The Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation (ALCMF) is helping Illawarra families by funding walking devices for young people living with disabilities.

For Ethan Zukowski, receiving a walking device was ​​life-changing.

"Ethan doesn't get a lot of time to be upright, but he has always loved being upright. So this gives him that independence and also gives him the cause and effect," said his mum, Natalie Zukowski.

The walkers not only allow children to explore and interact with their environment, they instil a newfound sense of agency and independence.

For families like the Zukowskis, the foundation has been a lifeline, offering an alternative to the often lengthy and uncertain process of obtaining support through government channels such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

"We were told it would be a much more lengthy process with NDIS and it was likely they would have declined it,” Natalie said.

In 2023, the ALCMF funded 34 walking devices.

"We serve helping children to walk with pride,” said Steven Sherwood, 1st Vice President of Oak Flats Lions Club.

The foundation has set up the application process to be accessible and efficient to maximise the positive impact on children’s lives.

Families start by consulting their child's therapist or physiotherapist. This ensures that children receive personalised care and ​that devices are tailored to their specific needs.

Natalie praised the simplicity and speed of the application process.

"It was simple – fill in a form, they approved it for Ethan in less than a month," she said.

The foundation’s influence extends beyond the provision of mobility devices; it also collaborates with local communities, fostering connections and creating support networks.

Once local children have their new walkers, they can join Frame Running Wollongong, a volunteer-driven initiative that brings together families with children with disabilities.

"Kids are free to run around and play games; they have an absolute blast," Natalie said.

Programs like Frame Running Wollongong not only provide a chance for children to socialise, ​but they connect parents and caregivers too.

The ALCMF encourages families to reach out – in addition to walking devices, the foundation may also be able to help local families in need of various other equipment.

For more information, visit the Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation (ALCMF) website.