Cerebral Palsy Alliance Tuggerah Site Manager, Anne Daly said the grant would provide one Wizzybug and two baby treadmills to each location for use in early intervention physical therapy programs.
"We know that children with cerebral palsy have the best chance of improving their movement and development for the long-term if provided with early intervention. Early childhood is the optimal neuroplastic window for intensive brain and motor skill development," Anne said.
"This new equipment will allow us to provide children, who attend our Central Coast and Hunter support centres, with the best chance to optimise their movement. We’re grateful that Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation made this life changing initiative possible."
Wizzybug motorised wheelchairs provide the correct postural support for children under five with severe cerebral palsy to make the most of their limited movement and develop spatial awareness, exploration, social interaction and independence, in a fun and engaging design.
Baby Treadmills, for children with mild to moderate cerebral palsy aged 8 to 18 months, can improve gross motor function and bring forward the age for independent walking.
The Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation distributes more than $1.5 million in grants each year to facilitate charitable projects that address disadvantage in local communities throughout the Hunter, Central West, Central Coast, New England, Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers regions of NSW. Since its establishment in 2003, the Foundation has provided more than $16.7 million to over 400 community initiatives.