WHO WE ARE
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Established in 1987 by a group of dedicated parents of children with special needs.
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Essential therapy services were not available on the Sunshine Coast prior to 1988.
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In 2007 the centre began to provide services to the Gympie – Cooloola region.
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We specialise in early intervention strategies for children with special needs.
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We provide emotional and practical support to the families of children with disability.
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The demand for services and growth of the Sunshine Coast has seen the Therapy Centre relocate four times.
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The present building was opened in 1997 and urgently needs to be renovated and extended.
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The Sunshine Coast Children’s Therapy Centre is a community based, not for profit incorporated association.
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The Centre is run by a Board of Management elected by members of the association and consists of parents and local business identities. The Board employs the Director and Therapy staff.
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SCCTC receives financial support from Disability Services Queensland, and Commonwealth Department of Education.
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SCCTC must fund 35% of annual operating costs from it’s own resources. This is done largely through fund raising by association members and donations.
WHY THE SCCTC IS IMPORTANT TO THE SUNSHINE COAST and GYMPIE REGIONS
- The Centre provides essential services that are not available elsewhere on the Sunshine Coast. No similar service exists in Queensland.
- Children who attend the Centre require a number of different therapies. SCCTC provides these therapies in the one place and families do not have to travel large distances to make numerous appointments every week.
- Family focus. Invaluable family support from understanding staff and inclusion of family in therapy sessions so families can continue therapy at home during tailored play sessions.
- The Centre employs a Family Services Coordinator and Family Services Worker to provide counselling and practical assistance to the parents and siblings of children with disability.
THE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES THE CENTRE SUPPORTS
- More than 80 families from the Sunshine Coast and Gympie-Cooloola regions are supported by the Sunshine Coast Children’s Therapy Centre
- Children who require the services of the Therapy Centre are children with moderate to severe disabilities, delayed development and chronic illness. This may include children with Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome, acquired brain injury and a range of congenital and genetic conditions.
- Families of children with disability may struggle to cope with the needs of their children and the pressure placed on the family. Counselling and family support often commence before the provision of therapy services in order to keep the family unit functioning.
- Families who attend the Centre gain access to our extensive network of medical practitioners and allied health professionals.
- We assist families with the procurement of specialised equipment to assist with feeding, bathing and ongoing therapy at home.
- We assist with access to respite and in home support services for families.
- We have an extensive range of equipment and aids which we lend to families.
- The Centre runs a number of support groups where paents of children can meet and provide mutual support.
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Our History
