Providing a range of activities which are engaging and fun for nine year old Deklan is the focus for Identitywa support worker, Kimberley.
Deklan has been accessing weekly support from Identitywa’s Children’s House in Riverton since he was four.
Like most children, he loves to watch animated movies, play on an iPad and watch TV.
However, Kimberley is always keen to provide fun outdoor activities for him in the four hours they are together, three times a week.
“On my first day supporting Deklan, we visited the playground at the local park which was busy with lots of children,” Kimberley said.
“Deklan was not as enthusiastic about the experience as I hoped he would be.
“Since then I have got to know him better and I now look for environments and activities where he feels calm and secure.
“When we arrive somewhere, I like to spend a few minutes to explain to him what we will be doing. This has made a big difference,” she said.
“For example, going into shopping centres was a real ‘no no’ for Declan but recently we did visit one and it was a wonderful experience for him.”
Kimberley graduated from Curtin University with a degree in Psychology in 2015.
“I worked throughout my studies with Identitywa, and, in fact, my experience was so wonderful it has inspired me to seek a career working with children with disabilities.
“I just love it!” she said.
To find out more about Identitywa support services, please call 9474 3303 or email reception@identitywa.com.au