What We Do

What if I could?

Friday, 22 July 2011 12:01

Children with limb differences – from birth, or as a result of illness or injury – face many challenges as they go through life.

It can be hard for them to do the things their friends do. Often they’re left asking themselves, what if I could? What if I could play an instrument, or be a part of my school’s rowing team? Sometimes it’s a desire as simple as, what if I could walk up and down stairs while carrying all my stuff?

The What If I Could program seeks to turn what if into I can. The project is expanding the quality and quantity of prosthetic limbs available to Queensland children with limb differences, so that they can be a part of not just everyday activities, but also sport and recreation that is so important to being healthy and happy.

Our funding is assisting the What If I Could project to supply recreational limbs and components to kids, as well to set up a loan bank through which kids can trial a range of prosthetic components.

The program is also acquiring Upper Limb Dolls: toys with limb differences to help children understand amputation, physical limits, prosthetic care and body image in a positive and fun way.

Each year the Queensland Paediatric Rehabilitation Service (QPRS) at Brisbane’s Royal Children’s Hospital treats more than 175 children with limb differences. Through the What If I Could project, these kids will have new opportunities to play sport, make music, achieve and live life to the fullest!
 

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