Auckland Physical Disability Service

This service provides Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy for students with physical disabilities. The Ministry of Education has defined Physical Disability as “difficulties with physical activities, which involve sitting, standing, positioning, moving, communicating, writing, manipulating school tools/materials, and self care that impact on learning, or access to the curriculum”.

The therapists are trained health professionals that use their specialist knowledge to help children aged 5-18 within the school setting. Therapy focuses on purposeful, goal directed activities and task analysis to enable children with a disability to access the school curriculum.

Services are delivered throughout NZ from both the Ministry of Education, Group Special Education (GSE) and from School Specialist Service Providers (SSP's). Mount Roskill Intermediate School (SSP) holds the contract for Central Auckland Region (including Otahuhu, Mangere Bridge).

If you would like more information on the physical disabilities service click the link below.

Therapy Services

The Central Auckland team consists of:

Su Harrap - Occupational Therapist/Team Leader

I have worked with children in different capacities, including in a kindergarten as a childcare assistant, within school settings as a special education assistant and teacher aide, at children’s church and in the hospital setting. I originally trained in nursing and later did my diploma in teaching people with disabilities, before obtaining a Bachelor of Health Science in Occupational Therapy (BHSc OT) at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in 2002. I am on the committee for Heart Children Auckland, and enjoy working alongside children and families in this role, helping with fundraising, family days (once a month where we arrange a variety of family activities) and attending/supporting the annual Heart Children NZ camps. Being a parent myself of children living with a disability I believe family/whanau are an important and integral part of our child’s ‘team’, and hold a wealth of knowledge and expertise. I worked part-time in a Special Needs Unit in 2005 but otherwise have worked full time within the Auckland Physical Disability Service since graduating in Occupational Therapy.

Fleur White - Physiotherapist

I graduated from the Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Health Science Physiotherapy in 2001. I am a registered Physiotherapist who has worked in paediatrics since graduating. I have worked in both the education and health settings both in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. I have been working with the Central Auckland Physical Disability Service since 2006 and am passionate and committed to helping children with disabilities to achieve their goals and potential.

Marise Davies - Occupational Therapist

I graduated in 1986 with a Diploma in Occupational Therapy from Wellington. My first 8 years of experience were predominantly in Community Mental Health. I then took time out to from the profession, to have a family. I completed a 2-year Diploma in Counseling in 2000, which I saw as an opportunity to enhance my existing skills. I have since commenced working within the field of paediatrics, and have joined the Auckland Physical Disability Service. I am passionate and dedicated to delivering a quality service, to the children and families that are serviced through this contract.

Joan Luis - Physiotherapist

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy, from India. I have had extensive experience (25 years approximately), in the areas of Paediatric Neurology, some adult musculoskeletal and adult neurology. I worked overseas in India and the Middle East in major government teaching hospitals, and have been a clinical tutor for Allied Health and physiotherapy students in the Middle East, and in New Zealand. I have been involved with Orthotic Services both overseas and in New Zealand in the provision and management of orthoses for children with physical disabilities. Previous to working in the Physical Disability Service, I worked for 9 years in the Physically Disabled Unit at Mount Roskill Intermediate School, Auckland. I am working part time in my current role. I enjoy working with children with special needs helping them to achieve their potential. I am married with 3 adult children.

Contact details: Auckland Physical Disability Service (APDS), c/o Mount Roskill Intermediate School, Denbigh Ave, Mt Roskill, Auckland 1041
Ph/fax: 09 6201051
Email: apds@mri.school.nz

Click here for more information about APDS