Assistive technology can help children access their community safely and independently.
Carpentaria’s Paediatric Equipment Program (CPEP) is actively filling the gaps in access to essential assistive technology equipment. The program aims to provide timely access to improve client outcomes, while increasing the knowledge and confidence of NT clinicians in prescribing and recommending paediatric equipment for children with disability.
Goals of the program
Developed in response to feedback from the community and allied health clinicians, CPEP provides specialised items of assistive technology to support eligible residents of the Northern Territory to:
- trial or access short term hire of equipment
- enhance safety and independence
- support participation in the community
- optimise the use of available NDIS funding
Equipment boarding a flight to Jabiru.
Extended reach
Since launching in 2021, CPEP has acquired over 90 pieces of equipment, which has been accessed by families across Darwin, Katherine, Galiwin’ku, Maningrida, and Jabiru. Plans are already in place for a program extension in our permanent Alice Springs office, to provide streamlined access for Central Australians.
Case study success
A successful CPEP loan saw Jack*, age 1 year 9 months, trial 3 pieces of equipment through Carpentaria’s Paediatric Equipment Program. Jack transitioned to a long term loan of the selected equipment, while awaiting access to NDIS funded equipment. Without the opportunity to loan this item for nearly 6 months, Jack and his family would have been heavily impacted, with their overall quality of life and ability to function in their community greatly reduced.
*Name changed for privacy
Beneficial relationships
Carpentaria is currently facilitating trial and loan agreements directly between equipment providers and clients through this program. Carpentaria is open to new partnerships and collaborations that will help CPEP expand further across the Territory, raise quality and safeguarding measures around assistive technology, and provide opportunities for further research in this field.
In addition, CPEP provides opportunities to build strong relationships within the wider NT Allied Health community where collaboration of knowledge, research, and resources creates the greatest impact.
Link Assistive has recently committed communication devices and mounting equipment into the program, opening membership opportunities to Speech Pathologists and increasing the reach of this innovative program.
How can you support CPEP?
- Join us for our fundraising Trivia Night, complete with raffles and great company! Get your tickets here and join us at Darwin Trailer Boat Club, 18 May 2023.
- Donate equipment that is no longer in use and increase the sustainability of specialised equipment. Further information about what we can accept is here.
- Allied health clinicians are encouraged to share the program with their colleagues, and are invited to sign up for a membership by submitting this form to alliedhealth@carpentaria.org.au
Membership
Open to all Allied Health clinicians in the NT, low-cost membership can be purchased via the online catalogue here. Clinicians interested in viewing the equipment during office hours or discussing the program further, should contact 8920 9400 or alliedhealth@carpentaria.org.au