Media release
Funding boost for special needs children
Recognised internationally for its innovative and successful programmes, The Champion Centre provides high quality early intervention services for children from birth to school age, who have delays in at least two areas of development. Children attending the centre have a wide range of special needs as a result of conditions including: Down syndrome, genetic disorders, extreme premature birth, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury. The Christchurch-based centre works with around 190 children each year.
The Champion Centre Director, Dr Susan Foster-Cohen, said the Learning through Computer Programme is able to be adapted to meet the differing needs of each child.
“For example, a child with a physical disability maybe unable to walk but can control the movement of a character on the screen giving them a sense that they can have an impact on the world, inspiring them to be active not passive.”
The ‘Learning through Computer Programme’ utilises commercially available software in a range of different ways to increase: communication skills, intellectual and physical abilities. Computer activities focused on developing language, cognitive and fine motor skills are designed to suit each child’s individual learning needs. Knowledge of computers has also been found to assist children in their transition to school.
The family-focused early intervention programme at the Champion Centre is run by highly qualified and experienced staff in partnership with parents and caregivers. Small group sessions are held weekly or fortnightly at the centre, depending on the needs of the child. At each session the child is seen individually by a core therapy team of a physiotherapist or occupational therapist, early intervention teacher and speech language therapist. A social worker is also a key member of the team.
A range of specialist programmes, focused on learning through music, play and the computer are also provided to assist the child’s learning and development.
“We are very grateful to Sovereign Sunshine for the funding boost for our ‘Learning through Computer Programme’. In this increasingly financially challenging time, it’s enormously helpful to have this assistance to continue what is a very valuable programme for our children,” The Champion Centre Development Consultant, Margaret Howie, said.
The Sovereign Sunshine programme, which is backed by Kiwi actress and mother of two Greer Robson, helps under-resourced children’s charities by providing them with funding. Each month the initiative focuses on a different charity group, with members of the public deciding via online voting which charity will receive the funding. Sovereign staff also play their part, by helping to raise funds for the different charities.
Sovereign Marketing Communications Manager, Richard Allen, said Sovereign is very committed to encouraging health and well-being in local communities through the programme.
To find out more about Sovereign Sunshine or to vote for a charity visit www.sovereignsunshine.co.nz
For further information:
The Champion Centre
Margaret Howie
P: 03 383 6867
M: 021 883 300
Or
Kieran Stoltenkamp
P: 09 578 0786
M: 021 039 5318
About The Champion Centre
• The Champion Centre is a charitable trust administered by The Christchurch Early Intervention Trust.
• The Champion Centre was founded by Dr Patricia Champion through her work with Down syndrome children.
• The centre works with over 190 children aged 0-6 years each year.
• The Champion Centre’s Director is Dr Susan Foster-Cohen an expert in children’s language development.
• The centre employs over 70 highly qualified and skilled fulltime and part-time staff.
• The Champion Centre is based at Burwood Hospital and operates as a fully licensed early childhood centre incorporating a purpose built playground and specialised play equipment.
• www.championcentre.org.nz
6 April 2009
