The “Making Waves” programme, a collaboration between the HSE’s Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) Donegal North and the adaptive surf charity Liquid Therapy, has received a Bright Spark award at a recent HSE summit. The initiative provides therapy-centred ocean access for children with complex needs through specialized equipment, including beach access mats and custom carbon-fibre seated surfboards.
Innovating Inclusive Beach Access
The award-winning project addresses a significant gap in health service delivery by bringing clinical support into an outdoor, non-clinical environment. By utilizing purpose-built equipment, the programme allows children who previously could not access the ocean to participate in surf-based activities. According to Tom Losey, chief executive of Liquid Therapy, the specialized carbon-fibre seating removes physical barriers, allowing a support team to take individuals into the water safely.
Did you know?
The Making Waves programme was designed through a partnership between clinicians, surf therapists, and families, rather than being a top-down clinical imposition.
Clinical Benefits Beyond the Hospital
For many families, the programme serves as a form of respite that replaces the traditional, often stressful, clinical setting. Natasha Buchanan, whose four-year-old son Teddy participates in the programme, noted that children can find standard clinical experiences traumatizing. Through this initiative, therapy goals—such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech development—are achieved while the child is playing in the water.
Michelle O’Kane, whose 16-year-old son Dylan has SATB2 syndrome, described the experience as a rare opportunity for normalcy. “It’s like its own form of respite,” she said. “Nobody sees his wheelchair. Nobody sees his splints. Nobody sees his disability. They just see a four-year-old in the water with his sister and parents,” added Ms. Buchanan regarding the impact on her son.
Scaling for Nationwide Impact
Katie Stack, a Senior Children’s Occupational Therapist with CDNT Donegal North, emphasized that the methodology is transferrable and that the team is now seeking sustainable funding to scale the project. The goal is to move from a pilot scheme to a standard offering for families who require additional support to access recreational environments.
Pro Tip:
When advocating for inclusive community projects, emphasize the “co-design” aspect.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Making Waves programme?
- It is a partnership between the HSE’s Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) Donegal North and Liquid Therapy that provides ocean access and surf-based therapy for children with disabilities.
- How do children with limited mobility surf?
- Liquid Therapy uses specialized equipment, including beach access mats, custom wheelchairs, and carbon-fibre seated surfboards, to ensure children can enter the water comfortably and safely.
- Why did the project win a HSE award?
- The project received a Bright Spark award for its innovation in frontline health service delivery and its successful integration of clinical practice into a community-based, family-centered environment.
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