More Than Just Fun: How NDIS-Approved Resources Help with Your Child’s Developmental Goals
As a parent or teacher like you, you understand that resources aren't just for play; they're chances for your child to learn and get better at things like being with others, moving, and thinking.
Resources are even more important for kids who learn differently or have special needs.
NDIS understands that resources are crucial for a children's growth, that it helps children work on things that they may be weaker at as well as hone skills they have yet to develop.
With this, they have made a list of resources that help with different developmental objectives. If you're a parent, teacher, or therapist, you might find these resources helpful for your child's daily playtime!
Understanding NDIS-Approved Resources
First, do you know what NDIS means? It's short for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, which is a government program in Australia. They make sure that products --- such as resources --- which are made for children with special needs are designed to actually help with their development. They help check and regulate products according to each product's effectiveness!
With this, NDIS-Approved Resources are well in line with their objective. These focus on being able to support every child and individual’s growth regardless of condition.
Types of NDIS-Approved Resources
NDIS-approved resources cover a wide range of developmental areas. Here are some common types and how they support specific goals:
Sensory Resources:
Sensory resources such as textured balls, fidget tools, and sensory boards can support sensory processing goals, helping children regulate their sensory input and responses.
Communication and Language resources:
Resources like communication boards, picture cards, and interactive books can facilitate language development and communication skills for children with speech and language delays.
Fine Motor Skills Resources:
Items such as building blocks, puzzles, and threading beads can strengthen fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity.
Gross Motor Skills Resources:
Resources like balance boards, balls, and tunnels promote gross motor skills development, balance, coordination, and physical strength.
Social and Emotional Development Resources:
Games, role-playing sets, and emotion cards can enhance social skills, emotional regulation, empathy, and understanding of social cues.
Benefits of NDIS-Approved Resources
The use of NDIS-approved resources offers several benefits:
Targeted Support:
These resources are specifically chosen to address the individualised developmental goals outlined in a child's NDIS plan, giving them the right kind of help they need depending on their case and/or situation.
Therapeutic Value:
These resources are made after conducting a lot of research. Experts like therapists and behaviour specialists make sure to mix learning with fun and cool ideas that are sure to keep every child engaged -- taking note of what keeps a child with special needs engaged.
This way, these children can still have fun playing with the resources while they learn, instead of just learning and losing their interest.
Progress Tracking:
Playing with these resources helps therapists, teachers, and parents see how well a child is doing. It helps them find what the child is good at and what they might need more help with.
Empowerment and Independence:
When children play with these resources and get better at their goals, they feel proud, strong, and can do more things on their own every day -- helping them develop independence and autonomy, vital traits that every child should have.
Choosing the Right NDIS-Approved Resources
When selecting NDIS-approved resources for a child, consider the following factors:
Alignment with Goals:
Ensure that the resources align with the specific developmental goals outlined in the child's NDIS plan.
Safety and Durability:
Prioritise resources that are safe, durable, and suitable for the child's age and developmental stage.
Engagement and Interest:
Choose resources that are engaging, interesting, and motivating for the child, as this enhances their willingness to participate and learn.
Versatility:
Select resources that offer versatility and can be used in various ways to target different skills and abilities.
Incorporating NDIS-Approved Resources into Therapy and Play
Integrating NDIS-approved resources into therapy sessions and playtime at home can be highly beneficial:
Structured Activities:
Use the resources in structured activities that target specific goals, like exploring senses, practising talking, or getting better at moving -- all inclined towards developing their social, motor and intellectual skills.
Create opportunities for learning and skill practice through play, encouraging the child to engage with the resources in ways that promote growth and development.
Encourage Interaction:
Use resources that encourage social interaction, turn-taking, cooperation, and communication with peers or caregivers.
Monitor Progress:
Regularly assess the child's progress and adjust the use of resources and activities as needed to support ongoing development.
NDIS-approved resources are really helpful for both the enjoyment and the development of kids with special needs. Due to the research and sensitivity that went to its creation, kids with special skills can help with lots of different goals in development.
If teachers, therapists, and parents know about these resources, how they help, and use them well in play and therapy, they can give these children the right kind of support that will help them become healthy and adjusted in their everyday lives.
Need Help from Experts in Developmental Resources?
If you’re a parent or teacher in need of the right kind of tools to help with your child’s development, then you’ve come to the right place. We practise all that we have stated above in the creation and selling of all our resources making sure that aiding child development be our top priority!
See our list of NDIS-approved resources here, or if you want to search for more, we might have them on our website. Enjoy your shopping at The OT Store!