“Merri has always been accepted at Kids+ for who she is, and I have never felt like anything is ' too hard' or that she is 'too complex'. Kids+ see the individual child and family unit, not just the disability and its complexities. Sometimes I am an exhausted and nervous wreck, but we are always accepted and welcomed and our family feel very privileged for the safe welcoming space that Kids + provides.” — Allara, mother of Merri Ma
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Merri is 5 years old and has a rare genetic disorder which has resulted in a complex physical and cognitive disability. We have been with Kids+ for nearly 2 years. Prior to this we spent time in Melbourne where we had great therapists but our care was very fragmented throughout different providers. When we decided to move home to the Bellarine, I was concerned about who would take over Merri's care. Transitioning to Kids + has been one of the best things that has happened to Merri and our family. Having all of her therapists under one roof and part of one team has resulted in extremely comprehensive and well-rounded care, as well as making life so much easier for me by decreasing appointment burden and fatigue. Merri is thriving and doing better than she ever has, and her therapists at Kids + have a huge part to play in that.
Merri has always been accepted at Kids+ for who she is, and I have never felt like anything is ' too hard' or that she is 'too complex'. Kids+ see the individual child and family unit, not just the disability and its complexities. Sometimes it’s just Merri and I at appointments, sometimes I have to bring the whole tribe, sometimes I am an exhausted and nervous wreck, but we are always accepted and welcomed and our family feel very privileged for the safe welcoming space that Kids + provides.
Merri has started school this year and is in prep at our local mainstream primary school. We debated about the best option for schooling for Merri given the complexity of her disability but ultimately it was important to us for Merri to stay within our community and be at school with her siblings. Our therapists at Kids+ couldn't have been more supportive about our decision and Merri has had a wonderful start to the year and has been embraced by her classmates. I have no doubt that without the guidance and advocacy of Kids+ Merri's transition would have been a lot more complex, and I know that her school is equally grateful for the support that Kids+ provides as well.
Merri also loved the opportunity to participate in Surf Ed. Having the opportunity to participate in an activity together with her siblings that would otherwise be far too difficult was very special for our family.
I never would have dreamed that going on a surf board, a jetski or attending a mainstream school could be a possibility for Merri, but her therapists at Kids+ have made all that and more happen and we are eternally grateful.
Family Stories
Merri
Sophie
“Kids+ has always remained a strong and supportive community—not just for Sophie, but also for her younger sister Amelia, and for us as parents. From events and Christmas parties to lasting friendships with past therapists, Kids+ has been an important part of our lives.” — Simon, father of Sophie
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Sophie was born with CCMV (Congenital Cytomegalovirus) and is affected by hypertonia in her arms and legs, hypotonia in her torso and neck, and inflammation of the brain’s grey matter. Early on, we were uncertain about what Sophie’s future would hold, with both personal and professional opinions questioning whether she would be able to walk or talk.
Sophie has been with Kids+ since she was a newborn, beginning physiotherapy at just six weeks old (she is now 6 years old). She later added speech therapy and occupational therapy to her journey. The early stages were challenging, especially during COVID lockdowns when many sessions were conducted via telehealth. When restrictions eased, group therapy sessions—particularly baby massage classes—provided not only support but also a valuable sense of community.
Her early milestones included learning to move her arms and legs, drink from a bottle, and move independently—each a small but meaningful achievement. Through the Hanen Program, Sophie began learning to communicate her needs. During one memorable home session, she used sign language at dinner to ask for more food for the first time. From there, she progressed to learning to walk, even borrowing a walker from the Kids+ team.
In 2024, Sophie was proudly an ambassador for the Kite Festival. She still sometimes wears her ambassador shirt and took great pride in the role—coming up with ideas for where to display posters and making sure her cousins and kinder friends were invited.
Through her determination and the support of the Kids+ team, Sophie has achieved so much. Recently, she reached the milestone of attending mainstream school for Prep. We couldn’t have been prouder watching her run through the school gates to begin this exciting chapter with her friends.
Over the years, Sophie has seen several therapists come and go at Kids+, but it has always remained a strong and supportive community—not just for Sophie, but also for her younger sister Amelia, and for us as parents. From events and Christmas parties to lasting friendships with past therapists, Kids+ has been an important part of our lives.
Sophie’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of support—showing that with the right care and belief, possibilities can grow far beyond expectations.
Hamish
“Throughout Hamish’s journey with cerebral palsy, we have been incredibly fortunate to have Kids+ there every step of the way. From Hamish’s first home visit at 5 weeks of age, his therapy team have been a pillar of support for all of us.” — Megan, mother of Hamish
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Throughout Hamish’s journey with cerebral palsy, we have been incredibly fortunate to have Kids+ there every step of the way. From Hamish’s first home visit at 5 weeks of age, his therapy team have been a pillar of support for all of us.
Kids+ have removed the uncertainty by informing and educating us while providing empathy and support. We feel empowered and equipped with the knowledge and skills required to implement strategies and complete meaningful tasks and exercises at home that have a real impact. The team have thought of everything before we have and they are always thinking of the next milestone, how we are going to get there and what supports are required.
Visiting Kids+ for therapy is often the highlight of Hamish’s day. The bond he shares with his therapy team is so strong and this is a true testament to the kind, compassionate, fun, understanding people they are. We are continually amazed by how Kids+ can make challenging work fun and engaging for him.
There have been countless occasions where we have messaged Hamish’s therapy team to share moments of achievement with them. Whenever Hamish makes incremental progress, it is acknowledged and celebrated, and we absolutely love this. For a kid who has to work so hard at everything he does, this means the world to him and us and we’re so thankful to have such an amazing crew to share and celebrate all of his wins.
Hamish was so excited to take his little brother to the Kids+ Family Christmas Party at the end of 2021. He was talking about this for days before and after the event, we know he is so proud to be a part of the Kids+ community.
Although the journey for us has been incredibly emotional and tough, there is absolutely no doubt in our minds that Hamish is where he is today thanks to the incredibly knowledgeable team at Kids+ and the early access to intervention he has received. We are so grateful for all that they do and the opportunities they have provided to enrich Hamish’s life.
Jude
“What makes Kids+ amazing is how the therapists work together as a team, setting Jude’s goals and focuses. They support us navigating NDIS and any other areas we need help with. They support our whole family, our oldest child has attended the sibling programs and very much feels at home at Kids+!” — Emma, mother of Jude
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Jude is our beautiful 2 and half year old who started with Kids+ when he was about 8 months old. Jude was struggling with feeding particularly choking which was distressing. I remember the team coming to our house us which made life so much easier having another child at home. They at once provided us with safe seating for eating and trials of equipment to help guide Jude on his journey. This was before our funding had even come in, and without this it would have been another few months of struggle before funding would come in.
Jude receives all his therapies through Kids+ including Speech, Occupational and Physiotherapy. Jude’s journey has also included intensive therapy and group therapy which is great for making connections in the community.
What makes Kids+ amazing is how the therapists work together as a team, setting Jude’s goals and focuses. They support us navigating NDIS and any other areas we need help with. They support our whole family, our oldest child has attended the sibling programs and very much feels at home at Kids+!
It has definitely not been an easy ride for our family, to but it has been a lot smoother with the delicate care Kids+ have taken in supporting our family.
Get Started
We’d love to talk to you about your child’s needs to determine if we are the right fit for your family. Please fill in the form and a team member will be in touch within two business days. Alternatively, you are welcome to call us on 03 5223 1475 or email info@kidsplus.org.au.