Meet Joey

Meet Joey

Joey is 7 years old has a diagnosis of Periventricular Cerebral Palsy which affects all areas and in particular his lower limbs, trunk and left arm and hand, but his difficulties extend beyond these physical challenges. Joey started Pace in September 2017 and during his first visit it was clear that he was a very self-conscious little boy who found his body very difficult to use resulting in him being withdrawn, lacking self-confidence and self esteem. Therefore, building Joey’s social and emotional mental health was as important as developing his physical skills.

Joey has benefited greatly from the onsite hand therapy service provided at Pace. Where previously he would neglect using his left arm and hand, limiting his functional skill development, the provision of a supportive splint to align Joey’s hand and give him more
sensory feedback has enabled him to learn to use his left hand and facilitate independence and increased skill acquisition ranging from opening his lunch box and unwrapping food, to holding on to a ladder for support when transferring out of his chair.

Pace offers Joey opportunities for growth and development that not only to promote his physical skills but also his social and emotional health. Joey moves around the school in his power chair and is a very capable power chair user, negotiating obstacles and navigating around the school, enabling the independence that he so needs.

By working on building his physical abilities and instilling the Pace ‘can do’ attitude, Joey went from being a quiet, introverted child who completely distrusted his body and refusing to use his left arm and hand, to a child who has the confidence to travel around the school, engage in and initiate conversations with peers and staff, and is showing pride in his achievements.