Imagine how much greater Bertie’s joy will be when he zooms through the snow with his family next week.

A great team effort by Kurrajong Early Intervention Service (KEIS) staff and the woodworkers to design and build the wooden sled means three-year-old Bertie will be able to enjoy the snow with mum Felicity, dad Richard and six-year-old big brother Reuben for the first time.

Bertie has severe physical and mental impairments.

He is unable to sit, stand, walk or eat unassisted, and he is cortically blind and non-verbal.

A meeting between the Wiltons, Bertie’s physiotherapist at KEIS Donalee Gregory and his occupational therapist Donna Bear earlier this year discussed how Bertie could become more involved in family fun activities, such as the snow.

Mrs Wilton came up with a few sled ideas which KEIS took to the woodworkers who then modified the plans in building the sled, including adding wider perspex skids, bolting in a special car seat and building a box to hold Bertie’s medical equipment.

“We just love doing something for people with disabilities,” said woodworker Dick Hubbard.

“When he is dragged in the sled he gets the biggest smile,” Mrs Gregory said.

“I think it’s life-changing for Bertie and his parents.”

Bertie’s parents expressed their appreciation to KEIS and the woodworkers when the sled was handed over on Tuesday.

“You don’t expect these things to happen, we are extremely grateful,” Mr Wilton said.

“It means we can as a whole family go out and play in the snow instead of having to have one half of the family inside watching,” Mrs Wilton said.

“He (Bertie) loves motion and movement, he loves being pushed in his wheelchair down the hall fast so I think this will be a winner.”

KEIS service manager Susan Macgillycuddy said that when families dared to dream, they had a team at KEIS working with them and a community that pulled together so the dreams could come true.

“It’s wonderful that a gorgeous little boy can truly be included,” she said.