Access to SEEDS Program

Mudiwa and I only have each other. As beautiful as it is, our world is that small.


My beautiful 10 year old son, Mudiwa, has ASD - Autism Spectrum Disorder, and is also hearing impaired.


There is a program run by Villa Maria Catholic Homes called SEEDS: Special Education and Evolving Disability Services. The YouTube video above shows the great work it does.


As an energetic tween, Mudiwa is now at an age where he can be a part of ASD focused education programs to develop independent skills amongst his peers under the expert hands of trained carers and educators. Being enrolled in the SEEDS program would match his needs and expand his horizons. Mudiwa needs greater stimulation and engagement outside of his school and me.

 

It's funny how my son is non verbal, but sometimes manages to show me  - like any tween would - that he’s a bit bored of Mum all the time! Because I’m his only carer, outside of school I’m with him 24/7: bathing, toileting, meal prep, exercise, etc. It is very isolating and I can at times feel depressed and helpless.


So for myself, having the respite of a day where my son is actively learning will allow me take care of both our home needs - grocery runs, cleaning etc - and increase my financial independence with completing my studies and having an extra day available to work.


The service agreement I have been offered will charge us:

$134.10 + $40.00 for the activity of the day and transportation plus entry fees.


For a program of 10 Saturdays:

-$1, 741 = ($134.10 + 40.00) x 10


I’ve been awarded funding to undertake my studies, but to be able to go to these classes, I need someone to assist with getting Mudiwa to and from the SEEDS program as my classes start before and finish after the program times.


The cost of a specialised carer coming in the mornings to help him with showering, meal prep and dropping him off to the program is as follows:


For specialised carers, Saturday rate is $65.03/hr X 2 hrs = $130.06


$130.06 x 2 (am drop off and pm pick up)

= $260.12 for each Saturday X 10 Saturdays

= $2 601.20

 

The SEEDS program is the best place that l know he will truly enjoy, learn and grow independent of me. Thankfully, it is also the most cost effective and beneficial.


Mudiwa will spend the day amongst his peers and also learn basic living and independence skills outside of our home.


Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for your support.


If you have any questions or words of support please feel free to send them through.


Any extra funding on top of our goal will be allocated towards accessing other sensory activities like Horse Riding and Swimming lessons that he can enjoy during the school holidays, in addition to more respite care.


As a way to show our appreciation, Mudiwa and I will pick a couple of names from a bowl (depends how many tickets i receive) and invite those selected to come and see a showcase of what l have been working on with my studies, as an extension of my gratitude towards helping me realise my dream.


For those abroad: one lucky person will have bespoke shoes, made by me as a token of my appreciation.


Thank you for your kindness :)


Rufaro

*The SEEDS video does not belong to me. It belongs to Villa Maria Catholic Homes.
https://vmch.com.au/services/disability-services/  *