Parents with a disability
Intro - History - Issues - Rights - Service - Community Directory
Community Services & Resources:
Local council services
Childcare
Programs such as Family Day Care, (FDC) centre based childcare facilities, and occasional childcare services are available within each council municipality. The services provided by council and by community based and not for profit organisations vary from council to council.
The cost of childcare to parents is subsidised by the government. Parents can apply for Childcare Assistance (fee relief) from Centrelink (formerly Social Security) and for a rebate through Medicare. You may be entitled to both depending on your income! The government has set a maximum of fifty (50) hours subsidised childcare per child per week, but this condition can be wavered in certain circumstances. As a person with a disability, you should negotiate with the care provider for the maximum care you need. You will need medical evidence to support your claim.
Family Day Care is provided by a caregiver in their own home. Hours of care can be negotiated between you and the carer so the service is flexible within the limits set by government. Families are generally entitled to one overnight care per month. If you have a physical disability, physical access to the caregiver’s home is an issue that will need to be considered.
Disabled Parking Permits
People with disabilities who drive a motor vehicle can apply for a Disabled Parking Permit through their Local Council (See description in the Transport section of this manual).
The Home and Community Care (HACC) Program
The HACC program provides a range of services to the aged and younger people with disabilities. Services include home care, personal care, delivered meals, specific home care home maintenance and Adult Day Activity Support Services.
Home care, personal care and meals on wheels services can be very useful to parents with a disability who have young dependant children. Tasks which may be undertaken by home care staff can include: home cleaning, helping you prepare meals and baby formula and assistance with shopping. You may need to persist with many councils to obtain support with particular parenting tasks, for example bathing a baby. The database contains a list of local councils covering the Western Metropolitan Region.
Search the database for resources in this category
Community Services & Resources: