Meet Patrick. He is an energetic and determined eight-year-old boy who loves music and is full of personality. But his journey has not been easy.
Born prematurely and facing complex and evolving needs, Patrick and his family have worked with the same specialist team at VisAbility for most of his life.
Patrick’s mum, Diana, said this consistent support has made all the difference to her family:
“VisAbility came into our lives a few months after Patrick left hospital, and they have been an absolute lifeline ever since.”
“When we first met the team, it changed how we saw Patrick. So much of what we had heard before focused on limitations and uncertainty. But VisAbility helped us see Patrick differently, they helped us see his joy, and they helped us make a plan.”
“When I realised we didn’t have to figure everything out alone, it felt like a weight lifted.”
As Patrick grew and the family realised his challenges were more than just vision impairment, they already had access to VisAbility’s wider multidisciplinary team to support his development.
“What has made the biggest difference is that VisAbility hasn’t just supported one part of Patrick’s life. They’ve helped us navigate changing needs across home, school, and everyday life, adapting support as Patrick grows so we’re not constantly starting again.”
As life changes, families like Patrick’s need support that changes with them. Across Guide Dogs WA and Tasmania, and VisAbility, individuals and families can access connected services throughout their lifetime.
“For families like ours, continuity means support doesn’t stop when funding changes. It means when something shifts, at school, at home, or in Patrick’s health, we can get immediate help when we need it, not months later. It means having a consistent team who already knows your child and your family.”
Diana said Patrick has had the rare benefit of working with the same therapist, Helena, for most of his life, and the family has built a strong relationship with her.
“Over time, that relationship builds trust, and trust changes what’s possible.”
Helena couldn’t agree more:
“I’ve known Patrick since he was about two years old. It has been a privilege to watch him grow, learn to walk, to communicate, to play, and to become more independent.
“When you support children like Patrick, you support the whole family. I’ve seen his parents, Diana and Neil, navigate a very uncertain journey, while also raising two wonderful older sisters who are deeply involved in his progress and supportive of their adorable younger brother. Over time, we’ve built a relationship based on trust, honesty, and consistency. In many ways, I feel like part of the family when I visit.
Helena understands the importance of her role and how continuity, as opposed to fragmented services, is vital for people like Patrick and his family.
“It means building on progress rather than starting over and having a team that adapts as his needs change. Sometimes that means ongoing support through periods of change. At other times, it means stepping back while families practise what they have learned, knowing support is still there when needed.”
“When I think about Patrick’s future, I feel hopeful. I want him to keep building independence, confidence, and connection with the world around him, and I want his family to know they are not alone as new challenges arise.”
Through Guide Dogs WA and Tasmania, and VisAbility, families can access support that is lifelong, connected, and tailored to their individual needs.
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