This year’s theme; an equal world is an enabled world, is especially true in the world of disability.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s reflect on what it means to be responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. When we do this, we collectively create a gender equal world through challenging stereotypes, fighting biases, broadening perceptions, improving situations and celebrating women’s achievements.
Let’s all be #EachforEqual.
Today we’re putting the spotlight on NDIS participant, Karlee Parkes, to recognise her hard work and the goals she’s conquered since joining the Therapy Care community.
20 year old Karlee is living with Down Syndrome and has been with Therapy Care for two years. Karlee attends the Group Day Program activities and is in the gym with therapy assistant’s Nicole or Jai an additional two days per week.
Known for her cheeky-side and kind heart, Karlee is a much-loved member of the Therapy Care community. She gives every activity a red hot go, and her therapist Karlie Scurr says, “she’s never seen her without a smile on her face when she’s engaged in the group day program or in the gym.”
Therapists have reported a reduction in weight and a consistent improvement in cardiovascular fitness over the past two years. Karlee’s strength and endurance have also increased considerably since she first began her program.
“This year, we are working towards Karlee becoming more independent in the gym and holding the responsibility to tick off her own visual program card, to promote her independence, increase her choice and control over her sessions and for continuous improvement in her social skills”.
“We continue to involve Karlee’s mum Kelly, in her service provision, and are always working on specific health and psychosocial goals,” says recreational therapist, Karlie Scurr.
Karlee has already come so far since joining the Therapy Care community, and with Nicole and Jai’s support, has achieved milestones on her journey towards her NDIS goals:
Living with Down Syndrome comes with an increased risk of developing secondary health conditions, directly related to a sedentary lifestyle. These include CVD, insulin resistance and obesity.
Given the health risks associated with these comorbidities, Therapy Care supports Karlee to attend recreational activities, regular group day programs and regular exercise. This combination ensures Karlee lives an active lifestyle and mitigates the risks associated with an inactive lifestyle.
Therapy Care caters to Karlee’s abilities and knows how important it is for people living with Down Syndrome to be engaged in a wide range of community activities including sports, volunteering, dancing, music and social clubs.
Without support and a structured program, people with Down Syndrome have accessibility barriers when trying to participate in recreational, leisure and sporting activities.
Day programs and supervised exercise programs enable Karlee to safely access skill-development based activities in the community whilst also increasing her psychosocial skills.
To find out more about how Therapy Care can help you or your loved one, get in touch with us on: info@therapycare.com.au / 02 9626 8119.
