Specialist Equipment, the key to unlocking independence and participation

Tommy and Charlie are 2-year-old twins who were born at 25 weeks gestation and attend Goodstart Little Mountain Mark Road West. Tommy was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Charlie is being assessed for speech and gross motor delays. When it was time for their mum Rose to return to work, she was reluctant to enrol them in a Child Care service with their typically developing peers as she was finding it challenging to imagine what it might look like for the boys to be surrounded by very mobile and busy toddlers. Tammy, the Centre Director said “It is not unusual for new parents to feel daunted by the idea of sending their young child to Child Care, however this family had already been through so much stress and uncertainty, I really wanted to reassure them that our centre could provide Charlie and Tommy with a safe and nurturing environment where they could both learn, grow and thrive.”

Tammy contacted her Inclusion Professional who supported the team to reflect on how Specialist Equipment could be obtained to assist Tommy to access and participate in the toddler program. Educators then worked with the family to learn about the equipment Tommy and Charlie used at home, and they invited the children’s Physiotherapist to assess the toddler environment and make recommendations. These recommendations included a Firefly Go To Seat and Base and a Jenx Nursery Table to give Tommy the postural support he requires to be able to engage in floor activities with his peers, a CAP Posture Chair so Tommy can sit at the table with his peers to enjoy meal times and table top activities and a Monkey Prone Stander to support Tommy to stand and move around the playground with his peers. The Specialist Equipment arrived with suggestions on how each piece of equipment could be used within the care environment to maximise children’s participation and to facilitate peer interactions. The Physiotherapist visited the service again to adjust each piece of equipment to personalise it for Tommy’s use. They then showed educators how to use the equipment confidently and how to make any required future adjustments.

The Monkey Prone Stander was affectionately named ‘Tommy’s Racing Car’ by his peers. They use a ‘Lightning McQueen’ visual to request a turn to push Tommy around the bike track so he can race his friends. This genuine inclusion has had the biggest impact on Tommy’s confidence, his sense of belonging and his blossoming friendships. A big part of his success has come from involving all the children in the room whenever Tommy uses his equipment. Educators create shared experiences, turning what could feel like a difference or barrier into something everyone is curious about, learning from and enjoying together. From helping push Tommy in his racing car, to celebrating his milestones, the children have developed deep empathy, understanding, and friendships. This inclusive approach has ensured that Tommy and Charlie, never feel left out or ‘different’. Instead, they are a part of a classroom community where everyone celebrates each other’s uniqueness.

Rose shared, “My experience at Goodstart Mark Road has been nothing short of amazing, especially when it comes to the boys’ inclusion and support. From the very beginning, the staff have gone above and beyond to ensure both of our boys feel safe, welcomed, and truly seen as individuals. They have been incredibly attentive to their unique needs, and I have felt such reassurance knowing they are in such thoughtful and capable hands. What has stood out the most is how they have embraced Tommy and his Cerebral Palsy with such compassion, patience, and a genuine willingness to understand. It is not just about accommodating his needs, it is the way they make him feel like he belongs.”

Alysse, an educator in the toddler room said, “working with Tommy and Charlie has been one of the most rewarding and inspiring roles in my career. Each day brings new opportunities to support their development, celebrate their milestones, and create an inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued and seen. Tommy has taught us all the true meaning of resilience and joy. From the beginning, my focus has been on helping Tommy grow in confidence as he navigates day-to-day activities using the equipment. We see his equipment not as limitations, but as keys to unlocking his independence and participation.”

With inclusive practices and Specialist Equipment now embedded, Tommy and Charlie are beginning to meet milestones that once seemed unachievable with Tommy now sitting by himself unassisted for short periods, and Charlie mastering crawling at top speed. Tammy hopes that their service’s story encourages other Early Learning services to reflect on how working collaboratively with families, allied health professionals and Inclusion Support QLD to overcome barriers to inclusion creates a learning environment where children like Tommy and Charlie can thrive.

“Our Inclusion Professional was exceptional in mentoring the team, and the use of the Specialist Equipment Library enabled us to create an environment where Tommy and Charlie could actively participate in all areas of the curriculum.”

Top image: Tommy using the Firefly Go To Seat and Base and a Jenx Nursery Table to engage with peers.

Bottom image: Tommy in his Monkey Prone Stander ‘Racing Car’.