AEIOU Speech Pathologist Nicole Balzan and Occupational Therapist Paige Leicht joined a locum program to Cambodia in September as part of a program run by Australia Source Support Connect (AUS-SSC). Alongside a team of 26 general practitioners, paediatricians, and nurses from around the country, Nicole and Paige spent 6 days in Battambang and Siem Reap, providing allied health services to their patients, many of whom include children with disabilities.
Nicole said experiencing the health care system in Cambodia was eye-opening. “Many of the children we met live in villages with limited access to appropriate allied health training, resources, or medical treatment. This was a challenge for us, because we knew a support strategy that would work well for a kid in one environment – like at AEIOU – wouldn’t be suitable for a child with the same needs in this environment.”
Cultural perceptions around disability were also important to factor into clinical recommendations. “I worked with a child who was considered ‘just naughty’ because he liked to run away and climb furniture,” said Nicole.
“When I engaged with him, I figured he actually had a lot of sensory needs, and I observed that his climbing was a way for him to meet those. He climbed because he wanted to be high up so he could see things from different angles.
“Once we knew that, I was able to work with his grandma, who’s his carer, to help her better understand his needs and we came up with some other activities that helped him meet those sensory needs.”
One of Paige’s favourite moments from the trip took place at La Paloma in Battambang, where she supported children with physical disability to build independence.
“I adapted a pair of thongs to create a splint for a child. That helped them to open their hand space and, then, tap into more functional movement. I’ll never forget the smile on their face,” Paige said.
Learning about Cambodian culture and even a little of the Khmer language was also a highlight for both Paige and Nicole.
“We were able to create bonds with the children,” Paige said. “They shared stories about their lives and culture, and told us their goals for their futures.
“The whole experience expanded my skill set. It reminded me to be creative, and has made me driven to open my scope of practice.”
“I think it’s something everyone should do, learning about different cultures and life in other parts of the world,” Nicole added. “I loved it so much that maybe, next time, I’ll stay!”
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