Cerebral Palsy Foundation

We really like this educational approach!

Photos from PME Group's post

MEETING EVERYDAY NEEDS Some children with cerebral palsy and other physical impairments cannot sit up on their own. This can make even the simplest task of taking a bath somewhat challenging. Thankfully there is adaptive equipment such as bath chairs and shower chairs to enable those with physical challenges to bathe or shower. The new 'Seahorse' multi-purpose hygiene chair is now available. It has been re-designed for improved functionality and comfort and can be used under a shower, over a bath or as a toileting chair. http://www.pmegroup.com.au/seahorse-sanichair The most important factor when choosing which bath or shower chair to purchase is the size of the child and how much support that child needs. Trained PME Product Consultants can help with advice and even organise product trials so you can test before you buy. Of course, it is a good idea to first discuss your child’s needs with your physiotherapist or occupational therapist. (Note: Product trials are subject to availability)

Photos from PME Group's post

Hoggi 'Bingo Evo'! 'Bingo Evo' is the result of an ongoing development and improvements to the Bingo pushchair. Some of the features include 45 degrees of tilt and a continuous adjustable gas spring for height adjustment, which makes this a very easy system to use around the home or school environment. The tilt and height adjustment can be applied with your child sitting in the pushchair. For more information: http://www.pmegroup.com.au/bingo-evolution-pushchair Hoggi has also released the new Bingo Evo OT - a highly configurable model of the Bingo Evo Stroller.

Photos from PME Group's post

When is a stroller not a stroller? When parents or caregivers are confronted with the fact that their child will need a mobility aid for an extended period of time, they are also confronted with a myriad of choices, questions and concerns. Most of these questions evolve around one main question: “How can I make sure that the clinical and therapeutic needs of my child are met, while we can still go places easily?” 30 years ago paediatric mobility aids were hard to come by. Most were scaled down versions of adult wheelchairs that were very heavy, non-folding and looked remedial. To overcome the inconvenience and limitations of moving around with these products, parents started using commercial strollers to get around which did not provide the right kind of therapeutic support necessary for children with a disability. Modern therapeutic pushchairs have come a long way in the last few decades and nowadays combine the convenience, aesthetics, features and light weight of commercial strollers with the therapeutic seating & positioning components, individual adaptability, and durability of a medical wheelchair. Therapeutic pushchairs are built with resilience and usually provide years of growth adjustability without the need for additional features. There are also many options for customisation and user friendly adjustments to address the clinical needs of each child. http://www.pmegroup.com.au/supportive-pushchairs

DREAMA Positioning System

THE IMPORTANCE OF RESTING POSTURE Improved skeletal development and recuperative periods of rest are part of any 24 hour postural management program. The Jenx 'Dreama' 24 hour positioning system goes beyond conventional positioning aids by providing a specially designed pressure mattress and a variety of support pads that can be configured to accommodate the most complex needs. It helps provides contoured postural control and continuous positioning comfort throughout the day and night. It can be used as a preventative system or to reduce the risk of further postural deterioration, and is therefore appropriate for any age and is suited to conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida and scoliosis. http://www.pmegroup.com.au/dreama-positioning-system

Our Research Program | Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation

Cerebral palsy (CP) affects more than 17 million people around the world. There is no single cause of CP – which means there could be many ways to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure CP. Thankfully there are teams of researchers – around the world and Australia – dedicated to finding answers to this complex condition. Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation have a number of projects underway including research investigating interventions and best practice. Research on the rates of pain and disordered sleep in children with cerebral palsy is currently underway. People with CP frequently experience significant levels of pain and sleep problems, so it is hoped results of this research will provide guidance for the use of specialised equipment and intervention options that help alleviate pain while sleeping or resting. More information about research projects can be found at https://research.cerebralpalsy.org.au/our-work/our-researcher-program.

Murdoch Childrens Research Institute

RIFTON PACER Gait Trainer

Mobility is for everyone! Rifton’s range of Pacer Gait Trainers have been inspired by the therapeutic benefits of gait training and the need to keep children moving. Benefits include improved cognition, muscle development, skeletal growth and increased bone density. Social development and integration is also crucial. http://www.pmegroup.com.au/rifton-pacer-gait-trainer

Rifton | Early Mobility with an Emphasis on Gait Training

Interesting research about the importance of getting children moving at an early age - no matter what level of disability they may have. It also provides guidance for choosing assistive devices because it is never a case of one size fits all!

RIFTON 'WAVE' Bathing System

Bathing a child with a disability is challenging to say the least but have a look at the new Rifton WAVE Bathing System. It has some clever improvements to make bathing easier and eliminate hazards. Mounted on a specially designed transfer base, the WAVE chair can be rolled back and then rotated over the bath for showering. After use, it folds flat for storage on a wall. Genius! http://www.pmegroup.com.au/rifton-wave-bathing-system

Watching my son struggle, I suddenly knew what needed to change

Australian Network on Disability

Advertisers finally acknowledging the real world!