As a parent of a child with a disability, you know the journey can be challenging, filled with unique hurdles and triumphs. One of the most valuable assets on this journey is a supportive community.
Surrounding yourself with a network of understanding and compassionate people can provide emotional support, practical advice, and shared experiences that make the road a little easier. Here’s how to find and build a supportive community for your family and your child.
Your child’s healthcare team, including doctors, therapists, and specialists, can be a great starting point. They often have connections to local support groups and can refer you to community resources specifically tailored to families with children with physical disabilities. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations; we can connect you with other families who are on a similar journey.
Occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech pathologists frequently work with children with various disabilities and may know of groups or forums where parents share resources and support. Joining a therapy group can also lead to meeting other parents who are navigating similar experiences.
Facebook and other social media platforms host numerous groups focused on specific disabilities, parenting children with disabilities, and more. These groups can be a treasure trove of information, support, and connection. Search for groups that align with your child’s condition or broader parenting groups for children with disabilities. Always ensure the group is well-moderated and a safe space for sharing and support.
Websites like MyTime, Carers Australia, Raising Children Network and other disability-specific forums offer a space to ask questions, share experiences, and connect with other parents. These platforms can be particularly helpful if you’re looking for advice from parents who have faced similar challenges.
Many communities have local support groups for parents of children with disabilities. These groups often meet regularly and can provide a face-to-face support system. Your local hospital, clinic, or community centre might have information on such groups.
If your child is enrolled in a special education program, connect with other parents through the school. Attend parent-teacher meetings and school events as these can be great opportunities to build relationships and share resources.
Look for adaptive sports programs or inclusive recreational activities in your area. These programs are not only great for your child’s physical and social development but also offer a chance to meet other parents who share your experiences.
Local community centres often offer programs and activities for children with disabilities. Participating in these programs can help you connect with other families and build a sense of community.
Don’t overlook the power of your immediate community. Engaging with neighbours, friends, and peers can foster a supportive environment. Simple acts like organising playdates, neighbourhood gatherings, or informational sessions about your child’s condition can increase understanding and support.
Encourage extended family members to get involved and educated about your child’s needs. A well-informed and supportive family can provide immense emotional and practical support.
Consider seeking counselling or therapy for yourself and your family. Therapists who specialise in working with families of children with disabilities can provide valuable tools for managing stress, building resilience, and fostering strong family bonds.
Utilise respite care services to give yourself a break. Taking care of your mental and emotional health is crucial for being the best support system for your child. Knowing you have trusted respite care can provide peace of mind and the necessary rest to recharge.
Empowering yourself with knowledge and becoming an advocate for your child can open doors to additional support and resources. Join advocacy groups, attend legislative meetings, and stay informed about policies affecting children with disabilities.
Consider sharing your experiences through blogs, social media, or speaking at events. Your story can inspire others, build awareness, and connect you with like-minded individuals who can offer support and friendship.
Building a supportive community takes time, effort, and a willingness to reach out and connect with others. By leveraging professional resources, online communities, local support groups, educational networks, and personal connections, you can create a robust support system for your family.
Remember, you are not alone on this journey. There is a network of parents, professionals, and advocates ready to support and walk alongside you as you navigate the path of raising a child with a physical disability. Embrace the community around you, and together, we can create a world of understanding, acceptance, and support for all our children.
Team sports can help teach younger children many important social skills such as winning and losing, team work and playing by the rules. Additionally, they will learn to follow instructions and can develop a wider friendship circle. Older children benefit from the positive self-image that comes with mastery of skills, while developing their leadership abilities.
There are also numerous physical benefits of playing sport, including:
Additionally, most sports include a regular period of stretching at training and on game day, which can help maintain muscle length during rapid growth spurts during childhood and adolescence.
While your child is still in early primary school, it is best to involve them in a variety of sports. You may find it helpful to enrol your child in the same sporting teams as their school friends, or ask for your child’s opinion when choosing a sport to ensure it is a positive experience. Additionally, many sporting clubs offer a trial period or a skills development day, where young children can try the sport and commit to an entire season if they find it enjoyable.
As a general rule, all children should complete a series of swimming lessons for the practical aspects of water safety and confidence in our beach-loving culture. Swimming also has the added benefits of improving ‘core strength’, which promotes good posture and can help your child sit for extended periods of time in the classroom.
You may find it beneficial to pick two sports across the two main seasons of the year that focus on developing different skills. E.g. Soccer in the winter for physical fitness and kicking skills; Baseball in the summer for throwing, catching and using a bat. Alternatively, individual sports such as athletics, tennis and dancing usually run consistently throughout the year, though these should be paired with a team sport for the social benefits. Over time, your child’s natural talents and abilities will begin to direct which sports they would like to play long term.
Children with physical disabilities can often find great pleasure in playing sport through specialised disability sporting associations. There are a wide variety of sports available, from horse riding to cricket for children with vision impairment. Children and adolescents with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can benefit from repetitive activities such as distance running and swimming, as these activities promote regulation of arousal levels. Swimming or specialised Aquatic Therapy is a fantastic activity for children with all sorts of special needs because it offers many physical benefits with the added bonus of being fun! South West Kids Clinic offers Aquatic Therapy on Friday afternoons during school terms –ask your therapist for more details.
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Our dedicated team provides Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Physiotherapy, and Dietetic interventions, personalised to meet the unique needs of each individual.
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