The listings contained in this Section of the Manual are services that may be able to help parents with disabilities in various ways. The listing is a sample of the types of services that can help you. Included are some local Western Region agencies and State wide services. The services listed are ones we have been able to contact and some are known to us to provide a quality service to parents with a disability.
As a parent with a disability or person with a disability wanting to become a parent, you may need information and advocacy support to get the services you need. You can get some advice on family planning, pregnancy and other available resources before the baby arrives. You will not be able to plan for everything before the birth. Like all parents, you will encounter problems you do not expect and need help.
Points to remember
- When problems arise, remain calm and seek help before the problem gets out of control.
- Each person’s experience of parenting with a disability will be different. Something that works for someone else may not work for you.
- Some agencies will be easier to deal with than others. Some organisations have a better understanding of the needs of people with disabilities and are more flexible in the way they address problems.
Some services will have strict guidelines. Unless you fit into their criteria, it will be difficult to get what you want. If this happens, do not give up. If you get support and do succeed, your actions will help other parents with disabilities by challenging services and government to change their attitudes and policies to better meet the needs of parents with a disability.
Community Services & Resources:
