In late 1993 a small group of families, each caring for someone with special needs came together to form the Defence Special Needs Support Group.  During 1994, this small group spread its wings across Australia and now some15 years later continues to provide support, information and assistance to Defence Families with Special Needs.

The success of this organisation is a credit to the people involved in keeping the dream alive – the many volunteers, their partners and their families.

To celebrate our 15^th birthday, we are pleased to launch our new and improved website. Over the coming months we will be adding even more information and introducing new features to allow you to interact directly with the DSNSG and its members through the website.  No longer will we be posting out newsletters, these will now come directly to you from your local Coordinator and you will be able to receive our e-newsletter.  You will be able to update your contact information at any time and you will be able to plan your next posting online.

All these things and more.  We are very excited about this new phase of providing support and information to you and your family.

Margaret Fisk OAM
National Coordinator

The Defence Special Needs Support Group is a national volunteer organisation. From the National Committee through to local area Committees, Coordinators, Project Officers and Host families involved in our respite program – everyone a is volunteer. Collectively our volunteers contribute to approximately 14,000 man hours per year assisting and supporting fellow Defence families who have someone with a special need or who provide care to someone with a special need.

On December 5th, the United Nations International Volunteer Day we will celebrate our wonderful volunteers and 15 years of DSNSG volunteering. You can also celebrate with us and thank those who volunteer to support you by being involved in our National ‘Hug a DSNSG Volunteer’ event. Go up to your local Coordinator or Committee member and give them a hug. Why, just so you can say thank you and to show that you also care.

Every year on December 3rd people across the world celebrate the United Nations annual observance of International Day of People with Disability. This day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues, to showcase the skills, abilities, achievements and contributions of people with disability and to involve people with a disability and the community in events and activities to celebrate and raise awareness.

We have much to celebrate in our group – the teenager who recently jumped into the water at a DSNSG family day and rescued a child who had fallen out of a boat, the young person who has finally reached Year 12 after overcoming many hurdles and life’s challenges and who is looking forward to a placement at TAFE, the lady, despite having cancer is starting a new career path and studying to become a lawyer with a focus on disability and the law. Every day achievements, every day contributions by every day people who just also happen to have a disability.

For more information on International Day of People with Disability go to www.idpwd.com.au