How would you feel about lying down 24 hours a day? That’s how life has been for Dallas Lawsen, who has cerebral palsy. Dallas is also blind. Her mother Jade’s request for a Miniwalk came to Lion Greg English, chairman of Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation.
Miniwalk® is a gait trainer for children with mobility disabilities. Miniwalk® is available in two sizes and can be used by children at ages 1 – 7 years. Miniwalk® has springs, which make the upper part of the frame react to the movements of the user during gait. The gait pattern of the user is stimulated, which is important. The earlier a child is stimulated to move around and explore the greater is the chance of achieving a gait pattern. A wide range of accessories are available for Miniwalk®. There is a pair of hip supports used by children who need support around the pelvis. The cross bar in the middle is used by children who are strong enough to walk without a seat and the anti-tip supports ensure that Miniwalk® doesn’t tilt if the child throws his or her body backwards.
Balgowlah Lions club member Jane Capper, Nigel Jeny of Manly Lions Club , Leonie Bishop and Greg English had the privilege of attending the presentation and fitting by George Ajaka, Occupational Therapist, of the Miniwalk to Dallas and her mum at Collaroy last week. Jane has reported her experience as follows:
“Their house is literally on the water and what a wonderful view, I mentioned this to her mum and she said she needed it and quite so! Dallas was on the floor in the living room when everyone arrived – apparently Dallas stays on the floor or in her special pram – this will be a tremendous relief for both as it will give Dallas exercise as being on the floor all the time must be very hard for her. Also when she is at school she is strapped to something that remains static but upright – this is going to be an enormous relief, not only for comfort but freedom of movement and she grows her walker grows with her as she gets older – her mum was just so appreciative. She has support from two physios, one at the school, Joanna Peel and one at home, Liz Kassis who has a special interest in vision impairment.
After all the introductions, Dallas was carefully strapped in to the walker and then we all went outside into the garden for photos. Greg English told her mum how 7 local Lions clubs had donated the funds to make this possible and she immediately burst into tears, it was very moving.
By the time we were leaving Dallas was getting used to the walker and seemed to be actually enjoying it, her mum expected her to kick up a stink and reject it completely at first, but Dallas took to it like water. She was playing with a ball and moving with the chair. I think she will be unstoppable once she realises how much freedom it will give her and of course her mum.”
