Physio students providing service to children with disability in regional Victoria
The Department of Physiotherapy in conjunction with Going Rural Health (GRH), offer a Service-Led model for paediatric physiotherapy placements in regional Victoria. Belvoir Special Developmental School, Wodonga welcomes second year Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT2) students for 3-week placements, five times throughout the year.
This allows a regular physiotherapy service to be provided for children with disability, under supervision of an external paediatric physiotherapist consultant, Louise Humphrey, and interdisciplinary supervision with school-based speech pathologist, Mikaela Uebergang.
DPT2 students assist to develop sustainable programs which education assistants complete with children during intervening periods without a physiotherapy service. Niki van Heerden and Liam Kolar (DPT2) are pictured performing physiotherapy programs they have helped to develop. Belvoir Special Developmental School student, Tom, is working on balance with Liam assisting, and Jack (pictured with Louise, and Niki assisting behind) is aiming to walk with less assistance for his school graduation at the end of this year – go Jack! The Department of Physiotherapy and GRH are proud to provide this ongoing service which assists children with their goals, supports the staff and the Belvoir Special Developmental School community, and greatly benefits DPT student learning.
