Kids Plus Foundation receives generous gift

The $8,995 WDEA Works Foundation grant will purchase an Accent 1400, a speech generator device that helps people with speech impairments communicate more freely.

The device will be used in clinic and occasionally loaned to families.

Geelong WDEA Works site manager Carol Randall said she felt the device could make a significant difference.

“We have been lucky enough to see the device first-hand, the therapists at the Kids Plus Foundation are incredibly knowledgeable, well-trained and passionate about the devices benefits.

“We are thrilled the Kids Plus Foundation was a WDEA Works Foundation grant winner; knowing that this device will significantly improve the quality of life for many children and their families.”

She said she heard a story about a three-year old boy using a device similar to the Accent 1400 to tell his mother “I love you” for the first time.

“Stories like this help you to comprehend the emotional, developmental and mental impact of the devices.”

Founded in 2003, the Kids Plus Foundation has now accumulated a small collection of specialist high-tech assistive communication devices that help with both assessment and diagnosis.

The WDEA Works Foundation was established in 2004 and has since allocated almost $900,000 to various projects around regional Victoria. It particularly looks to provide grants to help people with disabilities or disadvantages have more employment and social inclusion opportunities.

It is solely funded by the WDEA Works profits generated by its operation as an employment and disability service.