acoustic and amplify any sound in the room , Subpacs are electronic and only amplify specific recordings that are played on them .
Clarisa ’ s new Subpac has already increased her interest in music , and is encouraging her to reach out and explore her world . “ Her reaction to it was very fascinating and heartwarming . The first time she touched the Subpac , I did not turn on the music . I wanted Clarisa to feel the texture and get used to it ,” Justin explains . “ Then I turned it on at a low volume and low vibration . She jerked her hands away . Then after a while , she brought her hand back on it . She enjoyed feeling the vibrations . I increased the volume to medium level . The vibrations were booming . Her hands would dart up and down the Subpac , feeling the texture and vibrations . Then at the next time , I put it under her feet . Her feet really moved all over the Subpac surface .”
Clarisa is also developing definite tastes in music , and is learning to communicate those likes and dislikes to her parents . “ We have tried many different types of music but the music she seems to like the most is techno ,” says Justin . “ Also music with medium range vibrations is better for her . She does not like fast beats and high vibrations . Low pitch is also hard to feel through the Subpac . She will express her dislikes by turning away from the Subpac and getting into a defensive posture . When she enjoys the music , she will continue to put her hand on the Subpac .” For a child with 95 per cent sensory loss , learning to communicate like this is a major achievement .
As Clarisa grows , Justin and his family will continue to expose her to music , and all the benefits it can bring . “ I am really glad that she is getting a positive exposure to the world of music ,” says Justin . “ We have added music to her night time routine . Every night before she goes to bed , I will turn on the Subpac and after enjoying the music , she will turn to her side and suck her hand , getting ready to sleep .”
Newly renovated throughout , Dunsford House offers totally access-friendly accommodation for families and individuals with high needs .
DUNSFORD HOUSE
ACCESS-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION
PORT ELLIOTT , SOUTH AUSTRALIA
BOOK NOW | T 08 8422 6213 | F 08 8422 6200 | duty . office @ minda . asn . au mindainc . com . au / dunsfordhouse ü ü ü
ü ü ü ü
ü
ü
ü
Five bedroom property Sleeps 11 people
Spacious family dining room
Large games room New kitchen Wide door openings
Disability friendly bathrooms
Access railings and ramps
Outdoor area for entertaining
Close to the towns of Port Elliott , Victor Harbor , Middleton and Goolwa linkonline . com . au music
57