Being a parent is hard, and there are extra challenges and pressures for those with disabled children. Whether physically or otherwise, sometimes it can feel as though you’re alone. Especially when you have nobody to speak to, and nobody who knows what it’s like to deal with a disabled child, life can get hard from time to time.
In this short guide, we want to provide some resources that will hopefully come in handy.
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)
Firstly, we’re sure you’re aware of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. For those who aren’t, this is a nationwide scheme that helps families financially with the demands that come with looking after somebody with a disability. What’s more, the idea is to help those with a disability to meet their life goals. If you’re currently caring for a child with disabilities, you may be entitled to financial support.
Sometimes, dealing with the NDIS is confusing, but there are services designed to help. For example, Kukoon are NDIS plan management providers. What does this mean? Well, they will help with reimbursements, paying bills, or however else you need help regarding the NDIS. When caring for somebody with a disability, life is already confusing and complicated enough; why complicate this more by worrying about NDIS and insurance funding? Instead, you can trust a company like Kukoon that has experience in this field and spends every day helping others in your position.
Early Childhood Intervention Australia
As the name suggests, this is a company specializing in early intervention for young children with disabilities or developmental delays. Depending on what you need, you might want to attend one of the brilliant conferences, workshops, or seminars. These days, they have a service in each territory/state.
Livewire
Although this may be difficult to hear, sometimes a young person with a disability needs support from others other than parents, guardians, or people they see daily. We wholeheartedly recommend Livewire since this is a fantastic online community for disabled young people and those with serious illnesses. The good thing about this website is that it welcomes siblings – often, siblings don’t get the support they need, so this is a huge advantage to get them involved and talking to people.
MyTime
This time, we’re focusing on the parents, grandparents, carers, or any other guardian looking after those with a chronic medical condition or disability. Here, you can socialize with others in your position, and this is good for a few things:
- To learn about resources and services in your area
- To take your mind off your worries for a while and just spend time with other adults
- To create a kind community where every member helps each other
Thankfully, the whole website is managed and monitored by professionals with expertise in either parenting or disabilities.
Siblings Australia
As mentioned earlier, siblings often go under the radar and are left feeling more alone than anybody else when a child has a disability. Sadly, they feel left out, and as though all the attention is on their brother or sister. At times, they need the support of their own, and we recommend Siblings Australia. For the sisters and brothers of those with additional needs, they have an opportunity to get support and talk to others.
With this, you have some of the best resources around for children with disabilities, as well as for parents, siblings, and other loved ones. Other resources include the Carer Gateway, Young Carers Network, and Carers Australia.
