Providing information and support to families caring for a child with an undiagnosed or rare genetic condition.
Resources To Make Your Life Easier
SWAN’s top supports to help you on your journey.
Families often tell us they wish they had seen this list of resources earlier. Below you will find resources, supports and services that can make life easier when caring for a child with disability.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) gives Australians who have permanent and significant disability funding for supports and services. The NDIS can provide all people with disability with information and connections to services in their communities such as doctors, sporting clubs, support groups, libraries and schools, as well as information about what support is provided by each state and territory government. Participants need to meet eligibility criteria to enter the scheme. You may find some of our resources on the NDIS help you access and navigate the scheme.
Carer Allowance is a means-tested income supplement available to people who provide daily care and attention in a private home to a person with a disability or a severe medical condition.
Carer Payment provides income support to people who, because of the demands of their caring role, are unable to support themselves through substantial paid employment. Carer Payment is income and assets tested and paid at the same rate as other social security pensions.
The Australian Disability Parking Scheme (ADPS) provides an Australian Disability Parking Permit, which is recognised nationally. There is nationally consistent eligibility criteria and national minimum parking concessions to help reduce the barriers for permit holders travelling interstate. You can find information on applying in each State and Territory here.
The Companion Card is for people with a significant and permanent disability who have a lifelong need for a high level of support to participate in community events and activities. The card allows a person’s carer free entry into participating venues and events. Each State and Territory has its own Companion Card and application process.
The We Care card is for people in Victoria. It provides discounts and benefits to carers such as free weekend travel on public transport and concession fares during the week.
Carers Australia offer a carer advisory line, carer support groups, counselling, training and workshops.
The Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) keys give people with disability access to dedicated public facilities, including facilities in National Parks and many Council municipalities, elevators at railway stations, new Changing Places facilities throughout Australia, disabled toilets that are locked, and even the Liberty Swing. People with a disability are able to purchase an MLAK key that will open all toilets, playground equipment and other facilities fitted with a lock that uses the special MLAK cylinder.
Mytime groups provide an opportunity to meet, socialise and share information with other parents and family carers of children with disabilities.
Carer Gateway is a platform to connect with Carer Gateway service providers. They can talk through your needs and assist with finding local services and supports.
The Carer Gateway offers a free counselling service for carers to assist them with their career role. These services are offered over the phone or in-person.
Enjoy listening to Mandy and Kate laugh (a lot) and cry as they chat with each other and friends about parenting multiples with disabilities and additional needs on their podcast, TooPeas In a Podcast. This podcast has the potential to normalise caring for a child with a disability and will not disappoint.
Source Kids is an online and print magazine that has been developed to deliver important information to those caring for and working with children and young individuals. There are many parent stories and resources to help parents of children with a disabilities.
Contact Us / Media Enquiries
- PO Box 390 Fairfield VIC 3078
- 0404 280 441
- info@swanaus.org.au