Children with a disability

Welcome to the section for parents of a child with a disability.

A mum's personal story

“When my child was first diagnosed with his disability I was stunned. I essentially knew that something was wrong but actually hearing the words of the diagnosis was a different thing. I think I went a little numb for a while, then gradually I started to grieve for what I thought might have been – well what I thought he would miss out on! I don’t know if that is similar to other parents’ experiences but that is how I felt.

From there I started to read – a LOT – asked questions, searched the net and tried to become as much of an expert on my child’s disability as I could so that I could make choices for him that I thought were in his best interest.

Finding help has been difficult, especially in the beginning. I often describe it to people like feeling I was in a black corridor and not knowing where the windows or doors where, just feeling my way VERY slowly. I wanted to run to get help but had to walk!

I found meeting another parent with a child who had a similar disability to be enormously helpful. Just talking, sharing ideas and information or even just having someone who knew what we where going through felt somehow comforting. I would encourage all parents to seek out some kind of support.

Through our journey I have come to realise that:
1) When you as a parent feel nurtured, it is far easier to nurture your child and
2) Life is what you make it. Limitations are only there until we work out a way of getting around them.”

Dad's stories

Finding help is often difficult and sometimes the most difficult thing is to actually ask for help.

This site does not provide information about all disabilities and will not answer all of your questions. We hope though that it will help you to seek information and to feel confident to make contact with people who can help you.

When approaching people from services and organisations, try to describe your situation and your child’s disability in detail. They need quite a lot of information to give you the best help. Each service that you and your child has contact with will have its own eligibility criteria so do not be put off by their questions. They need to know whether theirs is the best service to fit your needs.

We hope this site helps you to access support, services and information that is appropriate for you, your child and your family. If you know of other supports or services within our region that have not listed please contact us by clicking on “contact” at the base of this page.

You should also refer to the age specific topics in the other sections of this web site.

Disability Services Commission- Local Area Coordination

The Disability Services Commission provides free Local Area Coordination support in Perth and throughout all regional areas of Western Australia. Local Area Coordinators (LACs) assist people with disabilities to plan, organise and access supports and services which enhance their participation in and contribution to their local community. LACs provide support that is personalised, flexible and responsive.

LACs work with family members and others involved in supporting people with disabilities so that they are strengthened and supported in their caring role. LACs also work with people with disabilities and their families/carers to make local communities more inclusive and welcoming through education, advocacy and development of partnerships with local community members and organisations, government agencies and businesses.
Local Area Coordination is available to people with intellectual, physical, sensory, neurological and/or cognitive disability who are under the age of 65 at the time they apply for LAC support.

To find an LAC in your area, please phone the Lower Great Southern office on 9845 5700 or Freecall (for country callers) 1800 998 214; TTY 9426 9315.

Individual Disability Advocacy Service (IDAS)

At the time of this site going live (Nov 2008) the Lower Great Southern has a regional Individual Disability Advocacy Service (IDAS). IDAS is part of the Australian network of Disability Advocacy Services funded by the Australian Government. For more information phone freecall 1800 642 791 or (08) 9842 8599.

MyTime Support Group

MyTime groups provide a free facilitated peer support for mums, dads, grandparents and anyone caring for children with a disability, developmental delay or chronic medical condition. Socialise and share ideas and information with others who understand the rewards and intensity of caring for a child with special needs. MyTime meets in Albnay every Wednesday morning during the school term at the Wanslea office. A fun filled crèche is provided for free.

For more details contact the Wanslea Great Southern office at 26 Prior Street, Albany WA 6330 on phone 9842 9998. Alternatively find out more at the MyTime website.

Increasing your knowledge

Quality information is vital to parents when making decisions about the best care for their child.

The following links have been selected by Lower Great Southern Communities for Children team. We have made every effort to select relevant sites that are informative and accurate. The material linked is to provide information only. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified practitioner therefore if you have any concerns see your GP, Practice Nurse or Child Health Nurse.

Activ Library is a major disability library. The collection has a strong focus on intellectual disability, and also features resources on disability, developmental delay and learning difficulties.

The comprehensive website allows you to search through a catalogue and then link to selected sites on disability, including the Parent Portal website.

Resources are available for loan to parents outside the Perth area through Disability Services Commission Local Area Coordinators. ACTIV Library loans can also be arranged through local public libraries if necessary.

To access the library catalogue, or to view further information visit the library online at:

Parent support

Many disability associations in WA have parent support groups that are able to provide useful contacts, networking and support for parents.

To access the ACTIV Library Parent Portal visit
http://www.activ.asn.au/parentportal

Toys and other stuff...

Below are some links to find toys and equipment.

Some more useful links...

If you want to understand more about children's communication, vision or hearing impairments these sites can give you more information.