Karen Simmons is a busy woman raising five children and managing a farm in Wellington, 360km west of Sydney. Three of her children - Mark, Kristy and Jason - have speech and language delay and issues with mobility, balance and coordination that require occupational therapy. Her middle son, Luke, has mild cerebral palsy, epilepsy and an intellectual disability.

All four children travel to Manly for assessments and therapy. Karen says the early intervention they have received through Royal Far West have played a critical role in their individual progress. Luke was first diagnosed at the age of three and it is the ongoing healthcare and occupational therapy through Royal Far West that she believes, has ensured he is as mobile as he is today.

Her other children have also benefitted enormously from continuing therapy. All three attend mainstream school and while they are slightly behind, Karen says the improvement in communication is incredible and this is having a positive impact on all areas of their lives. The integrated model of care with ongoing consultation between the Royal Far West medical specialists, Royal Far West School and their local school in Wellington have made the process highly efficient and productive. ‘Without Royal Far West,’ says Karen, ‘there would be no other option’.