Key features of the Kids Plus therapy program

• Frequent, regular weekly sessions of 1.25 hours duration;
• Consistent/intensive nature of therapy i.e. provided in nine week blocks;
• Principles of the NDT –Bobath model i.e. a goal directed/function – focused approach;
• Encouragement and support of active family involvement including parents, siblings, grandparents and other carers;
• A focus on incremental goals and the re-assessment and review of those goals at the end of each therapy term;
• Specialist paediatric therapists  (Physiotherapy, Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy)
• Working in partnership with health professionals and disability service providers, referring agencies and pediatricians.

Duration

Each therapy program is a nine week block of goal orientated, intensive weekly individual therapy with a physiotherapist, occupational therapist or speech pathologist, depending on the difficulties, abilities, needs and goals of the child.
One program is offered at a time and there is no guarantee of subsequent or future programs. Places are allocated for each term dependent on the needs and outcomes, age and access to other therapy, for each child.

No Cost to Families

Each place is funded by generous donations from philanthropic organisations, community groups and individuals, and there is no cost to children and their families.

Goal Oriented Therapy

At the beginning of each Program, families and therapists work together to set measurable goals for the child.
These goals may be around improving coordination and mobility, eating and drinking, communication, and self care, in order to support child development, independence, education and family & social interaction.
Example:
Rolling to sitting; holding a spoon to eat; drinking from a cup; weight bearing on feet; walking independently for 2 meters; climbing steps; move from sit to stand; undress, learning to turn pages in a book or use a communication device.

Which Children?

Babies to teenagers (0 - 18 years old) residing in the Barwon region who have nuero physical disabilities ie problems with the typical postural control and movement necessary for the achievement of daily skills including communication, mobility, self-care, play and hand skills, as a result of a brain injury, stroke or cerebral palsy.
Priority for therapy places is for babies and younger children. Also children with multiple impairments - for example, a child that would need all three therapy disciplines.
Our occupational therapist and both our physiotherapists have had advanced training to work with pre-term babies who may be at risk of cerebral palsy
The program does not work with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Downs Syndrome and global development delay (primarily cognitive impairments), unless there is an associated physical disability involved.

Where?

Kids Plus Therapy Program is conducted at 163 Myers Street, Geelong in Victoria.

Case Management and Family Services Coordination

While our therapists and parent support and liaison officer are very experienced and offer families a wide range of family support, ideas and strategies as well as information on other services and resources, Kids Plus is not able to provide formal case management or family services coordination.
Kids Plus therapists work and confer with the child and family's other services providers and health professionals. See Disability Services for Children in Our Region.