Getting to know other families with children raising disability is a great way to build your information and support network.
Every family with a child with disability has travelled a unique journey, full of joys and challenges.
Connecting with other families who share similar experiences and who ‘get it’ can become a valuable source of emotional support and an important part of looking after yourself. Together you can share information and ideas, celebrate the joys and see how others approach challenges.
There are many ways to connect, so choose what works for you. You can meet in person, connect online or through a disability-specific group or association. Some groups provide information while others may offer emotional support or fun activities. It’s worth exploring what these groups have to offer as you navigate your child and family’s journey.
Joining a peer support group can help you feel more confident, capable and less isolated. Many families say it helps to smooth the road ahead and can lead to meaningful relationships throughout their child’s life.
There are also many opportunities to meet other families in your local community through groups, libraries, events and activities which are open to everyone.
Playgroups
Playgroups are a great way for parents and children to come together and have some fun. Playgroups are inclusive of all children. There are also several disability-specific playgroups, including PlayConnect+ for children with developmental delay and playgroups with Auslan interpreters.
Strengthening Parent Support Coordinators
Strengthening Parent Support Coordinators across Victoria help families with children with disability connect with each other and provide information about local services and support. Contact the Coordinator near you for information about connecting with other families in your local area.
Find your local Strengthening Parent Support Coordinator
MyTime groups
MyTime is for parents and carers of children with a disability, developmental delay, or chronic medical condition. It’s a place where you can unwind and talk about your experiences. It’s a world away from appointments and therapy. A Play Helper is there to play with preschool children.
Magazines
Source Kids magazine, founded by mum Emma
Source Kids – For parents, carers & professionals of children with special needs
The Blend magazine, by mum Melanie whose young child is peg fed
Closed Facebook groups
There are lots of closed Facebook groups for parents raising children with disability. Google your child’s disability and/or where you live to find the best groups for you.
Free workshops and parent training
ACD offers free online workshops for families which give you the chance to connect with others and get up-to-date information to help your child and family. There are workshops for all ages and stages. To find out what is coming up each month, sign-up to receive our online newsletter.
Multicultural support groups
Vietnamese Families with Special Needs
Chinese Parents Special Support Network
Disability-specific organisations (A to Z)
ADHD Support Australia
Angelman Syndrome Association Australia
Aussie Deaf Kids
Autism – Amaze
Autism – Different Journeys
Autism – Yellow Ladybugs
Batten Disease Support and Research Association Australia
Brainwave Australia
Cerebral Palsy Parents Australia
Cri Du Chat Support Group
Deaf Children Australia
Dyslexia Victoria Support
Down Syndrome Victoria
Eating Disorder Families Australia (includes ARFID)
Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorder
Epilepsy Foundation
Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Fragile X Association of Australia
Genetic Support Network Victoria
Heads Together for ABI – Acquired brain injury
Kabuki Syndrome – Supporting Aussie Kids with Kabuki Syndrome (SAKKS)
Life’s Little Treasures – children born premature or sick
Little Dreamers Australia – Young carers
Muscular Dystrophy Australia
Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Victoria
Rett Syndrome Association
School Can’t Australia
Short Statured People of Australia
Siblings Australia
SPELD – Learning disabilities
Stroke – Childhood stroke
SWAN – Syndromes Without a Name
Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia
Usherkids
Very Special Kids – Life threatening illness
Vision Australia
Vision Resource Centre
Foster and kinship carers
Over 50% of children in out-of-home care have a disability. Connecting with other carers can be helpful.
Foster Care Association of Victoria
Kinship Care Victoria
Permanent Care and Adoptive Families
Carer Kafe
Mirabel Foundation
Carer support groups
There are local carer groups that offer free social and wellbeing activities across Victoria.