For Aliyah, specialized equipment is about more than mobility. It helps make room for the simple moments of childhood she loves most.
Start singing “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” and there’s a good chance you’ll make 8-year-old Aliyah smile. Whether it’s listening to music, exploring the textures of a sensory book or enjoying a cuddle, Aliyah finds joy in life’s simple moments.
“Aliyah has a fun personality and she is always smiling,” shares her mom, Shondel. Although Aliyah is non-verbal, she has her own way of communicating with the people who know her best. “She communicates to us with the sounds she makes,” explains Shondel. “We’ve learned what makes her happy, when she’s uncomfortable and what she’s trying to tell us.”
“Aliyah has a fun personality and she is always smiling.”
Aliyah was born with cerebral palsy, which has significantly affected her mobility. She also lives with a seizure disorder and vision impairment. Aliyah primarily relies on an adaptive stroller to get around and uses a variety of equipment that helps her safely explore, learn and enjoy the world around her.
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While Aliyah spends much of her day in her adaptive stroller, her stander gives her the opportunity to experience the world from a different perspective while helping strengthen her muscles. Funded through Easter Seals Ontario’s Equipment Funding Program, it has become an important part of her regular routine. “She’s really doing well with the stander,” shares Shondel. “It’s helping to strengthen her muscles in a great way.”
Another piece of specialized equipment has made an equally meaningful difference in Aliyah’s daily life. Bath time has always been one of her favourite parts of the day. She knows exactly where she’s going and gets excited as soon as it’s time to get ready. “She loves bath time,” says Shondel. “She likes the water falling on her feet.”
“Having the bath chair was really a great help. It really took that extra load off me.”
For Shondel, however, bath time had become increasingly difficult. Because Aliyah cannot stand independently, bathing her safely on her own was a daily challenge. With the support of a specialized bath chair, Aliyah can now enjoy bath time while being safely supported, making the routine easier for both her and Shondel. “The bath chair has been really helpful for us,” shares Shondel.
For Aliyah, the right equipment isn’t just about mobility. It’s about making room for the moments she loves most, from listening to stories and enjoying songs to feeling the water on her feet at bath time. Thanks to the generosity of Easter Seals Ontario donors, more children like Aliyah can experience those moments every day.