Fun for every kid at Funbugs

THE team at kid’s entertainment venue Funbugs is aiming to create a fun and family-friendly environment for all members of the community by holding special sessions for children with a disability.

Owner Julie Wilson decided to begin the initiative following her experiences having a son with autism.

“Jamie and I purchased the business about five months ago and it was our aim to involve every child and to help children out and do whatever we can to make children happy,” she said.

“We have an autistic 10-year-old son ourselves and understand the struggles.”

The environment at places like Funbugs can be challenging for some children with disabilities.

“Over our four or five month we’ve had autistic children come in and play but they haven’t been able to handle the noise and the crowd so we thought this would be a good idea,” said Ms Wilson.

It is hoped the initiative will have a positive effect on parents as well as children.

“It’s not just the children, it’s the adults it effects,” said Ms Wilson. “Kids can be kids and they don’t realise whereas a parent you don’t want to go out because you’re being judged.”

Member of the Ballarat Autism Network, Laurel Petch, said the initiative is also an important outlet for parents.

“Julie and Funbugs initiative to do that is amazing because it gives parents hope and gives them a social outing as well,” she said.

“They can come and have a coffee knowing their children are safe and aren’t being judged by other people in the community.”

Ms Petch said these sessions are one of the few activities available in the community for younger children with disabilities.

“I saw Julie’s ad and I thought it was an amazing thing because here in Ballarat there is nothing like it that we can actually go and our children are able to play and be accepted in the community,” she said.

“It’s breaking down the barriers and allowing families in the community to come and enjoy so it’s an amazing step in the right direction.”

The sessions take place every second Tuesday from 4pm until 6pm, apart from the week of Monday 20 November where the session will take place on Monday instead of Tuesday.

They cost $10 and are open to children with a disability or their siblings aged 13 years and under.