NDIS Registration Surveillance Audit Success

We are thrilled to announce that I Can Jump Puddles has successfully passed our recent NDIS Registration Audit with zero non-conformities! This significant achievement underscores our commitment to excellence and reaffirms our position as a leader in safeguarding processes, evidence-based client support, and innovative service delivery within the disability support sector.

Innovation at the Heart of I Can Jump Puddles

Innovation is at the heart of what we do at I Can Jump Puddles. We constantly seek out new ways to improve our services and enhance the client experience. Our successful audit is a testament to our innovative approaches, including the recent introduction of The Puddles Way. The Puddles Way provides a framework for how we strive to support clients with The Three E’s and The Lead Practitioner Approach. These approaches are evidence-based best-practice methods for supporting participants. By implementing therapy in people’s everyday lives in collaboration with the participant, who is an expert on their lives, we aim to empower them to achieve their goals without us by their side. This sets us apart from the traditional clinic-based approach.

Commitment to Transparency and Client Control

We strive to not only provide quality services at I Can Jump Puddles but also protect clients’ rights to anonymity, choice, and control. We have comprehensive systems and processes such as every client rightly having access to know what they are being billed for with their records of service being delivered. This ensures clients are able to be in control of their funding, knowing what is going where.

Gratitude to Our Incredible Team

This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our incredible team. Their unwavering commitment to excellence and passion for making a difference in the lives of our clients have been instrumental in reaching this milestone. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our clients and their families for their trust and support. Your feedback and collaboration are invaluable to our ongoing improvement and success.

Looking Ahead to Continued Excellence

As we celebrate this achievement, we remain focused on the future. We will continue to uphold the highest standards of quality and safety, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible support. Our journey of innovation and excellence is ongoing, and we are excited to explore new opportunities to further enhance our services.

Thank you for being part of the I Can Jump Puddles community. Together, we will continue to lead the way in providing exceptional disability support services.

We recently had the joy of interviewing one of our talented clients Thomasina Farrell, an amazing author who has written a children’s book called “The Girl and the Mirror.” With beautiful illustrations by Malcom Richards, this book is all about helping kids feel good about themselves and being comfortable in their own skin.

Thomasina came up with the idea for “The Girl and the Mirror” years ago, but only recently turned it into a book. She realised how important its message is today, where the rise in social media has made feeling good about yourself a little tough. Her simple wish is for her book to help at least one person become comfortable in their own skin.

The book also highlights the importance of family and friends in supporting young people. Thomasina hopes it will spark meaningful conversations about positive self-image around the dinner table.

Thomasina is not just an author; she has also worked in mental health and disability support, helping others in many ways. Her experience in these areas adds depth and heart to her stories.

But that’s not all! Thomasina is currently working on another children’s book, a novel, and even a musical/play. She is full of creativity and wants to spread as much positivity as she can through her work.

Keep an eye out for more of Thomasina Farrell’s projects, and don’t forget to check out “The Girl and the Mirror” for a dose of inspiration.

Making a Splash

For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), navigating the world can be a sensory adventure. Hydrotherapy, or water-based therapy, offers a unique and potentially rewarding approach to address some of the challenges associated with ASD.

A Calming Embrace:

Water’s natural buoyancy provides a sense of security and weightlessness, which can be deeply calming for children with ASD. The hydrostatic pressure can also have a massaging effect, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. This relaxed state allows children to be more open to therapy and learning new skills.

Sensory Symphony:

The aquatic environment offers a range of sensory experiences. The gentle resistance of the water can be stimulating for the proprioceptive system, which helps with body awareness and coordination. Additionally, the sound of splashing and the coolness of the water can provide proprioceptive and auditory input, potentially helping children who struggle with sensory processing.

Building Strength and Skills:

Water-based therapy is a fantastic way to improve motor skills and coordination in a fun and engaging environment. The buoyancy of water allows children to practice movement with less risk of falls, fostering confidence and a willingness to try new things. Activities such as kicking, floating, and reaching can strengthen muscles and improve balance.

Social Splash:

While some children with ASD may prefer solitary activities, aquatic therapy can also be a springboard for social development. Therapist-led group sessions can provide a safe and controlled environment for practicing social interaction and communication skills. Playful water activities can encourage teamwork and cooperation.

Communication Through Play:

Hydrotherapy offers a unique opportunity for therapists to work on communication goals in a less structured setting. Therapists can use water games and activities to encourage children to follow instructions, take turns, and express themselves verbally and non-verbally.

Beyond the Pool:

The benefits of water-based therapy extend beyond the pool. The improved sensory processing, relaxation, and motor skills gained through water therapy can translate to other areas of a child’s life, leading to better focus, increased participation in daily activities, and a greater sense of well-being.

Important Considerations:

While aquatic physiotherapy offers a range of potential benefits, it’s important to remember that it may not be suitable for all children with ASD. Some children may experience anxiety or fear around water. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional and a qualified therapist to determine if hydrotherapy is the right fit for your child.

Making a Wave:

Hydrotherapy offers a fun and engaging way to address some of the challenges associated with ASD. If you’re looking for a complementary approach to support your child’s development, consider exploring the world of water therapy. It might just be the perfect wave to help your child reach their full potential.

For more information on Hydrotherapy and what our team can do for you, click here.

Your Guide to Support Coordination

The NDIS opens doors to a world of possibilities, but navigating the system and managing your funding can feel overwhelming. That’s where Support Coordinators come in – your partners in maximising your NDIS journey.

This blog dives into how Support Coordinators can empower you to:

Stretch Your NDIS Dollars:

• Understanding Your Plan: Support Coordinators break down your NDIS plan, explaining funding categories and allocation. They work with you to prioritize goals and ensure your budget aligns with achieving them.

• Cost-Effective Support: They’ll explore a range of funded and unfunded support options, helping you find the best fit for your needs without exceeding your budget.

Building Your Support Network:

• Connecting with Providers: Support Coordinators leverage their network to connect you with NDIS providers who specialize in your specific needs. They’ll help you compare options, ensuring you find providers who align with your goals and preferences.

• Community Links: They don’t just focus on NDIS services. They’ll explore community resources, support groups, and government programs that complement your NDIS plan and foster a broader support system.

Empowering You for Success:

• Goal Setting & Tracking: Support Coordinators partner with you to define your NDIS goals and develop a plan to achieve them. They’ll track progress and adapt your support network as your needs evolve.

• Building Independence: A core aspect of their role is to empower you to manage your NDIS plan over time. They’ll equip you with the skills to negotiate service agreements, manage budgets, and advocate for your needs.

Imagine this:

• You confidently navigate your NDIS plan, maximizing your funding to achieve your goals.
• You have a network of reliable providers and community supports tailored to your specific needs.
• You feel empowered and in control of your NDIS journey.

That’s the power of a Support Coordinator.

Taking the Next Step:

If you’re an NDIS participant seeking to get the most out of your plan, consider including Support Coordination in your next review. Talk to your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to learn more. Remember, a Support Coordinator is there to work with you, not for you. Together, you can unlock the full potential of your NDIS and achieve a life of greater independence and fulfillment.

To learn more about our Support Coordination services, click here.

Top 5 Benefits (Recipe Included)

Making playdough at home is a fun and easy activity that can keep kids entertained for hours. But did you know that playdough can also be a valuable tool for occupational therapy (OT)?

The fun-coloured clay provides a variety of benefits for children who are working on developing their fine motor skills, hand strength, and coordination. Here are a few of the ways that OT professionals use it in therapy:

• Strengthens hand muscles: Kneading, pinching, and rolling playdough helps to strengthen the muscles in the hands and forearms. This is important for tasks such as grasping a pencil, buttoning a shirt, and tying shoelaces.
• Improves dexterity: Playdough activities can help children to develop the small motor skills they need to perform tasks such as picking up small objects and manipulating tools.
• Enhances coordination: Rolling playdough into snakes, flattening it into shapes, and using cookie cutters all require coordination between the hands and eyes.
• Provides sensory input: Playdough can be a great way for children to explore different textures and sensations. This can be helpful for children who have sensory processing difficulties.
• Promotes creativity: Playdough allows children to use their imaginations and create anything they can think of. This can be a great way for them to express themselves and learn new things.

Making Playdough is Easy!

In addition to the benefits listed above, making playdough at home is a great way to bond with your child and create a fun sensory experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup salt
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups boiling water
• Food coloring (optional)

Tools:

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Kettle or pot for boiling water
• Airtight containers

Instructions:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before starting.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt, and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Mix well with a wooden spoon.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Carefully add 1 1/2 cups of boiling water to the dry mixture. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. If you want colored playdough, add a few drops of food coloring to the boiling water before mixing it in.

Step 4: Mix Until Smooth

Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until it forms a smooth dough. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water.

Step 5: Knead the Dough

Allow the dough to cool slightly, then knead it on a flat surface until smooth and pliable.

Step 6: Store the Playdough

Store the playdough in airtight containers to keep it fresh. You can divide it into smaller portions and add different colors to each if desired.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Your homemade playdough is ready for playtime! Enjoy creating shapes, figures, and anything your imagination can conjure.

Tips:

• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
• If the dough is too dry, add a little more water.
• You can add a few drops of essential oil to the dough for a pleasant scent.
• Get creative with your playdough! There are endless possibilities for what you can create.

Conclusion

Making playdough at home is a fun and easy activity that can benefit children of all ages. This mouldable clay can be a valuable tool for occupational therapy, and it’s also a great way to keep kids entertained and engaged. So next time you’re looking for a fun activity to do with your child, why not try making some playdough?

For more information on our Occupational Therapy (OT) services, click here.