Coast Rehab

28/04/2026

It on again! Sunday May 17th Walk to Defeat MND Central Coast.

Sign up to join in at
https://www.walktodefeatmnd.org.au/centralcoast26

20/04/2026

Our Director Peta Hardy is presenting at Sydney ATSA Independent Living Expo in May on the role of Assistive Technology (AT) in supporting people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Assistive Technology has the potential to make a meaningful and immediate difference. Supporting independence, comfort, safety, and participation in everyday life, even as needs change over time.

ATSA provides a great opportunity for our team to explore the latest equipment and connect with others working in assistive technology and complex disability.

Come along on 13th and 14th May https://expo.atsa.org.au/sydney-expo/

09/04/2026

In the rehab gym this week we had from Mogo Wheelchairs to visit with Dave (a long-term wheelchair user) and review his setup.
Refining his custom chair with a solid one-piece footplate and introducing a contoured backrest to better support changes in posture over time.

Having the right environment, equipment, and team on hand allows us to problem-solve in real time and achieve better outcomes for our clients.

07/04/2026

An important reminder that clinical reasoning matters.

Proud to see this conversation being led by Peta Hardy – Director of Coast Rehab 👏🧠

“We’ve removed the bed rails. They’re a restrictive practice.” That’s what one of my OTs was told walking into an NDIS-funded group home.

Their participant requires a hoist for transfers. She does not attempt to leave the bed independently. She can call for staff when needed. With rails raised, she repositions herself overnight for comfort.

When the rails were removed without Occupational Therapist input, her overnight support needs increased. Her independence dropped. Her agitation rose.

Here’s the key point: Bed rails are not always automatically a restrictive practice ⚠️ Specifically for in-home care. However, if someone is in a facility or hospital setting, different rules may apply.

If used to address a behaviour of concern, they may dip into restrictive practice territory. If prescribed to support positioning or transfers, with risk assessed and mitigated, they may be therapeutic.

Across all settings, bed rails must be assessed case by case, considering falls, entrapment, impalement, asphyxiation and restraint risk to promote safety and wellbeing.

To learn more about the prescription of bed rails (and alternative products) alongside principles of assessment of beds and mattresses, you're going to want to attend our upcoming live workshop with Verve OT Learning!!

Join us for: Sleep Tight – Selecting the Most Suitable Bed, presented by Peta Hardy 🛌

NEW DATE: 20 April 2026 | 12.00pm – 2.00pm AEST (P.S. If you can't make it live, sign up to receive the recording and slides)

07/04/2026

Calling Central Coasters, this is a wonderful event aiming to raise funds and awareness of and come together as a community that cares.

Central Coast, Walk to Defeat MND is coming to you this May!

Sign up to support your MND Community now at https://www.walktodefeatmnd.org.au/centralcoast

This 5km all ages, all abilities charity walk will take place at Long Jetty Foreshore from 10am on Sunday May 17.

We can't wait to see you there!

31/03/2026

Thoughtful assistive technology can make daily care safer and more comfortable for everyone involved.

This Attendant Tilt Commode has been customised for a woman with achondroplasia.

It includes:

• Custom pressure care seat with tailored aperture
• Custom leg supports for shorter limb length
• Inset armrests that pull, twist out and flip back to allow hoist transfers
• Tension-adjustable backrest for postural support

The chair is set at the highest seat-to-floor height for both toilet clearance and to reduce bending for carers, helping minimise the risk of overuse injuries during personal care.

Thanks to Mark Vickers at for help with scripting and setup.

30/03/2026

Adaptive Surf Pro Byron Bay 🏄‍♀️☀️👨‍🦽‍➡️👍

19/03/2026

Great to have Brad from visit our rehab gym this week 🙌

Our team had the chance to get hands-on with the Kira2Sit aid and Tuki commode chairs, exploring different options for supporting safe and effective transfers.

Our OTs were particularly interested in collapsible and travel commode options, while our physios explored how the Kira2Sit compares to more commonly used standing lifters.

We also had some really valuable discussions around who this type of equipment is best suited for, including considerations around safety, contraindications, and individual needs.

Opportunities like this help our team continue to build knowledge and ensure we’re recommending the right equipment for the right person.

Thanks Brad for coming in and sharing your expertise!

13/03/2026

If you or someone you care for has MS, please take this chance to have your say.

Survey Extended! We have received a huge response from our survey and want ensure that we capture full the community impact of recent NDIS changes. This survey will remain open until 28 March 2026.

Have you or someone you care for had experience with the NDIS?

If you live with MS or another neurological condition, or care for someone who does, we invite you to share your experience in our short survey.

Your input will help inform advocacy and policy work to improve how the NDIS supports the neurological community.

Every response matters. You can choose to keep your story private or have it shared publicly.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟴 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.

Take the survey: https://bit.ly/4rbL6Y0

02/03/2026

Delivery day highlight!

Today we had the pleasure of supporting Nicole to receive her new Glide Centro powerchair with head array.

This setup was carefully configured to provide optimal positioning, access, and independent control. A great collaborative effort with supplier Astris PME - Formerly Specialised Wheelchair Co and our OT Helen Shaw to ensure everything was fitted, adjusted, and ready for real-world use.

Nothing better than seeing the moment new mobility opens up greater comfort, confidence, and independence.

Wishing Nicole many happy journeys ahead!