External Resources
We have collated these external resources for you from interviews and workshops with Aussie Hands members, health professionals and government departments plus other research as a quick reference.
Expecting & New Parents
Read more
Support Networks
The Australian Parenting Website
Limb Difference Clinics
The Royal Melbourne Children’s Hospital
Queensland Children’s Hospital
Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide
Mental Wellbeing
How to Contact a Social Worker
Health Professionals
Australian Hand Therapy Association
Australian Physiotherapy Association
Occupational Therapy Australia
Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association
National Disability Insurance Service (NDIS)
References
Barak, A., Boniel-Nissim, M., & Suler, J. (2008). Fostering empowerment in online support groups. Computers in Human Behavior, 24(5), 1867–1883. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2008.02.004
Giele, H., Giele, C., Bower, C., & Allison, M. (2001). The incidence and epidemiology of congenital upper limb anomalies: A total population study. The Journal of Hand Surgery, 26(4), 628–634. https://doi.org/10.1053/jhsu.2001.26121
McLaughlin, M., Lisenby, S., Sharma, S., & Modcrin, A. (2018, June 28). Congenital Upper Limb Deficiency –. PM&R KnowledgeNow. https://now.aapmr.org/congenital-upper-limb-deficiency/
The Australian Hand Difference Register. (2020). AHDR Annual Report 2020. https://www.mcri.edu.au/sites/default/files/media/ahdr_annual_report_2020_final.pdf
School Age
Read more
Children’s books about hand difference
Little Miss Jessica Goes to School
I am Sheriuana, Book 1: We Are Beautiful
Children’s cartoons and films about hand difference
Reasonable Adjustments
Australian Government
Education Services Australia – Reasonable Adjustments
Starting High School
Raising Children – Starting secondary school
ReachOut – Tips for starting high school
Dealing With Bullying
Victoria State Government Department of Education and Training Bully Stoppers
eSafetyCommissioner: Cyberbulling
Limbs4Kids: Combatting bullying
Reach: Dealing with issues at school
Self-Care & Independence
Occupational Therapy Australia
Independent Living Centres Australia
Hickies – slip on shoes while your child learns to tie shoe laces
Hannah’s One-Handed Shoe-Tying Technique (video)
My Special Hand – Zipping our coat (video)
Developing a Pencil Grip Department of Occupational Therapy, Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne
One-handed keyboards making schoolwork easier
Ability Technology is a non-profit organisation based in Sydney, Newcastle and Canberra, Australia available to assist people with a disability with the use of computer and home control technology.
Spectronics inclusive learning technologies is a Brisbane based company which supplies special needs software and technology.
Five Finger Typist is a typing tutor for people who want to learn to type with one hand. It teaches the accepted keyboarding technique for one-handed touch typing on the standard (QWERTY) keyboard. Developed by SoftDawn Software, a Melbourne based company.
Australian Ruler Co. – for non-slip safety rulers
FREE 3D Hands – a charity based in Australia using 3D printing technology to design and manufacture hands and assistive devices for free.
A Helping hand: Building life-changing prosthetics (ABC Catalyst) (video)
Active Hands – a source for gripping aids and other products for reduced hand function
Arm Dynamics – an upper limb prosthetic care provider
Association for Children with a Disability supports all families in Victoria with children with disability aged 0 to 18 years old.
Developmental Occupational Therapy (WA) – Early Skills for Living and Learning Handouts
Bionic arm changes girl’s life (video)
References
Andersson, G. B., Gillberg, C., Fernell, E., Johansson, M., & Nachemson, A. (2011). Children with surgically corrected hand deformities and upper limb deficiencies: self-concept and psychological well-being. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume), 36(9), 795–801. https://doi.org/10.1177/1753193411412869
Bunker, L. K. (1991). The Role of Play and Motor Skill Development in Building Children’s Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem. The Elementary School Journal, 91(5), 467–471. https://doi.org/10.1086/461669
McDougall, L., Kennedy, J., Coombs, C., & Penington, A. (2020). The psychosocial impact of congenital hand and upper limb differences on children: a qualitative study. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume), 46(4), 391–397. https://doi.org/10.1177/1753193420967527
Meyer, A., & Genareo, V. (2021). “Does Your Arm Hurt?” A Content Analysis of Upper Limb
Differences in Children’s Books. Michigan Reading Journal, 53(3). https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/mrj/vol53/iss3/8
Vasluian, E., de Jong, I. G. M., Janssen, W. G. M., Poelma, M. J., van Wijk, I., Reinders-Messelink, H. A., & van der Sluis, C. K. (2013). Opinions of Youngsters with Congenital Below-Elbow Deficiency, and Those of Their Parents and Professionals Concerning Prosthetic Use and Rehabilitation Treatment. PLoS ONE, 8(6), e67101. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0067101
Teens
Read more
Feeling Good About Myself
Apps that help you practice mindfulness:
Assistive or Adaptive Devices
TRS Inc. (USA)
APC Prosthetics (Australia)
FREE 3D Hands (Australia)
Active Hands (UK)
Life Skills
The Disability Discrimination Act
The Australian Network on Disability – Job Seeker Toolkit
Disability and Reasonable Adjustment — Employees
- Protection from discrimination at work
- Young workers & students
- IncludAbility – An Australian Human Rights Commission resource for job seekers
Job Access – What employers can ask at an interview
Disability Standards for Education 2005
Disability Standards for Education – A practical guide for individuals, families and communities