Nexus Parent Newsletter - Novita Children's Services

Novita Medical ClinicsNovita has provided medical rehabilitationclinics for many years and in the pasttwo years has established a range ofspecialty clinics to meet client needs,such as the Movement Disorders clinicsand Acquired Brain Injury clinics.Several years ago, when South Australiadid not have the level of medicalRehabilitation Specialist staff it nowhas, Novita began paediatric clinicsfrom each of our offices to complementthe rehabilitation clinics.With the current financial pressures on thecommunity services sector, Novita has hadto look carefully at its budget for this yearensuring that all our services are wellutilized, are not duplicated elsewhere andthat staff resources are allocated wherethere is most client need.As a result, Novita will be offering areduced number of paediatric clinicsfrom July 2009.Paediatric clinics will be available from theParkside and Parafield Gardens Officeseach fortnight. There is no change to therehabilitation clinics provided from all offices.Clients who have been accessing a servicefrom the Novita paediatricians will havereceived an individual letter explainingthe available services and where otherservices can be obtained if the Novitaservice no longer meets their needs.Any queries should be directed toTerry Lyons, General Manager StatewideServices 8243 8250 or Wendy Wake-Dyster,Director Client Services 8243 8210.Bloorview VMI: Moving to the Rhythm of LifeAt NovitaTech we believe that people ofall abilities should have the opportunityto create music.We would like to introduce you to theBloorview Virtual Music Instrument (VMI)a virtual music instrument that enablesyou to play music, or create sound effects,through movement without needing to holdor manipulate an instrument. By moving afinger, waving an arm, nodding your heador walking around a room you can createthe strum of a guitar, tweet of a bird, orbanging of a drum.This ingenious system uses specialisedsoftware, in combination with a webcamand computer, to make music. With theability to play music from instrumentsand common sounds the Bloorview VMIoffers a stimulating activity that can bemotivating, challenging and accessibleto children and adults with varied needs.The program can be customised to theindividual, is easy to use and can beincorporated into therapy, recreationaland educational activities.This innovative program that was firstdeveloped in 2003 by Dr Tom Chau fromBloorview Kids Rehab, Canada, and hasbeen gradually refined over several years.NovitaTech, has been involved with thisproject since its inception, completingseveral research projects focusing onthe benefits of using such a system.This research has demonstrated thatthe Bloorview VMI can have a rangeof positive effects, such as:• Stimulating cognition• Encouraging movementand physical activity• Improving receptive language• Improving listening skills• Developing spatial awarenessand motor planning• Encouraging self-expressionand awareness• Encouraging group work• Developing turn-taking concepts• Developing dexterity andrange of motion• Improving social interaction• Encouraging inclusion• Enhancing creativity and imaginationOne of the greatest benefits of theprogram is that across all abilitiesand age groups, the Bloorview VMIprovides an unparalleled sense ofachievement.For more information contactNovitaTech’s Assistive TechnologyConsultants on 1300 85 55 85 oremail bloorviewvmi@novita.org.au“Music is a worldwithin itself, witha language weall understand”- Stevie WonderCelebrating 70 years caring for children with a disability3