Children with cerebral palsy often require the support of aids such as wheelchairs, assistive communication devices and gait trainers. These are necessary for correct postural positioning, or to improve mobility, communication or learning. Not having sufficient physical support can cause a child to have deformities and place further stress on an overloaded musculoskeletal system, resulting in early surgical re-alignment.

However, children outgrow equipment within short periods of time. Appointments with Occupational Therapists can take months and it isn't unusual for a prolonged process to be undertaken in identifying the right equipment, taking measurements, obtaining quotes, applying for funding, ordering and waiting for delivery to result in the equipment, once received, being too small for the child.

It has become increasingly difficult to obtain this essential equipment for a decent trial period before a commitment involving thousands of dollars is made to purchase.

A Brighter Future Organisation Inc seeks to obtain funding grants and donations so that an equipment pool can be maintained and loaned to parents whilst they undertake the initial assessment period and until such time as the bought equipment is delivered. It will fulfill the family's short term requirements, allowing the child to be correctly supported and avoiding any unneeded stressors on the child's body.

Our equipment pool will include high need strollers, tilt-in-space wheelchairs, standing frames, gait trainers and supportive seating. In addition, we hope to provide trial technology packs with assistive technology (AT) aids to school-age children. These would include a laptop-computer, modified joystick device, modified keyboard, button switches and AT software.

THE COST OF THINGS

Cerebral Palsy is the most expensive childhood disability. Equipment such as wheelchairs, assistive communication devices and gait trainers are expensive, costing thousands of dollars.

As an example, below are just some of the items many children (and adults) with cerebral palsy may require. The costs are approximate, in Australian dollars. This guide is by no means exhaustive. Ongoing therapy, diet/feeding support, medications etc all increase the burden of cost for families.

$75 = one private Physiotherapy, OR Hydrotherapy OR Speech therapy session
$90 = one 'button switch' to enable adapted use of an electronic item
$200 = a modification to a manual wheelchair to accommodate a tray table
$400 = one pair of orthotic boots
$2,000 = one corner chair
$4,000 = one toilet/shower commode
$5,000 = one standing frame OR walker
$5,500 = one high-low posture support chair
$6,500 = one manual wheelchair
$12,000 = one power-wheelchair
$15,000 = one voice output communication device
$25,000 = one 'eye control' communication device/computer interface
$30,000 = one 'sit-to-stand' power-wheelchair
$35,000 = modifications to the family van to make it power-wheelchair accessible
$50,000+ = modifications to the family home to make it accessible