Frankie from the start, and have provided us with invaluable continuity (Luna!). They provide this service in the home, which has been brilliant.
FECS Website
Mamre Association
A not-for-profit supporting families with children with a disability. Mamre have provided us with wonderful practical support and their values of inclusion, and belief that people with disabilities and their families can have meaningful lives within their communities has struck a chord with us.
Mamre Website
Narbethong State Special School
Provides specialist teaching for children with disabilities and vision impairment. After his brain injury Frankie started attending a playgroup at Narbethong, and has access to a low vision clinic and their allied health professionals.
Narby Website
Xavier (InFocus) Children’s Support Network
Their individualized family support program assists children with complex needs arising from a combination of physical and intellectual disabilities.
Once Frankie’s needs increased, they were able to offer equipment and respite with specially trained carers. We know them, and love the continuity they provide.
Xavier Website
Vision Australia
A not-for-profit providing blindness and low-vision services. Vision Australia provide us with assessment in the home with specialized allied health, using funding accessed through a GP Chronic Disease Management Plan.
Vision Australia Website
TADQ – Technical Aid to the Disabled Queensland.
These guys were brilliant and their volunteers adapted a standard Thule bike trailer/stroller with upholstered foam to support Frankie so we could travel to get some wind in his hair. An awesome not-for-profit organization who adapt or modify equipment for the disabled.
TADQ website
Stopforth Customised Orthotic Footwear
Paul Stopforth is based in Capalaba but does home visits and provided Frankie with some quality AFOs
Private Practice services we accessed through BetterStart and highly recommend:
Movement Solutions
Physiotherapists: Melissa Locke and Jane Brooksbank
Movement Solutions Website
Sleep n Rest Postural Supports
Frankie had a combination of the different sized and shaped buckwheat postural support pillows fitted with the help of physiotherapist Melissa Locke. We have found them excellent product for getting him into comfortable positions, safe sleeping and travel.
Pure Earth Australia Website
Hydrotherapy Brisbane
Physiotherapist: Judy Larson
Hydrotherapy Brisbane Website
Mater Health and Wellness Clinic
Speech Pathologist: Victoria Beehre
Mater Health & Wellness Website
Other good stuff…
Source Kids
Australia’s first magazine for parents, carers and professionals creating positive outcomes for children with special needs. This mag is great.
Source Kids Website
or Facebook page
