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Assistive equipment
Adaptive strollerAn adaptive stroller offers a lighter and more portable alternative to wheelchairs…
Assistive equipment
Cough assist machineA cough assist machine helps to produce a more productive cough…
Assistive equipment
Pulse oximeterA pulse oximeter measures the percentage of oxygen in the blood…
In the past I compared myself to an able-bodied standard of perfection, it seems so ridiculous now.
By Cara
Assistive equipment
Bilevel positive airway pressure machineA bilevel positive airway pressure machine provides a high volume of air into the lungs during inhalation…
Assistive equipment
WheelchairThere are many different types of wheelchairs, both manual and power…
Assistive equipment
Car bedA car bed allows individuals to lie down more comfortably while traveling in a car…
Assistive equipment
StanderIndividuals who are unable to stand independently can be helped into a standing position through a stander…
Home modifications
Home modificationsChanges to the structure or fittings of your home can improve safety and comfort…
SMA and the NDIS
What is the NDIS?The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides supports and services...
SMA and the NDIS
What does the NDIS fund?The NDIS is designed to fund supports and services, including…
SMA and the NDIS
Steps and advice for applying to the NDISAccessing the NDIS requires an application and supporting documentation…
SMA and school
Which school is right for my child with SMA?Children with a disability can choose to go to a specialist, public or private school...
SMA and school
What does school look like for children with SMA in Australia?In Australia, almost all children with a disability go to school…
SMA and school
Tips for choosing a school for your child with SMAChoosing a school for children with SMA involves some research…
SMA and school
Strategies for transitioning to secondary schoolChildren with SMA will most likely need extra support…
SMA and school
NDIS and schoolingThe NDIS may fund reasonable and necessary supports…
SMA and work
Tips to help find employmentHaving SMA shouldn't be a barrier to employment...
SMA and work
Developing experience and skills for the workplaceExperience in practical, social, and organisational skills...
SMA and work
Practicing job interviewingHandy tips for developing job interviewing skills…
There are many challenges we face living with SMA, and I am always looking for ways to make life a little easier.
By Ellie
Living with SMA my whole life, I am passionate about the future progression and advocacy by and for those of us with lived experience.
By Cara
As a mother and grandmother, I am passionate about prioritising my family life.
By Juanita
I don't want to talk about my disabliity all the time, there is a lot more to me than that.
By Ellie
Living with SMA has fostered many qualities within me, such as respect for others, compassion, patience, resilience, kindness, appreciation, and a great sense of humour.
By Juanita
Activities that can sustain important elements of movement
By Cara
Living with SMA, I don't see my life as being hard, I just have to work harder
By Cara
Struggling with everyday stress?
Make the most of your time outside.
Do you enjoy going to restaurants but worry how accessible they will be?
SMA stories
SMA Genetic Carrier Screening Medicare ReimbursedOut and about
Genetic carrier screening is available in Australian under Medicare.
SMA stories
Caring for carersRelationships
Carers can sometimes let their own needs take a back seat…
SMA stories
Being your own advocateRelationships
"Although I haven't really had a healthcare team…" – Juanita
SMA stories
Addressing inequality and accessibilityDaily life
"I'm tired of the incorrect perceptions of people with disabilities…" – Ellie
SMA stories
The extra complexity of SMADaily life
Consider the extra effort required to live with SMA every day
SMA stories
You and your providersRelationships
Two #SMArtTips for you and your providers
SMA stories
Keep on movingWellness
"Wellness and movement is different for everybody…" – Cara
SMA stories
Get involved in the communityOut and about
"I would advise to build a support network of people with like-minded ideas…" – Ellie
References:
1. SMA News Today. Available at: https://smanewstoday.com/specialized-equipment-for-spinal-muscular-atrophy/ Accessed on 16 June 2025.
1. Faravelli I et al. Nat Rev Neurol 2015; 11: 351‑9.
2. Lunn MR and Wang CH. Lancet 2008; 371: 2120‑33.
3. Cure SMA. Understanding SMA. https://www.curesma.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/08262020_Understanding_SMA_vWeb.pdf.Accessed: May 2025.
4. Wang CH et al. J Child Neurol 2007; 22: 1027‑49.
5. Rossoll W and Bassell GJ. Results Probl Cell Differ 2009; 48: 289‑326.
6. Butchbach M. Front Mol Biosci 2016; 3: 7.
7. Kaczmarek A et al. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2015; 24: 867‑81.
8. Munsat TL and Davies KE. Neuromuscul Disord 1992; 2(5‑6): 423‑8.
9. D’Amico A et al. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2011; 6: 71.
10. Farrar MA et al. Emerging therapies and challenges in spinal muscular atrophy. Ann Neurol. 2017;81(3):355‑368.
11. Kolb S and Kissel J. Neurol Clin 2015; 33: 831‑46.