CP Week Star Profile

Read Kaisah's Sunday Times article

Name: Kaisah

Age: 5

Suburb: Duncraig

Type of CP: Spastic quadriplegia

Like all little girls, five year old Kaisah has a lot to say, but saying it has not always been possible as she has spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy which affects her movement and vocal cords.

With the help of modern technology and our skilled team of therapists at CP Tech, Kaisah recently trialled a Vantage Lite communication device with amazing results. They say children learn very quickly, it took Kaisah less than 30 minutes to operate this leading edge technology.

Therapists at The Centre programmed the device with Kaisah’s personal details and taught her how to push specific buttons which enabled the device to output her name, where she lived, what school she attended and other important aspects of her life. Once she became familiar with the relevant buttons to push to output what she wanted to say she became very excited and couldn’t believe her ears. It was one of those special times in your life you never forget.

The ‘Vantage Lite’ Kaisah trialled is on loan to The Centre from the supplier. The device was perfect for Kaisah’s needs. She loved it and used it every day, however after a month the source of her new found joy had to be returned to The Centre. Kaisah’s mum Kas said “it was hard for Kaisah to give it back. Naturally she wanted to keep it but I explained to her other kids needed a turn and that we would get her own device soon.”

One of our goals during CP Week (1-7 August), with your help, is to raise $15,000 to purchase two Vantage Lite devices. This will help reduce the wait time and possibly allow us to extend the trial and loan period from one month to two while children wait for government funding to purchase one of their own.

“When Kaisah grows up she wants to be on TV” says mum Kas. “She watches Play School and wants to be like the presenter who signs to all the deaf children. She tries very hard to keep up with her friends at school and wants to do the same things they do. I am confident that having ‘a voice’ will give her the help she needs to achieve her goals.”

For more information on how you can contribute to our CP Week Campaign and help raise funds for these vital communication devices please contact The Centre on 9443 0276 or email samantha.thiele@tccp.com.au