This month we want to catch you up on everything that you might have missed at this year's Source Kids Disability Expo. Natalie unpacks all the best bits below.
Last month myself and a few others from the CPSN Team attended The Source Kids Disability Expo. This event is always an awesome opportunity for disability providers and innovative product makers to come together with families and caregivers and discover the latest innovations in disability.
Our own highlight was seeing lots of kids enjoying our Sensory Play Zone. The kids loved getting stuck into the kinetic sand, and one lucky new member won a giveaway sensory pack worth over $400.00. Truthfully, I’m a little jealous.
But events like this offer more than just disability-friendly items, they are also a rare opportunity for parents, caregivers and their children to connect with likeminded people who go through similar experiences.
If you have never attended an expo like this on before, you should always keep an eye out on our monthly events page. We love keeping our readers posted on all the best disability-events.
Over the many years that I’ve worked at CPSN, I’ve had lots of conversations with parents who are overwhelmed or isolated by their experiences, and it’s a shame because as mentioned, events like these are great for not only getting help with NDIS stuff services but meeting new people.
Here’s just a few of the things I uncovered at this year’s Source Kids Disability Expo:
Fun for your Kids
The Expo was held during the school holidays – hardly a coincidence since we saw lots of parents there. Trying to find ways to keep your kids busy and distracted during the holidays is hard work, so bringing them to an event where there’s face painting, a sensory zone, and a lineup of performers is handy.
Respite
So, a lot of people out there utilising their NDIS Plans might already be aware that you can organise respite for your family such as Short-Term Accommodation (STA).
Wondering around and checking on the 150 plus stalls on display, I discovered some amazing services that I wasn’t even aware of, like respite spa retreats for carers. One example was Rest & Restore, a wellness retreat that’s idyllically situated just outside Warburton, and they offer a variety of packages that cater to the public as well as people who have suitable* NDIS funding. Their packages include treatments such as:
Morning
Restorative waking up rituals (e.g. breath work, bush walk, stretching)
Breakfast
Yoga & meditation
Morning tea and Forest Bathing
Delicious & Nourishing Lunch
Afternoon
Private treatments
And more.
This kind of respite service is ideal for parents and carers seeking respite, with appropriate NDIS Funding. If you’re unsure as to whether you’re eligible, it’s worth having a chat with your provider or support coordinator to find out more about eligibility criteria.
NDIS Supports Whether you’re new to the NDIS or just curious to see if you’re getting the most out of your existing plan, events like these are great for uncovering new services. Every year, there’s a wild array of consumables, equipment, and NDIS specialists waiting. For us, as a team – it was great to interact with people who hadn’t heard of our Your Choices Service, Tele-Health Nurse, Support Coordination or Member Services options.
If you need assistance finding a specialist such as Occupational Therapy, Exercise Physiology, or products like wheelchair equipment, continence products or anything else – then you might find it here.
Products
It was hard not to walk away with an entire stall worth of toys. Expos like this are jampacked with kid-friendly educational toys that are designed to enhance the senses and help develop things like dexterity and emotional processing.
I walked away with a few gifts for my niece and nephews, including some theraputty and a Big Emotions Pineapple.
The theraputty is recommended by occupational therapists, it allows users to increase range of motion and strength, as well as decrease stiffness. Not to mention it’s a lot of fun and very relaxing. You can check out some theraputty products here.
I also purchased a Big Emotions Pineapple for my niece and she loves it. This toy helps kids to talk about, and identify emotions …. and yes, you can claim these items under your Consumables funding.
Feeling like you missed out?
If all of this is making you feel you missed out some great deals, don’t forget that we’re still offering our 20% off discount with www.sensoryspace.com.au - simply pick from their amazing selection of products, toys and, disability-friendly equipment and type in ‘CPSN’ in the discount code to save 20% on all purchases.
If you want to learn more about all the NDIS servi
ces that you’re entitled to, give us a call on 03 9478 1001 or visit www.cpsn.org.au
The Takeaway
Events like disability expos allow an opportunity for you to not only get the latest update on disability services and products that will make your life easier, but they’re also a lot of fun and allow you to connect with new people.
Make sure you keep an eye on the Events Section of What’s the Buzz, so you can check out events like this one in the future.
We can’t wait to see you there.
Commenti