One of these clients is Freyja. Freyja is almost four years old and has Migrating Partial Epilepsy in Infancy (MPEI). The TAD Port Macquarie Group have completed many projects for Freyja over the years from bilateral wraparounds to support her knees, to a standing frame to enable her to stand straight. She is also getting a Tilt-In-Space chair; a seat and tray combination allowing her to sit comfortably.
“We have a small group,” explains co-ordinator John Brumby. “Each member has different skills so we all tend to have a hand in each project the group does.”
Since Freyja outgrew her standing frame, her most recent piece of equipment from TAD is two new standing frames; one for home and one for pre-school. This will enable Freyja to stand up and hold her weight upright which is good for her muscles and enables her to engage more actively with the world around her.
Retired food technologist John Wallace completed the woodwork of the standing frames and metalwork was done by retired toolmaker Detlef Czerniejewski and retired civil engineer Mike Atkinson.
The adjustable padded supports on the frame that support Freyja’s head, thoracic, hips and knees and the straps were made by co-ordinator John and his wife Mayo – completing a true team effort.
“The frames are great and Freyja loves them,” says mum Lee. “She was really happy to stand in her frame while the volunteers made some final adjustments.”
“Now that she can use one at school, she can see the world from the same level as the other kids. It’s lovely to see her standing up as she is really tall for her age!”
