You searched for feed - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Victoria, Australia https://pwsavic.org.au Information for families with newly diagnosed children on where to start and who to contact Mon, 25 Mar 2024 07:58:42 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.9 Chocolate-Free Activity ideas for Easter https://pwsavic.org.au/news/chocolate-free-activity-ideas-for-easter/ https://pwsavic.org.au/news/chocolate-free-activity-ideas-for-easter/#respond Mon, 25 Mar 2024 06:48:52 +0000 https://pwsavic.org.au/?p=4121 Easter is a time for celebration, joy, and family gatherings. However, for those in the Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) community, traditional Easter egg hunts featuring chocolate treats can pose challenges. Fear not! We've compiled a list of creative and inclusive Easter egg hunt ideas along with chocolate-free activities to ensure everyone can enjoy the holiday to the fullest.

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Easter is a time for celebration, joy, and family gatherings. However, for those in the Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) community, traditional Easter egg hunts featuring chocolate treats can pose challenges. Fear not! We’ve compiled a list of creative and inclusive Easter egg hunt ideas along with chocolate-free activities to ensure everyone can enjoy the holiday to the fullest.

Non-Food Treasure Hunts as Alternatives to Traditional Chocolate Egg Hunts

Instead of the traditional chocolate easter egg hunt, there are plenty of creative alternatives that can be just as enjoyable for children and adults alike. Younger kids might delight in searching for hidden treasures like stickers, stationery, playdough, bubbles, small toys, hair accessories, mini books, or bouncy balls, which can be placed in their Easter baskets. Another option is to hide small gifts inside plastic eggs, readily available at toy stores or discount stores.

Alternative Easter Egg Hunt Ideas

We’ve complied a list of chocolate-free alternatives for your Easter Morning Easter Egg Hunt. We hope you enjoy these!

Puzzle Piece Hunt:
Purchase a puzzle and hide each piece inside plastic eggs around your home or yard. Each child collects eggs, and once they’ve found all the pieces, they work together to assemble the puzzle. This promotes teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Nature Hunt:
Instead of eggs, hide natural objects like colorful stones, seashells, or pinecones. Provide a checklist for the kids to mark off each item as they find them, encouraging exploration and appreciation of the outdoors. This sensory-rich activity fosters a deeper connection with nature. Once all the items have been ticked off the list an Easter-themed prize can be given.

DIY Craft Hunt:
Hide craft supplies or materials in the eggs, such as beads, stickers, feathers, or googly eyes. After the hunt, kids can use the items they’ve collected to create their own Easter crafts. This sparks creativity and artistic expression while avoiding food-related triggers.

Glow-in-the-Dark Hunt:
For an evening or indoor hunt, fill plastic eggs with glow sticks or glow-in-the-dark toys. Turn off the lights and let the kids search for the glowing eggs, adding an extra element of excitement to the hunt. This unique twist adds a sense of magic and wonder to the Easter festivities.

Golden Ticket Hunt:
This is a great one for the older kids/adults. Place special “golden tickets” inside a few select plastic eggs. Each ticket entitles the finder to a larger prize or special privilege, such as choosing a movie for the family to watch or using their golden ticket as a once off trade for getting out of a chore they are responsible for.

Trivia Hunt:
Write Easter-themed trivia questions and place them inside the eggs along with the answers. As kids find the eggs, they can read the questions aloud, and everyone can try to answer them together. This educational hunt promotes learning and family bonding.

Activity Hunt:
Fill the eggs with small cards or slips of paper with different activities written on them, such as “do a silly dance,” “tell a joke,” or “give someone a compliment.” Kids can complete the activities as they find the eggs, promoting fun interactions and socialisation.

Riddle Hunt:
Write rhyming riddles that lead to the location of hidden eggs. Kids must solve each riddle to find the next egg, adding an element of problem-solving and critical thinking to the hunt. This stimulates cognitive skills in an entertaining way. There are many free templates available online, or you can print and use this one.

Chocolate-Free Easter Activities

While most holiday celebrations often revolve around food, there are plenty of ways to enjoy quality family time through craft activities and games. Crafting during the Easter holiday can encompass a variety of egg-themed projects, such as decorating egg-shaped cards, decorating bunny ears or creating an easter bonnet, making paper flowers, salt dough decorations, or even building a bird feeder.

For entertainment, families can partake in egg and spoon races, bunny sack races, or balloon games to keep the festive spirit alive. In addition to alternative egg hunt ideas, here are some super fun ways to celebrate Easter with chocolate-free alternatives for the entire family:

Planting Seeds
Have an Easter gardening activity where kids plant seeds in pots. This not only teaches them about growth and nature but also gives them something to care for beyond Easter.

Easter Crafts:
Set up a craft station with materials for making Easter-themed crafts such as bunny masks, paper chicks, or flower crowns.

Egg Painting Contest:
Host an egg painting contest where each member of the family can showcase their creativity. Provide prizes for different categories like “Most Colorful,” “Most Unique,” or “Best Easter Theme.” Eggs can be cut-outs from cardboard, styrofoam eggs etc.

DIY Bunny Ears or Easter Bonnet:
Provide materials for kids to make their own bunny ears headbands or colorful Easter Bonnet. They can then wear them during Easter activities for added fun.

Easter Piñata:
Create a homemade Easter piñata shaped like a bunny, chick, or egg. Fill it with small toys, stickers, sensory toys or other non-edible treats for the kids to enjoy. Discount variety stores, toy stores, and stores like k-mart have these items at great prices tomake this an easy and affordable option.

Easter Themed Movie Marathon:
Get cozy and enjoy an Easter-themed movie marathon featuring family-friendly films like “Hop,” “Peter Rabbit,” or “It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown.”

Healthier Chocolate Options

For those families who feel comfortable with including chocolate in their diet, opting for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content can be a healthier choice, as it typically contains less sugar. It’s important to check labels to ensure the sugar content is within your threshold. Alternatively, sugar-free chocolates are available in the health food section of most grocery stores. However, it’s essential to remember that every family’s dietary needs and preferences are unique. You shouldn’t feel guilty for your choices, and whatever works best for your family is what you should do. Whether it’s enjoying a small indulgence of chocolate or exploring alternative treats, the most important thing is to always prioritise your family’s health and happiness.

Conclusion

Easter is a cherished time for gathering with friends and family, coming together to celebrate the joy of renewal and new beginnings. It’s a time to cherish each other’s company, create lasting memories, and embrace the true essence of the holiday. As we prepare for Easter festivities, it’s important to remember that inclusivity and consideration for everyone’s needs, including those with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), are paramount.

By providing healthier alternatives to traditional chocolate and sweets, we ensure that all children, regardless of their dietary restrictions, can fully partake in the joy of the season. Whether it’s through creative non-food treasure hunts, thoughtful Easter gifts, engaging crafts and games, or nutritious treats, let’s celebrate Easter in a way that fosters togetherness and happiness for everyone involved.

As we gather around the table and share in the spirit of Easter, let’s embrace the opportunity to create meaningful traditions that reflect the true meaning of the holiday—love, hope, and the joy of being together. Happy Easter to all, may this season be filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones.

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2024 PWS Awareness Collection

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Chocolate-Free Activity ideas for Easter

Easter is a time for celebration, joy, and family gatherings. However, for those in the Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) community, traditional Easter egg hunts featuring chocolate treats can pose challenges….

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Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare, complex, unique, life-threatening multistage genetic disorder which affects 1 in 15,000 births and results in an abnormality of chromosome 15. PWS can have a significant impact on behaviour, learning, mental and physical health, community inclusion and social relationships. People with PWS exhibit high anxiety, complex and challenging behaviours and cognitive dysfunction throughout their lives. PWS is a spectrum disability, and the degrees of visual abnormality varies immensely. Many people with PWS also have psychiatric problems and autistic characteristics. A defining characteristic of PWS is hyperphagia, or a compulsion to eat.  For more information visit www.pwsavic.org.au

Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Victoria (PWSA Victoria) is a volunteer lead ACNC registered Australian Charity, with many volunteers having lived experience. Their role is to work closely with organisations around the world, whose vision and purpose align with their own, to ensure their local PWS community is well supported, while researchers around the world work hard to find a cure and viable treatments. The PWSA Victoria’s aim is to continue to break down barriers and create a world where everyone with PWS has access to the right tools, to enable them to live a full and inclusive life. For more information, please visit www.pwsavic.org.au

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Register Now: PWS Sibling Support Program. https://pwsavic.org.au/news/register-now-pws-sibling-support-program/ https://pwsavic.org.au/news/register-now-pws-sibling-support-program/#respond Fri, 22 Mar 2024 04:30:44 +0000 https://pwsavic.org.au/?p=4096 Australian siblings of PWS individuals, your time is now. It's your turn to step into the spotlight! PWSA Victoria, in collaboration with Carer's Gateway Young Carers and Little Dreamers, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking 8-week Online Sibling Peer Support Program, tailored for YOU.

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Did you know: A Young Carer is a young person under 25 who provides, or intends to provide care, assistance or support to a family member affected by disability, chronic or mental illness, substance use, or is frail age.

Young Carers will provide care for a loved one in varying capacities. This could range from emotional support and assistance with household activities, lifting, dressing and feeding.

Supporting the siblings within our PWS community who have a brother or sister living with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a vital and often overlooked aspect of our mission.

These siblings face unique challenges and emotions that can easily be overshadowed by the intense focus on caring for individuals with PWS and the understandable overwhelming surge of emotions experienced by parents.

However, recognising and addressing the needs of these siblings is paramount. By offering them support, understanding, and tailored resources, we not only validate their experiences but also provide them with the tools to navigate the complexities of their family dynamics. It is our belief that by focusing on the holistic well-being of every member of our community, including siblings, we can foster a more inclusive, empathetic, and resilient environment for all.

Australian siblings of PWS individuals, your time is now. It’s your turn to step into the spotlight! PWSA Victoria, in collaboration with Carer’s Gateway Young Carers and Little Dreamers, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking 8-week Online Sibling Peer Support Program, tailored for YOU. Kicking off in Term 2 of 2024, join us to navigate the shared journey, celebrate your role, and connect with those who truly understand. Your support network awaits – let’s thrive together!

We have joined forces with Carer’s Gateway Young Carers and Little Dreamers to establish a comprehensive support network for the siblings within our community.

An 8-week Online Sibling Peer Support Program aimed at Siblings aged up to 25 years of age. The Program is led by two seasoned staff members from Carer’s Gateway and Little Dreamers, will kick off in Term 2 (2024).

This program will be accessible to siblings across Australia.

Recognising the unique challenges faced by siblings of individuals with PWS, Carer’s Gateway and Little Dreamers have agreed to host a dedicated PWS-specific group.

Additionally, PWSA Vic encourages siblings to explore membership in general groups and engage in the broader array of experiences offered by Little Dreamers.

If this initiative proves successful, we plan to introduce additional programs following the initial pilot, further expanding our support offerings to siblings.

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Exploring the Experiences of Families in an Educational Setting: https://pwsavic.org.au/news/exploring-the-experiences-of-families-in-an-educational-setting/ https://pwsavic.org.au/news/exploring-the-experiences-of-families-in-an-educational-setting/#respond Mon, 18 Mar 2024 05:41:12 +0000 https://pwsavic.org.au/?p=4085 Your Voice Matters! Help Shape a Better Future for Our Kids' Education Participate in the Victorian Government's survey and share your family's experience in the educational setting. Let's work together to ensure our children with unique needs receive the support they deserve. Deadline: 25th March 2024. Don't miss this chance to make a difference!"

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A Survey Initiative by the Victorian Government

Response Required by 25th March 2024

We hear from many families within our community about the struggles they face navigating the education system for their children with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). A recurring issue is that, despite their children’s cognitive functions being lower than peers and facing challenges like social adaptation, high anxiety, low muscle tone, food-seeking behaviors, and temper outbursts, these symptoms are often not evident or fully understood at the time of school admission.

Consequently, early assessments and misunderstandings of the evidence-based staged developmental needs of children with Prader-Willi Syndrome, conducted by professional early childhood caregivers, Allied Health Professionals, or Medical Specialists, may not accurately reflect the level of support these children require at the time or in the near future. This often leads to children with PWS being unable to access specialist schools, leaving them with no choice but to attend mainstream schools that may not be equipped to meet their specific needs.

Despite the students ability to mask their difficulties to some degree, making them appear more capable than they are, it’s crucial to acknowledge the high level of support students with Prader-Willi Syndrome genuinely need throughout their educational journey.

The Victorian Government is dedicated to improving the educational journey for students with disabilities and high needs. By inviting the PWS community to participate in a thorough review of the enrolment processes and criteria for specialist schools, they aim to ensure that every child receives the education and support they deserve. This is a significant step towards recognising and addressing the unique challenges faced by students with PWS and their families, and we strongly encourage your participation in this pivotal initiative.

Purpose of the Survey

The heart of this initiative is a detailed survey designed to gather insights directly from those who experience the system first-hand: the students and their families. By participating in this survey, parents, carers, and students will provide valuable feedback on their experiences with specialist schools, including the application and enrolment processes, the support received, and the overall educational environment directly to the Victorian Government Inclusive Education Division.

The PWSA Victoria acknowledges that the survey does not fully capture the full range of challenges children within our community encounter in educational settings. Therefore, we encourage you to also share your experiences in mainstream schools directly with us, so that we can then share this with the department.

This feedback is crucial for identifying areas where improvements can be made and will be shared with policymakers, with the hope of driving meaningful change., ensuring that every student with a disability or high needs has the opportunity to thrive in an educational setting that best suits their needs.

Why Your Voice Matters

Families of children with disabilities, including those with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), often navigate a complex landscape of care, support, and education. Children with PWS exhibit a range of physical, cognitive, and behavioral characteristics, which can present unique challenges in an educational setting. For these children, the right educational environment can significantly impact their development, future opportunities, and overall quality of life.

Your participation in this survey will shed light on the effectiveness of current processes and identify where additional resources, support, and policy adjustments are needed. It’s an opportunity to make your voice heard and contribute to meaningful change that will benefit the PWS community and other families navigating intellectual disabilities in the educational system.

Mainstream Victorian Government, Catholic and Independent School Feedback

As noted above, The PWSA Victoria acknowledges that the Victorian Government survey does not fully capture the full range of experiences that families and students within our community encounter in other educational settings beyond specialist schools.

Therefore, we encourage you to also share your experiences (good and bad) in mainstream schools (this includes government, Catholic, and independent schools) directly with us, so that we can then compile this information to share with the Victorian Government Inclusive Education Division and other educational bodies that govern these schools.

Your insights are crucial for fostering improvements in how our education system supports students with Prader-Willi syndrome and similar needs.

Mainstream School Feedback

How to Participate

If you are a parent and/or carer of a child with experience in the specialist school system or a current or former student, please complete either of the Victorian Government Survey’s below.

If you are a parent/carer to a child who is a current or former student of Mainstram school and wish to provide feedbackl, please complete the Mainstream School Feedback form above.

The Victorian Government survey is designed to be accessible and straightforward, allowing you to share your experiences candidly and constructively. Questions will cover a range of topics, from the initial application process to the day-to-day experiences in specialist schools, focusing on both the successes and challenges encountered.

The survey is for parents and carers of a child with a disability with experience in the specialist school system. There is also a survey for current and former specialist school students.

If you wish to provide your feedback to this Survey please select either button below:

There is an easy English version of both the parent/carer survey and the current/former student survey. If you would like a copy of this survey, please send an email to Jordan Landers to ask for this version of the survey. Jordan’s email address is jordan.landers@au.ey.com.

Conclusion

This is a pivotal chance for our community to engage with policymakers and advocate for the necessary changes to support our children, particularly those with Prader-Willi Syndrome. By ensuring these students are comprehensively supported in their education, focusing on essential life skills and future success, we can pave the way for them to become valued members of society. It’s crucial that policies evolve to reflect this goal, and this initiative presents a golden opportunity to drive such change.

By taking part in this survey and sharing or providing your input through this feedback initiative, you’re not just sharing your story; you’re paving the way for a future where every child with a disability receives the education and support they deserve.

Let’s come together as a community to make this vision a reality. Your experiences, insights, and suggestions are the keystones to building an educational system that uplifts every student, regardless of their challenges.

For further details and to take part in the survey, please visit the Victorian Government education website. Together, we can create a positive change for the PWS community and beyond. www.education.vic.gov.au 

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We are excited to launch this year’s Awareness collection ahead of PWS Awareness month in May. This year, we’re embracing a powerful message that resonates deeply for every single…

Read More

Chocolate-Free Activity ideas for Easter

Easter is a time for celebration, joy, and family gatherings. However, for those in the Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) community, traditional Easter egg hunts featuring chocolate treats can pose challenges….

Read More

United in Hope: 12th International PWS Conference

This conference, themed “United in Hope,” signifies an unprecedented collaboration and is expected to become the most significant international gathering focused on PWS to date.

Read More

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare, complex, unique, life-threatening multistage genetic disorder which affects 1 in 15,000 births and results in an abnormality of chromosome 15. PWS can have a significant impact on behaviour, learning, mental and physical health, community inclusion and social relationships. People with PWS exhibit high anxiety, complex and challenging behaviours and cognitive dysfunction throughout their lives. PWS is a spectrum disability, and the degrees of visual abnormality varies immensely. Many people with PWS also have psychiatric problems and autistic characteristics. A defining characteristic of PWS is hyperphagia, or a compulsion to eat.  For more information visit www.pwsavic.org.au

Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Victoria (PWSA Victoria) is a volunteer lead ACNC registered Australian Charity, with many volunteers having lived experience. Their role is to work closely with organisations around the world, whose vision and purpose align with their own, to ensure their local PWS community is well supported, while researchers around the world work hard to find a cure and viable treatments. The PWSA Victoria’s aim is to continue to break down barriers and create a world where everyone with PWS has access to the right tools, to enable them to live a full and inclusive life. For more information, please visit www.pwsavic.org.au

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Nationwide Support: PWSA Victoria’s Groundbreaking Sibling Support Program Launches! https://pwsavic.org.au/news/nationwide-support-pwsa-victorias-groundbreaking-sibling-support-program-launches/ https://pwsavic.org.au/news/nationwide-support-pwsa-victorias-groundbreaking-sibling-support-program-launches/#respond Fri, 03 Nov 2023 06:50:13 +0000 https://pwsavic.org.au/?p=4046 Did you know: A Young Carer is a young person under 25 who provides, or intends to provide care, assistance or support to a family member affected by disability, chronic or mental illness, substance use, or is frail age. Young Carers will provide care for a loved one in varying capacities. This could range from […]

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Did you know: A Young Carer is a young person under 25 who provides, or intends to provide care, assistance or support to a family member affected by disability, chronic or mental illness, substance use, or is frail age.

Young Carers will provide care for a loved one in varying capacities. This could range from emotional support and assistance with household activities, lifting, dressing and feeding.

Supporting the siblings within our PWS community who have a brother or sister living with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a vital and often overlooked aspect of our mission.

These siblings face unique challenges and emotions that can easily be overshadowed by the intense focus on caring for individuals with PWS and the understandable overwhelming surge of emotions experienced by parents.

However, recognising and addressing the needs of these siblings is paramount. By offering them support, understanding, and tailored resources, we not only validate their experiences but also provide them with the tools to navigate the complexities of their family dynamics. It is our belief that by focusing on the holistic well-being of every member of our community, including siblings, we can foster a more inclusive, empathetic, and resilient environment for all.

Australian siblings of PWS individuals, your time is now. It’s your turn to step into the spotlight! PWSA Victoria, in collaboration with Carer’s Gateway Young Carers and Little Dreamers, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking 8-week Online Sibling Peer Support Program, tailored for YOU. Kicking off in 2024, join us to navigate the shared journey, celebrate your role, and connect with those who truly understand. Your support network awaits – let’s thrive together!

So, after a considerable wait, our Sibling Support Programs are on the horizon, with the launch scheduled for Term 1 of 2024. We have joined forces with Carer’s Gateway Young Carers and Little Dreamers to establish a comprehensive support network for the siblings within our community.

An 8-week Online Sibling Peer Support Program aimed at Siblings aged up to 25 years of age. The Program is led by two seasoned staff members from Carer’s Gateway and Little Dreamers, will kick off in February.

This program will be accessible to siblings across Australia.

Recognising the unique challenges faced by siblings of individuals with PWS, Carer’s Gateway and Little Dreamers have agreed to host a dedicated PWS-specific group.

Additionally, PWSA Vic encourages siblings to explore membership in general groups and engage in the broader array of experiences offered by Little Dreamers.

If this initiative proves successful, we plan to introduce additional programs following the initial pilot, further expanding our support offerings to siblings.

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An Adult living with PWS appointed to the PWSA Victoria Board https://pwsavic.org.au/news/an-adult-living-with-pws-appointed-to-the-pwsa-victoria-board/ https://pwsavic.org.au/news/an-adult-living-with-pws-appointed-to-the-pwsa-victoria-board/#respond Fri, 30 Sep 2022 09:12:22 +0000 https://pwsavic.org.au/?p=3907 During the course of 2022 and the development of the Mentor Program, it became very apparent to the PWSA Victoria Board that the adult population within our community should be given a formal opportunity to share their opinions, help work towards our vision and be part of our mission, as it is the people with […]

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During the course of 2022 and the development of the Mentor Program, it became very apparent to the PWSA Victoria Board that the adult population within our community should be given a formal opportunity to share their opinions, help work towards our vision and be part of our mission, as it is the people with Prader-Willi Syndrome who are at the heart of everything that we do.

OUR VISION: A world where people with Prader-Willi Syndrome lead a full and inclusive life

OUR MISSION: Empowering those living with PWS through support, education, advocacy and awareness.

The PWSA Victoria is very proud to announce that at our recent Annual General Meeting, Timoth Elson (Tim) was elected to join the PWSA Victoria Board as an ordinary member. Tim is very excited to be taking on this role and is very proud to have been nominated by his peers.

“I have joined the PWSA Victoria board to support people with PWS now and in the near future”

Timothy Elson (Ordinary Member)

Following our Annual General Meeting, the PWSA Victoria held its Strategic Planning Weekend. The theme for the weekend was Dream BIG – no dream is too big!

Before the Strategic Planning weekend, Tim showed pride in his leadership role by initiating discussions with others in the community about what changes the PWSA Victoria can implement in the organisation and for the community over the next few years.

Tim gathered feedback from the adult community and provided feedback to the team about where changes could occur and what changes should occur. It soon became apparent that we as an organisation have inadvertently overlooked the capability and many of the needs of our adult community. Tim shared some great ideas that he has for the future of PWSA Victoria, and these ideas have been included in our Strategic Plan, which will be shared in the coming months.

The 2022/2023 PWSA Victoria Board – [From Left to Right] Dean McIntyre (Treasurer), Katie Albanis (Ordinary Member), Sarah Rees (Vice President), Kurstie Jenkins (Ordinary Member, Nick Healy (Secretary), Renee Zilm (President), Timothy Elson (Ordinary Member), Neil Gumley (Ordinary Member)

“This is a very exciting time for people living with PWS. To have Tim providing his voice and direction to the Board as to where we can do better and help people living with PWS in a meaningful way is really important. I’m so proud of the efforts Tim has made already and I can see that Tim’s contributions to the Board will be impactful and I have no doubt that our community will be better served as a result of him joining us.”

Renee Zilm (President of the PWSA Victoria)

Opening a position on the PWSA Victoria board for Tim to join came about as a result of the work that PWSA Victoria began last year in developing the Mentor Program. In developing and initiating the program we realised that adults with PWS are essential to our community. Formally adding their voice to the organisation signifies our commitment to creating a world where people with Prader-Willi Syndrome lead a full and inclusive life.

Michelle Alford, the Mentor Program Project Manager and Facilitator, will support Tim in his position. The PWSA Victoria board will be heavily guided by Michelle to ensure Tim’s position on the board is inclusive and valued. Michelle has extensive experience in working with adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome.

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She is amazing and we are so proud of her – Meet Sara & Family https://pwsavic.org.au/news/she-is-amazing-and-we-are-so-proud-of-her-meet-sara-family/ https://pwsavic.org.au/news/she-is-amazing-and-we-are-so-proud-of-her-meet-sara-family/#respond Wed, 08 Jun 2022 07:22:31 +0000 https://pwsavic.org.au/?p=3827 Sara enjoys playing with her sisters and other children. She is loveable, tender and caring. She likes to play with her baby doll – feed her, and cuddle her. She also loves to give lots of cuddles to her family every day. She shows a lot of empathy for others and can’t see anyone crying […]

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Sara enjoys playing with her sisters and other children. She is loveable, tender and caring.

She likes to play with her baby doll – feed her, and cuddle her. She also loves to give lots of cuddles to her family every day.

She shows a lot of empathy for others and can’t see anyone crying without hugging them and calming them down with her little cute hand.

“We will never tell her that we feel sorry for what you are going through and that we feel sorry for you, we will always tell her we love her and we are going all the way with you”.

Rabi (Dad)

People with Prader-Willi Syndrome are kind, resilient, wonderful individuals, they have goals, dreams, and aspirations just like everyone else. Families strive to support their loved ones with Prader-Willi Syndrome and help them live their best life and this year want to bring awareness to others to ‘see their child as they see themselves – the whole person rather than just a person with a Prader-Willi Syndrome’.

In May, the 15 for 15 Challenge will raise awareness and funds for Prader-Willi Syndrome. Money raised will assist the Department of Paediatrics at Monash University to continue developing a desperately needed state-wide, evidence-based model of care for children with Prader-Willi Syndrome.

The project is led by Professor Katrina Williams of the Department of Paediatrics at Monash University in close consultation with Associate Professor Tom Connell from The Royal Children’s Hospital. Monash Partners Academic Health Science Centre, a partnership between leading health service, teaching and research organisations, will support the state-wide plan by working with all stakeholders, including children, families, carers and front-line clinicians, to identify and prioritise elements of best care. The elements that will be prioritised include specific interventions and supports, models of care, location of care and key principles of care.

The program is being developed for implementation at both major Victorian paediatric hospitals (Monash Children’s Hospital and The Royal Children’s Hospital with regional links.

The model will be designed for implementation across all Australian hospitals that care for children with Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Funds will also be directed to the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Victoria (PWSA Victoria) to ensure the continuity and growth of the vital supports and services we provide to our community.

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Together is Better – Meet Ben https://pwsavic.org.au/news/together-is-better-meet-ben/ https://pwsavic.org.au/news/together-is-better-meet-ben/#respond Thu, 26 May 2022 05:01:05 +0000 https://pwsavic.org.au/?p=3805 Ben brings the sunshine, always singing and dancing, even at inappropriate times making everyone smile, you’ll often find him and his brother Harry dancing in the kitchen. Ben’s imagination takes his family to new places every day and his love for his family makes them all feel so special, he gives the best hugs and […]

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Ben brings the sunshine, always singing and dancing, even at inappropriate times making everyone smile, you’ll often find him and his brother Harry dancing in the kitchen.

Ben’s imagination takes his family to new places every day and his love for his family makes them all feel so special, he gives the best hugs and Harry is Ben’s favourite person in the world.

Ben’s love for animals is amazing, he’s so gentle with them, even feeding the fish in our aquarium by hand, we always have to stop at petting zoos, and you’ll often see the family stopping on the side of the road to watch the kangaroos or by ponds and lakes to see fish, frogs and ducks.

Ben loves movie nights and game nights, trying to bring as much fun into their family’s journey as possible.

Despite all the meltdowns and uphill battles Benny is brave and faces the world with a smile ready to say hello to everyone.

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People with Prader-Willi Syndrome are kind, resilient, wonderful individuals, they have goals, dreams, and aspirations just like everyone else. Families strive to support their loved ones with Prader-Willi Syndrome and help them live their best life and this year want to bring awareness to others to ‘see their child as they see themselves – the whole person rather than just a person with a Prader-Willi Syndrome’.

In May, the 15 for 15 Challenge will raise awareness and funds for Prader-Willi Syndrome. Money raised will assist the Department of Paediatrics at Monash University to continue developing a desperately needed state-wide, evidence-based model of care for children with Prader-Willi Syndrome.

The project is led by Professor Katrina Williams of the Department of Paediatrics at Monash University in close consultation with Associate Professor Tom Connell from The Royal Children’s Hospital. Monash Partners Academic Health Science Centre, a partnership between leading health service, teaching and research organisations, will support the state-wide plan by working with all stakeholders, including children, families, carers and front-line clinicians, to identify and prioritise elements of the best care. The elements that will be prioritised include specific interventions and supports, models of care, location of care and key principles of care.

The program is being developed for implementation at both major Victorian paediatric hospitals (Monash Children’s Hospital and The Royal Children’s Hospital with regional links.

The model will be designed for implementation across all Australian hospitals that care for children with Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Funds will also be directed to the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Victoria (PWSA Victoria) to ensure the continuity and growth of the vital supports and services we provide to our community.

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Final call for Caregivers to have their say https://pwsavic.org.au/news/final-call-for-caregivers-to-have-their-say/ https://pwsavic.org.au/news/final-call-for-caregivers-to-have-their-say/#respond Wed, 08 Dec 2021 00:24:54 +0000 https://pwsavic.org.au/?p=3592 We have received some great information regarding what an ideal model of healthcare might look like for people with Prader-Willi Syndrome and their families both from the Loomio discussion board and from last weeks zoom discussion. Due to an overwhelming response to our previous Zoom discussion last week, there will be another session for those […]

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We have received some great information regarding what an ideal model of healthcare might look like for people with Prader-Willi Syndrome and their families both from the Loomio discussion board and from last weeks zoom discussion.

Due to an overwhelming response to our previous Zoom discussion last week, there will be another session for those that missed out or those that wanted to come back and further contribute to the discussion.

This is an important opportunity for caregivers to have their say on the 15th of December at 8:00pm as this will be our final session for families to contribute to this stage of the project. This session will run for approximately one hour.

People with PWS deserve better and this project will allow us to improve healthcare and support for people with Prader-Willi Syndrome and their families. So no matter where you are on your journey, your feedback is important and invaluable.

This is an open invitation to have your say about a state-wide model of care and what that may look like.

Please register your interest by clicking on the button below

Register

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In the PWS Advocacy Space https://pwsavic.org.au/news/in-the-pws-advocacy-space/ https://pwsavic.org.au/news/in-the-pws-advocacy-space/#respond Mon, 08 Nov 2021 03:11:49 +0000 https://pwsavic.org.au/?p=3425 In most cases, there are no bells and whistles or headline banners that announce much of the advocacy work that we do at PWSA Vic. Instead, we chip away one submission or meeting at a time to improve the information and awareness about PWS in our community.     What does the PWSA Vic advocacy look […]

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In most cases, there are no bells and whistles or headline banners that announce much of the advocacy work that we do at PWSA Vic. Instead, we chip away one submission or meeting at a time to improve the information and awareness about PWS in our community.    

What does the PWSA Vic advocacy look like:

  • Completing submissions on behalf of the PWS community about various areas of the NDIS  

The NDIS via their Have a Say page on their website has the opportunity to submit submissions about proposed changes to the NDIS and how they will affect the PWS community Over the last two years we have submitted many submissions either on behalf of PWSA Vic or as a private submission as a member of the PWS community, on a wide range of topics:

  • Supported Independent Living
  • Disability Employment Support
  • Home and living -Supported Disability Accommodation /Independent Living options.
  • Access and Eligibility Policy with Independent assessments

The recent submissions made during the most recent NDIS consultation are now published by NDIS and can be accessed via Have a Say page of the NDIS website.

In some cases, these submissions have also been accepted by the Senate’s Joint Standing Committee for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, for consideration.

  • Participation on consultations and collaborations with other Disability Support organizations, Allied Health Peak bodies and Emergency Services
  • ECSNP (Exceptionally Complex Special Needs Program)
  • Dietitians Australia Webinar Collaborative Support Teams Project.
  • Victoria Police Voluntary Disclosure Program -a part of the First Response Kit which we will hear more about next year.

All the above are examples of PWS advocacy as a collective voice.

It’s important that all PWSA Vic members have a chance to let their voices be heard about issues that affect them and their families.

Many of you do raise concerns about issues when you contact us on the PWSA Vic phone support line. This feedback provides us with important information about what issues are concerning our PWS community. It is often off the back of these conversations that trigger many of the submissions.

Going forward please do not hesitate to contact us at info@pwsavic.org.au  or ring us on 0451797284 to let us know about issues that are important to you.

Or better still go to the NDIS Have- a- say page on the NDIS website

https://www.ndis.gov.au/community/have-your-say  and provide feedback or submit a private submission.

Remember many voices are louder than one voice alone.

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Interactive Story Time https://pwsavic.org.au/news/interactive-story-time/ https://pwsavic.org.au/news/interactive-story-time/#respond Fri, 25 Jun 2021 06:32:05 +0000 https://pwsavic.org.au/?p=3323 Calling for expressions of interest Living with Prader-Willi Syndrome is challenging for the individuals but can be just as challenging for their family including siblings.  Children who have a sibling with a disability are often more caring and kind, sensitive and responsive to the needs of others, tolerant and compassionate, mature, responsible, independent and empathetic. They’re also unlikely to take their own […]

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Calling for expressions of interest

Living with Prader-Willi Syndrome is challenging for the individuals but can be just as challenging for their family including siblings. 

Children who have a sibling with a disability are often more caring and kind, sensitive and responsive to the needs of others, tolerant and compassionate, mature, responsible, independent and empathetic. They’re also unlikely to take their own good health for granted.

www.raisingchildren.net.au

Research indicates that siblings of children with a disability often grow up surrounded by stress but without the cognitive and emotional maturity to deal with their experiences. This can cause confusion because, on the one hand, a child may feel loving and protective feelings toward their brother or sister, but at the same time, they may feel resentment, embarrassment, guilt, sorrow and fear.

It is for this reason that we at the PWSA Victoria felt that it was important to acknowledge siblings and provide them with information to help them understand how to care for their brother/sister with Prader-Willi Syndrome and most importantly how to best care for themselves, deal with their emotions and ensure they are putting themselves first.

We are currently working on the next part of the Beyond the Diagnosis series which will help fill the gap in information that exists for younger siblings.

This project will involve creating simple age-appropriate information in the form of a picture book – A storybook for siblings by siblings. Once we have a basic draft ready, we will host an interactive reading session (via zoom) of the book where children from our community can ask questions and help build on the information already contained within the book.

It is our hope that this picture book will also help childcare centres and early childhood educators explain Prader-Willi Syndrome to other children.

Our plan to also develop the above project to include a more informative booklet for older siblings. Expressions of interest for this focus group will be opening shortly. 

This stage of the Beyond the Diagnosis series would not be possible without the generosity of the  Rotary Club of Box Hill Central and  Blackburn South Community Bank Branch(BSCBB) of the Bendigo Bank.

If you are interested in being involved in the initial interactive book reading of the draft storybook for younger siblings (under 7), we would love to hear the honest feedback of our young book critics.  Please register your interest by emailing info@pwsavic.org.au 

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