Useful Links
The following is a comprehensive list of organisations providing information, support services and resources for children and young people with special needs, and their families.
Click on the headings to jump to each section:
GENERAL
DISABILITY INFOLINK
If you have a child with a disability, this page will link you to useful websites with information about disability.
Web: www.tccp.com.au/disability_infolink/home
WORKPOWER INC.
Workpower Inc. is one of Western Australia's leading community benefit organisations, providing a range of support services and programs for people with a disability.
Web: www.workpower.asn.au
NATIONAL DISABILITY SERVICES WA
NDS is the national peak body for non-government disability services. NDS promotes and advances services which support people with all forms of disability in all domains of life.
Web: www.nds.org.au
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GOVERNMENT
DISABILITY SERVICES COMMISSION
Individual and Family Support Service, Local Area Coordination, Post School Options, General disability enquires.
Phone: (08) 9426 9200Free phone Country: 1800 998 214
Web: www.disability.wa.gov.au
THE AUSTRALIAN DEPARTMENT OF FAMILIES, HOUSING, COMMUNITY SERVICES AND INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS (FaHCSIA)
Government department focused on providing the latest information and resources in a variety of sectors including people living with disabilities.
Phone: (08) 9229 1500- Perth Office
Web:http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx
POSITIVE PARTNERSHIPS
Funded by the Departmemt of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Positive Partnerships has developed a new online course designed to educate and assist parents and carers of schoool aged children with autism spectrum disorders.
Web: www.autismtraining.com.au
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SUPPORT SERVICES
ACTIV SITTER SERVICE
Provide people to come to your home and look after children.
Phone: (08) 9387 0475
Web: www.activ.asn.au
BIZLINK
BIZLINK is a Disability Employment Support Service that assists people with a disabilty to prepare for, find and keep a job in open employment, including ongoing support where required.
Web: www.bizlink.asn.au
CARERS WA
Support group for parents.
Phone: 1300 CARERS (1300 227 377)
Email: info@carerswa.asn.au
Web: www.wa.carersaustralia.com.au
CHILD AUSTRALIA
A Community based organisation that aims to increase equity of access and participation in community service for children with additional needs and their families.
Phone: (08) 9249 4333
Web: www.childaustralia.org.au
COMMONWEALTH CARELINK
Provide free information on support services available locally, interstate or anywhere within Australia
Freecall: 1800 052 222
Web: www.health.gov.au/ccsd/index.cfm
COMMUNITY VISION
Based in the northern suburbs Community Vision provides a number support services for people of all ages with disabilities.
Phone: (08) 9301 8222
Web: www.communityvision.asn.au
THE COMPANION CARD
The Companion Card is issued to people living disabilities that require attendant care support when participating in community activities or entering particular venues. This card requires organisations and businesses to allow free admission for a companion who is supporting someone with disability.
Phone: 1800 617 337
Web: http://www.wa.companioncard.asn.au/index.htm
CRISIS HELPLINE
Kids Helpline (free call) – 1800 55 1800
Lifeline – 131 114
Beyondblue info line – 1300 22 4636
DISABILITY FIRST STOP
Disability First Stop assists people with disabilities and their families get the help they need.
Phone: (08) 9386 6477
Web: www.disabilityfirststop.asn.au
EDGE EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS INC.
One of the largest, longest established ad most successful employment agencies for people with disabilities in Australia.
Web: www.edge.org.au
EVERY CHILD IS IMPORTANT
A resource for families with information to help you to raise happy and confident children.
Web: www.kidscount.com.au/website
FAMILY SUPPORT WA
Non-for-profit disability service organisation which provides services such as; respite and individual care, connect ATE, camps, host family support and interact camps for siblings.
Phone: (08) 9303 4660
Web: http://www.familysupportwa.org.au/
GOOD SAMARITAN (OPTIONS EMPLOYMENT)
Options Employment believes Jobseekers with a disability have the same rights and responsibilities as other people in the community and should be involved in determining their career, job location and on the job training and support.
Web: www.goodsamaritan.com.au
HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE (HACC)
The Home and Community Care program provides basic support service to older people, people with a disability and their carers to assist them to continue living independently at home.
Web: www.health.wa.gov.au/hacc/home/
INTEWORK
Intework is a not for profit agency committed to working with people who have a disability to develop and promote their aspirations and potential within the community. From finding a job to valuable life skills.
Web: www.intework.org
THE KALPARRIN CENTRE
Support group for parents with links to sibling support activities.
Phone: (08) 9340 8094
Web: www.kalparrin.org.au
LADY LAWLEY COTTAGE (LLC)
Sponsored by The Red Cross Australia, the LLC offers respite services for families of children with a physical or intellectual disability, and/or chronic medical condition.
Web: www.redcross.org.au/wa/LadyLawleyCottage.htm
NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME (NDIS)
It's time to change the way services for people with disabilities are funded and structured in Australia. The NDIS will provide funding for essential care, support, therapy, aids, equipment, home modifications and access to the community, education and training.
Web: www.ndis.org.au
PLAYCONNECT PLAYGROUPS
PlayConnect Playgroups are being delivered across Australia by Playgroup Australia in partnership with each State or Territory Playgroup Association, to support families with children with autism.
Web: www.playgroupaustralia.com.au
RAISING CHILDREN NETWORK
A wealth of knowledge and information about children with a specific section about children with disabilities.
Phone: (08) 6279 1200
Web:http://raisingchildren.net.au/
ROCKY BAY
The organisation offers home support, therapy services; respite and recreational opportunities. They also have their own employment services.
Call: 08 9383 5111
Web: www.rockeybay.org.au
SIBLINGS AUSTRALIA
Provides workshops, print and web-based resources and networking opportunities for families and providers across Australia.
Web: www.siblingsaustralia.org.au
TADWA (Technology Assisting Disability WA)
Provides information and support for aids and equipment in WA
Phone: (08) 9379 7400
Web: www.tadwa.org.au
YOU"RE WELCOME ACCESS WA
People with a disability, carers and seniors can find accessible business and community facilities in WA through this database
Phone:9426 9301
Freecall: 1800 998 214
Web: www.accesswa.com.au
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LIBRARIES & RESOURCE CENTRES
ABOUT.COM
An online newsletter which categorises useful information and articles including Children with Special Needs, Disabilities and coping as a Parent and/or Carer.
Web: www.about.com
ACTIV LIBRARY
The library has books and articles on disability.
Phone: (08) 9387 0458
Web: www.activ.asn.au
NOAH’S ARK TOY LIBRARY & RESOURCE CENTRE FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Provides specialised toys, resources and educational development programs to children and young people with special needs and their families
Phone: (08) 9328 1598
Web: www.natl.org.au
MY SPECIAL NEEDS CLASSROOM
Resources and strategies for the classroom environment for children that have multiple disabilities.
Web: www.myspecialneedsclassroom.com
STATE LIBRARY OF WA
The State Library of WA is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities and their families and carers have the same access to equitable library and information as others.
Web: www.slwa.wa.gov.au
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SPORT & RECREATION
DREAMFIT FOUNDATION
The Dreamfit Foundation actively works towards fulfilling dreams and overcoming challenges for people with disabilities.
Web: www.dreamfit.com.au
CRICKET CHAMPS
Cricket Champs is a fantastic new cricket program that caters for children with varying forms of disabilities.
Web: www.cricketchamps.org.au
FOOTBALL WEST (EQUAL FOOTINGBALL LEAGUE)
Football West run the Equal Footingball League, a great program that includes people with disabilities in soccer.
Web: www.footballwest.com.au/community/equal-footingball
INCLUSION WA
Enriches the lives of people who are disconnected from society or are living with a disability by encouraging their involvement in sporting and recreation events and community life.
Phone: (08) 9201 8900
Web: http://www.inclusionwa.org.au
KIDS' CAMPS
Kids' Camps provides enjoyable recreation and respite camps for children and young people aged between 6 -25 years who walk unassisted and have a disability.
Web: www.kidscamps.org.au
KOONDOOLA SENSORY TRAIL
A sensory interpretive walk trail set in regional bushland where people of all abilities can experience the sights and sounds of the local environment.
Web: www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au/News/Koondoola_Sensory_Walk_Trail_now_open
Phone: 08 9405 5000
QUAD DREAMERS PERTH
The first club in Australia offering quad bike riding for children between 5- 16 years with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Web: www.quaddreamers.com.au
RIDING FOR THE DISABLED WA
Riding for the Disabled WA is dedicated to providing therapeutic and recreational benefits equestrian activities to people with disabilities.
Web: www.rdawa.org.au
SPARKLE AND SHINE DANCE CLASSES
Sparkle and Shine allows people of all abilities to participate in dance in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
Web: www.sparkleandshine.com.au
THERAPY FOCUS VACATION CARE INFORMATION SHEET
There are limited school holiday programs this year, so please look at regional opportunities and consider putting in an application early.
Click here for more information.
WA DEPARTMENT SPORT AND RECREATION
Information about the importance of including people with disabilities in sports and recreation events.
Phone: (08) 9492 9700
Web: http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/disabilities
WA DISABLED SPORTS ASSOCIATION
Encourage and empower people with disabilities to get involved in sports and recreational activities.
Phone: 9470 1442
Web: www.wadsa.org.au
WA DISABLED SURFERS ASSOCIATION
The DSA is bridging the gap between disabled and able body surfers. It offers people a chance to go to the beach, feel the sand and surf the waves.
Web: www.disabledsurfers.org
WHEELCHAIR SPORTS WA ASSOCIATION
The Association is responsible for the coordination of wheelchair sports in WA.
Phone: (08) 9443 4833
Web: http://www.wheelchairsportswa.org.au/
YMCA MORLEY RECREATION CENTRE
Specialised gym equipment and classes for children and adults living with disabilities.
Phone: (08) 9375 3529
Web:http://www.morley.ymca.org.au/Home.aspx
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ARTS & CULTURE
ARTS ACCESS AUSTRALIA
Australia's peak body for arts and disability providing news, connections and information.
Phone: 0419 201 338
Web: http://www.artsaccessaustralia.org/
DISABILITY IN THE ARTS & DISADVANTAGE IN THE ARTS WA
Non-for-profit organisation based in Fremantle that aims to create inclusion through arts and culture programs for Western Australians who are living with a disability or mental illness. There programs cater for more than 2,000 people annually.
Phone: (08) 9430 6616
Web: http://www.dadaawa.org.au
STRIKE A CHORD
Strike A Chord's 'Music 4 Life' program offers the opportunity for seriously ill and disadvantaged children to benefit from grants that provide them with the gift of music. Music can offer comfort, hope and companionship at the very time they need it most.
Web: www.strikeachordforchildren.org
WA DEPARTEMNT OF CULTURE AND THE ARTS
Information about culture, the arts, news and activities in WA including a specific section on access and inclusion of people with disabilities.
Phone: (08) 9224 7300
Web: http://www.dca.wa.gov.au/
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HEALTH
SECCA
Supports people with disabilities to learn about human relationships, sexuality and sexual health.
Phone: (08) 9420 7226
Web: www.secca.org.au
TRIPLE P & DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Triple P – Positive Parenting Program for all parents of children aged three to five years teaches ways to manage common issues most parents will face. Grandparents and other carers are also welcome to attend.
Phone: (08) 9400 9551
Web: www.pmh.health.wa.gov.au/services/TripleP/index.htm
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LEGAL
COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRES ASSOCIATION (WA)
The CLCA is committed to human rights, equity and social justice. They provide legal services to all Western Australians through twenty eight Community Legal Centres.
Phone: (08) 9221 9322
Web: http://www.communitylaw.net/
OFFICE OF HEALTH REVIEW
Contact this office to make a complaint about a disability service.
Phone: (08) 9323 0600 Freecall Country: 1800 813 583
Web: www.healthreview.wa.gov.au
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Represents and speaks for the rights and equal treatment of all West Australians with a disability.
Phone: (08) 9485 8900
Web: www.pwdwa.org
PUBLIC TRUSTEE
Offers independent and professional trustee and asset management services. Including Will and Eduring Power of Attorney drafting, deceased estate administration, executor support, financial administration and trust management services.
Phone: 1300 746 212
Web: http://www.publictrustee.wa.gov.au/
SUSSEX STREET COMMUNITY LAW SERVICE
Non-profit non government community based organisation that provides eddective legal services for low income families.
Phone: (08) 6253 9500
Web: http://www.sscls.asn.au/
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TRANSPORT & ACCESS
SWAN TAXIS
Swan Taxis offer an Easy Access service designed for individuals who require wheelchair access to taxis.
Web: http://www.swantaxis.com.au/multi_purpose.php
TRANSPERTH
Information about public transport in Perth including bus, ferry and train travel along with information about disable access. The Companion Card can be used on all Transperth services, for more information please see The Companion Card website under Support Services Useful Links.
Phone: 1800 800 022
Web: http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/
WA GOVERNMENT SERVICES- TRANSPORT
Provides links to a variety of different websites regarding transport in Perth and the whole of WA including travel to Rottnest, Transwa services and cycle paths.
Web: http://wa.gov.au/governmentservices/lifestyleenvironment/yourcommunity/transport/
YOU’RE WELCOME ACCESS WA
Gives accurate access information about WA business and attractions, including diagrams of businesses, parking and toilets. Phone: 9426 9301
Web: http://www.accesswa.com.au/
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PUBLICATIONS
LINK DISABILITY MAGAZINE
Link is nation-wide distributed magazine covering a variety of topics affecting people with disabilities including opinions and perspectives directly from people with disabilities.
Web: http://www.linkonline.com.au/index.shtml
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ONLINE COMMUNITIES
RAMP UP
News, opinions, features, audio and blog focused on people living with disabilities.
Web: http://www.abc.net.au/rampup/
LIVEWIRE PARENTS
An online community where parents and carers of people living with a serious illness, chronic health condition or disability can support or connect with one another.
Web: www.livewire.org.au
WA SPECIAL FAMILIES
A Facebook Group for Western Australian Families with children who have special needs. To share coping tips, referrals, ideas to manage and friendships.
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SPECIFIC DISABILITIES
ASPERGERS SUPPORT WA
Phone: (08) 6296 6278
Web: http://aspergerssupport.wordpress.com/
ASPERGER SERVICES AUSTRALIA
Phone: +61 7 3865 2911
Web: http://www.asperger.asn.au/
ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND OF WA
Phone: (08) 9311 8202
Web: http://www.guidedogswa.com.au/
AUTISM ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Phone: (08) 9489 8900
Web: http://www.autism.org.au/
THE CENTRE FOR CEREBRAL PALSY
Phone: (08) 9443 0211
Web: http://www.tccp.com.au/Home
DOWN SYNDROME WA
Phone: (08) 9368 4002
Web: http://www.dsawa.asn.au/
EPILEPSY
Web: http://www.epilepsywa.org.au/
FRAGILE X SUPPORT GROUP WA
Phone: (08) 9524 2982
Web: http://www.fragilex-wa.websyte.com.au/
SENSES FOUNDATION
Phone: (08) 9473 5400
Web: http://www.senses.asn.au/
WA DEAF SOCIETY
Phone: (08) 9441 2677
Web: http://www.wadeaf.org.au/
WA SPEAK EASY ASSOCIATION
Phone: (08) 9225 4111
Web: http://www.speakeasy.org.au/index.html
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