Introduction

This booklet has been written by the Defence Special Needs Support Group (DSNSG) to provide information for Service families who have a child or other dependant with Special Needs.

It’s not easy moving from place to place at the best of times. People who have someone with special needs worry not only about their own career prospects, housing and postings but also special needs issues. However, if you are aware of the resources available to you, both civilian and military, you will be much more informed which will make it easier to plan your future.

There is a huge range of support available to people with Special Needs, although this may differ from State to State. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice. You’ll be surprised at the number of people who are only too willing to share their time and experience.

For further information ring the Family Information Network for Defence (FIND) on 1800 020 031 and ask for the phone number of the National Coordinator Defence Special Needs Support Group

About the DSNSG

The Defence Special Needs Support Group started in 1994 as a small group of Defence families brought together by a common bond - they all had someone in their family with special needs and they found it frustrating finding appropriate services due to being mobile. The families decided that it was easier helping each other out with information and support, rather than going it alone.

The Defence Special Needs Support Group has now grown into a National organisation with many local support groups and several hundred families located around Australia.

The Group provides support, information,assistance and advocacy for all ADF families who have a dependant (child,spouse or other dependants) with Special Needs. It maintains a comprehensive data base on "special needs" information around Australia and operates a National Parent-to-Parent Network, as well as producing a National Newsletter.

If you would like more information regarding the Defence Special Needs Support Group and how it may help your family, please contact the National Coordinator.

What is Special Needs

The term Special Needs covers the full range of medical, disability, therapy and education needs. The list below will give you an idea of how broad "Special Needs" can be - so have a look, you may find it covers you or a member of your family.

• physical, sensory or intellectual disabilities
• learning difficulties, learning disabilities
• ADD/ADHD
• developmental delay
• chronic illness (eg. asthma, diabetes)
• speech problems
• gifted or talented
• epilepsy
• autism
• other special needs

The ADF has developed a policy regarding ADF Families with Special Needs. This policy includes a number of initiatives to assist Families with Special Needs who are in receipt of a posting. These initiatives include:

• recognition of special needs
• assistance with housing
• assistance to access respite
• special equipment assistance
• education assistance
• therapy assistance
• early intervention assistance
• special trips for eligible families

More information about these initiatives can be found elsewhere in this booklet. Detailed information can be obtained from the members orderly room, Defence Community Organisation or by ringing FIND on 1800 020 031.

Help from Military Sources

Apart from the Defence Special Needs Support Group, there are also many people within the ADF that may be able to assist you and provide support and advice to you and your family.

Section or Unit

You are encouraged to flag your special needs with unit management. This can be done by applying for "recognition of special needs. As well as submitting appropriate documentation verifying the "special needs", the process involves a number of steps, including a formal interview and assessment by local DCO staff, a recommendation by the CO and then consideration by the approving authority.

Please contact the Defence Community Organisation or the DSNSG for more information.

The recognition of special needs is only required to be done once and is kept on the member’s file. Please remember that on subsequent postings, if you apply for assistance, you may be required to verify the accuracy of the details contained in the original application.

In many cases section commanders/unit commanders and COs can assist in solving problems providing they have been made aware of them. It is your responsibility to notify all appropriate people regarding the special needs in your family.

Chaplains

Chaplains are responsible for the spiritual and pastoral care of you and your family. Chaplains can also assist with personal and inter-personal matters, marital problems and other concerns.

DCO Uniformed Staff

Uniformed DCO staff members work with members and their families and liaise with unit commanders. They can also provide specialist military advice and assistance in areas such as service conditions.

Family Information Network for Defence (FIND)

FIND is a free confidential phone service that provides easy access to personnel information on ADF policy, allowances and conditions, or on matters of everyday interest or concern.

Telephone 1800 020 031

Housing Officer

The Housing Officer is the point of contact for information on housing entitlements and assistance. It is important that you state any special requirements that you may have when you apply for a MQ and that this is done as soon as you have received your posting notification. Remember to apply to have your "special needs" recognised. The Director General Defence Community Organisation is the approving authority.

Special requirements may include:

• location - to be near where appropriate schooling or therapy exists;
• low level house - for epilepsy, or physical disabilities/impairments;
• wheelchair access; or
• other requirements

If the MQ needs to be modified for your approved special needs, then please discuss this with the Housing Officer.

Money, Equipment and Practical Assistance

Child Disability Allowance

This allowance helps you to care for a child with a disability or one that needs a lot more daily care and attention than a child without a disability would. It recognises a child’s disability and its impact on the family. The Child Disability Allowance is a non-taxable non-means tested allowance.

Domiciliary Nursing Care Benefit

This is a payment made to people caring for frail aged people or people with a disability who require nursing at the level provided in a nursing home. It may be paid in addition to the Carer Payment. This benefit is non-taxable and non- means tested.

Carer Allowance

The Carer Allowance merges the two above payments into one common benefit.

Disability Support Pension

This allowance may be available to people who are unable to work full time, or be retrained for work for at least two years because of a physical, psychiatric or intellectual disability. There are other eligibility criteria, so please check with Centrelink.

Carer Payment

Carer Payment is an income support payment for carers who, because of the demands of their caring role, are unable to support themselves through work. It is income and assets tested and the person for whom you are caring must be over 16 years of age and need full-time help with personal care because of a severe physical, intellectual or psychiatric disability, or meet other criteria. Carer Payment is also available to a person who provides constant care to:

• a child under 16 years with profound disabilities,
• an adult with moderate care needs, as well as caring or supervising a dependant child of that adult.

Mobility Allowance

This allowance may be paid to people aged 16 years or over who because of their disability cannot use public transport without substantial help, either permanently or for an extended period of time. Claimants must be either working (paid or voluntary), training for work, or looking for work.

There are many other Government allowances which also may assist you, particularly if you have a disability / special need and are looking at employment aspects.

Service Welfare Trust Funds

Each of the Services offer low interest general loans to assist you in many ways. For more information please contact FIND, or the Chaplain.

Other Organisations

Family Support Funding Program (FSFP)

The Family Support Funding Program aims to enhance the lives of Defence Families. The DCO is responsible for the management and administration of this program. Grants are available to:

• Defence families interested in joining together to develop a project or a program (ie. DSNSG)
• Existing groups in the community composed of, or benefiting, Defence families.

APS Benefits

APS Benefits offer a grant to assist their members who have special needs. They do not deal directly with the family, but go through a third party. Contact the DSNSG National Coordinator for more details and an application form.

Variety Club, Lions Club, Rotary and Philanthropic Trusts may also be able to assist in certain circumstances.

State and Territory Equipment Schemes

In each State / Territory there is an equipment scheme which provides aids, appliances and equipment for people with disabilities to maintain their independence in the community. These schemes are all called by different names, for example: Program of Appliances for Disabled People (PADP) in NSW and Victoria and Independent Living Equipment Program (ILEP) in South Australia.

Differing eligibility criteria applies as do waiting lists which can vary not only from State to State, but also from region to region. Most of the schemes provide equipment on long term loan, free of charge; however, some States / Territories require a non-refundable contribution and are means-tested.

Please check with the Defence Special Needs Support Group National Coordinator for the most up-to-date information or the service provider, Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist to which you are linked.

Note: Equipment / Aids on loan from these schemes may be taken interstate, under an agreement by the Disability Services Sub-Committee 1995. However, it is your responsibility to arrange the return of such equipment when it is no longer required.

Other Avenues

You may also be able to obtain equipment / aids through your local hospital or health service and through Service providers such as the Spastic Society and similar organisations.

You may also be eligible to obtain assistance towards the purchase of equipment from various organisations eg Variety Club or other Charitable organisations, Philanthropic Trusts, Rotary, Lions and also, for members, APS Benefits.

In NSW interest free loans for aids and appliances may be given through the Government Insurance Office (GIO) to those people with disabilities who are working.

A wide range of products, free of sales tax, may be purchased by people with disabilities. For further information contact your local office of the Australian Taxation Office.

Independent Living Centres

Independent Living Centres are located in most States / Territories and provide an Information and Advisory Service on all commercially available products which may help people to be as independent as possible in their home environment. You can visit the Centre to try out the product to see if it is suitable for your needs.

Some Independent Living Centres also have a scheme whereby you can hire equipment items for a short duration and try them out in your own home.

Technical Aid to the Disabled (TAD)

TAD volunteer engineers and technicians make custom designed aids and equipment, as well as modifying existing commercially available items to suit individual needs. TAD offices are located around Australia.

Looking after someone with special needs is exhausting. You may want help with certain tasks or need some time off once in awhile.

Many Councils around Australia employ someone who provides assistance and information for people with a disability.

Home and Community Care

You may be eligible for assistance through the Home and Community Care (HACC) program which provides a number of services to assist frail aged people, people with disabilities and their carers. A nominal fee sometimes applies. These services can include:

• housekeeping,
• respite,
• personal care,
• community nursing, and
• community transport

HACC programs can be provided through local community based agencies and State Government services. Check with your local Council to see if they provide HACC services.

There are often long waiting lists to receive these services, especially respite, so if you are posted, please make contact and register your name early.

Respite Care

Respite care is care given to a person with a disability / special needs to allow the primary carer to have some time-out from their normal caring duties. Respite care may be used for a couple of hours a day, evenings or weekends, overnight, over a few weeks and in certain circumstances, for longer periods of time.

There are many types of respite services available. Respite services may differ in the location in which the respite is to be provided, the cost, the number of hours allocated, the eligibility criteria and waiting list time. Respite care can be provided in the following settings:

• in your own home (Home Respite Care);
• with another family (Interchange);
• residential settings within the community Centre Based Respite Care)

Often ADF Families with Special Needs don’t have any extended family located nearby to offer support and assistance. It may be difficult to find someone suitable to look after the child or adult who has the special needs. If you feel you would benefit from respite care, please contact the community services department at your local council or contact the Carer Respite Centre in your area.

The Carer Respite Centre provides information on current respite services which carers can access. You will find one in every State and Territory or ring 1800 242 636 for more information.

Attendant Care

Attendant Care involves the provision of general assistance with everyday life needs so that the person with the disability / special needs can live independently in the community.

Various organisations provide Attendant Care. They may vary from non-profit organisations to those which are privately run and who operate for profit.

Funding for people using Attendant Care comes from a number of different sources, including the Department of Health and Community Services, Transport Accident Commission, Workers Compensation and the Supreme Court. Eligibility criteria applies and fees may be charged.

The tasks involved in Attendant Care may vary from agency to agency, but may include:

• Personal Care
• Home Help
• Personal Administration
• Social / Recreational / Leisure Support
• Other Tasks

Child Care

If you have a child who has special needs you may wish to use formal child care services or before and after school care as a form of respite.

There are a number of initiatives which assist families to place their special needs child into child care settings. In addition to the Childcare Assistance and the Childcare Rebate, extra support is provided through the following schemes:

• Special Needs Subsidy Scheme
• Supplementary Services Program

To discuss your child care needs call the Child Care Access Hotline on 1800 670 305.

Transport

Disabled Persons’ Parking Permits or Authorities

This enables eligible people to use the parking bays displaying the disability parking symbol and are available either through the Road Traffic Authority (or equivalent) or your local Council, depending on the State / Territory. A number of concessions are also available to those in receipt of a Disabled Persons’ Parking Permit.

A reciprocal arrangement exits between the States and Territories when in receipt of a current Disabled Parking Permit. Please note that the concessions available to you vary from State to State and it is suggested that you check with the Road Traffic Authority for up-to-date information. Upon expiry of your Disabled Parking Permit, you will need to meet the eligibility criteria of the new State / Territory before obtaining a new permit.

Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme

This voucher scheme available in all States and Territories, enables people with severe and permanent disabilities which limit mobility, to travel in taxis for a 50% discount off the metered fare. Eligibility criteria exist and all applicants are subject to a medical assessment.

Although there is a reciprocal arrangement between the States / Territories, you cannot use your vouchers in another State / Territory. Upon posting, any unused vouchers can be exchanged for those used in the new State or Territory.

Patient Assistance Travel Scheme (PATS)

This scheme is designed to assist those people who require specialist medical or dental services that are not available within a certain distance from their place of residence. It is available in every State and Territory (under different names) and is administered by the Health Department. The scheme is subject to certain eligibility criteria.

Transport for School Students with Disabilities

Those students with disabilities who cannot use public transport may be entitled to special transport arrangements to and from school. To see whether you may be eligible, please check with the Department of Education in your State / Territory or with the DCO REDLO.

Community Transport Services

The Home and Community Care (HACC) Program provides funding for community transport services for people with disabilities of all ages. These may include:

• travel for medical appointments,
• transport to day care Centres,
• transport to therapy

Please contact your local Council or HACC service for more information.

Schools / Education

Choosing the right pre-school / school, whether mainstream or special, will depend on factors such as your child’s personality, how they are affected by their special needs and the facilities the school can offer. Generally across Australia, the education philosophy is one of inclusion for special needs children.

There are many types of schooling that you may consider for your child, depending on what is available in your particular State / Territory.

• Full integration without any special resources or extra help.
• Full integration with some additional resources, for help with getting around, eating, writing, using the toilet etc.
• Attending a special unit within the school and joining in specially selected activities at the main school.
• A special school for children with special educational needs.

It is important to plan for your child's full integration without any special resources or extra help.

It is important to plan for your child’s schooling as soon as your posting notification is received. Each State / Territory has their own definition of "special needs" especially when it comes to ADD / ADHD, learning disabilities and learning difficulties and the level and type of assistance the child will receive.

For Gifted Students, it is best to check whether that State / Territory has a Gifted Policy and what assistance can be provided for these students.

The new pre-school / school may wish for your child to be "assessed" to determine what level of funding is needed to provide the necessary support. As there are many different forms of assessments, it may not recognise your child’s previous one.

Funding for additional support eg teacher aide is usually made in September / October for the following year. However, in some States / Territories, aide support particularly for pre-school is done on a monthly basis.

If your child is gifted, check with the REDLO as to whether there is any formal assessment required to access assistance or accelerated programs.

Advice on schooling, from pre-school to tertiary can be obtained from the DCO REDLO, so please contact them for help.

When you are posted there are many things you must consider depending on your family’s special needs. You must be aware that for some services there is a long waiting list (ie 6 months or more). Waiting lists can apply to:

• Medical appointments;
• Therapy requirements;
• Assessments (medical and educational);
• Equipment;
• Respite;
• Medication.

If you or your child is on specialist medication eg: Ritalin, remember that your script may not be valid in your new State / Territory. Please check with your local Pharmacy, your Doctor or contact the DSNSG.

As soon as you are notified of your posting, you should start putting into place your medical and health needs. The check-list we have provided in this booklet may assist you.

To assist with the problems associated with a posting when you have a dependant with special needs, the ADF has introduced a range of assistance measures.

Recognition of Special Needs

This is a procedure whereby Defence families with special needs can have their status as a special needs family formally recognised by Defence.

You will need to formally submit documentation relating to the "special needs" along with the appropriate application form. DCO staff can assist you with this process, so please give your local DCO office a call.

Special Trips

To assist you to put into place the various requirements of your special needs dependant prior to you posting to your new locality, you may be eligible for either of the following special trips:

• special needs child assessment and placement visit;
• special needs pre-posting visit;

For more information, please contact FIND, or the DSNSG National Coordinator. Don’t forget to contact the DSNSG to assist you with your planning and contacts for local service providers and resources.

Early Intervention Assistance

If your child is between the ages of 0 - 6 years and is receiving Early Intervention ie speech therapy, physiotherapy etc and they have to go on a waiting list to receive those services when you are posted, then you may be eligible for Early Intervention Assistance. This can assist towards the cost of:

• physiotherapy,
• speech therapy,
• occupational therapy, etc.

For more information on Early Intervention Assistance, you should contact FIND on 1800 020 031. If you require assistance in locating Early Intervention Programs, then please contact the DSNSG National Coordinator.

School Age

There are a range of special provisions available from the ADF to assist families with children with special education needs, which are required as a result of posting.

You may be eligible for assistance toward the cost of:

• tuition,
• therapy,
• assessments (including academically gifted children)

There is also a provision to approve reimbursement of tuition fees for the child to attend a non-government school, in exceptional cases, where government schools in the new locality cannot meet the child’s special needs.

For further information on this special provisions, please contact either FIND on 1800 020 031, the local DCO REDLO or the DSNSG National Coordinator.

Respite Assistance

If your family was eligible to receive respite care and have been put on a waiting list because of your posting, you may be eligible for assistance toward the cost of accessing respite.

Therapy Assistance

If the person with the special needs was receiving therapy services prior to the posting, and then has difficulty accessing these same services in the new locality, they may be eligible for assistance towards the cost of the therapy.

Equipment Assistance

Specialized equipment is often required by a person with special needs. If this equipment is not immediately available in the new locality, due to the posting, then you may be eligible for assistance in accessing the equipment you need.

Housing Assistance

If your family has special needs, then you may require assistance in the provision appropriate housing and transit accommodation. Please contact the Housing Officer for more information.

Once posted your work begins. There are lots of people that you can contact who can assist you with your special needs and your move; they are:

• National Coordinator, DSNSG
• Local Coordinator, DSNSG
• Family Liaison Officer (FLO)
• Regional Education Liaison Officer (REDLO)
• Housing Officer

In addition there are many Disability Information Services and organisations located around Australia that provide a wealth of information relating to support groups, agencies, services providers and much more in the area where you will be living. You will find some of these listed on the following pages.

You can also obtain information from:

• State Government Health and Community Departments (Disability Services section);
• major hospitals, especially those specifically for children;
• local Councils;
• community health centres;
• service providers support groups

Disability Information Services

Australia wide

Carer Resource Centre
Carer Respite Centre
Carers Association of Australia
1800 242 636

NICAN
(02) 6285 3713
1800 806 769

Association of Genetic Support of Australasia (AGSA)
(02) 9211 1462

IDEAS Inc.
(02) 6947 3377
1800 029 904

Queensland

Disability Information Awareness Line (DIAL)
(07) 3224 8444
1800 177 120

New South Wales

Disability Information & Referral Centre (Eastern Sydney)
(02) 9275 1444

Disability Information Service (Lismore)
(02) 6622 8000
1800 800 340

IDEAS Inc.
(02) 6947 3377
1800 029 904

Victoria

Association for Children with a Disability
(03) 9500 1232
1800 654 013

Disability Resource Centre
(03) 9419 5535

Tasmania

Aged and Disability Care Information Service
(03) 6234 7448
1800 806 656

South Australia

Disability Information and Resource Centre (DIRC)
(08) 8223 7522
1800 182 179

Western Australia

People with Disabilities (PWD)
(08) 9386 6477
1800 193 331

Northern Territory

Northern Territory Department of Health and Community Services
(08) 8999 2876

Australian Capital Territory

Community Information and Referral Service
(02) 6248 7988

ACT Disability Aged and Carer Advocacy Service (ADACAS)
(02) 6242 5060

Support groups and Specific Service Providers can be a wonderful source of information, especially when you are new to the area.

These often come under different names in different States / Territories (ie Northcott Society in NSW and Crippled Childrens’ Association in SA) so please check with the DSNSG or the Disability Information Service in your new locality.

You may also wish to link into another family who has similar special needs to your own. This can be arranged through the DSNSG National Parent-to-Parent Network. Please contact the DSNSG National Coordinator for more information.

Acknowledgements

The Defence Special Needs Support Group would like to thank the following people and organisations for their assistance in producing this Guide.

DSNSG families and ADF Bases/Units around Australia who contributed to the inaugural Dig Deep for a Dollar Day which funded this Guide.

• The Fisher Family
• The Kerschat Family
• The Hardstaff Family
• Joel and Brendan Fisk
• Chelsea Lehmann
• Jessica Rowe
• Natalie Stammers
• Courtney Banks
• Alice Hardstaff
• Katelyn Segrott
• Elyse Thornton
• Tyler Browne
• Kerry Kerschat
• The Point Cook Primary School
• The Australian Defence Force
• Defence Community Organisation
• Disability Information Network Australia (DINA)
• Carers Association of Australia
• Centrelink