Maddison is a bubbly, bright four-year-old who loves to socialise and play with her siblings.

Maddison is living with Arthrogryposis, and an undiagnosed neuro muscular disorder. Her condition causes her limbs to contract, affecting her ability to sit, stand and swallow.

Maddison’s mum, Sally, was looking for a solution that would enable her daughter to join in with the family more often. Sally explored many commercial options however none could give Maddison the support she needed to reach this goal. It was Maddison’s therapist who recommended Sally to approach TAD for help. TAD volunteer, Tom, was able to build a height adjustable table with a cut-out to accommodate her special seat. Sally says that Maddison’s new table “ticked all of Maddison’s boxes” as she could now “play Lego or have afternoon tea with her siblings”.

Now that Maddison and her sister shared a room together, they wanted to upgrade to a bunk bed, however, given Maddison’s mobility challenges, the bunk bed had to be safe for her use. Just like Maddison’s height adjustable table, TAD volunteer, Jim, visited the family home to measure the bunk bed and assess the situation. Jim was able to build a bed rail on the side of the bed and added a lock to avoid the risk of Maddison falling out of her bed. Sally was extremely happy with Jim’s job because the girls could continue to share a room together and keep their bunk bed.

TAD’s help has been life-changing for Sally. “Having three children and four to eight appointments a week, we just don’t have time to travel around, looking for suitable equipment. So, having TAD come to us to make custom equipment that will fulfil her occupational therapy and physiotherapy goals is amazing”, says Sally.

From the beginning, TAD ticked the right boxes for Sally and Maddison. Not only was the equipment just what Maddison needed but the TAD volunteers were dedicated to getting it just right to meet her goals.

“With TAD, you’re dealing with friendly people who want to find solutions for your child. TAD. Full stop. Go for it.” – Sally.