Allied health students hit the sand for fun, hands-on experience

CQUniversity's Physiotherapy' Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology students have balanced fun in the sun with study while helping people with a disability at a Beach Day Out recently.

Organised by the CQUniversity Health Clinic at the Rockhampton North campus' the students travelled to Emu Park for the event which focused on accessibility for people with a disability.

The students helped with transfers from wheelchair to beach wheelchairs to facilitate beach accessibility and helped with some of the beach activities' such as sandcastles and sand games.

Students were also involved in beach cricket to facilitate the participation of many children and adults with disabilities.

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) student Bridie Fenech said she was grateful for the opportunity to engage with those with a disability outside of the clinical environment.

"It helped put what we have studied into perspective' how a simple day on the beach (that we can sometimes take for granted) can light up someone's day' how they interact and how they appreciate our services'" Bridie said.

"It helped to see the challenges and difficulties they experience day to day and how we can further assist them in daily living.

Fellow Physiotherapy (Honours) student Laura Rutherford said: "It was really good as a second-year student to get out of the classroom and have hands on experience with real people and real conditions".

"Lectures and tutorials can't give us real clinical examples until placement so it's good to get ahead of the game and have a go before placement in third year.

Speech Pathology student Jasmine Campbell said: "The Beach Day Out was an amazing experience. It was a wonderful opportunity to be able to immerse myself into the community and interact with all kinds of people. I appreciate the chance to relate my knowledge that I have gained thus far and have fun whilst doing it."

Fellow Speech Pathology student Alice Pumfrey said: "Volunteering my time at the Beach Day Out event was an enjoyable and memorable experience. The event gave me insight on how many individuals are influenced by the various allied health professionals and support organisations that are on offer within our community."

Third-year Occupational Therapy student Renae Frost said: "It was wonderful to see what other services are available within the community and witness all the creativity each stall holder facilitated to capture target client groups."

"Working closely with speech pathology and physiotherapy also provided an additional opportunity to enhance my understanding of the other disciplines and their contribution to the CQU Allied Health Clinic services."

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