An introduction on why the An introduction on why the Foundation was established Foundation was established

byby

Robyn Arya & Alan KohnRobyn Arya & Alan Kohn

Page 1 9 July 2008www.mdakf.com.au

Mission of the FoundationMission of the Foundation

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“To ensure that all children with special needs have the appropriate aids and

equipment to support their health and wellbeing, growth and learning.”

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Why was the Foundation Why was the Foundation EstablishedEstablished

In loving memory of our son Dean

Recognised the need for “top up funding” above the government allocated funds

• from our own experiences with Dean

• hearing from and knowing families facing ongoing financial difficulties

• liaising with disability groups

Page 3 9 July 2008www.mdakf.com.au

Our Personal ExperienceOur Personal Experience• Equipment Dean required

– chairs (panda & ladybird)– standing frame– special needs pusher– therapy equipment e.g. exercise ball, sensory box

• Cost– out of pocket

• Waiting time– average 4 to 12 months

Page 4 9 July 2008Ladybird seating Standing frame Panda

chairMountain Buggywww.mdakf.com.au

Management of FundsManagement of Funds

• Money raised is distributed by the Foundation members = Robyn, Alan & Joshua

• Based on individual needs of child and family

• Preference is given to financially disadvantaged families

• Every dollar raised goes directly to the purchase of equipment

Page 5 9 July 2008www.mdakf.com.au

Purpose of Equipment & AidsPurpose of Equipment & Aids

• Assist with mobility, support and seating

• Promote independence with daily activities

• Prevent injury to child and parent/carer(e.g. lifting and transfers)

• Strengthen bones, improve muscle tone and prevent deformity (e.g. due to growth)

• Enhance wellbeing & minimise hospital admissions

Page 6 9 July 2008www.mdakf.com.au

Children’s Equipment NeedsChildren’s Equipment Needs• Ongoing needs

- not just a one off

• Early years - specialised seating for the home & car- standing frame & walker

• Childhood years- beginning school,- growing taller & heavier e.g. wheelchair, communication devices

• Adolescent years - rapid growth - functional skills may change e.g. bigger chair, toilet adaptation

Page 7 9 July 2008www.mdakf.com.au

Children’s Equipment NeedsChildren’s Equipment Needs

Vital that appropriate equipment is:

1. correctly prescribed

1. efficiently delivered

to meet a child’s individual and changing needs over time

Page 8 9 July 2008www.mdakf.com.au

Equipment Expenditure Equipment Expenditure ExamplesExamples

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Equipment Age Range

Total Cost

Victorian Aids & Equipment Program Subsidy

Family Out of Pocket Expense

Panda High Chair Infant $4,600 $1,250 $3,350

Hoist & Sling childhood onwards

$5,290 $3,600 $1,660

Standing Frame Infant

Childhood

$1,670

$4,900

$550

$550

$1,120

$4,350

Voice Output Communication Aid

childhood onwards

$14,500 $7,000 $7,500

Vehicle Modification for Wheelchair Access

Childhood onwards

Approx. $10,000 to $30,000

$0

Currently Under Review

$10,000 to $30,000 + cost of vehicle

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Types of EquipmentTypes of Equipment

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Wheel Chair $4,430 Hoist & Sling $5,300

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Types of EquipmentTypes of Equipment

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Electric Standing Frame $4,900 Car Hoist & Mods $15,000

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Foundation RecipientsFoundation Recipients

Examples of just some of the 28 children and their families the Foundation has supported:

• Full purchase of a $6,000 wheelchair for a 13 year old girl from Geelong

• $4,000 co-payment towards the purchase of a $14,500 Dynavox Voice Output Communication Aid for a 6 year old boy from New Gisborne

• $500 co-payment towards the purchase of a $1,800 body splint for a 10 year old girl from Glen Waverly

• $468 co-payment towards the purchase of a $768 Kaye Walker for a 15 year old girl from Hampton

• $489 co-payment towards the purchase of a $3,799 shower/commode chair for a 17 year old boy from East Oakleigh

• $1000 co-payment towards a $4264 panther wheelchair for a 7 year old girl from Seaford

Page 12 9 July 2008www.mdakf.com.au

How you can help theHow you can help the Dean Arya-Kohn Foundation Dean Arya-Kohn Foundation

• Come along to our fundraisers

• Hold a fundraising event

• Sponsor a Child with special needs

• Ongoing annual support

• Corporate sponsorship

Page 13 9 July 2008www.mdakf.com.au

Thankyou!!Thankyou!!

Page 14 9 July 2008Dean in Panda Chair Dean in Sensory Boxwww.mdakf.com.au