Parenting children living with disability
Parenting children with a disability can be even more challenging. Working together with your partner can help you handle these challenges.
Following a diagnosis, it is common to experience different feelings and reactions as you get used to this new situation. Some parents may feel overwhelmed with all the information available and all the decisions to make, and others may feel relieved for having a diagnosis.
Remember there is no right way to feel and you’ll need time to adjust to this situation.
Seek information from reliable sources such as government or hospitals and make use of professional support such as your GP. You might need to access to different types of support.
In Australia, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds some services that can help your children. You can call the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) on 1800 800 100 for more information, access to your NDIS early childhood partner or your NDIS local area coordinator (LAC).
If you don’t have access to the NDIS program, there are also community services available.
NSW Refugee Health Services has a Disability Support Team that helps newly-arrived refugees living with a disability to access equipment and services. You can access the Disability Assessment And Referral From here and then email to swslhd-rhsreferrals@health.nsw.gov.au.
Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities in Victoria has support groups where the cost depends on personal circumstances and if you are accessing other support services. You can access support groups for frail aged and people with disabilities and carers of people living with disabilities. To discuss eligibility and for more information you can contact (03) 9480 7000 or email werribee@adec.org.au.
Respite for older carers is a program in Victoria that helps people over 60 years of age who are looking after an adult living with a disability. You are only eligible for this program if you are not eligible for the NDIS. You can find out more information by calling 1300 735 653 or emailing info@spectrumvic.org.au.
You can also find translated resources on care, nutrition, sleep and child disability here.
Find services and information.