Emma Larouche
11 October 2023: Placements with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA) have left a lasting impression on the two University of Canberra recipients of the annual Gabby Robberds Scholarship.
The placements form part of the scholarships, and Physiotherapy student Adelaide Armstrong and Occupational Therapy graduate Liana Matthews also received $1,500 each.
The scholarship honours the memory of Gabby Robberds, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and passed away in 2010 just before her third birthday. It was established by Gabby’s family to acknowledge the commitment of the therapists who supported them during Gabby’s short life and is awarded each year to one Physiotherapy student and one Occupational Therapy student at the University.
For Ms Matthews the award supported her through a Master of Occupational Therapy at the University, culminating in her graduation in September.
Ms Matthews worked as a teacher for 35 years, with a focus on supporting children experiencing learning difficulties, before she decided to pursue postgraduate studies.
She has been working in a private practice as an Occupational Therapist in Canberra since July, working with clients of all ages.
During her eight-week placement with the CPA in May 2023, Ms Matthews used her occupational therapy skills across a variety of areas, from school visits, to taking measurements for wheelchairs and developing home programs for carers.
“I’m very excited about developing my skills in disability care,” she said. “Witnessing the work of allied health professionals at the CPA and the difference they make, especially for young children and their families, was really remarkable and inspiring.”
Ms Armstrong, who is in her final year of a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at the University, decided to pursue an allied health career after seeing a lack of support systems in developing countries.
“Growing up, I lived in several developing countries, and so often people with disabilities just fell through the cracks and there was no place for them in society,” she said.
After completing a five-week placement with the CPA, Ms Armstrong found her passion lay in working with children in the disability sector.
“During my placement, I was involved in organising and leading toddler group classes, which were a great way to build a rapport with the children and their families in a really fun environment, and watch them all develop their skills,” she said.
“My placement showed me the power that movement has in facilitating independence and participation, and I found it to be such a rewarding and inspiring experience.”
Faculty of Health Deputy Dean, Professor Stuart Semple said the CPA and the Robberds family have been long-term supporters of the education of allied health students at the University.
“It’s partnerships like this that help us achieve our mission to produce high-quality graduates who are passionate about working in allied health, and go on to really make a difference in the disability sector,” Professor Semple said.
To find out more about the story behind the scholarship, head to UnCover.
