Specialist Equipment Noahs Ark Specialist Equipment Loans Program

• Concurrent with the change to a new National ISS provider (that is: KU and Illawarra Children's Services) a new process is applicable for child care services applying for equipment, because it is no longer attached to an ISS application.

Essentially the process entails that:

• The service with the support of the ISF, develop a Service Support Plan, where it is clearly identified that specialist equipment is required to support inclusion.
• The child care service sends the equipment application form, stating what equipment is required on the signed recommendation of a therapist, along with the SSP directly to Noah's Ark Children's Services Resource unit.
• Noah's Ark, in consultation with the childcare service and the therapist, will process the application for delivery of equipment.

The Service Support Plan must demonstrate the need for specialist equipment to support the inclusive practices of the child care service. The Specialist Equipment Request Form is to be completed by a qualified professional, such as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist, who is familiar with the biomechanical functioning and needs of the child requiring the specialist equipment for their inclusion in the child care service.A catalogue of specialised equipment items available in the Pool is available from Noah's Ark, who may be contacted for advice on the availability or suitability of specialised equipment in the pool.The equipment will be loaned for as long as it is required and remains appropriate to the needs of the child. From time to time, the continued appropriateness and good working order of specialist equipment on loan to a child care service will be monitored. When the equipment is no longer needed, the child care service should immediately notify the Specialist Equipment Pool provider to arrange the return of the equipment.