By Casey Neill
A MOUNT Evelyn-based program for kids with disabilities will continue to bring smiles to their faces in years to come.
Villa Maria’s Outer Encounters recently received Federal Government funding to operate for another three years.
It has supported children with a disability aged six to 18 years old each week day afternoon and during school holidays since 1998.
Program co-ordinator Susan Muller said the service was vitally important to families.
“We have many parents that, until Outer Encounters started, couldn’t work because they had to be available to look after their children,” she said. “This has now enabled many people to explore a variety of employment options that may not have previously been possible.”
Ms Muller said besides financial benefits, having a job helped their self esteem and sense of being their own person.
“We’ve had very strong feedback from the parents that they really value the program,” she said.
Ms Muller said children attending the program could socialise and participate in fun activities like ball games, dancing, cooking and crafts. She said each child had their own needs.
“Some want to really engage and have fun while others want to relax and have some quiet time, so we try to meet those needs,” she said. “The main aim is that they have a really enjoyable, enriching experience here.”
Belgrave mum Megan Brown’s eight-year-old son Devon attends Outer Encounters three days a week.
She would probably need to apply for more respite care or be forced to leave her job without the service.
“I think it’s really essential for parents of children with disabilities to have access to an after hours care service,” she said.
“The caring is so much intensified for a child with special needs and you need that sort of outlet in terms of getting back to work – whether it’s for financial reasons or for the mental and social stimulation.” Ms Brown said Devon “loved” his time at Outer Encounters.
“The staff are very caring. They always have something extremely positive to say about him when I pick him up and they seem to love and appreciate him as a little individual,” she said.
Villa Maria is one of Victoria’s largest not-for-profit organisations and provides services and life enhancing opportunities for older people and people with a disability.
Outer Encounters offers recreation and centre-based programs for school aged children living in the outer eastern region.
Call Villa Maria Disability Services on 9809 6823 for more information.
