On 5 August, LML Research Projects Coordinator Jake Widjaya delivered an opening address to over 200 clinicians at the Paediatric Rehabilitation Service (PRS) Education Day, titled ‘Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Management of Children with Limb Difference’. The event was hosted by the Sydney Children’s Hospital.
Reflecting on his life, and assisting with developing new technology to integrate with his and others’ limb differences, Jake highlighted three points for patients, families, and clinicians:
- Your difference does not make you incomplete, it makes you unique.
- Adaptation is not a box to be ticked, it is a process.
- Asking for help is not embarrassing, it is empowering.
Jake commented:
“The collaborative relationship between children with limb differences and clinicians is a vital factor in improving their quality of life. I feel very honoured and privileged to be able to give back something to the clinicians who have made my life better in every way. It’s really special to participate in educating rehab staff with two of my mentors and dear friends, Leslie Wollin (Paediatric Occupational Therapist, HNE Kids Health) and Dr Adrienne Epps (Sydney Children's Hospital).”
