Helping hand in work and play
by Emma Masters
Variety House is a unique home custom built for children with varying degrees of
physical and intellectual disability. Helping more than 50 families, it is a
place for children to play and stay, giving families much needed respite from
the ongoing demands of children with special needs. At any one time there are
five children in the home, who may stay for one day or a few days at a time.
Fouth year occupational therapy students Brad Williams (pictured) and Daniel Wakelin have been working there since January this year, helping out in a range of ways, from working with the children to developing activities and designing new play equipment.
“We knew the house needed more equipment and had a lot of ideas about what we wanted to do before we even started at the house,” says Wakelin.
“But we soon realised that some of our ideas wouldn’t work, and witnessed what our lecturers had been telling us all along – that community focussed occupational therapy was about consulting everyone involved.”
The students devised and conducted a survey for families and staff, and observed the children, to discover what activities they liked and what would be of most benefit to them. Williams and Wakelin then came up with a list of things for the house, including outside play equipment, a sound machine and light equipment for sensory stimulation and relaxation.
“Occupational therapy is about giving people the opportunity to do activities that occupy their day and get the most out of their life,” says Williams.
“There are both behavioural and physical side effects of boredom for people from all walks of life and the opportunity to make a difference in a real setting, while studying, is invaluable.”
Developmental Care Worker with MINDA Inc, Lee Carlson, says the play and developmental focus of the students has really helped ensure the right equipment and activities are organised for the children.
“The UniSA students have been really responsive to the kids’ needs, as well as their families,” Carlson said.
“Many have multiple disabilities, so their needs are far more specialised when it comes to giving them appropriate material and equipment to play with.”
$50,000 is now needed to provide the home with all the resources the kids
need.
Any donations for this worthwhile cause can be directed to MINDA Inc.