CATS in Cobar helping local children with a disability
Wednesday November 4, 2009
Staff from the Northcott Computer Assistive Technology Services in Sydney were in Cobar last week to work with local
families with disabled children.
There were CATS in Cobar this week as children with a disability trialled computer assistive technology from a Sydney based team of therapists.
Northcott Computer Assistive Technology Services (CATS) flew from their Sydney base to Dubbo and made the 300km trek to Cobar by road.
Minister for Disability Services Paul Lynch said the team offered its expertise in Speech and Occupational Therapy to Cobar children with a disability.
The clinic was also attended by Ageing Disability and Home Care (ADHC) Speech Therapist Kylie McQuillan, who covers the Cobar area.
Six children with a disability attended the ADHC funded clinic at the local Government Offices.
“It is pleasing to be able to facilitate the assessments, which cost up to $800 each, for these families,” Mr Lynch said.
“The kids will benefit from trialling the range of technologies that are available.”
The children trialled laptops, Ipods and speaking devices, specialised software, alternate keyboards as well as low tech options such as communication books and community request cards.
Kirsty Berthelsen, whose daughter Jacqueline attended the clinic, said she was very pleased with the professionalism and commitment of the multi-disciplinary team.
“We are so lucky to have access to up-to-date equipment and programs specially tailored for people with a disability,” Mrs Berthelsen said.
Next story | News home
.jpg)