Support from the NDIS
The NDIS has responded to the extended coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in NSW and VIC by making temporary changes to their personal protective policies. To better support NDIS participants, those who rely on face-to-face supports and assistance with their daily living will be able to claim the cost of personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks. These changes apply where coronavirus (COVID-19) is active in your community, and the use of PPE is consistent with current health advice. This has been extended to providers to ensure the continued delivery of essential disability supports to NDIS participants.
More details here: https://www.ndis.gov.au/coronavirus
Support from LiveBig
LiveBig recognises the importance of continuing to support our clients through this challenging time. By providing virtual therapy we can ensure our clients receive their therapy and can continue to strive forward towards achieving their goals. We understand that sometimes available technology may not be suitable and therefore we can assist with loaning a mobile device while we assist our clients with application for funding to the NDIS. Call us to find out more.
LiveBig’s Speech Therapy Discipline Specialist, Cheryl, has been providing virtual therapy to her clients and according to Cheryl, teleconsulting has delivered some unexpected upsides.
“I can see my clients are often more relaxed”, she said. “Normally I visit them at home, which is great, but it comes with its challenges. Especially when we have to consider the house is a shared space for siblings.”
This can also reduce the pressure for parents knowing the therapist won’t be knocking at the front door and spending time in their private space.
Cheryl uses a range of visual tools and games in her speech pathology sessions and is finding that kids respond positively to the aids and props in her digital kit because they’re so vivid and compelling. Interactive PowerPoints have been a big hit too.
“I’m enjoying exploring new and different ways to engage my clients, but the therapy fundamentals remain the same. We’re managing and responding to our clients just like we always did – looking for body language that will tell us it’s time for a movement break or recognising when we’ve worn them out because response time has really slowed down.”
For Cheryl, it also means less time on the road and more time with clients, doing what she loves.
Here are some online resources that Cheryl has been using with clients:
