Learning Across Borders: Reflections from QC Kabahagi Center for Children with Disabilities

During a recent visit to his hometown in the Philippines, our director Alex had the privilege of spending time at the QC Kabahagi Centrr for Children with Disabilities. This visit offered him valuable insights into how occupational therapy is practised in a different cultural and funding context — yet so many of the principles resonated deeply with our own values at MAOT.

Alex extends a special thank you to Adrian, who generously took the time to give him a tour of the centre and share the incredible work they are doing.

A Family-Centred Approach

At QC Kabahagi, therapy is not just about the child — it's a family-centred, partnership-driven approach. Their program, known as FlexiCoaching, focuses on empowering parents and caregivers to become active participants in their child's therapy journey. Parents are supported through education, modelling, coaching, and goal setting, with the ultimate aim of helping families confidently implement strategies on their own.

This time-limited, capacity-building model truly focuses on building self-sufficiency within the family unit, improving children's social participation, engagement in education, and development of life skills beyond the therapy room.

Therapy in Natural Environments

What also stood out to Alex was their commitment to bringing therapy into the natural environments of the child — homes, schools, childcare centres, and community settings — making therapy not just an isolated event, but part of everyday life.

It was inspiring for him to witness experienced clinicians mentoring groups of students through  assessments, coaching, and goal setting with families. It created a vibrant, collaborative atmosphere of learning and growth — something we at MAOT deeply believe in, too.

Shared Values Across Borders

Our team shares this belief: that true impact happens when therapy empowers families, builds everyday skills, and integrates naturally into a child's life — not just within the four walls of a clinic.

Reflecting on this experience reaffirmed for Alex that regardless of where we are in the world, occupational therapy, at its heart, is about partnership, empowerment, and meaningful participation.

For more information about our NDIS-funded occupational therapy services in Adelaide, visit meaningfulactivities.com.au or contact us today.