If I was born in a different country, accessing therapists and specialised equipment might be a lot more difficult.
We save and budget carefully, so we can afford equipment and therapies.
We have been so lucky with fundraisers (which I will talk about later) which have helped us buy equipment. We have applied to several organisations in order to get other pieces of my equipment.
It can be heartbreaking to know how important to my development different pieces of equipment would be... but knowing they are too expensive to buy. We've felt that and its that feeling that keeps up looking for different options.
I have some excellent equipment. Some pieces are getting a little small, and we will need to think about replacing them as I grow.
This birthday countdown post is going to revisit some of the equipment I have.
My theratogs help my muscles to 'switch on'. It's weird, but this suit makes me feel stronger. It helps me sit and stand straighter and for longer. This was given to me and cost about $500. Thanks Karen! Using the theratogs, my sitting was so much better!
My standing frame is used for a couple of hours, each day. Standing is so important for me. It's important for digestion, developing bone density, posture, self-esteem and for social inclusion. This is my second standing frame and should last me for a few more years. We used our Sunsuper $5000 grant and got help from the Kiama Lions Club to buy this. It was about $7000.
My walker is getting too small now and we are looking at replacing it. The new one will cost about $5000. We're looking for different funding options. The walker is important. Some days, I do really well. Some days, I don't take a single step.
Read about the One Fitness 24/7 Beach Wheelchair here.
I'm lucky. I have access to some incredible therapies. I have some excellent therapists. I have support groups and organisations that assist people with disabilities. Sometimes the wait times are very long, but if I lived in another country, I might not have access to the things I need.
Having cerebral palsy is expensive. Having special needs is expensive.
One day, we would like to set up an equipment bank... where we could store equipment and loan it out to other families who need it. Once their child got too small, they could send it back and someone else could use it.
One day.