Novita

17/04/2025

We've provided a handy list for parents to ensure that their kids have a cracking good Easter🐰🐣🍫

From sensory-friendly Easter egg hunts, creative colouring in, and egg decorating, we have the kids covered during the long weekend! So, hop to it, the fun starts here! 🐇

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday!



[image description: a little girl collects Easter eggs indoors]

Are you a parent looking for fun things for your kids to do during the Easter holidays? We have compiled a list of family, sensory friendly activities to have a hopping good time!

06/04/2025

Everyday activities like going to school, leaving the house, or being away from Mum used to be really tough for Tamm. But now, thanks to some hard work and support of her therapy team, Tamm has come a long way towards achieving her therapy goals.

At Novita, Tamm’s learned how to manage her emotions, stay calm in tricky situations, and even found a love for exercise. She’s all about the exercise ball and dumbbells now! 💪

Her confidence has grown in so many ways. For example, Tamm can now go shopping with her friends, attend school part-time, and even stay at a family member’s house without Mum there. All things she was previously unable to do. Tamm even went and got her ears pierced recently – what a huge step!

“Novita has truly been life-changing for us. We still face struggles, but we're now more confident in navigating them,” Mum said.

We’re so proud of you, Tamm! We can’t wait to see what you achieve next 👏

[Image descriptions: Image 1: Tamm, her Mum, and her psychologist, Jaimee smile at the camera. Image 2: Tamm smiles alongside her Mum, Dad, and her exercise physiologist, Sandy. Image 3: Tamm exercising with dumbbell weights. She is looking focused and determined. Image 4: Tamm and Sandy doing stretches after their workout session.]

23/03/2025

Before Shane started one-on-one cooking lessons with his support worker, Elizabeth, he didn’t do many everyday activities. But now, he’s come such a long way!

Before each lesson, Shane’s mum shares his favourite recipes with Elizabeth. Then, Elizabeth teaches Shane how to cook them so he can make them on his own in the future. This teamwork has not only created a special bond between Elizabeth and Shane but has supported Shane to develop a newfound sense of independence too.

Mum couldn’t be happier with Shane’s progress. He’s learned how to manage money by counting and tracking his spending while grocery shopping. He now picks out ingredients at the supermarket on his own, reading labels to get the right items. And in the kitchen, he’s become much more self-sufficient, cooking with minimal assistance and really enjoys the process.

Awesome work, Shane! We can’t wait to try some of your delicious cooking soon! 🎉



[Image descriptions: Image one – A boy in a blue t-shirt and red apron, and a lady in a blue t-shirt and red-and-white striped apron, working as a team, peeling off spring roll wrappers. Image two – A boy wearing a blue shirt and a red apron holds his freshly rolled banana spring roll. Image three – A boy wearing a blue and green shirt and a red apron is cooking, while a lady in a blue t-shirt and a red-and-white striped apron gives instructions. Image four – A boy in a blue and green shirt and a lady in a blue shirt with a red-and-white striped apron proudly show off their freshly cooked banana spring roll dessert.]

16/03/2025

Jasmine has made incredible progress in expressing herself since joining the Drama Group at Novita! 🎭✨

The group has supported her in building confidence, and now she’s using her communication PODD more effectively to share her thoughts and feelings. Jasmine is confidently performing in front of a group of clients and staff and is truly coming out of her shell while showcasing her outstanding growth and talent 🌟

Jasmine's journey is a shining example of how creative expression and ongoing encouragement can empower someone to reach their full potential. We’re so proud of how far she’s come and can’t wait to see all the amazing things she’ll achieve next on and off the stage!




[Image 1: A girl is holding communication PODD smiling at the camera, image2: A girl wearing black and white striped apron and a pair of rainbow sunglass and her support wearing black shirt. Image 3: A girl signs “thank you” by putting her hand on her chin while her support worker shows encouragement]

04/03/2025

Feeling festive? 💃🦩

There's still time to head to the 2025 Adelaide Fringe! 🌻🪩

We've compiled a list of the best shows about disability at this year's Adelaide Fringe. From stand-up comedy, theatre and dance, we've got you covered with engaging entertainment! We've also included important information about accessibility at the Fringe, including venues, sensory areas and how to book tickets. This list will spoil you with options for things to see and do! 🎊👯‍♀️

The fun starts here >> https://www.novita.org.au/helpful-information/top-shows-about-disability-during-the-2025-adelaide-fringe/

📷Pictured: Our resident hit-maker DJ Deb spinning the decks for the Heartbeat Club run by Tutti Arts. The Heartbeat Club will keep the party going at the 2025 Adelaide Fringe at their event at MOD. on Friday 21 March.



[image description: a DJ in a wheelchair has fun at a party]

25/02/2025

Meet Van! A bright and energetic 6-year-old who uses AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) to express himself. Recently, he’s been learning to use Proloquo2Go, an app that supports his communication – and he’s making amazing progress! ⭐

Van loves using his Proloquo2Go to talk about his school friends, chat about his favourite shows like Bluey, and tell funny jokes. He also enjoys sharing memories and even teaching others how to use his communication device.

During therapy sessions, Van takes the lead in activities – whether it’s pretend cooking, playing with dolls, or making up games. His speech pathologist, Winnie, has been supporting him in using Proloquo2Go, which they use together to learn new words and other ways to communicate.

Van’s mum is thrilled to see him using more words and confidently saying what he wants. He’s proving every day that he has so much to say – and now, he has the tools to share it!

Keep going, Van! We can’t wait to hear what you'll say next! 👏



[Image descriptions - Image one: a young boy wearing a grey cat headband sits at the top of a red foam slide grinning at the camera. Image two: a young boy wearing a grey cat headband and a young woman with blonde hair sit next to each other, both holding iPads while smiling. Image three: a young boy wearing a grey cat headband and a young woman with blonde hair sit next to each other, the young boy is typing something on an iPad.]

22/02/2025

When Israel started therapy, he had big goals for his mobility and independence. With support from his therapy team, assistive technology, and his family, he’s made huge strides - both literally and figuratively!

From initially finding it challenging to move, Israel is now using a walker to take steps, can sit independently for longer than he used to, and has found a new way to communicate with his family through switch-activated toys.

Excitingly, having a walker has given Israel more freedom to explore, take walks with his family, and be more involved in activities.

Way to go, Israel! Your progress highlights how the right support, resources, and determination can open new possibilities to .

[Image descriptions: Image 1 - A happy family of five is gathered around a young boy seated in a wheelchair. They are all smiling and laughing together. Image 2 – A young girl in a white t-shirt blows bubbles while her younger sister in a green shirt and a younger brother in a wheelchair excitedly reach up to pop them. Image 3 - A young girl and a boy in a wheelchair smile at the camera. Image 4: A young boy is sitting in a wheelchair smiling happily at the camera. Image 5 - A therapist in a purple Novita uniform assists a young boy using a red walker.]

16/02/2025

Latasha’s love for dance has taken her from a shy and reserved participant to a confident leader in our Mindful Movement therapy group!

When she first joined the group, dance was something Latasha did on her own. Now, she connects with others, builds friendships, and even leads the group with her energy and creativity.

Mindful Movement is a therapy group that uses dance and music to support participants to build confidence, social connections, and physical skills in a fun and supportive environment.

During the group, Latasha is always ready to try new movements, challenge herself, and bring fresh ideas to each session. Her confidence has grown since joining, and Latasha is proud of what she’s achieved. We can’t wait to see what she does next in the group! 💃✨



[Image descriptions - Image 1: A woman in a wheelchair and another woman standing beside her, both clapping their hands in celebration. Image 2: Two woman with their foreheads gently pressed together, sharing a joyful smile. Image 3: A woman in a wheelchair clapping her hands, while another woman stands beside her, smiling.]

24/01/2025

Since starting hydrotherapy after fracturing his kneecap, 17-year-old Dilraj has made great progress.

In hydrotherapy, his main goal has been to swim the length of the pool and back without needing to rest 🏊‍♂️

Outside of the pool, Dilraj's goal has been to walk 60 meters with use of walker – something he could do before the fracture.

With support from his therapy team, Dilraj has achieved amazing and is now swimming full laps of the pool wearing a snorkel and goggles.

Dilraj has also reported to us that when he is not using his powered wheelchair, he is back to walking pre-injury distances with his walker.

Way to go, Dilraj! Your commitment to therapy and determination have seen you achieve your goals in no time 🌟



[Image 1: A young boy wearing a green t-shirt, sitting in his power wheelchair, smiling at the camera.
Image 2: A photo of a young boy wearing a green t-shirt, sitting in his power wheelchair, surrounded by his Mum, Dad, and Sister in front of a fence with trees. Image 3: The young boy participating in a therapy session in the pool with a man. Video : A young boy swimming in the pool with his therapist by his side.]

10/01/2025

When Maddie joined our Step Up program, she had three main goals – to make new friends, build her confidence, and learn life skills. Over the past year, she’s done all that — and so much more!

Step Up is a program designed to support young people living with disability build independence and prepare for their next stage in life. Through the program, Maddie has taken on new challenges, built lasting friendships, and gained practical skills to empower her to live more independently.

One of her biggest highlights was taking part in the South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival, a statewide celebration of local art. Maddie created and sold her own beautiful clay jewelry, with support from her family and support workers.
In addition to starting her small jewelry business, Maddie’s also learned cooking, budgeting, and time management as part of the program, all of which are essential skills that will support her to succeed in whatever she takes on next.

Congratulations on graduating from the Step Up program, Maddie! We can’t wait to see what you achieve next 🎉


[Image descriptions - image 1: A young woman and her family have fun as they pose for the camera. Image 2: A young woman and her friends join together to prepare food for graduation night ahead. Image 3: A young woman in her wheelchair smiling at the camera. Image 4: A young woman cuts fruit with a yellow knife in a kitchen. Image 5: Handmade clay jewelry with unique designs and vibrant colours are displayed beautifully.]

20/12/2024

Andrew used to be afraid of water, but not anymore! 🌊

Not too long ago, getting in the water was something Andrew found incredibly difficult. With support from his therapist, Esther, and lots of hard work, Andrew has tackled his biggest challenge lap-by-lap.

Together, they started small and built up his confidence through Aquatic Therapy sessions. Over time, Andrew learned to put his head under water, swim laps, dive down to collect sinkers, and even participated in his school swimming carnival. 🏊‍♂️

Esther used fun and gentle techniques to support Andrew to feel safe in the pool, and to help him progress towards his therapy goals. Now, he’s not just swimming, he's mastering new tricks and skills in the pool with confidence!

Andrew’s mum couldn’t be happier with how far he’s come, and we’re so excited to see him keep growing. Way to go, Andrew! 🌟



[Image 1: Andrew performing a trick while Esther holds the foam pads. Image 2: Andrew performing a trick while Esther holds the foam pads looking at him. Image 3: Mum and sister cheering and clapping. Video 1: Andrew performing tricks in the pool through hoops.]

08/12/2024

As 2024 comes to a close, we want to thank YOU for being part of our journey this year!

Whether you've been a client, supporter, or follower, your connection with Novita has made this year one to remember. We’re grateful for the opportunity to make a difference and to be part of your story.

From all of us at Novita, we wish you a happy holiday season filled with fun, laughter, and cherished moments. Here's to an incredible 2025 ahead!

Some of our locations will take a short break over the next few weeks, but many of our support services will continue across South Australia and Broken Hill.

Visit our website for full details about our holiday opening hours - www.novita.org.au/holiday-season-opening-hours



[Video Description - a montage of Novita clients of various ages achieving amazing things throughout 2024.]

05/12/2024

Taylah has been working hard to achieve her goals, and we’re so proud of everything she’s done!

Not long ago, traveling by bus or train was something Taylah found challenging. Now, she is working on building her confidence and skills in using public transport, with the support of Novita staff and her peers.

Taylah’s also been busy making new friends and building her social skills - joining in cooking groups 🍳, going on fun outings, and spending time with her peers at Novita. These experiences are supporting her to become more independent and to build a connection with her local community.

We’re excited to see what Taylah does next and are proud to support her along the way. Keep up the amazing work, Taylah! 🌟



[Image descriptions: Image one – a young woman in a pink jumper shows off her train ticket. Image two – a young woman waits for the train to arrive. Image three – a young woman is about to board a train with her friend. Both are wearing backpacks. Image four – a young woman in a pink jumper walks along a jetty with several friends.]

27/11/2024

Long time Novita client, Dom is building his confidence to pursue his dreams. His goal is to find a job, just like his friends who have graduated. Recently, Dom joined our Transition to Work (TTW) program, which provides school leavers with essential job-ready skills, and he's already making great progress.

Through TTW, Dom is developing his skills in customer service, teamwork, and leadership - all important steps toward his dream role, whether in retail or as an Outside School House Care (OSHC) Educator 💼

Pushing himself out of his comfort zone, Dom took the stage at our Halloween event, delivering a fantastic performance that had everyone cheering! 🎃👻 This was a big step in boosting his confidence, showing just how far he's come and the determination he brings to every new challenge.

“It’s okay to feel nervous when starting something new, but you can do it! The TTW program has helped me feel more confident and ready to take on new challenges. There are so many opportunities out there, and I’m excited to keep learning and growing!” says Dom ✨.

We’re so proud of you, Dom! Keep shining – the best is yet to come! 🌟





[Image 1: Dom singing a Halloween song on stage, with everyone dancing and enjoying the spooky vibes, Image 2: Dom striking a pose for the camera, fully embracing the Halloween spirit in his costume, Image 3: Dom and his support worker unloading all the equipment from the van, getting everything ready for the event.]