GoKids Fact Sheet

GoKids is the Children's Mobility Advisory Service, an initiative of the Specialist Services division of Scope. It has been in operation since April, 2001.

GoKids offers advice and assistance for mobility-related issues for children and young people with physical and multiple disabilities. The service is designed to compliment existing children's services and undertakes individual equipment assessment and prescription.

The Service also assists with funding applications.

GoKids provides a range of benefits including:

• Full assessment and report to families and primary therapists
  
• Workable solutions to mobility-related needs
  
• Equipment prescription - including quotes
  
• Assistance with funding applications for prescribed equipment
  
• Training in safe usage of equipment

A wide range of mobility devices is available for assessment and demonstration:

• Chandi Walker
  
• Minimey Walker
  
• Pacer Gait Trainer
  
• Pony Walker
  
• Crocodile Walker
  
• Mulholland Walker
  
• Easystand and other standing frames

GoKids is a statewide service and can be accessed by any child 0-18 years. Some of the families that have accessed the service are families with no primary therapist to assist with their mobility-related needs, families and therapists requiring specialist advice and families investigating the David Hart Walker program.

The David Hart Walker Program

GoKids is the only service in Victoria that offers the David Hart Walker program, and assistance is available to children and adolescents with a range of support needs. GoKids has seen the David Hart Walker program evolve rapidly, with massive demand throughout the state. Our staff have had specialised training to enable them to prescribe, fit and adjust the Hart Walkers.

What isThe David Hart Walker ?

U.K. medical engineer, David Hart, invented the Hart Walker. The walker, which has over 1,000 parts, allows children with physical disabilities, especially those with moderate to severe Cerebral Palsy, to stand and experience hands free walking for the first time. The walker is made especially for each individual child and for this reason it can't be trialled. Once a child has been fit with the walker, it is reviewed at least twice a year and adjusted to ensure that the child is always performing at their optimum. The walker can be adjusted to enable the child to do as much or as little as is appropriate.

Please contact:
Elise Rizzo - Coordinator & Physiotherapist
GoKids Mobility Advisory Service
Scope Vic Ltd

Telephone: 8311-4008 or 8311-4009