Queensland kids up to the age of 18 will benefit from a new government program that funds recreational prosthetics. The $7.7 million budget boost for the Active Limbs4Kids Program will, in most cases, fund recreational prosthetics free-of-charge for the next four years. This includes the majority of costs for new and replacement ‘blade’ lower limbs and a variety of attachments for upper limbs, as well as ongoing maintenance and repairs. Previously recreational prosthetics were excluded from funding.
More than 130 children born with a limb deficiency, or who have had limbs amputated, are expected to get assistance from the program which will allow them to participate in physical activities such as running, swimming or playing musical instruments.
“There are currently 132 children receiving standard prosthetics to support their basic functioning from the Queensland Artificial Limbs Service and they could all benefit from recreational prosthetics,” said Premier Campbell Newman. The premier added that the government has a strong health plan that is intended to provide a brighter future for young people and their families who face physical challenges in life.
“Whatever they choose to do with their lives, they will be able to lead more active and fulfilling lives thanks to the opportunities provided by this program,” he said.
Caption: A beneficiary of the program, Kyle Haslam, who lost his lower legs after he contracted pneumococcal septicaemia.