Support for Parents of Children with Disability: Resources and Services in Melbourne
Parenting is one of the most rewarding—and challenging—jobs there is. As a parent, you nurture your child’s development and ensure they are well cared for. But just when you think you’ve got things under control, your child’s needs can change, requiring you to learn new skills and adapt.
All parents need a village of support around them. When parents are well-supported, children thrive too. For families navigating disability, whether it’s a parent or child with a disability—or sometimes both—these challenges can feel even more complex. That’s where having access to tailored support for parents of children with disability becomes essential.
Below is a helpful guide to some of the key services and resources available in Melbourne to assist you on your journey.
NDIS – Early Childhood Intervention
If you are a parent with disability or have a child with disability, your NDIS plan may include parenting support. This can cover a wide range of services to help you feel more confident and supported in your parenting role, including:
- Dietitian: Guidance on your child’s nutrition and mealtime routines.
- Occupational Therapist: Assistance to make your home a safe, accessible space for your family.
- Psychologist: Support when you’re feeling anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed.
- Speech Therapist: Help with communication strategies to connect with your child.
- Support Worker: Practical help with appointments and daily logistics.
- Counsellor: Support for family relationships and emotional wellbeing.
Talk with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to discuss what support for parents of children with disability is available within your plan.
👉 Learn more about Early Childhood Intervention
NDIS – Respite Care
Carers and families provide incredible practical and emotional support every day. But to continue offering that care, it’s important to look after yourself too. Respite care gives carers a much-needed break, while also offering enriching experiences for your child.
Through the NDIS, participants may be able to access respite funding to ensure both the parent and child feel supported and refreshed.
👉 More about respite care and support for carers
Looking for respite services in Melbourne? Contact the friendly team at Ability Assist.
👉 Short-Term Respite Care Melbourne
Strengthening Parent Support Program
This free program connects parents and carers of children (birth to 18 years) with disability or developmental delay. It offers:
- Peer support groups
- Information sessions
- One-on-one support from a qualified coordinator
MyTime
MyTime organises supported groups where parents and carers of children with disability or additional needs can share experiences, access information, and feel truly understood.
Family Relationship Support for Carers
Caring for someone with disability can impact the entire family. This service offers counselling and support to help strengthen relationships, plan for the future, and maintain family wellbeing.
Disability Program Support Groups
These groups are designed to support your child’s inclusion and learning at kindergarten, working with families and educators to promote development and wellbeing.
Carer Gateway
Carer Gateway provides free services for carers, including in-person, phone, and online support to help you navigate your caring role.
Carers Victoria
As Victoria’s peak body for unpaid carers, Carers Victoria offers a wealth of services, training, and resources to support you in your caring journey.
Raising Children Network
This government-funded website offers a vast library of evidence-based resources covering child development, disability, parenting challenges, and more. It’s designed to support all families, including culturally and linguistically diverse, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and same-sex parent families.
Source Kids
Source Kids is a fantastic resource for parents of children with disability, offering articles, product reviews, and inspiration tailored to children and young people with disabilities.
Parenting can be a rollercoaster, and even more so when navigating disability. But remember—you don’t have to do it alone. There is a wide network of support for parents of children with disability across Melbourne, from NDIS-funded services to community-based programs and peer groups.
Whether you’re looking for practical help, emotional support, or just a chance to connect with others who understand your journey, help is available. Reach out, get connected, and know that you are doing an amazing job.
How Ability Assist Supports Families
At Ability Assist, we are passionate about working alongside parents and carers to provide tailored support for children with disability across Melbourne. Whether it’s through our NDIS-funded services—such as therapy, Supported Independent Living (SIL), and respite care—or our specialised work in Out of Home Care, we believe in building strong partnerships with families to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Our experienced, compassionate team takes a collaborative approach, keeping parents and carers at the centre of every decision. Together, we can support your child’s development, wellbeing, and independence every step of the way.
To learn more about how we can provide support for parents of children with disability and help your family achieve its goals, please reach out to our team. We are here to help.
👉 Call us on (03) 9306 1770 or contact us online
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