WALK ON – COMING TO MELBOURNE – congratulations SCIA!!

Last night at the Melbourne Walk ON Fundraiser  Peter Perry – SCIA ’s CEO announced that an agreeement between SCIA – Walk On program and Victoria University had been signed and will open in early November 2011 at Victoria University’s Footscray Campus.

This is just bloody fantastic. As many of you know 2 years ago we were able to take Issy to Project Walk in California which was a life changing experience. The Walk On Program is a certified Project Walk program which focus’s on helping the spinal cord injured ( SCI) client physcially achieve their potential. It is a program that permeates what can you do, what do you want to do, and how can we best facilitate that. It is a program that works in partnership with the individual to set achieveable goals, providing a real sense of empowerment and direction. The value of this is priceless when most SCI individuals are bombarded with what they won’t ever be able to do, accompanied by a litany  of what their ongoing deteriorations will be by accepting the naysayers negative and nothing can be done approach.

The Walk On methodology is unique from standard rehabilitation programs as it is performed out of the wheelchair, on the floor, a table and rehabilitative exercise equipment. The program and the therapists focus on building strength , co ordination and the connection between though and the action of moving out of the wheelchair rather than a life in it.

Walk On Melbourne  is a massive achievement by the SCIA team. The gift they are bringing to the Melbourne community will improve the quality of life for many and for our Issy. Instead of having to go overseas for intensive rehab services we will only be 40 mins drive away from a leading neuro recovery program.

The other significant factor to the partnership with Victoria University will be the opportunity for research to be undertaken. This will add further credence and understanding as to the value of this bloody brilliant program!

Thank you SCIA!!