Explore, Play & Move with the Kids+ Wheely Fun Program
Wheely Fun at Kids+
Movement is about more than getting from A to B; it's about independence, curiosity, connection, and play. The Kids+ Wheely Fun Program is an NDIS-funded intensive therapy program designed to support young people to move themselves using powered devices, opening up a whole new world of exploration and participation.
What is Wheely Fun?
Wheely Fun is a four-day intensive program that runs during school holidays, combining 1:1 therapy with a physiotherapist or occupational therapist in a fun group setting alongside other young people. This unique format means children benefit from evidence-based individual therapy while also enjoying the social side of learning together, including peer modelling, shared experiences, and the chance to build friendships with others at a similar age and stage.
Who is it for?
The program is open to children from as young as eight months of age through to young adults. Groups are created based on age and interest, and families from outside the Geelong region are welcome to join, with potential accommodation subsidies available for those travelling from further afield.
Wheely Fun FAQ
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Powered mobility can be an option for children to allow them to explore, participate and play. It may not be helpful if a child/young person is crawling or walking efficiently in all environments. It can be an option for managing fatigue for those who walk some of the time. If a child is not rolling or crawling, powered mobility can be considered from 9months of age. It is best to speak to your therapy team to discuss if this is a helpful option for your child.
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No. There is no evidence that use of powered mobility delays the onset of walking or crawling. In fact, there is evidence that the practice of “getting to” people and places actually stimulates a young child’s motivation to move in their walker/on their feet. For example, a 3yr old child may use their walker indoors for short distances, and their wizzy bug outdoors for longer distances.
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Speak to your therapist about access and waiting lists in your area. Loan programs are available for Explorer Mini and Wizzy bug devices, or for extended trial/loan of powered wheelchairs. Kids+ can provide assessments and recommendations as required, and we have a small pool of loan equipment also, for use in the Wheely Fun Program.
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Definitely. The intensive runs from Monday-Thursday during the January, July and September school holidays. There may be accommodation subsidies for those traveling from out of region. Please contact Kids+ for more information.
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The program uses up to 10 hours of therapy funding. This includes assessment prior to the 4 day intensive and reporting at the end. Please contact Kids+ for more individualised information.
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Yes! Depending on what is important for you and your child at the moment, there may be some benefit to trialling self-initiated movement through powered mobility, learning what might be possible, and what might fit in to family life. The practice of moving oneself to explore and play might encourage motivation to move in other ways (rolling, crawling, walking). The Wheely Fun program facilitates meeting other children and families of similar age and stage, to build networks of support too. For more information, contact Kids+ to see if this is right for you.