Posted by Tony THOMAS
Expanding special kids’ horizons.
 
"The first group was five kids at Stonnington. Run by Chadstone East Malvern RC, it now has 15 kids and a waiting list.   Caroline Springs RC runs BusyFeet Melton and Hillside; Altona  City RC runs the Hobsons Bay Cluster; Canterbury RC and Camberwell RC run BusyFeet Boroondara; and North  Brighton RC runs BusyFeet Bayside."
 
 
Special kids benefit from getting out of the house and having safe fun. And the kids’ hard-pressed parents and carers need a break. Both needs are met in the BusyFeet dance and movement program pioneered by Chadstone-East Malvern Rotary.
 
The kids, aged from 6 to 16, have disabilities including Downs Syndrome, autism, deafness and palsy. But they all enjoy BusyFeet’s music, rhythm, dressing up and audience applause.
 
Nine other clubs are inquiring. BusyFeet can be launched interstate using Victorian start-up templates.  
 
A group’s needs include a venue, dance teachers (often professionals) and supervisors, making start-ups time consuming. Kids may require one-on-one help.  All adults are volunteers. Friends, school people and local residents get to know Rotary’s ethos. 
 
Kids who initially were apprehensive and dragging their heels now run through the hall door to get their name tags, even if they’ve been unwell that day at school. 
Sessions run weekly during the school year, typically from 4.30-5.30 weekdays or 11-12 on Saturdays.
 
BusyFeet gives a child safe and secure enjoyment with other kids, and free expression at their own pace while concentrating on each song. They love wearing the costumes, hats and props, and learn to follow instructions and  group etiquette.
 
One mother wrote in, “It made our boy happy after we’d tried mainstream music and dance programs over and over again.”   Another says, “My girl is non-verbal and autistic. The only expectation I had with BusyFeet was to see her happy. Well, two years later after weekly sessions at two groups, we sure got enjoyment and a lot more.” 
 
 A carer says, “We can network while the class is on, take a step back and chat. It’s a lifeline. We’ve opened up a new world discovering specialists and local carer and disability programs.”
 
The first group was five kids at Stonnington. Run by Chadstone East Malvern RC, it now has 15 kids and a waiting list.   Caroline Springs RC runs BusyFeet Melton and Hillside; Altona  City RC runs the Hobsons Bay Cluster; Canterbury RC and Camberwell RC run BusyFeet Boroondara; and North  Brighton RC runs BusyFeet Bayside.
 
Invited by Zone 7 & 8 director Noel Trevaskis, fifteen kids will perform at the Zone’s 2018 conference at Hobart this September (2018). Clubs and individuals are fund-raising for travel costs.