The Department of Neurodevelopment and Disability at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne provides care for children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism spectrum disorders, acquired neurological disabilities, developmental delay and other developmental disabilities. These children require numerous pieces of equipment, therapy and respite over the course of their life.

Monash Children’s Hospital is a network of paediatric healthcare services across three sites, Clayton, Dandenong and Casey Hospitals. MAD is regularly requested to assist families with highly complex needs by providing funding for rehabilitation services and equipment that can provide comfort, ease of care, and maximise potential in children’s lives.

VPRS (Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service) is an interdisciplinary team of health professionals who provide specialist rehabilitation services for children with a high complexity of needs, focused on improving functional abilities and achieving children’s maximum potential through its inpatient and outpatient services, clinics and programs.

VSK (Very Special Kids) provides holistic care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and tailors support for their families. MAD has provided numerous pieces of equipment that greatly assist families in their times of most need.

MAD has also assisted and received referrals from Yooralla, Noah’s Ark, CPEC (Cerebral Palsy Education Centre), Department of Education Victoria – Specialist Children’s Services, VPRS Assisted Technologies Program and various special schools.

Through these referrals MAD has funded transformative support equipment and services including wheelchairs, hoists and slings, therapeutic beds, car seats and home seating systems, walking frames, communication and voice output devices, second skin garments and rehabilitation sessions.