TAD Journal Vol 33 No 1 2013

Special Kid’s StuffIssue

TAdJOURNAL

Official journal of TAD Disability Services (TADNSW)funded by a grant from Ageing, Disability and Home Care, Department of Family and Community Services NSW

Print Post Approved: PP244 099/00021 ISSN 0725.2919

Vol 33 No 1 2013

Samuel’s First Ride

I always knew when I retired I wanted to volunteer and continue to use my hands and my mind to challenge myself. Each project I have done at TAD, I have found there was always something I hadn’t done before, like steel welding - and I learnt a new skill.

Alan Stone, retired rag trader, TAD Volunteer for four years

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TAd JOURNAL VOL. 33 NO. 1 3

Contents4 Australia Day Honour for TAD President

5 New Partnership Gets Rolling

6 A New Handlebar for Elise

7 Custom Made Bath Bench

8 TAD’s Access Platform and Rail

9 Special Feature: Special Kid’s Stuff

13 Computers for the Community

14 Payton’s Freedom Wheels

16 Volunteer Profile

18 A Special Presentation

19 Jaxon Goes For a Swing

DISCLAIMER

The information contained in this journal is of a general nature and is

to be used as a guide. TADNSW does not warrant or guarantee the

accuracy of the technical information in this journal, and disclaims

any liability howsoever caused by reason of any application or

misapplication of the data or information contained or arising from

articles in this journal.

TADNSW advises that any person wishing to use or apply any data or

information contained in this journal should contact TADNSW for

assistance or otherwise seek further professional help.

REPRODUCTION OF TAD DISAbILITy SERvICES’ MATERIAL

Articles published in the TADJournal may be reproduced with credit to

TADNSW, as long as permission is obtained. Reproduced articles may

not be edited unless the edited version is approved by TADNSW prior

to publication.

TAD Disability ServicesUnit 10, 185 Briens Road, Northmead NSW 2152 Locked Bag 2008, Wentworthville NSW 2145 Tel: (02) 9912 3400 Email: [email protected]: www.tadnsw.org.aufacebook.com/tadnswdisabilityservicestwitter.com/tadnswyoutube.com/tadnswABN: 82 002 042 462

In 1975 a small group of engineers led by George Winston AM decided to use their skills to profoundly change the lives of people with disabilities. Today, TAD Disability Services has 245 volunteers who design and custom build over 1,000 diverse items every year. We also have 15 groups throughout NSW run by local volunteers. TAD Disability Services is the only charity in NSW which designs and builds personalised custom equipment to enable people with disabilities to lead more independent lives.

TA d J o u r n a l

Who’s TAD?

TAd JOURNAL VOL. 33 NO. 14

Australia Day Honour for TAD President

Bill Phippen, TAD’s president of 15 years, was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in the 2013 Australia Day honours. The medal was awarded to Bill for his service to people with disabilities and service to the community.

Bill has dedicated over 35 years of his life to volunteering at TAD. He is a qualified engineer and a former builder and has personally designed and built hundreds of items for people with disabilities.

TAD CEO Alan McGregor said, “For over 35 years Bill has led and inspired TAD volunteers through his determination to make the world a fairer and more accessible place for people with disabilities. This is a truly well-deserved honour.”

Bill’s first project at TAD was building a wheelchair accessible desk for a woman who had polio. One of his most common and favourite client projects at TAD is designing and building cots to enable mothers with disabilities to care for their babies.

As well as building projects for clients, Bill had a hands-on role in fitting out TAD’s office and workshop space in Northmead.

Bill is keen to accept the medal on behalf of the hundreds of TAD volunteers who give their time and skills to benefiting people with a disability.

“The OAM for service to people with disabilities is overwhelming to me. I am thrilled that this award has come for routine work; meetings, drilling, cutting,

sawing and painting to produce devices to benefit our friends with disabilities,” said Bill.

Bill joins ten other TAD people who have received the awards including TAD founder George Winston AM.

Bill added, “There is no group award in the Order of Australia, only the affirmation of the good service of a group by the repeated awards in the Order of Australia to its prominent servants and members.”

Congratulations messages have been pouring in for Bill who will be presented with his medal later in the year by our Patron, Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC, CVO.

I am thrilled that this award has come for routine work; meetings, drilling, cutting, sawing and painting to produce devices to benef it our friends with disabilities.

TAD President Bill Phippen OAM.

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With so much good news, where do I start? Each story in this edition is about children achieving their goals with a little help from TAD. Over 56% of TAD’s clients are children under the age of 12 with a further 14% aged 13-19 years. To our clients, access to personalised equipment opens up new horizons and reduces restrictions incurred through disability.

Sometimes the impact seems small to an observer, but may mean a great deal to the child themselves, perhaps helping with daily tasks or simply improving physical comfort. We seek always to provide innovative and personalised services, supplying devices that are affordable and fit for their intended purpose.

Our recent partnership with Bicycle NSW came about because of the sheer tenacity and resilience of a five year old. Curtis Crichton, despite his disabilities, rode his Freedom Wheels bike 15km across the Sydney Harbour Bridge at the Spring Cycle last year.

The applause and gestures of goodwill from the many families at Pyrmont was a well deserved reward for a brave little boy and his caring family. That TAD could help Curtis reach this milestone and share in his achievement is the icing on the cake.

It is the energy of the children, the caring of the families, the inventiveness of volunteers and the dedication of staff, that is TAD’s powerhouse.

What often astounds me is the child’s acceptance of their disability but, more so, their determination to tackle the impossible. That TAD can be a part of making the impossible happen for these children, is a great privilege and a tremendous reward for all of us.

TAD has formed an exciting new partnership with Bicycle NSW. The partnership aims to create a better environment for cycling by raising awareness of the positive impact cycling has for children with disabilities and the broader community.

TAD will be an official charity partner for the Spring Cycle 2013 and other Bicycle NSW events. Participants in these events will be given the opportunity to make their ride count by raising funds to provide children with disabilities with special Freedom Wheels bikes.

Last year in the Spring Cycle, five year old Curtis Crichton cycled the full 15km city ride on his Freedom Wheels bike with his mum, dad, family friends and paralympic cyclist Jayme Richardson, to raise money for Freedom Wheels bikes.

Bicycle NSW is a member-based association with a substantial history of representing bicycle users in New South Wales.

Their mission is “Creating a better environment for cycling”.

Bicycle NSW aims to achieve a better environment for current riders, and for those who may be encouraged to ride a bicycle in the future. Bicycle NSW seeks to stimulate the cultural and behavioural change necessary to mainstream bicycle use, while also advocating for improvements to be made to the built environment that improve the viability of the bicycle as a serious transport option.

TAD CEO Alan McGregor said, “Both TAD and Bicycle NSW have a shared vision to give people, regardless of their level of ability, the chance to ride a bike and raise the profile of cycling as a fun activity. By taking part in these events, the public can raise funds to provide bicycles to enable children with disabilities to experience the joy of cycling.”

New Partnership Gets Rolling

From the CEO

Alan McGregor, Chief Executive OfficerTAD Disability Services

TAD CEO Alan McGregor (left) and Bicycle NSW CEO Alex Unwin with a Freedom Wheels bike.


SUMMARY

Client Profile: Limb difference

Description: Modified handlebar

Age Group: Child

Volunteer: Bill

Project Number: S012-0477

Custom Designed Equipment

A New Handlebar for Elise

Elise Dijkstra is three and a half years old. She loves being active and enjoys swimming, reading and especially riding her pink and blue bicycle.

Elise has a limb difference affecting her left arm which is shorter than her right arm. This was making riding her bike uncomfortable as she couldn’t quite reach the handlebar. Elise’s mum contacted TAD to see if anything could be done. TAD volunteer and former engineer Bill visited the family to assess the problem.

“I watched Elise ride her bike and saw that she would ride in two different ways. One way was to sit up straight and only use one hand to steer the bike. This gave her a lack of control over the bike. The second was to lean forward and to hold the handlebar which looked awkward and uncomfortable. Sitting at this angle she didn’t have enough strength to steer,” explains Bill.

Bill measured the bike and the distance between Elise’s hand and the handlebar. After trialling some ideas Bill fitted the bike with a handlebar extension. He made the extension from steel tubing and sized it to meet Elise’s hand at a comfortable distance. He welded this extension to the original handlebar and painted it white to match the rest of the handlebar frame, then neatly finished it with a bright blue grip to match the colour of the bike frame. The extension can be cut off when Elise outgrows the bike so it will return to its original state.

Bill visited with the bike and made sure Elise was comfortable and able to use the bike well.

For Elise’s mum Helen, it was great to see Elise riding not only by herself but with her older sister.

“The idea is simple but it works so well. Bill is very personable and worked really well with the kids. It’s a dream come true for us to see Elise riding so well.”

Elise Dijkstra riding her bike with new handlebar extension.

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It’s a dream come true for us to see Elise riding so well.

Custom handlebar extension.


Andie Poetschka is a 15 year old girl who loves singing, shopping and going to the movies. She has cerebral palsy and uses a walking frame for support when walking.

When her family moved into their new house last year, the bathroom did not have a walk-in shower. Instead the shower was within a large spa bath, making access difficult for Andie.

Being a teenager, it is important for Andie to have as much independence and privacy as possible when showering.

Her mum Rhonda contacted Andie’s therapist at the Cerebral Palsy Alliance in Tuggerah who referred her to TAD’s branch in the Central Coast. TAD volunteer Robert Star went to visit the family to assess the problem.

After measuring up the area, Robert set about designing and building a piece of equipment to solve this problem. The idea was to create a bench that would straddle both the inside and outside of the bath. This would allow Andie to sit on the bench and swing her legs up and over the side of the bath. From there, she could use the shower from a sitting position.

Robert built a stainless steel frame to the dimensions of the bath and bathroom. Then he added a waterproof seat made from ply. The surface of the seat is low friction to make transfers from each side of the bath easier.

When Robert visited the family to deliver the bench he trimmed the bench legs to size and added plastic chair tips to them to protect the floor of the bath from scrapes.

This has enabled Andie to use the shower by herself.

Andie’s Occupational Therapist, Jessica Latham from LifePoints, said, “I was impressed, as always, with the quality of the work by Robert and it’s great to be able to provide solutions when commercially available products can’t do the job.”

SUMMARY

Client Profile: Cerebral Palsy

Description: Bath bench

Age Group: Teenager

Volunteer: Robert Star

Project Number: 12/13-36

Custom Made Bath Bench

Andie Poetschka.

Custom made bath bench.

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I was impressed, as always, with the quality of the work by Robert and it’s great to be able to provide solutions when commercially available products can’t do the job.


What is an access platform and rail?It is a piece of equipment designed to help children who need assistance with stability and balance when they are getting on and off the toilet. The platform sits in front of the toilet and the child can use the rails on each side to support themself as they step up, turn around and while they sit to help them balance.

It doesn’t only have to be used in the bathroom. It can be used for stepping up to any high surface, for example a bench at school.

What size do they come in?It comes in two standard sizes; a small and a large. If the standard sizes don’t suit your child, or the environment where it will be placed, it can also be made in a customised size.

What are the different elements of the access platform and rail?In the standard size, there is a top rail and an intermediate rail which the child can hold onto as they climb the step. There is grip tape on the platform and rubber tips on the legs to reduce any chance of slipping.

Are there any modifications I can have made to it?Yes, there are several. Two popular options are making a cut out on the platform to fit it around your toilet to bring it closer, or we can put on an intermediate step if the child needs the platform to be high. This step can slide underneath the platform for storage. There are other more customised modifications we can do too.

Who builds the items?TAD volunteers from all across NSW build these items. Our volunteers are highly skilled and provide a high level of craftsmanship to every item.

When is the best time to order one?You can order access platforms and rails all year round. However, there is always a high demand around the new school year. If you know you need an access platform and rail please get your order in well in advance of a new school year.

How can I order one?Complete a Project Application Form together with the Access Platform and Rail Dimension Sheet (available in the TADaid book or online at www.tadnsw.org.au/tadaid) and send it to [email protected] or to TAD Disability Services, Locked Bag 2008, Wentworthville, NSW 2145. It’s important when asking for extra options to provide all the dimensions.

TAD Physiotherapist Brendan Worne with an access platform and rail.

Equipment in Focus

TAD’s Access Platform and Rail

It is a piece of equipment designed to help children who need assistance with stability and balance.

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Access platform and rail in bathroom.


Special Kid’s Stuff

Samuel’s First Ride

Get your FREE copy of TADaid

TADaid is a resource outlining the type and range of equipment that TAD’s Custom Designed Equipment service can provide for people with disabilities and seniors. To get your copy email your name and address to [email protected]

April 2013

For more information on any item in this feature call 02 9912 3400 or email [email protected]

TAD DISABILITY SERVICESPost: Locked Bag 2008, Wentworthville NSW 2145Office: Unit 10, 185 Briens Road, Northmead, NSW 2152T: 1300 663 243 F: (02) 9890 1911

SUMMARY

Client Profile: Hypomelanosis of ITO

Description: Rawson adjustable chair and table, modified bike

Age Group: Child

Volunteer: Tom Yelland

Project Number: S012-0442

Top: Uche, Samuel and Chicka with his bike.Under: Rawson adjustable chair and table.

Special Feature

Our third special feature focuses on customised items for children at home, at school and at playtime.

Access platform and rail in bathroom.

There are so many unsung heroes at TAD and, as a parent, it is a wonderful resource.”

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Samuel Ihemeje is an energetic, sociable six year old. He has a congenital dislocation of the left hip which causes stiffness in his hip and one leg is slightly shorter than the other.

Samuel first came to TAD when he needed an adjustable table and chair both for school and for home. TAD volunteers built him a Rawson Adjustable Chair and Table which enabled him to sit comfortably and upright and can be adjusted as he grows.

When Samuel and his mother were out shopping, a red Samurai Power Ranger bike caught Samuel’s eye. It was just his size however it needed a modification for him to be able to keep his left foot on the pedal.

“We wanted him to be able to ride to decrease the stiffness in his hip and knee. We had been to TAD before so I thought ‘that’s where I can go’ and called TAD’s Physiotherapist Brendan,” Lucy explains. “Brendan said bring the bike in and we will see what we can do.”

The bike was converted from a free wheel to a fixed wheel and foot cups were attached to the pedals so his feet would stay on the bike. After a push from mum, Samuel can move by himself…and he makes sure his brothers and sisters are watching!

“His personality makes it easy – you can laugh with him. So many people see the disability but they don’t see the fun we have together as a family. There are so many unsung heroes at TAD and, as a parent, it is a wonderful resource.”

Hip Protectors


Archer’s standing frame

Archer Geoffrey Kemmis is two years old and has Lissencephaly, a rare brain malformation. As a result Archer can’t stand or hold himself upright. This means he spends a lot of time sitting or lying down and the muscles in his legs don’t get the exercise they need. Archer’s Physiotherapist decided it was time to try a standing frame.

TAD has a range of standing frames that are easy to order simply by supplying the dimensions required. However sometimes children like Archer need extra elements to make the frame more precisely fit their needs.

Since Archer can’t hold his head upright, he needed a headrest to cradle his head while he stands in the frame.

Two volunteers took on the project. Retired army engineer John Salter built a standard Lazy Squirrel Standing Frame. This is primarily a wooden frame with a body and head support backing made of mesh fabric. It has height adjustable body strap, leg straps and a tray so the child has a surface to play or eat from. John carefully cut and prepared the wood and assembled the frame to suit Archer’s size.

Volunteer Alan Stone took up the second part of the task to create the headrest for Archer. Alan made two wedge shaped pieces with a curved finish on the edges out of closed cell foam, then finished with some expanding foam in the centre. The headrest was upholstered and Velcro added to attach it the frame.

For Archer’s mum Lisa, the frame has been very useful.

“As well as giving him the physiotherapy he needs and helping his hips develop better, it helps his digestive

SUMMARY

Client Profile: LissencephalyDescription: Lazy Squirrel Standing Frame with headrestAge Group: ChildVolunteers: John Salter and Alan StoneProject Number: S012-0196

Archer and Lisa Kemmis with his standing frame.

Hip protector.

system too. Having the headrest helps, the fact that it’s adjustable is fantastic as sometimes he prefers to rest his head on his hands and this gives him the flexibility to do that. He can last for about 30 minutes in the frame which is a real improvement.”

Playtime always leads to bumps and bruises. Often children who have conditions that may lead to a fall can benefit from a little extra support to ensure the risk of injury is minimised.

Hip protectors offer discrete padding on both sides of the child’s hips to cushion against any impact. Clients who may benefit from hip protectors include those with Perthes disease or osteopenia, or osteoporosis caused by Cerebral Palsy, which can lead to trips and falls during playtime.

The hip protectors are available in a choice of colours to suit different personalities.

11

Bethany’s Chair


SUMMARY

Client Profile: Dravet SyndromeDescription of Project: Modified dining chairAge Group: TeenagerVolunteers: Tom YellandProject Number: S011-0371

Bethany in her modified dining chair.

The slide and lock arrangement. Felt was used in the slide assembly. The tray can be locked in place.

I’m amazed by the craftsmanship, it’s just what we needed and we are very happy with it!

A family meal around the dinner table is something many people take for granted. However if someone in the family has a disability, it can often be difficult to fit the whole family around the table comfortably.

Bethany Palmer is 13 years old and has Dravet Syndrome. As a result she has an intellectual disability and epilepsy. Her seizures are severe and hard to control. When Bethany was younger she used to sit by the dinner table in a high chair. As she got older she grew out of the high chair and needed a new way to sit comfortably at the dinner table.

“We call her ‘our happy wanderer’ as she likes to walk about the house,” explains mum Christine. “But we needed a supportive chair to keep her at the dinner table while we eat dinner.”

Volunteer Tom Yelland and Physiotherapist Brendan Worne visited Bethany and initially decided to trial a modified TAD Michelle Tilt-in-Space Supportive Chair for her. However this wasn’t best suited to Bethany and she had trouble getting in and out of it. As a second trial, Tom took one of the family’s own dining chairs to modify.

Tom added two armrests to the chair to keep Bethany comfortable and safe in case she lost balance. He also added a tray from which Bethany can eat or play. The tray can be removed so that the chair can still be placed under the dining table.

“I stained up the armrests and the tray to make the colour match the rest of the chair,” explains Tom. “I was apprehensive about modifying the family’s dining chair in case I made a mistake, but Christine assured me they had spares! It all came together without a problem though.”

For Christine it was important to have a chair that fitted in with the family’s space and modifying one of their chairs was the perfect solution.

“Tom really had a real sense of who Bethany is and both he and Brendan really took the time to listen to what we wanted,” says Christine. “I’m amazed by the craftsmanship, it’s just what we needed and we are very happy with it!”

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More equipment and modifications for childrenAt TAD there is a broad range of solutions created and modified for children: Equipment for use at school, in the home and for playtime to support the child’s physical needs and personal development.

TAD’s therapists work with the child, the family or carer and the child’s therapist to ensure the solution will suit different environments.

How to apply for services from TAD

You can call us on 1300 663 243.Or ask your therapist to submit a Project Application Form from our website.

www.tadnsw.org.au

Sit-to-stand ladder with seat

This item allows children to practice standing up from a sitting position. It is most suitable for children aged between 12 months and six years. The sturdy ladder and adjustable seat can be fixed to a common base for stability if needed. The ladder width, height and rung diameter can be customised to user requirement. The height adjustable seat provides side and back support and the spacing between the seat and ladder can be set to suit the user.

Kangaroo Corner Chair and Table

For children requiring some support to sit for longer periods, the Kangaroo Corner Chair and Table can help. It offers winged back support for shoulder protraction and is low to the floor to allow the legs to lie straight. The chair includes a choice of cushion thickness and a pelvic belt with a choice of width. The table has lipped edges to help keep objects on it and the set is adjustable to grow with the child.

Matilda Bath Seat

Bath seats support children during bathing or water play, helping position the child safely in the bath and minimising risk of injury to carers. The frames of the bath seats are made from white PVC pressure pipe and fittings. The covers are made from white mesh fabric similar to that used on some outdoor furniture. The Matilda bath seat is suitable for children aged 18 months to eight years old and has some additional options available such as knee and pelvic supports.

Chailley Cart

This cart can be used by children who cannot walk but have good upper body strength. It is close to the ground and is easily manoeuvred and propelled. It is propelled by pushing directly on the side wheels which can be set forward or backward to suit the child. This cart can be made with a variety of seat styles, including a padded corner chair back, small plastic seat shell or bucket seat.


Computer Support Service

Computers for the Community

At TAD, the Computer Support Service (CSS) is always grateful for donations of computers and IT equipment. The team of volunteers refurbish the computers which are sold at an affordable rate to people with disabilities or on Centrelink benefits. Equipment not used by clients is sold online and the revenue is put back into running the service.

However some equipment can no longer be used or sold. This is known as ‘electronic waste’ or ‘e-waste’. E-waste is fast becoming a global issue which is increasing due to the volume of electronics used worldwide. The amount of computers and electronic equipment ending up in landfill is rising.

This is where Reverse e-waste comes in. Tony Domanski, Principal Consultant at Reverse e-waste, heard about TAD’s Computer Support Service and how it benefits the community and wanted to find out more. After visiting TAD he decided to help by offering the services of Reverse e-waste.

Now, thanks to Tony, none of the computers donated to TAD go to waste even if they cannot be used by a client or sold on eBay. This means that TAD never has to turn down a computer donation. It also means that TAD is spared the costs of dispensing with the equipment.

Reverse e-waste has the facilities to strip down computers that are beyond repair. Every part is recycled. Reverse e-waste also donates computers and equipment to TAD to use in refurbished systems for clients.

For the recipients of refurbished computers, the impact is significant. Not only do they have a quality, affordable system but also have two years technical support and warranty. This means if ever there is an issue, they can contact the TAD Computer Support Service and the staff will guide them through the steps to find a solution.

“It’s good to help out an organisation like TAD. The computer support volunteers and staff do great work and it’s nice to be able to support them in this way,” says Tony.

To donate your computer equipment to TAD call us on 1300 663 243 or email [email protected].

You can also find the TAD eBay store at: http://myworld.ebay.com.au/technicalaidnsw

To find out more about Reverse e-waste visit: www.reverseewaste.com.au

Tony Domanski with TAD Disability Services CSS Coordinator David Hughes.

It’s good to help out an organisation like TAD. The computer support volunteers and staff do great work and it’s nice to be able to support them in this way.

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The TAD Computer Support Service is a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher and provide affordable systems that are preinstalled with genuine Microsoft software. Ongoing technical support is

provided and a two year warranty.

To order call us now on 1300 663 243 or download an application form at www.tadnsw.org.au


Payton Craw is nine years old and lives in Orange with her family. She is a happy, easy-going little girl who is full of life. Payton has autism and a global developmental delay. She is also nonverbal.

Most afternoons her mum Renai takes her for a walk around the local neighbourhood as Payton loves being outdoors and active. Renai thought that these outings would be more fun for Payton if she could ride a bike.

“When she was younger Payton loved to ride her bike. Her balance and gross motor skills aren’t too bad,” says Renai. “As she got bigger, there were no bikes available to give her the extra support she needs.”

Payton’s Occupational Therapist told the family about a TAD Freedom Wheels clinic that was to be held in Bathurst and the family went along to try a bike.

At the clinic, TAD Occupational Therapist Jessica Canacott, assessed Payton’s needs and trialled her on a 24 inch bike.

“The outrigger wheels are so good,” says Renai. “The postural support and strap around her waist gives peace of mind. The foot cups are important too, although she understands the concept of pedalling, they really help to keep her feet in the right place.”

Payton trialled the bike with a towbar on the front to enable her mum or dad to pull the bike.

However, when she was a toddler, Payton’s bike had a handle on the back to enable her parents to push her. Payton was comfortable with this and her parents were keen to have a Freedom Wheels bike with this feature.

TAD volunteer and former power station engineer, Dick Smith from the TAD Central West branch, took on the job of making and fitting a one off, custom ‘rear steer modification’ to the bike. The rear steer modification allows the front wheel of the bike to be steered by a handlebar located at the back of the bike. This additional handlebar is positioned at the rider’s head height on the high-riser.

The rear steer works by turning the handlebars to the left or right, just as a regular handlebar works. Dick also fitted a steering limiter.

Payton’s Freedom Wheels

TAD client Payton Craw on her Freedom Wheels bike.

Freedom Wheels

SUMMARY

Client Profile: Autism and global developmental delayDescription of Project: Rear steer modificationAge Group: ChildVolunteer: Dick SmithProject Number: S012-0426

When she gets on the bike her face lights up. When she knows that we are helping with the steering she can relax and concentrate on other things. It’s fantastic.

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Renai and Payton Craw on her new bike.

This prevents the rider from over-steering and also prevents the person using the rear steer from over stretching the rider’s arm.

Control from the rear steer is transmitted through a series of levers and links between the rear steer and the front forks. These links are arranged so as not to impinge on Payton’s leg movements.

“It worked out well. It’s very strong and the rear handlebars are at a suitable height for the adult at the back,” explains Dick who has volunteered with TAD for 16 years.

“Dick is a lovely man. He was so professional and checked in with us on his progress,” says Renai. “When he was finished we picked it up from him and he showed us how to dismantle the bike to fit in the car and how to put it back together again!”

Payton’s riding is improving every day and her mum and dad take her for rides regularly.

“When she gets on the bike her face lights up. When she knows that we are helping with the steering she can relax and concentrate on other things. It’s fantastic.”

TAD Disability Services would like to thank The Ian Potter Foundation for their support of Freedom Wheels regional and rural assessment clinics.

This support means children like Payton, who live in Central West NSW, can access the TAD’s services.

The Ian Potter Foundation is one of Australia’s major philanthropic foundations. The Foundation makes grants nationally to support charitable organisations working to benefit the community across a wide range of sectors including the arts, environment, science, medical research, education and community wellbeing.

The Ian Potter Foundation aims to support and promote a healthy, vibrant and equitable community for the benefit of all Australians.

Thank you Ian Potter Foundation Independent Living

Centre NSW

Our Services Include:Assistive technology information, journal and website, display centre, access audits and advice and home modifications advice

We have information about all kinds of products, equipment and home design to

make everyday living easier.

Address:Level 4, Shop 4019, Westpoint Blacktown17 Patrick Street, BLACKTOWN, NSW 2148 Hours: Weekdays 9.00 am – 5.00 pmInfo-Line: 1300 885 886 Phone: 02 9912 5800 Fax: 02 8814 9656Email: [email protected]: www.ilcnsw.asn.au


I like learning from the other blokes and hearing about the projects they’ve worked on.

Volunteer Profile

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Tom Yelland is standing in the TAD Disability Services warehouse in Northmead, trying to cut a large piece of foam for a special supportive seat. He is also trying to answer questions about his work while other volunteers chip in with jokes over the sporadic sound of an electric saw. In the midst of it all, Tom is the image of calm.

“I like learning from the other blokes and hearing about the projects they’ve worked on,” says Tom. “It’s nice to work at my own pace at my workshop at home, but it’s also good to meet the other guys.”

Tom has volunteered at TAD for two years. Originally from Adelaide, Tom moved to Sydney when he was 15 and worked in an office. After a couple of years he realised he wanted to build things that were lasting so he went to the University of NSW and gained a degree in Civil Engineering.

“I originally worked for the RTA managing works on roads and bridges. One interesting project was the replacement of the old timber bridge at Darlington Point on the Murrumbidgee River with two new concrete bridges,” says Tom. “Towards the end of my career with the RTA, I managed the building, electrical and mechanical workshops at Granville.”

After the RTA, Tom worked for Marrickville and Bankstown Councils managing works on roads and footpaths.

“I found out about TAD years ago, but never had the time to follow it up. When I retired I wanted to put something back into the community. I just felt guilty sitting at home,” says Tom.

A strong woodworker, Tom has made many pieces of equipment for people with disabilities from unique one-off projects, to preparing kits to enable other volunteers to build standard supportive seats and standing frames. His favourite project was modifying a slide guitar for a client who had a stroke (featured in TAD Journal Vol 32 No 3 2012).

Tom has always put his woodwork skills to good use. He has built three boats; beginning with a canoe, then a half cabin cruiser and finally a Heron sailing boat. He won the Keepit Cool Regatta on Lake Keepit sailing in the Heron. He is also a keen guitarist and has built his own acoustic guitar.

Tom is married with two grown up daughters and five grandchildren who also benefit from his talents. In 1974 he built a dining room suite with six chairs which is still in use and more recently a table for his grandson to play with his toys.

“No one in my family has a disability and I really take my hat off to families who cope with disability,” says Tom. “For me, I love the mental challenge that the projects present and often it’s a simple thing that makes a huge difference to someone’s everyday life.”

From Roads and Bridges to Slide Guitars

Volunteers Tom Yelland and Bob Cook.

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For me, I love the mental challenge that the projects present and often it’s a simple thing that makes a huge difference to someone’s everyday life.

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Tom Y elland, retired Civil Engineer, TAD Volunteer for two years


On a sunny day in North Sydney, a charismatic five year old with a big personality had a very important appointment.

Logan Reberger has mini core myopathy which is a genetic disease and means the core of his muscle fibres are weakened. This means he has problems with his gross motor skills like walking, transferring and sitting. He uses a wheelchair or a walking frame to get around.

“We wanted Logan to have the same experience as every other child. He loves getting outdoors and taking the dogs out. We wanted him to have fun and get some exercise,” explains his mother, Donna.

The family then came to a TAD Freedom Wheels clinic with Occupational Therapist Jessica Canacott. Logan was excited from the moment he walked in the door until the moment he got his own specially modified bike.

“To see Logan ride for the first time was beautiful. It puts a huge smile on my face knowing that he can enjoy an activity that every child wants to do,” says Donna.

After the measurement had been taken and the parts assembled, the day had finally come to ride his very own Freedom Wheels bike.

An important part of a child’s development is learning the relationship between cause and effect. When a child has a physical impairment it can make interacting

with their environment more difficult and learning this lesson more of a challenge.

Switches For Fun Learning

Left: A switch on a toy made by Michael Barfoot.

The Hon. Joe Hockey MP Makes a Special Presentation

TAD CEO Alan McGregor, Bruce Reberger, Hon. Joe Hockey MP., Mikaela Reberger, James Reberger, Donna Reberger, Anne Reberger and Logan on his new bike.

The new bike was presented to Logan by the person who sponsored it – Shadow Treasurer and Member for North Sydney, The Hon. Joe Hockey MP.

Surrounded by his family and TAD CEO Alan McGregor, his mother describes, “It was great to meet Joe and fantastic to see how much he genuinely enjoys doing this for children.”

Logan continues to love his Freedom Wheels bike and rides it in his street with great excitement. His family can see he is getting stronger and is learning how much momentum he needs to push the bike forward.

To overcome these difficulties, a switch can be used to make the connection between the cause (pushing the button) and the effect (the toy singing and moving) easier and more motivating.

This skill can then be progressed to more complex tasks like decision making and environmental control and can be used during play, school time and every day activities.

TAD has modified both switches and the equipment they activate so they our clients can use toys, TV remote controls and motorised tricycles.


Jaxon Goes For a Swing

SUMMARY

Client Profile: Muscular DystrophyDescription of Project: Custom swingAge Group: ChildVolunteers: Bob Cook and Alan StoneProject Number: S013-0066

Jett with Jaxon on his custom swing.

Jaxon Taylor is a familiar face at TAD. Jaxon is seven years old and has Muscular Dystrophy (MD). He uses a motorised wheelchair to get around and has difficulty walking or standing.

Over the years, TAD has provided Jaxon with a bath seat, a standing frame, a modified walking frame and two Freedom Wheels bikes as he’s grown bigger.

This year, Jaxon wanted to be able to play on the swing set in the backyard. Due to his MD, he has difficulty maintaining his posture, making it a challenge to stay upright and balance. Jaxon’s mum, Lija, called TAD.

TAD’s volunteer, Bob Cook and Physiotherapist, Brendan Worne, visited the Taylors to do an assessment and see what solution would be suitable.

Brendan and Bob looked at Jaxon’s balance and postural control, as well as what could be designed to hold up his trunk, while being stable.

Bob measured Jaxon and came up with a design for the swing which would suit Jaxon and also fit the families’ swing set. The design incorporates a tilt in swing seat which allows gravity to support Jaxon’s upper body when he’s swinging. It also has a belt around his waist for safety, to stop him sliding off.

The swing was ready to be built. Bob bent some pieces of stainless steel tubing for the frame. Another TAD

As a family we can spend time out in the backyard together and it’s something he can do on his own.

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volunteer, Alan Stone, then welded the frame tubes together and sewed the seat cover and straps. Bob and Brendan then delivered the swing, installing it on the Taylor’s swing set. Bob tested it out for safety.

“It’s good because it’s adult proof!” Jaxon says. “I haven’t gone too high yet because I’m a bit of a worry wort. But the good thing about it is if I fall back, I don’t fall because of the back support. It’s a good idea.”

Lija says, “He’s so happy every afternoon, it makes him feel good. As a family we can spend time out in the backyard together and it’s something he can do on his own.”

When asked who could swing higher out of Jaxon and his brother, Jett, Jaxon says, “I can because my swing is bigger and has more power - his swing is only plastic but mine has metal.”

See ‘A Conversation with Jaxon Taylor’ on YouTube and Bob trying out the swing on the TAD Facebook page.


dIRECTORYPATRoNHer Excellency Professor Marie Bashir, AC CVO Governor of New South Wales

VICE PATRoNMark Bagshaw BA, Dip Int MarketingManaging Director, Innov8 Consulting Group

AddRESSUnit 10, 185 Briens Road Northmead NSW 2152Locked Bag 2008, Wentworthville NSW 2145

PHoNE ANd FAxPhone: (02) 9912 3400Freecall: 1300 663 243General fax: (02) 9890 1911CDE Service fax: (02) 9890 1912

oNLINEwww.tadnsw.org.au facebook.com/tadnswdisabilityservicestwitter.com/tadnswyoutube.com/tadnsw

TAdACT T: (02) 6287 4290; E: [email protected] www.technicalaidact.org.au

TAd QuEENSLANdT: (07) 3216 1733; E: [email protected] www.tadq.org.au

TECHNICAL AId To THE dISABLEd (SA)T: (08) 8261 2922; E: [email protected] www.tadsa.org.au

TECHNICAL AId To THE dISABLEd (TAS)T: (03) 6223 7794; E: [email protected]

TAdVICT: (03) 9853 8655; E: [email protected] www.tadvic.asn.au

TECHNoLogy ASSISTINg dISABILITy WAT: (08) 9379 7400; E: [email protected]; www.technicalaidwa.org.au

TAD DISAbILITy SERvICES (TADNSw) TAD AROUND AUSTRALIAEMAIL Administration: [email protected] Custom Designed Equipment Service: [email protected] Wheels Modified Bike service: [email protected] Winston Communication Service: [email protected] Computer Support Service: [email protected]: [email protected]

BRANCHES ANd INTEREST gRouPS (Phone 1300 663 243 for details of your nearest group)Albury/Wodonga, Central Coast, Central West, Coffs Harbour, Hunter, Illawarra, Manning/Great Lakes, Northern Rivers, Port Macquarie, Shoalhaven.

Documents

TAD Journal Vol 33 No 1 2013