June 2003

Walking device has scores of kids on the go

Scope specialist service GOKIDS reached a major milestone with the 85th fitting of a child with a David Hart Walker specialised walking device.

With the new device Tom Trewin, 4, walked independently for the first time in his life.

The Hart Walker, devised by UK medical engineer David Hart, has more than 1,000 parts and allows children with physical disabilities–especially moderate-severe cerebral palsy–to stand and walk without help.

The device will dramatically improve Tom’s life by providing hands-free mobility, easier social contact and, most importantly, the increased self-esteem that comes with standing, walking and playing with peers at school.

GOKIDS was established in April 2001, making the walkers directly available to Victorian children for the first time.

GOKIDS also offers a variety of mobility aids, assessment, advice and maintenance of children with mobility needs.

‘Reaching 85 recipients in the program is a significant milestone for improving the standard of living for children with severe disabilities in Victoria,’ said GOKIDS Coordinator Kate Williams.

‘Because it is a hands-free walker, the children are better able to participate in activities such as phys ed or just play with their friends.

‘Many parents feel there have been improvements in the health of their children—improved cardio-respiratory, bowel and bladder function—and many say their children are much stronger,’ Ms Williams said.

Tom’s walker was funded through the Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation.

‘Without the support of organisations such as Lions, many of these children would never have this opportunity,’ Ms Williams said.

Nearly 500 Australian children have received walkers through Hart Walker programs in each state.

The program is now in great demand worldwide and has already expanded rapidly into other countries such as New Zealand, United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Japan, Israel and Norway.

Scope—formerly the Spastic Society of Victoria—is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1948.

More than three million Australians currently live with some form of disability.