More Than a Machine – A Pathway to Participation

Variety – the Children’s Charity empowers Aussie kids to live without limits. When children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage, or living with a disability are left with nowhere else to turn, Variety provides the critical help and hope they thought was out of reach.

At Western Suburbs State Special School in Inala, every child brings their own spark, their own way of seeing the world.

For some students, sharing that world hasn’t always been easy.

Thanks to a $24,000 grant from Variety Queensland, the school now has an eye gaze machine that’s opening up communication, learning and connection for around 40 students, within a school community of 223 children.

For children living with complex physical disability, cerebral palsy or neuromuscular conditions, traditional ways of learning and communicating can be out of reach. An eye gaze system changes that. Using only their eyes, students can make choices, express feelings, take part in literacy and numeracy lessons, and engage independently with digital learning – sometimes giving them a voice for the very first time.

In a community facing significant disadvantage, access to inclusive technology isn’t a luxury. It’s essential.

This is what hope in action looks like: fewer barriers, more confidence, and children empowered to reach their full potential – not defined by what they’re navigating, but by who they are.

With the support of Variety grants, students like Amina (pictured here) are being seen, heard and included – every single day.

If your child needs extra support to access opportunities, we’re here to help. Variety Queensland grants are now open.