Cerebral Palsy

She has been on a waiting list for a new wheelchair for 18 months.

The one she uses now is on loan from the Nepean Special School, where she is in year 2.

And with Kaitlyn weighing more than 25 kilograms, Ms Larikka isn't sure how much longer she can lift her into the small 1980s Mazda 323 she drives.

"People don't realise what it takes on a day-to-day, week-to-week, month-to-month basis to care for somebody full time," Ms Larikka said.

"I love my girl to death and at the moment she is my whole life, she is my whole life." Ms Larikka and Kaitlyn are set to benefit from part of the $30.2 million in Victorian Government funding to help people with disabilities including, for the first time, money to modify cars.

More than $20 million of the funding — to be allocated in next week's state budget and spread over four years — will be spent on aids, equipment and home modifications, while $9.5 million has been allocated to reduce equipment waiting lists, particularly those for children.

The funding also contains $400,000 to remove the waiting list for 459 children at the Royal Children's Hospital who need equipment to help with their disabilities.

Mr Bracks said the money was aimed at helping people with disabilities live independent lives.

Ms Larikka said the news to fix up the waiting list was fantastic, as she is on list for the Mount Eliza a...

That's where you can come in.

Ewa Roman introduces us to this inspiring little girl, and how you can help her.

Meet 9-year old Za’reeha.

Full of life and love despite the challenges she faces every day.

Za'reeha's mom Tenisha Lee: “She is the happiest little girl I've ever seen I don't think she thinks about her illnesses.

She's had operations, fought seizures, and had pneumonia 6 times.” When she's in school, Za’reeha likes to ride her therapy bike.

It helps her work on motor skills-affected by her illnesses.

But when school is out, her parents can't take it home.

That's why they want to buy her one.

Za'reeha's dad Booker Bates Junior: “Whatever we don't come up with, we'll have to pay for it ourselves but hopefully, with the help from friends, we'll get the money needed to pay for it.” The therapy bike costs around $3,000, Za’reeha's parents say they can't afford that, so they started a fund raiser.

Tenisha: “Even though Za’reeha has special needs, she's just as happy as any other kid and I feel like she should have chances like any other kid has.

You would have no other choice but to give a helping hand.

She's just the happiest little girl and i just want to add more joy to her life.” Joy that brings her mom to tears when she thinks about what a simple thing like a bike could mean for h...

Caused by damage to one or more areas of the developing brain, The most common form of Up to 80 percent of children with Medtronic ITB Therapy, which uses the company’s SynchroMed� implantable infusion system to deliver a muscle relaxant directly to the fluid-filled area surrounding the spinal cord, can effectively reduce severe spasticity with fewer side-effects than oral medication.

By reducing spasticity, ITB Therapy may also improve function, quality of life, and ease of care.

Despite the treatment...