Building a strong partnership with your child’s teachers and support staff is essential to ensuring that they receive the best possible education and care. When your child has a disability, effective collaboration becomes even more important. Schools often have a range of resources and expertise, but you, as a parent or caregiver, have a deep understanding of your child’s unique needs. Combining this knowledge and expertise can help create a supportive learning environment that caters to your child’s strengths and challenges.

As school holidays approach, parents of children with disabilities may find themselves searching for fun and accessible activities that the whole family can enjoy. Fortunately, there are plenty of inclusive options available that cater to the diverse needs and abilities of children with disabilities. In this blog post, we'll explore a variety of accessible activities and outings that promise excitement, adventure, and memorable experiences for children of all abilities these school holidays.

Growing up with a sibling who has a disability can be both rewarding and challenging. Often, siblings of children with disabilities may find themselves feeling overlooked or overwhelmed by the demands placed on their family. While they may love and care for their sibling deeply, the focus on the needs of their brother or sister can sometimes leave them feeling less noticed or less important. As a parent or caregiver, it’s essential to acknowledge these feelings and find ways to ensure that all of your children feel equally valued and loved.

When it comes to children with cerebral palsy, we understand the importance of developing and strengthening fine motor skills to support a child's independence and daily activities. Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscles in the hands and fingers and are essential for tasks such as writing, buttoning clothes, and feeding oneself. In this blog post, we'll explore a variety of engaging activities and exercises designed to improve fine motor skills in children with cerebral palsy, making learning fun and rewarding.

We understand the importance of effective communication in our child's development and well-being. For nonverbal children, finding ways to express themselves and connect with others can be challenging. Fortunately, assistive technology offers a wide range of tools and apps designed to support communication and empower nonverbal children. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the innovative assistive technology solutions available to help enhance communication for nonverbal children.

As parents of children with disabilities, we are constantly seeking out ways to support our children's physical, emotional, and social development. One innovative approach that has gained recognition in recent years is animal-assisted therapy (AAT). This therapeutic intervention utilizes trained animals to enhance the well-being and quality of life of individuals with disabilities. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of animal-assisted therapy for children with disabilities and how therapy animals can make a meaningful difference in their lives.

As parents of children with disabilities, we understand the unique joys and challenges that come with raising a child who has special needs. While much of our focus naturally goes towards meeting the needs of our child with disabilities, it's essential not to overlook the experiences of their siblings. Siblings play a crucial role in the family dynamic, and supporting their emotional well-being is just as important as supporting their brother or sister with disabilities. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of sibling support groups in fostering connection and understanding among siblings of children with disabilities.

As parents of teens with disabilities, we understand the importance of preparing our children for the transition from high school to adulthood. Transition planning is a critical process that involves setting goals, identifying resources, and developing strategies to support our teens as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of life after high school. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of transition planning and provide practical tips for empowering your teen with disabilities to succeed in the next chapter of their journey.

Non-visible disabilities present a unique set of challenges for individuals navigating the world with conditions that may not be immediately apparent. By acknowledging the existence and impact of non-visible disabilities, we contribute to a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of the visibility of their challenges, can thrive.

Understanding the multifaceted nature of discrimination faced by people with disabilities is vital for fostering inclusivity and equality. By challenging attitudinal, structural, environmental, economic, and interpersonal barriers, we pave the way for a more equitable society where everyone is valued and respected.

Navigating the challenges of parenting a child with a disability requires resilience and self- compassion. By understanding the roots of burnout and implementing practical coping strategies, parents can create a nurturing environment for both themselves and their children. It's a journey filled with both triumphs and tribulations, and by prioritising self- care and building a strong support network, parents can find strength in their resilience.

As parents of children with disabilities, navigating the world of medical interventions and treatments can be overwhelming. One treatment option that may come up in discussions with healthcare providers is the baclofen pump. In this blog post, we'll delve into what a baclofen pump is, its uses, and how it works, to provide you with a better understanding of this therapy option.

Traveling can be an enriching experience for families, offering opportunities to explore new places, cultures, and create lasting memories. However, for families of children with disabilities, planning a trip requires careful consideration and preparation to ensure accessibility and accommodations are in place. In this blog post, we'll explore some practical tips and valuable resources to help families of children with disabilities navigate accessible travel and make their adventures enjoyable and stress-free.

Being a disability support worker is more than just a job – it's a calling to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities. In this exploration, let's uncover the traits and skills that elevate a support worker from good to exceptional, emphasising the importance of empathy, adaptability, and the necessary checks that ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone involved.

The Victorian State Government defines the companion card as "a card for people with significant and permanent disability who have a lifelong need for a high level of support to participate in community events and activities". The companion card allows a person’s carer free entry into participating venues and events. Having a companion card can help people with disabilities (and their families) save money without forgoing the activities they enjoy!

Visual supports are valuable tools for enhancing learning and communication for children with autism. By incorporating visual schedules, social stories, visual cues, and visual timers into your child's daily routine, you can provide structure, predictability, and support to help them navigate their environment and communicate effectively.

AUSLAN is short for Australian Sign Language, a language developed by, and for, Australians who are deaf or hearing impaired. It’s a visual form of communication that employs hand, arm, and body movements to convey meaning.

Lived experience refers to the personal understanding and insight gained from having a friend, child, or family member with a disability. For parents of children with disabilities and support workers alike, embracing lived experience can lead to greater empathy, understanding, and effectiveness in providing support. In this blog post, let's explore the significance of lived experience, define its essence, uncover how it shapes the landscape of disability support, and delve into the transformative power of embracing lived experience.