![]() There is a myriad of attractive equipment available commercially and NovitaTech staff will modify all equipment to individual specifications.Ĭan you describe a time that you saw Assistive Technology change a client’s life? Now leg splints and braces are made of lightweight materials and custom made to fit by our talented Orthotists. I would help children bolt their metal callipers into their boots to help them walk, and I laced calico back braces for kids to help their posture. I remember standing clients in wooden standing frames which were a simple wooden frame with a door at the back, latched closed to hold them upright. She was thrilled to be able to drive, but of course these days there is a wide choice of paediatric wheelchairs with customised seating made at NovitaTech, to perfectly fit a child’s needs. The child kept her handbag inside the box, with a toy, and we made cushions to fit behind her, and onto the footplates, under her dangling legs. The Orthotists built a wooden box to sit on the side of the seat to take up the space. It was actually an adult wheelchair that was padded up to fit a young girl. I remember when I saw the first child receive a powered wheelchair. What changes in Assistive Technology have you seen over time? I can honestly say I have had moments of laughter every day of my working career, often alongside clients who are just living life and finding humour in their day. ![]() I tell them my work is “real.” I meet people who are sometimes struggling with the life-changing challenges of disability and the effect that has on the whole family, but I have also seen great achievements, and inspiring moments. Sometimes people ask me if my work is “sad”. The connections are important to me and I have been fortunate to know some clients over many years, through challenges and joys. I am inspired by their abilities and enjoy seeing the improvements the clients make and the goals they reach. I really love the clients and families I meet. What do you love the most about working at Novita? These moments are gold!Įvery day is a new adventure! I work with an amazing team of talented staff who constantly impress me. ![]() Mobility is so important and the many successes are heart-warming not only for the clients but also for the families who often shed tears of joy seeing their child move independently for the first time. I support therapists at NovitaTech for Bike and Walker Clinics which is always great fun. I cannot imagine how many legs I have wrapped and how many toes I have counted to check they are all comfortable during my time at Novita! My role is to apply the casting materials while the therapist correctly positions the foot and I love seeing the positive results during serial casting. I support Physios at the casting clinics and enjoy meeting clients who come for fixed casts. I work at the Novita Hindmarsh hub supporting therapists. To celebrate Linda’s remarkable achievement, we spoke with her about her time at Novita and how far Assistive Technology has come during that period. They support kids, adults, families, and carers to select, set up and access the most appropriate Assistive Technology for mobility, communication, education and daily living. NovitaTech is an Assistive Technology service team who are skilled in supporting clients with the right Assistive Technology. Linda works as part of our Central Metro Therapy Team and also supports our NovitaTech Assistive Technology therapists. Just like the Novita Hindmarsh hub that Linda is now based at, it was a new purpose-built building, with state-of-the-art facilities to support clients. Linda began at the Centre when it first opened, two days before clients arrived. She loved the work but missed working with children so, in 1976, Linda applied to work at Novita, which was then known as the Regency Park Centre for Physically Handicapped Children. Linda began her amazing career in childcare before becoming a Physio Assistant at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Linda MacGillivray, Allied Health Assistant, recently celebrated her 45-year milestone with Novita.
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