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“At EquipT To Thrive, our main objective is to EMPOWER people with the ‘biomechanical tools’ and equipment to live a more independent quality of life.”
“At EquipT To Thrive, our main objective is to EMPOWER people with the ‘biomechanical tools’ and equipment to live a more independent quality of life.”
Brain injuries are an (or series of) events that cause trauma to the brain.
🧠 Brain injuries affect typical brain function can affect how a person thinks, moves, feels, behaves and interacts with the people and the world around them.
Brain injuries are usually defined as one of two types:
🤕Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) - are usually caused by an external mechanical/ physical force that physically impacts the anatomy within the brain
🚑 Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI) - are caused by internal medical issues such as a stroke, lack of oxygen, aneurysm, brain infection, tumour, poisoning and anything that can affect the way the brain functions.
The event that causes the TBI or ABI is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention to attempt reducing the magnitude in which the brain may become impacted. ...
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Our team are an outstanding bunch of humans! They have taken time out of their busy lives to volunteer their time to refresh our clinic.
It is a work in progress, but we hope to share some exciting photos soon. ...
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🔊Just a reminder that today at 1:30pm AEST there will be a critical alert sent to all compatible mobile devices for those in Australia.
📲 This may include phones, tablets and smart watches that have connectivity.
🎧 Your device will vibrate and play a siren like warning for about 10 seconds. An AusAlert message will appear on device screens.
🦻 For those with hearing aids, please be mindful that this may cause significant noise so if it is safe to remove then at this time, this is advised.
❌ For those who do not wish to experience the sensations or potential triggers of this alarm, you can place your device on airplane mode or turn off the device and leave it off for at least 1 hour.
For more information on this test, please visit www.ausalert.gov.au/alerts-explained/national-test ...
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www.ausalert.gov.au
AusAlert national test: a Critical Alert will be sent to compatible devices at around 2 pm AEST today, Monday 27 July 20260 CommentsComment on Facebook
A big acknowledgement to Kiaana and the advocacy and recognition that her story brings to spreading information and awareness about Batten's Disease.
Also known as 'childhood dementia', this genetic condition poses many challenges for individuals and families and spreading awareness and fostering connection go a long way to supporting others that live with Battens Disease and those who are not aware of what it is.
Kiaana has such an infectious personality that brings goosebumps to those around her; with her gorgeous smiles, her dancing skills and singing with those she loves. Kiaana continues to smash many expected trends with the progression of her condition and those moments where she is able to enjoy living life her way, is priceless.
#ForgetMeKnot
#BDSRAAAustraliaToday is International Batten Disease Awareness Day.
This is Kiaana.
She is 31 years old. She loves music, beach drives, good coffee, laughter, adventures, and spending time with the people she loves.
She also lives with CLN3 Batten disease, a rare, terminal neurodegenerative condition that gradually steals vision, mobility, communication, memory, and independence.
When Kiaana was diagnosed, there were no treatments and very little hope.
Today, thanks to families, researchers, clinicians, advocates, and supporters around the world, progress is happening. Research is advancing. Clinical trials are underway. Hope is growing.
But there is still no cure.
This year we're supporting the Forget Me Knot campaign.
🧡 TIE a teal and orange knot.
🩵 SHARE a photo and help spread awareness.
🧡 DONATE if you're able to support research and advocacy.
Every conversation helps.
Every share reaches someone new.
Every donation helps move us closer to a future where no family has to hear the words, "There is nothing we can do."
For Kiaana.
For every family living with Batten disease.
For the future.
Batten Disease Support & Research Association Australia
Kiaana Brown
#ForgetMeKnot
#BDSRAAustralia
#BattenDisease
#InternationalBattenDiseaseAwarenessDay
#FightCLN3
#ChildhoodDementia ...
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Our knowledgeable team members Lisa and Dave had an interesting week supporting some of Australia’s most skilled ophthalmologists at the GenEYE conference with their physiotherapy skills. ...
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At our latest staff meeting we took some time to learn about how we can protect ourselves from compassion fatigue and some strategies to prioritise wellness and self compassion.
Part of this time we wanted to get in some belly laughs and team dynamics so we had to build the tallest tower with two blindfolded workers, lead by one leader.
Some real unique designs! ...
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Neurodiversity is not linear, neurodiversity presents uniquely to every individual.
Break the stigma ❤️ embrace every individual ...
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Autism, we see this neuro developmental condition as a super power!
The world as an autistic person can seem very rigid, it may feel very overwhelming and may feel isolating when the person doesn’t “fit in”.
The world is largely architectured by neurotypical individuals and sometimes it can take a bit of innovation to pave your own way.
People who have autism may see the world in diverse ways and have some amazing ways of communicating the world around them that might be rainbow 🌈 into black and white ❤️
Let’s celebrate neurodiversity, and brains from all walks of life ❤️ ...
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Last week we explained how an individual may acquire a brain injury (ABI).
Following on from that post, we would like to share a journey through the lens of an Occupational Therapist that may support an individual with an ABI.
An Occupational Therapist may help to explore the scope of an individuals’;
🤔 cognitive capacity
🛒 functional daily living skills
🏠environmental needs
👷♂️ capacity to work
🤗 sensory mapping
🧑🦽➡️physical capacity for functional tasks
❤️ emotional regulation / communication
…. And many more facets
It is rare than an Occupational Therapist works in isolation, often they may work in collaboration with physiotherapists, speech therapists and other allied health professionals to thorough assess an individual’s functional capacity and articulate strategies to rein back in functional independence 😊 ...
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Following on from our post earlier in the week, we would like to share some insight into ‘Acquired Brain Injury’. (ABI).
🧠 what is an ABI? An acquired brain injury is exactly that, acquired. This means that an event has occurred that has caused the brain to become injured.
🧐 how does one acquire a brain injury? There are many ways the brain can become injured, medical events such as as strokes or heart attacks where the brain is starved of oxygen, birth trauma, physical trauma(car accidents / falls), infection, tumours/ surgical complications…. Just to name a few.
…. In fact Alzheimers Disease is the most prevalent avenue of injuring one’s brain.
🤕 what about rehabilitation? Rehabilitation for some types of ABI is possible. It depends on the cause (acute event or ongoing trauma), the impact/severity, the location and a number of factors that are unique to the individual.
👉🏼 rehabilitation is aimed at restoring function. And this may not necessarily be ‘pre-injury function’, it may be creating unique ways to achieve the same outcome within a different functional capacity.
In our next post, we will explore more in depth about establishing one’s functional capacity and provide insight into how this journey can look for individuals with an ABI ...
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The month of March is a time that we nationally recognise and spread awareness on brain injury.
💡Did you know that 1 in every 45 people in Australia have an acquired brain injury?
🧠 Of those, 3/4 of individuals have an onset of injury before the age of 65 years
🧠and furthermore, 2/3 of individuals acquire their injury before the age of 25.
Over the next couple of weeks, we will be sharing some useful information about brain injury. Both from the individual living with it, family/ colleagues; but also an insight into understanding more depth about what it is like to live with a brain injury. ...
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What a practical initiative!Feeling anxious about flying? Virgin Australia and Adelaide Airport have launched the ‘Try Before You Fly’ program to make air travel more inclusive and accessible ✈️ This free program offers a practical, hands-on way to experience the airport journey before taking a real trip.
It's open to anyone who finds air travel overwhelming, including autistic and neurodivergent travellers, people with sensory issues, or those who feel anxious about flying.
Find out more via the link in the first comment 🔗 ...
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Many laughs and lots of great content! Watch this space for some exciting updates from our sister brand ❤️ ...
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Sending out our well wishes from our families to yours.
Whether it be making wholesome memories with loved ones, whether it be prioritising some quiet time to yourself; or whether it be just surviving the holidays. ❤️ ...
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As we approach that time of year when many businesses close down for the holiday season, as a healthcare provider, we choose to remain open as the needs people we support don’t just pause during this time.
Our team of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists will be available to provide support throughout the holiday season.
As usual, you can access our services via our website enquiry form or by calling 1300 661 670 where you will promptly be met with our Principal OT Sharmaine 😊 ...
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We would love to share with you that we have some availability for Physiotherapy services with a couple of our Senior Physiotherapists 👏
Whether it be for in home services such as equipment or manual handling assessments, hydrotherapy or therapy, OR whether it be visiting our clinic to try out SA’s only gait training hoist; our limited capacity usually books up fast.
Feel welcome to reach out to our amazing Senior Clinical team via our website or on 1300 661 670 ...
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Each year our team gets together to celebrate and express gratitude for each other.
As a clinical director, I have to say, that each and every individual in our team are so uniquely amazing. I feel so privileged to work alongside colleagues that not only lift each other up, but put their heart into those they support.
A big thankyou to each and every one of you 😊❤️ ...
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There has been a welcome update to the eligibility of those who can access the Disability Parking Scheme in South Australia to include better and more equitable access to people living with disability.
www.facebook.com/share/p/17WyeH9scB/From today, the disability parking permit scheme in South Australia has expanded to include a broader range of disabilities and conditions.
This is intended to modernise the scheme and better meet the needs of people with disabilities including those who are legally blind and those with a significant cognitive, behavioural or neurological impairment such as autism.
For more information, visit dit.sa.gov.au/licensing-registration/disability-parking-permits or call 1300 366 424 for free information and advice today. ...
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Lovely to see this local initiative!
ahttps://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KZt3oAFtj/?mibextid=wwXIfrtatitNew Sensory Immersion Rooms have opened at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH) and Glenside Health Service.
These calming spaces use technology and peaceful environments to help manage difficult feelings and make everyday activities easier during tough times.
The first room opened at Glenside earlier this year, with another now available at TQEH's Mental Health Rehabilitation Service.
These comfortable spaces let people choose what works best for them to manage stress and anxiety. They give patients control over their own wellbeing and help them find personal coping tools. ...
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Today we recognise World Mental Health Day 💚 — a chance to pause, reflect, and to remind ourselves that your wellbeing should be essential in everything you do.
Let’s continue to be present, create spaces where people feel safe to speak up, seek support, and take care of their mental health.
Together, we can make a difference. 💚 Not just today, but every day.
For ourselves as clinicians, we chose to flourish in a career that gives us a sense of purpose, that feeling of making a meaningful difference; to give another person back their purpose, their independence and their life ❤️ However, often we are lead unknowingly into ‘compassion fatigue.
NEVER underestimate the difference you make 🌻
But…. Remember to fill up your own cup first.
#WorldMentalHealthDay #wellbeingatworknstcer ...
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It’s to see some initiatives like this one 👇
It would be lovely to see some more of these initiatives in our community to provide accessible venues with wide doors, ceiling hoists, height adjustible change tables and consideration for light switches and door openers at an accessible height.
www.facebook.com/share/16gq5iniHS/?mibextid=wwXIfr ie this er de e rnd heA former Adelaide Metro bus is being transformed into a mobile sensory space to create an inclusive environment at some of the state’s major events – and a competition is currently underway for artwork to feature on it. ...
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We would like to like to acknowledge that today is a recognised day whereby awareness of Autism is encouraged.
Our allied health team go well beyond raising awareness, we are a neurodiverse team that have created a neuroinclusive culture and provide a service that is neuro affirming ❤️
The term “autistic” or “autism” has changed greatly over time from being categorised as many types such as “Aspergers”, to being recognised as a neurodiverse way that the brain can present across the human spectrum.
Embrace this super power that is autism
➡️ focus on that hobby
➡️ embrace the way the brain regulates emotion- we all do it!
➡️ seek alternate ways to understand. We all struggle with life when it is presented in rainbow 🌈
And embrace the many traits that express neurodiversity:
❤️ communicate in many ways shapes and forms
❤️ normalise down time
❤️ harness that fixation
❤️ normalise that many of us struggle to understand and express emotion
Let’s create a neuroaffirming, neuroinclusive community ❤️🫶 ...
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You may have seen some people in the community with a lanyard with a sunflower representing Hidden Disabilities.
Although every day individuals should normalise neurodiversity, this week is dedicated to raising awareness behind its meaning.
Disabilities have such a wide range of presentations, often when the public see an accessible park, or hear the word “disability”, what comes to mind is an individual in a wheelchair with an “obvious” disability.
Let’s normalise neurodiversity. For many of us it’s a super power 🦸♀️ ...
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Support Needs Assessments - what do we know as an industry?
"Support Needs Assessments" have been talked about by the NDIA and appear to suggest that they may replace the current Functional capacity Assessments that detail a person's function and link recommendations for plan considerations.
What do we know? - not much! We know that it will be rolled out over 5 years commencing September 2025, but there is no detail into who will conduct these assessments, their scope or the speed at which they will be rolled out.
We do however, have some information after a tender to allied health professionals was shared recently:
"An approach to market that invites organisations to tender to develop a support need assessment tool for adults (16 and over). The NDIA has explicitly stated that the tool that will be developed must primarily assess disability support needs rather than function, impairment or quality of life.
A request for information about off-the-shelf needs assessments tools which assess targeted disability support needs in relation to:
➡Assistive technology
➡Vehicle modifications
➡Home modifications
➡Disability-related health supports
➡High level attendant support"
What are your thoughts on what is known so far? ...
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Wheelchair scripting - Insight into the process of creating a supporting and comfortable seating solution!
It is important when reaching out for support to script or modify a wheelchair, that there is a suitably qualified individual who is able to assess your postural and functional needs and identify how wheelchair accessories and their placement can offset the risk of their current seating circumstances.
➡At the initial assessment, the Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist will listen to your goals, your history and any challenges that you may have with current seating.
➡They will then liaise with you about having a MAT assessment done (a postural assessment of your body in a seated position)
➡ Wheelchairs and their accessories can then be scripted and trialled for their effectiveness in maximising function and maintaining comfort.
Often when a wheelchair is scripted or revised, an Assistive Technology report needs to be completed, in order for the NDIA to assess the need as 'reasonable and necessary', so that finds can be made available in your Capital Supports budget to fund the purchase.
For more information, you can reach out to us on 1300 661 670 or place an enquiry through our website www.equipttothrive.com.au ...
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Therapy Assistants - do you know much about them?
Therapy assistants are qualified allied health assistants, that work independently under the direct instruction of a Physiotherapist of Occupational Therapist. Their role is to follow a therapy program that is handed over to them by the client's therapist.
Often therapy assistants can be a cost effective way of receiving regular therapy for clients whose needs may change slower over time.
What types of therapy might a therapy assistant do?
- In home or clinic based exercise programs
- In home or in clinic skills development programs
- Hydrotherapy
As a neuroaffirming AND neurodiverse practice, our team understands and can relate to lived experience when engaging with individuals who may identify as neurodiverse - which is often important when choosing an individual to lead a therapy program.
Similarly, our therapy assistants go through robust manual handling training from our physiotherapy team around manutention techniques - so even people with the most complex of physical needs can feel safe knowing that their needs are in qualified hands.
If you would like to know more about therapy assistance services in our practice, please reach out on 1300 661 670 or through the enquiry page on our website
www.equipttothrive.com.au ...
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Hydrotherapy is a great type of therapy to assist your body to move, reduce adverse effects of your disability or your physical condition and provide an avenue where you can reduce the effects of gravity and increase the effects of buoyancy!
Hydrotherapy occurs in a pool that is around 37 degrees. Pools have different types of access, so it is useful to understand whether the venue you select has the access requirements you need to safely access the pool and change rooms (hoists, pool chairs, adjustable change tables, shower hoses etc).
Hydrotherapy has many benefits, including but not limited to:
✅ reduction in gravity - your body doesn't have to work as hard to remain upright or to hold the weight of your limb/s
✅ buoyancy - it can actively help you to passively participate in moving your body, or provide a force to make your muscles work against
✅ increased blood flow to working muscles
✅ management of oedema
✅ increased relaxation of muscles for those struggling with high tone or the effects of gravity
..... and many more!
Our physiotherapy and therapy assistance team provide this service to over 16's at many pools in South Australia. You are welcome to reach out through our website at www.equipttothrive.com.au or by phone 1300 661 670 ...
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Thankyou Tim for helping us maintain our web page and feeding all of our educational content through the web page 😊Today the website for EquipT To Thrive turns 3! 🎂
Equipt To Thrive's main objective is to EMPOWER people with the ‘biomechanical tools’ and equipment to live a more independent quality of life. They provide a mobile-based service in the community and also offer a customised therapy space in Mawson Lakes.
We have enjoyed being just a small piece of their growth jouney and look forward to seeing their achievements in another 3 years!
Thank you for a great 3 years, Lisa! ...
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Not happy with the NDIA's decision when putting together your plan? - Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)
Unfortunately you are not alone 😞 More and more as clinicians we are hearing of adverse outcomes to plans being grossly underfunded.
Once a plan has been generated, sometimes there is a window of opportunity to contest and have it reviewed by an internal panel.
Other times, your letter might state that if you are unhappy with your decision, that you need to reach out to the ART.
Having been through this process ourselves, both as clinicians and some of us as nominees to participants, the process compared to the AAT seems to be a little easier to navigate - at least the application process. So what do you need to know?
➡ You have 28 days to lodge an application with the ART. (you can apply for an extension if you can prove why you could not respond within 28 days)
➡ You need to create a user account with the ART
➡ You select which government decision you'd like to be reviewed (select NDIS)
➡ You then select whether you are going to represent yourself or whether you are nominating someone else to fill out your application
➡ Clearly state why you feel the plan is underfunded and what support you wish to have considered for approval
➡ Upload your letter of outcome and any additional supporting information
Done! They will then contact you within 5 business days to inform you of the next steps. As this process is quite new, it is unclear on how quickly the turnover of this review process is. However there is a 1800 number that you can ring for urgent assistance.
Here is the link to the website for ART where you can apply.
www.art.gov.au ...
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