Indonesia Wheelchair Adventure

Those of you who know me well know my passion for volunteering in developing countries to help improve quality of life for children with disabilities. For those of you who don't,  I am trained as a paediatric speech pathologist and my area of interest is autism and cerebral palsy. 

Last year I went to Nias Island in Indonesia and volunteered with the Niha Ona foundation- providing assessment, therapy and training for the many children with severe disabilities on the island.  I was the first therapist to ever go to this island, and the people were so grateful and motivated to do anything to help their kids. This was organised through Peter and Jill Hofman, who have been volunteering on the island for years. 

We met a little guy called Birkett, who has been diagnosed with Brittle Bone disease and needs a lot of treatment.  

I also noticed that the kids had no wheelchairs, and their parents carried them everywhere.  An amazing organisation called "Wheelchairs For Kids" donated wheelchairs to us...so now it's time to take them to the people!

This year the trip is a joint venture with my dear friend Sally. Sally is a paediatric occupational therapist and will be building the wheelchairs, making splints and doing therapy with these kids also. Sally has previously volunteered in Vietnam and has an inspiring passion for helping others. 

Money raised will go towards equipment for the children, helping them get to the centre for therapy and paying medical bills for Birkett to get the treatment he needs.  We are going over Easter for another week this year.

Any left over will go towards travel and medical expenses for our trip.   


For more information, please see below:
http://ononihalsmfoundation.squarespace.com
https://www.wra.org.au/1220empowerment
http://wheelchairsforkids.org