According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, about 1 in 8 school-aged children in Australia has a disability, and nearly 1 in 18 has a profound disability. Australian families need to have ample support when going through the ups and downs of living with a disability. If you are the parent of a child with special needs, here are a few key things to keep in mind for your parenting journey moving forward.
While parenting or caring for kids with needs is undoubtedly rewarding, it can also be difficult, which is why it’s important to have the right support and knowledge to overcome challenges. Consider how daily life feels to your child. Thinking about life in their shoes can help you understand how they process their daily life, and what kind of support they need. Parenting a child special needs isn’t always easy, but the more you know about a physical or mental disability, the more you can prepare for what lies ahead and the more you can practice understanding.
It helps to find a doctor you can trust to discuss your child’s needs. Look online and visit in person places and communities where you can gather fact-checked information about your child’s disability. Innovative disability equipment and professional help for people with disabilities are also important, and you needn’t go through these challenges on your own. Support services are not only necessary for your child, but also for you as a parent. Therapy, counselling, and guidance for parents can be valuable and often eye opening.
Although you should research available resources near you, it’s also beneficial to look into personalised care for families like yours. Key aspects of comprehensive disability care services include healthcare, meal preparation, hygiene, cleaning, supervision, and disability equipment. An individualised care plan takes into account your child’s strengths and challenges to ensure they have the right level of support and independence while keeping their health and safety as top priorities.
Want to learn more about the help we can provide for children living with disabilities and how to access disability care services and disability equipment near you? Contact Fair Go Access for high-quality disability care services in Geelong and surrounding suburbs.
