
CPSARA
CEREBRAL PALSY SPORTING AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION NSW INC
CPSARA aims to provide both sporting and recreational opportunities for people of all ages with Cerebral Palsy and other neurological conditions.
There are many sports, events and levels of competition for you as an athlete to pursue. Participation in sport can be just for fun and fitness but can also be pursued to International and Paralympic level!
Become a member
Join now and become a part of our CPSARA family today!
You can join as an athlete, family member, health professional or a classifier.
You will be sharing in the enjoyment and achievement of sport as well as having lots of fun and building friendships along the way!

VOLUNTEER
Join our community of volunteers for whom we are grateful they give their time, effort and enthusiasm to our cause.
CPSARA
IDEA OF THE MONTH
Each month, the CPSARA newsletter features a piece of adaptive technology designed to make our members' lives easier! From easy-access shoes and accessories to adaptive gym equipment and kitchen aids, our innovative ideas of the month are a welcome addition to the life of anyone with a disability!
Click on the months below to see all of our past ideas of the month!
Magnide Sock Donner
As many of our CPSARA members know, wearing long compression socks comes at a cost. This donning aid has saved me hours of trying to pull up my socks before competitions and I hope it helps to make the lives of members of our community a bit easier like it has for me.
This sock donner features a magnetic closure at the bottom so it works for pulling on closed toe socks - ingenius! It is made from a material that easily slides against skin or other clothes, simply pull on the looped handle to slide your socks up! After each use, just follow the instructions that come with it and match the blue magnets up to each other, then it's ready to be used again!


MARCH 2022
ONE-UP HAIR TIES
If you struggle to tie your hair up high by yourself like me, then this idea is for you! The 1-Up Hair Tie is made up of a long hair elastic with a toggle on it, and can be used to create a ponytail with one hand or reduced hand function by putting the elastic around your head and pulling. You can then wrap the excess elastic around your ponytail, and this great tool can also be used to create pigtails, buns or you can wear it as a headband.
The ‘double loop’ tie has a second loop that helps you tighten the tie around your hair, which is perfect for those who struggle with grip! The 1-Up Hair Tie can be adapted to suit different abilities, and can be used with one hand, two hands, residual limbs or your feet!
Click the link below to purchase this product from the '1-Up Hair ties' website, which also has many How-To videos of people with different types of disabilities demonstrating how they use and benefit from the 1-Up hair tie! This product can also be found on the Active Hands Website here or the Assistive Technology Australia website here.

february 2022
boa shoes
Hi, it's Tamsin here. Finding shoes that fit you is hard enough, but an extra challenge that
many of our members may face is difficulty with shoelaces! Especially if you are in a sport
like athletics or triathlon that requires frequent changes of shoes under time pressure.
I have spent hours looking online for options such as elastic laces that make shoes easier to
put on, but find that it's hard to get shoes tight enough with these laces. I am so glad that I
found this amazing site online a few years ago, and have since been buying all my sports shoes
from there, or using this site for inspiration to search for other options online! This site is based
in the US but does ship to Australia or you can search on Australian websites such as https://www.amazon.com.au
for shoes that may fit you and save on the shipping costs!
People who have seen me at the track have probably noticed me wearing shoes with BOA closures and I have got a few people asking me where to buy them from so I've been waiting for the right time to share this with our wonderful community as the idea of the month!
This website features a range of shoes with BOA closures for sport and casual wear. Simply search what category you are looking for to find your fit, whether it be running, cycling, hiking, golf, snow sports, workwear, fishing... the list is endless! These shoes are impact tested, meaning they won't come undone in your run or event, but if they do this website sells spare BOA closures and parts so you don't need to buy new shoes! Simply click the dial into place and twist it to your desired tightness then it's ready to go.
As an added bonus, there are no annoying laces to irritate your feet and you can adjust the tightness on the go! Check out their website below and get ready for some speedy shoe changes!

January 2022
bendable, easy-grip
adaptive cutlery
I have been using adaptive cutlery like this for as long as I can remember due to the ease of
gripping they provide, which saves the annoying mishap of your finger slipping off your knife
whilst trying to cut your food!
They also feature a metal shaft that is easily bent to any angle to accommodate a reduced
range of motion, which I think would be useful for many of our CPSARA members, particularly
those with hemiplegia or similar impairments.
The rocker knife also saves so much difficulty many people with CP experience, with only minimal (not vigorous!) movement required to cut any food! They have comfortable rubber built-up handles and stainless steel utensils, which are also dishwasher safe.
You can purchase a set of four utensils (knife, fork, spoon and teaspoons) online from the Independent Living Services website via the link below.
- Tamsin Colley


December 2021
Nike air zoom pegasus 38 flyease
We have previously shared a similar item (Nike Phanton GT FlyEase
Football Boots), but these new shoes from Nike are great for the
gym or everyday use!
These shoes are designed especially for people who have difficulty
with laces and feature a zip on the side as well as a velcro fastener
at the back for tightening!
They are supportive and easy to wear with insoles or splints, coming in different widths, colours, and even with an option to design your own pair! I wear these around the house for extra support as well as in the gym and they are so
comfortable and time-saving for me!
- Tamsin Colley

October/NOVEMBER 2021
SWAM NECKING RING
Does your cerebral palsy or neurological condition cause any of these symptoms?
Talk to a hand therapist to trial swan necking rings/finger splints.
Some of our members have tried these rings for swan necking caused by Cerebral Palsy with great results. For best results, see a hand therapist to see if this is a suitable option for you and to have a ring fitted properly.
Click on the link below to see how they work:

August/September 2021
harbinger lifting hooks
We have previously shared an item similar (Active Hands), however,
these are a great alternate option available designed specifically
for use in the gym.
Harbinger lifting hooks are used to assist with strength training,
and are especially useful for people with weak/ no grip strength.
You can either grip the weight with them, and use them as an
emergency support, or use them instead of using your hand (as I do).
They have an adjustable wrist band made of velcro, and a neoprene
inner lining, making them easy to put on and comfortable to wear.
These lifting hooks have made a massive difference in my life, and
have made both the gym and strength training so much more accessible for me.
- Tahlia Blanshard
They are available to purchase on multiple websites, including Amazon.

JUNE/JULY 2021
BILLY ZIPPER SHOES
I'm sure we have all heard of these amazing shoes, but they are certainly deserving of a feature!
These are the dream for AFO wearers and ankle fused footsies.
Check out the amazing range of zipper shoes on their website below.

maY 2021
Adaptivestore.com.au launches MagZip zippers in Australia.
Introducing MagZip zippers, an innovative solution for one-handed
zipping of jackets. With a magnetic base and clever design,
MagZip® clasps together with the strength of the magnet,
removing the difficulty of starting to zip your jacket. MagZip®
zippers are sold individually and can be added into your favourite
jacket making one-handed zipping and unzipping quick and
smooth for people of different abilities.
Constructed of heavy-duty materials, MagZip zippers are built to
last, perfect for outerwear, sportswear, activewear & children’s wear.
If you have a self-managed NDIS plan and core supports budget you should have the flexibility to claim MagZip® Zippers and alterations with a related goal and sufficient budget.
If you are unsure, please check with your local NDIS Office.
Available in 10 different colours, MagZip® zippers are available at: www.adaptivestore.com.au

APRIL 2021
CPSARA Odd Shoe
Exchange Program
Surely, I am not the only person with two different sized feet.
Because of my hemiplegia, I am a size 6 on my CP foot and a size 8 on my right foot.
I just bought two new sets of gym shoes, a pair of 6s and a pair of 8s.
So I thought, we have an awesome growing community here,
could we start an odd shoe exchange program?
If you are interested in this program, please fill out the below form.
I will use these to create exchange buddies!
(On another note, I have a set of white gym Reeboks and a set of running black and orange Adidas in a size 8 left and size 6 right ready to go!)

march 2021
Fairy Fastener: Magnetic Necklace Clasping Attachment
Fine motor skills and necklace clasps. Need I say more?
These are a cute, quick, easy alternative to the usual dreaded 15 minutes trying
to put a necklace on oneself or looking for an assistant when you're in a rush.
You can find these magnetic clasps to attach to your favourite necklaces online.
Click on the link below to view the Fairy Fastener.

FEBRUARY 2021
shampoo, conditioner and soap dispensers
Holding a shampoo bottle upside down and squeezing with one hand while playing catch with the other hand can be pretty tricky. Especially for those of us with limited fine motor skills.
There is a cheap, easy and classy looking solution to this! Shower Soap Wall Mounted Dispensers are now readily available online.
To view the dispensers displayed in the above photo, click the link below! This dispenser is a one-handed release dispenser.
Alternatively, there are automatic dispensers that use motion to activate. To view an option for automatic dispensers, click on the following link!

January 2021
source kidS magazine
Source Kids mags are an idea for the whole family.
Packed with plenty of ideas, items and resources for all disability types, Source Kids could
be a source of information for all.
" Why Source Kids?
Parents and carers in particular are time-poor, exhausted and don’t have the time nor
energy to trawl through online and social media channels to find information. This is
becoming increasingly important as the rollout of the NDIS will ultimately have a positive
impact on the lives of children with disability.
Source Kids was created to fill this gap. It is a resource that has been created by parents, for parents and offers one ‘source’ of information that is relevant, reliable and up-to-date, whilst also being vibrant and positive.
Where Can I get My Copy?
Source Kids is a free magazine and is distributed through over 100 outlets in Australia – view distribution outlets here. Alternatively, you can subscribe for a small cost and have the magazine delivered directly to your door every issue! And then of course you can read the mag online for free including all back issues. "
Source Kids magazines can be found for free via the link below.

DECEMBER 2020
ONE TOUCH CAN OPENER
How great is this can opener!
There has been so many times where I've had cans that I can't open. Usually because I buy cans that I think have pull rings that don't or there's even been times where I've pulled the pull ring right off!
Check out this very useful can opener that opens a can all by itself!
One Touch Can Opener can be bought here.

november 2020
nike phantom gt academy flyease mg
For all our football lovers.
Adaptive football boots are finally here!
"What is FlyEase? It’s quick and easy access for all. It’s football for all. With a quick and easy fold-down heel and wraparound strap, get in and get going on the pitch with our first ever FlyEase boot."
The Nike Phanton GT FlyEase boots can be bought here.

OCTOber 2020
FAT GRIPZ
For exercising with limited fine motor skills
Hey guys! Rae here. I was recently talking to a teammate who is also a physio
about my struggles with exercise and movement due to my Cerebral Palsy
spasticity and Mirror Movement Disorder. She recommended these for my
training but I also thought it would be great for other athletes with limited
hand grip that want to be able to use weights or hold onto bars.
Here's why she recommended Fat Gripz for my Mirror Movement Disorder.
My CP side copies the smaller, fine motor movements of my right side when I
exercise (or even when I am holding a cup or typing on the computer!) The CP
side will cramp to repetitive movements or prolonged holds. The grips are
hopefully going to allow for my right side to hold a little wider than usual, which
will hopefully allow for a less tight grip.
If you are interested, let me know, and I will let you know how it goes for me!
Otherwise, I thought this could be useful for your training or activities too. It could make gripping training equipment or even the handles on your bike a little easier. These Fat Gripz could be used with the Active Hand Co gripping aides.
The Active Hand Co gripping aides are sold out at the moment. I can't wait to get mine and I am waiting to order.
The Fat Gripz can be bought Here.

SEPTEMBER 2020
ADAPTIVE FISHING EQUIPMENT
IT'S SPRING TIME! TIME TO SPRING INTO THE SUMMER ACTIVITIES WITH STYLE AND ADAPTION
Did you know that fishing can be a really adaptive sport? There are so many adaptive options for your rod from adaptive motorized rods, to machines that cast your reel at the press of a button.
Can't hold your rod and reel at the same time? Do you find it a little uncomfortable to try to hold your rod tight when you have a massive shark to reel in?
There are even adaptive options for you to help hold your rod so you don't lose your catch, like rod holders for your wheelchair or tools that help you grip the rod better, and harnesses if you have limited use of your hands.
Check out this adaptive rod holder to see if is the right catch for your fishing trip!
https://www.activehands.com/product/strong-arm-2-fishing-aid/

AUGUST 2020
NICK LAPSLEY'S CEREBRAL PALSY FACTS AND STEPTEMBER
September is STEPTEMBER.
Australia’s leading health and wellness fundraising event, and
walk, swim, ride, wheel or spin your way to 10,000 steps per day
for 28 days in a fun, safe and virtual environment – all while
making a real difference to the lives of children and adults
with cerebral palsy.
We have some very talented and generous members working
hard this September to raise money for Steptember.
Nick Lapsley, our athlete of the month has shared some videos
on Instagram about Cerebral Palsy facts for Steptember! Check
out his interesting facts on his Instagram.
Good luck and well done to all our members getting involved this year!
Nicholas Lapsley, Matthew Engesser, Mali Lovell, Tamsin Colley and Chloe Oates!

JULY 2020
DISABILITY IN THE MEDIA
"So often with disabled characters, they are the meek and mild people in the corner that the audience is meant to feel sorry for. Sabine is kind of the opposite, and that was really amazing to play. I think I'm one of the first disabled actors to ever have a lead role on Australian television and it's 2019. I think that's a little bit sad." - Bridie McKim
Ever thought of being an actor or actress?
Bridie McKim is an Australian actress with Diplegic Cerebral Palsy, who is best known for her character, Sabine in the ABC series, The Heights. Bridie became the first disabled actor to play a lead role on Australian television in this new show. Her character, Sabine, also has cerebral palsy!
It's so great to see Cerebral Palsy represented in media, especially by Cerebral Palsy actors.
Check out her video about her series, The Heights, and about disability in the media.

MAY/JUNE 2020
GET ACTIVE FROM HOME
Training from home?
Tag us in your home training sessions and show us what you are doing to stay active,
healthy, happy and ready for sport.
Check out Rae's 'Active Abilities Series' video by Sport NSW and CPSARA for some
at-home activity ideas!
We want to see you 'Get Active', tag us in your soccer tricks, your home training
sessions or even your dancing sessions in the hallway!
To feature on our newsletter or social media, tag CPSARA!
- Post directly to Facebook or Instagram
- Post to Instagram story
or
- Direct message @cpsara_nsw with your entry.
- Email secretary@cpsara.org.au
Your photos and videos can be shared on our CPSARA social media to encourage and motivate our CPSARA community to continue to stay healthy and connected during this time!
We wish you all safe and well. We cannot wait to see your 'Get Active' posts!

MARCH/APRIL 2020
TRAINING FROM HOME?
Training from home?
Tag us in your home training sessions and show us what you
are doing to stay active, healthy, happy and ready for sport.
We want to see you 'Get Active', tag us in your soccer tricks, your home
training sessions or even your dancing sessions in the hallway!
To feature on our newsletter or social media, tag CPSARA!
- Post directly to Facebook or Instagram
- Post to Instagram story
or
- Direct message @cpsara_nsw with your entry.
- Email secretary@cpsara.org.au
Your photos and videos can be shared on our CPSARA social media to encourage and motivate our CPSARA community to continue to stay healthy and connected during this time!
Check out Tamsin's video by clicking the video link below!
We wish you all safe and well. We cannot wait to see your 'Get Active' posts!

February 2020
toothpaste dispenser
The Active Hands Co. create some amazing and useful everyday tools.
They have come up with a quick and easy alternative to fighting with the toothpaste cap.
You can purchase a toothpaste dispenser at the Helping Hands Co. for 8.29 pounds here.

JULY/AUGUST 2019
LIZ JACKSON - DISABILITY AND INGENUITY
"What do touchscreens, bikes and ‘Symphony No.9’ all have
in common? They were all invented by what Liz Jackson calls
the 'original lifehackers'- people with disabilities." - The Feed SBS

JUNE 2019
General Purpose Gripping Aid by ACTIVE HANDS
These are amazing and are so handy for athletes with weak hand
grip. From gym sessions to everyday activities, these grips are perfect!
"General Purpose gripping aids function by the tightening of a strap
in the upper section, which gently pulls the hand into a fist shape,
adjusting to hold items in the palm. The wrist strap is also adjustable
and the aid is padded to reduce chafing."
Check out Active Hands Instagram for more ideas on uses for these Gripping Aids, Click Here.

APRIL 2019
ZIPPER & BUTTON SUPPORT
Shirt buttons and zippers are never easy, which is why I'm so surprised that
I've only just found this nifty little tool for us!
This tool will help you do up your buttons and zippers quicker and easier.
There is a wired loop for your buttons, to go through the button hole and thread over
the buttons to go back into the button hole easier and with less fiddling.
The hook can go through holes on zippers to give a tool to pull up the zipper with
a tool larger than the zipper and easier to hold on to.
This tool can be bought on eBay. Alternatively you can try to make your own like me.
All you will need is a piece of plywood or a handle to the length and thickness you prefer and a small screw hook that can be bought from hardware shops. The screw hook can be easily screwed into the plywood and used straight away. The screw hook can be used for both buttons and zippers even though the store-bought tool will have another adaption for the zippers.
To buy a tool on Ebay, Click Here.

March 2019
diy book holder
Holding a heavy book with one hand then trying to turn the pages with the other can becoming tiring and "old-fashioned" now that I found this idea of the month!
Your favourite pillow can now double as a book holder with this simple and easy DIY.
You can even add a ribbon for a bookmark if you're reading a really big school textbook and need to refer to another page later.
For the DIY steps, Click Here

FEBRUARY 2019
DIY CARD DISPLAY HOLDER
I couldn't tell you how many times I've become victim to the draw 4 card, five times in a row! Making it basically impossible for me to hold and hide my cards, especially with hemiplegia. So you would understand my excitement (as well as my "Wow, how did I not think of this ten years ago??)
at finding this idea of the month.
This is a DIY idea, which is very simple and can be done with a little family help before the
game starts. I have included four options for more fun.
Enjoy and get ready to win!
There's four easy ways to make a card display holder:
1. Lid and paddle pop display
If you have two large matching lids (Maybe the lids off the old large milo tin?) and a paddle
pop stick, this is your new UNO weapon!
The photo gives you an idea on how you could make this using pins, but super glue or
hot glue gun works too!
Glue half the paddle pop to the outside part of the lid. When gluing the back of both lids together, make sure the paddle pop is between the outside face of both lids.
Hint: for extra strength of the card holder, glue the lids together, leaving a 2cm gap around the
lids so you can put your cards in between the lids. Then DONE!
2. Pool noodle display
This is one of the easiest options! Find a pool noodle that your sibling won't mind you cutting
up (Maybe just pop down to Kmart for a new one, just to be safe!).
After that, cut it to your desired size (keeping in mind how many draw 4 cards you're expecting to receive).
Then cut a line down the length of the pool noodle, like in the photo above. Remembering the deeper the cut the sturdier the holder will be.
EASY!
3. Egg carton display
Another easy option! Grab an old (empty!) egg carton, the larger the better - a dozen or more!
Cut a line into the base of all the egg sections and volia, DONE!
4. Cardboard display
This holder will require more TLC but is totally worth it!
You will need:
- Sturdy cardboard - For a 3 level card holder like above, you'll need a piece of cardboard 49cm by 20cm, alternatively three pieces of cardboard 14cm by 20cm and a smaller piece 7cm by 20cm and sticking them together with sticky tape so they can bend.
- Material or paper (Depending on how fancy you want to be)
- Velco (Optional)
- Glue or hot glue gun
Fold the cardboard 49cm by 20cm so there are 4 sections with 3 sections 14cm in length and
1 section 7cm in length.
Cover the cardboard in your material so it's pretty (if desired).
Cut out 3 sections 5cm by 20cm with the material or paper that you have chosen. The middle
section of 14cm by 20cm will become your card holder face.





JANUARY 2019
ADAPTIVE JUMP ROPE "THE BAR"
THIS IS GENIUS!
Skipping can be difficult for hemiplegia athletes and athletes with limited movement and coordination in hands and arms but this skipping rope looks like it could make training so much easier!
"It is specially designed for one-armed adaptive athletes. However, everyone
can make use of this fine piece of equipment by improving coordination
balance between your left and right arms. The Adaptive Jump Rope can
help improve motor skills.
Mute Sports Equipment travels often. We have met with athletes that have
purchased The Adaptive Jump Rope and worked with them on mastering the
skill and becoming more efficient. We have also worked with athletes via
video coaching.
We start with a light-weight shaft of 6066 aluminum with a shiny, brushed
finish then press our Mute Sports ABEC 7 sealed bearings into each end of the
jump rope. The advantage of a sealed bearing is to keep out sweat, chalk dust and any other contaminates to keep the bearing smooth over the life of the jump rope. Next, we apply the three specific color grips that you choose to express your style! Finally, we build the custom cable length to fit your height.
The black cable 1/8 diameter. The cable weighs 5 grams per foot. It is made with aircraft cable and is galvanized to prevent rust. The upscale nylon coating wears well. Be sure to
always jump on a smooth surface such as a gym floor." - Mute Sports Equipment, Creator
To buy a custom made adaptive skipping rope, Click Here.

September 2018
clothes folding board
Does your mum tell you it looks like a bomb went off in your drawers?
Struggle to find your favourite stylish club singlet under a pile of neglected
cupboard clothes? Do you get frustrated when it's time to fold clothes?
Especially those pesky T-shirts that require two or more two fully functioning
hands and fingers? Well, now there's no excuse when mum asks if you can
help with the laundry! There is now a solution that may be quicker and easier
than mums old fashion two-handed folding. Check out this video and make
your very own folding board and have a go at racing mum to make the
highest folded clothes stack!

AUGUST 2018
EASYHOLD
EazyHold makes holding things such as utensils, bottles and even makeup
brushes so much easier, especially for people with CP affecting hands and fingers!
If you enjoyed Jess from Eyeliner and Empowerment's previously featured videos,
click below to watch her explain how to use Eazyhold and watch her demonstrate
with her hairdryer and makeup!
To visit the website, Click Here or on link below

JULY 2018
FINGER HELD PALM PEELER
This idea of the month comes from many experiences of trying to peel potatoes for the BBQ
quickly while being told I take forever. It's not exactly easy to hold a potato with CP and peel it!
Although, now I can! This is an ingenious idea! I can now hold and move the potato with my
dominant hand and strap the peeler to my CP hand. No more being told I take forever or
dropping the potatoes into the sink of potato and carrot peels.
Like food preparation hacks? Stay tuned for our next edition of idea of the month.

JUNE 2018
HOLD THE PHONE!
So I have always been skeptical about fads, especially anything that involves
memes, Facebook or phones. Pop sockets were no different. They were a fad,
an easy sale.
But after a friend gave me a branded pop socket, I realised how amazing they
are for people with limited hand movement and finger dexterity. No more
dropping my phone on my face while watching Netflix Originals or surfing
through YouTube for the next best IDEA OF THE MONTH!
You can find these pop sockets in most dollar shops or in a phone shop for a more 'trending and fashionable' pop socket. (Even though the dollar shop ones work just as well.)
If you want to be a little more different and trendy, you can get the Elastic Phone Holder Strap which functions in a similar way and is only $1 with free shipping - AMAZING, right?? Oh, and it comes in fab colours, your choice of 8 different colours.

MAY 2018
WISHBONE - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PENCILS AND PENS
Writing can be quite difficult with CP and can often result in poor gripping positions and much discomfort.
"The genius of the Wishbone Pen is in its wishbone shaped design. Along with the soft
rubber exterior, it naturally promotes an ergonomic tripod grip that allows the user to
write efficiently and without discomfort. Say goodbye to finger and hand cramps and
start to enjoy your writing again. These are also an excellent rehabilitation tool for those
who need stability and comfort while relearning how to write."
To purchase this produce from an Aussie seller, contact Kirra Wilson through Facebook,
Alternatively, purchases can be made through eBay, Click Here
Pencils are $10 each
Pens are $12
$30 for pack 4 and refills (5 leads) are $7.
Postage just $3

APRIL 2018
STEPHEN HAWKINGS
This month's idea of the month is in honour of Hawkings' influential life.
"Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change."
"Life would be tragic if it weren't funny."
"I have noticed even people who claim everything is predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road."
Disability outreach
Starting in the 1990s, Hawking accepted the mantle of role model for disabled people, lecturing and participating in fundraising activities. At the turn of the century, he and eleven other luminaries signed the Charter for the Third Millennium on Disability, which called on governments to prevent disability and protect the rights of the disabled. In 1999, Hawking was awarded the Julius Edgar Lilienfeld Prize of the American Physical Society.
In August 2012, Hawking narrated the "Enlightenment" segment of the 2012 Summer Paralympics opening ceremony in London. In 2013, the biographical documentary film Hawking, in which Hawking himself is featured, was released. In September 2013, he expressed support for the legalisation of assisted suicide for the terminally ill. In August 2014, Hawking accepted the Ice Bucket Challenge to promote ALS/MND awareness and raise contributions for research. As he had pneumonia in 2013, he was advised not to have ice poured over him, but his children volunteered to accept the challenge on his behalf.

march 2018
CP life haCks pt 2
This months tip is the part 2 video of Cerebral Palsy Life Hacks by a YouTuber
called Eyeliner and Empowerment aka Jess. There are often great tip and
hack videos online that target a large range of CP.
Jess mentions tips including hot and cold baths which help with cramping
and pain, rubber laces as well as pop sockets and heated blankets.
Note: Jess mentions magnesium oils. Magnesium is very good for cramping, pain and muscle tension. It is often used in tablet and oil form. Please NOTE that while magnesium is okay to use as an athlete, products may contain traces of other substances which may be on the banned substance list. If you are an athlete who is likely to get drug tested but think you could benefit from magnesium, speak to sports doctors and ASADA before commencing use.
Check out her video for ideas that might help you!

FEBRUARY 2018
CP life haCks pt 1
To celebrate Cerebral Palsy Awareness month next month, a YouTuber called
Eyeliner and Empowerment aka Jess made this video on Cerebral Palsy Life Hacks!
Jess mentions tips such as Epsom salt baths to relieve cramps and pains, gel heel cushions and much more.
Check out her video for ideas that might help you!

JANUARY 2018
ROCKER KNIFE AND ROCKING
T KNIFE
These knives are perfect for us CP athletes with arms and hands affected.
These knives allow for simple cutting of meats, cheese, vegetables and
fruits with ease using only one hand!
The knife allows for more pressure on the food being cut with greater
strength and dexterity as the force is applied on the top of the knife, rather
than from the side.
It's also great for PIZZA!
If this is something you think you would benefit from, speak to your OT, Physio or NDIS Advisor for more information and support finding a supplier.
They are also easy to find online (although importing may be an issue!)
Click Here to watch a young boy demonstrate just how easy it is to use a Rocker Knife!
Click Here to watch a Rocking T Knife!
NOTE: Photo from Instagram account @kreationsbykittles
Social Media can be a great way to connect with friends and family. It can also be a great source of information. Feel free to follow accounts like this one for innovative and different ideas that might help you!
ALSO FOLLOW CPSARA on Instagram: @cpsara_nsw
FOR MORE INTERESTING IDEAS AND FACTS AS WELL
AS INFORMATION ON UPCOMING EVENTS AND RESULTS!

OCTOBER 2017
NON-SLIP PLASTIC SHEETS
This was an idea suggested to me by Cerebral Palsy Alliance while I
was doing my HSC, and it was a lifesaver! For many of us with limited
movement in our arms and hands, writing, cutting, opening jars and
other similar daily activities can be annoying! I take this sticky plastic
sheet with me whenever I need to write for long periods of time,
because I can't stop the piece of paper from running away while I try
to write and hold it still all with one hand! It's also great for opening
jars and containers as well as keeping plates still while you eat.
If you are visiting CP Alliance, ask for a sheet, they are handy!
Bigger sheets can be found for a whole desk on eBay here.

September 2017
quick elastic laces
Shoelaces can be difficult especially if an event or sport requires changing shoes frequently like triathlons and athletics. It can also be difficult with limited hand and finger movement. Elastic laces are amazing for sport and on the go people. They are a quick alternative to shoelaces and are readily available in sports stores.
An athletics specific sports store on the Central Coast stocks plenty of elastic laces ready to be sent straight to your door, in heaps of different colours: yellow, blue, white, even pink!
