Download - Novita Children's Services

TWITH GRACECOMES INSPIRATIONragedy stalks some people. When itstrikes, they can be badly maimed inmind or body, or sometimes both.Former Novita client Grace Bowman(pictured) was never one of them. At age 12she was thrown from her horse, dislocatingher spine and severing her spinal cord.She was never to walk or ride again –or so she thought.With the help of loving parents and herown determination, Grace learned to rideagain. It was not easy for a while, but sheperfected a riding technique that, over time,gave her the confidence and ability tocompete. In that time she lost her mother inanother incident involving a horse, but Gracedid not falter.Now, aged 22, she is going to London tocompete in the London Paralympics. Aremarkable story lies behind Grace’s rise tointernational standing in her sport. Out ofpersonal setbacks that would have defeatedothers, Grace made life-changing choicesabout her circumstances. She ralliedtime and again in a series of inspirationaldecisions that have led her to the heightsof sporting achievement.Her full story was told in The AdvertiserSA Weekend magazine on 4 February.It is worth the read. Numbers of Novitaclients can relate to Grace’s story.Their hardships, the struggles that follow,and their courageousresponse to thatadversity each andevery day inspirestheir families, carers,friends and the Novitastaff who assist them.Grace is one ofmany, but no lessimportant for theexample to othersshe has become.9assessment. As there is no longer await for funding, once the assessmentand government funding applicationpaperwork is completed, off the shelfitems are frequently available anddelivered to clients within a few days.More complex, customised itemsare likely to take longer. There may bea wait for the base item to be deliveredand then a further wait for anappointment with the supplier of thecustomisation. The more complex theitem, the more extended this part of theprocess may be.If you have concerns regarding yourwait for equipment, we will do our bestto let you know where your request isup to in the process. We understandthat your needs may become moreurgent, so let us know of anychanges in your circumstances.The equipment is paid for viagovernment funding from theDepartment of Communities and SocialInclusion (DCIS). Purchase, supply andrepairs are done by the DomiciliaryEquipment Service (DES). Feedbackor questions regarding equipmentprovision for your child/ family orany of Novita’s services can be sentto equipment@novita.org.au or youcan phone your child’s therapist,key worker or team leader forfurther information.The Equipment Service TeamLeader is Andree Innes and shecan be contacted on 8349 2002 orandree.innes@novita.org.au