Give your child the best start with New Buds.
If your child has vision and / or hearing challenges, the SensesWA New Buds team are here to help them get the best start in life with specialised therapy and support, made possible thanks to the generosity of Telethon.
Securing NDIS funding may not always be possible. While you are waiting for your child’s diagnosis you may need to access vital services to ensure developmental milestones are reached. SensesWA’s New Buds program provides no-cost support with a combination of tailored therapies to help your child get the best start in life.
Who can apply?
- Children aged 0-11 years
- With vision and/or hearing issues (or a risk of these)
- Reside in Western Australia (services may be in-person or via telehealth)
- Not already receiving government-funded services like the NDIS
About the program
SensesWA is one of the only disability service providers in Western Australia with a dedicated team of Deafblind Consultants who support children who are Deaf, blind, or have both vision and hearing loss or impairment.
Our team of health professionals have backgrounds in fields like Orthoptics, Orientation and Mobility, Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology, ensuring comprehensive support for your child. We’ll work with you to develop a plan to achieve important milestones. Services may include occupational therapy, speech pathology, physiotherapy, dietetics, positive behaviour support and more.
What kind of support is available?
We’ll meet with you to discuss your child’s goals with a focus on:
- Offering support with diagnosis, including vision assessments if needed.
- Guiding your family through diagnosis and the adjustments that come with it.
- Offering holistic therapies to achieve development milestones like communication and mobility.
- Supporting your child’s communication development and preferences, including alternative communication strategies like Key Word Sign.
- Working with your child’s daycare or school to ensure they are supported in their environment.
- If needed, help you transition to other funded supports like the NDIS.
Depending on your goals, your SensesWA New Buds therapy team might include any of:
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Pathology
- Physiotherapy
- Orientation and Mobility
- Orthoptics
- Dietetics
- Social Work
- Positive Behaviour Support
- Deafblind Consultants
- Educator
How much does the service cost?
Eligible children will access a fully funded place, thanks to the generosity of Telethon.
Where can I access the services?
We provide services at home, school, in the community or via telehealth. This allows us to offer practical strategies that fit into your daily routines.
Getting started
We have a limited number of places available for this one-of-a-kind program in Western Australia which has been generously funded by Telethon until December 2025.
If you would like to be considered for the program, please fill out the form below and our Customer Experience team will respond to your enquiry within 3 – 5 business days. Alternatively, please call us on 1300 111 881 for more information.
