Parliamentry tribute to local therapists

Senator Hollie Hughes addresses Australian Parliament and pays tribute to Jess Hannan of Coast & Country Occupational Therapy , Claire Price of South Coast Speech Pathology and The Family Place

VIDEO: CONDOLENCES - Australian Bushfires 2019/2020. Senator Hollie Hughes addresses Australian Parliament. The Senator wrote today about the impact of the recent Australian bushfires on the community, particularly for Autism families affected by the fires, a topic close to her heart. "Routine, familiarity and a safe place to call home are crucial to everyone but particularly those with autism, who are very easily thrown off balance by even the smallest change to their environment," she posted today. "The magnitude of a safe haven such as your home burning down, is particularly destabilising for those with autism, because familiarity is so core to feeling safe. "I wanted to help so I did a call out for sensory toys (stress balls, fidget spinners), headphones, weighted blankets and also opened the opportunity for any other special requests such as special interest objects, trampolines etc. that were lost in the fires, so I could help replace them. A small gesture but every bit helps when life feels overwhelming. "I've been so touched organisations, big and small, individuals and supporters getting in touch to offer help or goods, so that I could distribute them via mail or in person during my trip to the NSW South Coast in the last few weeks. I wanted to publicly acknowledge them with a thank you, I did so yesterday in Parliament and would like to follow up with another thank you today".