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 Department 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
    Activ Sitter Service provides people to look after the children for parents that need a sitter.
    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 a 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

    DIARY OF A MOM
    A blog about a mother of two children, one of which has autism.
    Web: http://adiaryofamom.wordpress.com/ 

    DISABILITY FIRST STOP
    Disability First Stop assists people with disabilities and their families to get the help they need.
    Phone: (08) 9386 6477
    Web: www.disabilityfirststop.asn.au

    DOMESTIC GODDESS
    A mothers parenting blog about her two boys on the spectrum.
    Web: www.thegoddess.com  

    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 services 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/

    INKA RESPITE
    INKA is a not for profit, family run holiday/repsite stay in a farm style environment for teenagers and adults with autism spectrum and down syndrome.
    Web: www.inkarespite.com  

    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

    JUST FOR YOUTHS
    This website provides a number of great resources and services for young people with a disability and their siblings.
    Web: www.tccp.com.au/justforyouths

    THE KALPARRIN CENTRE
    A support group for parents with 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

    LIVEWIRE
    Livewire is an online community connecting young people with serious illness, chronic health condition or disability and their families.
    Web: www.livewire.org.au

    LOOK ME IN THE EYE
    An aspergian book writer who blogs about aspergers, autism, books and life.
    Web: http://jerobinson.blogspot.com.au

    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.rockybay.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

    SNAGGLEBOX
    An autism parenting support blog providing useful resources for families.
    www.snagglebox.com

    SPEAKING ON THE SPECTRUM
    An autsim parenting blog about all things autism.
    Web: www.speakingonthespectrum.blogspot.com.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

    THE OTHER SIDE OF NORMAL
    A mother blogs about a normal world with autism.
    Web: www.theothersideofnormal.com/

    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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    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/

    MENTAL HEALTH AND INSURANCE
    A site dedicated to people with mental health issues that explains their rights and responsibilities when dealing with insurance, policies and appeals.
    Web: www.mentalhealthandinsurance.org.au  

    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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