Securing NDIS funding for your child may not always be possible. You may be waiting for your child to receive a formal diagnosis so you can make an access request or perhaps your child doesn’t meet the eligibility requirements to receive it. These circumstances leave many parents and carers wondering: what other supports are available to help my child?
At this current time, supports outside of the NDIS are limited and many other government funded services such as the Child Development Service and The Early Childhood Approach have extensive wait lists. We understand the stress this can cause many parents and carers raising children with disability and developmental concerns, including the financial pressure to pay for private therapies.
Kiind aims to give children and families the best chance to receive the support they need. So, we’ve complied this list of different avenues of supports to explore that your child may be eligible for.
Child and Parent Centres
If you’re concerned about your child’s learning and development, a good step is to reach out to your local Child and Parent Centre. They provide a range of easily accessible programs, including early learning, maternal and child health services, and child support activities.
Families can visit the Child Health Nurse at the centre for information and advice. There may also be speech pathologists, physiotherapists and other health professionals available to see.
Click here to find your local centre.
The Kids Hub
The Kids Hub is a new service that’s opened at the Stan and Jean Perron Child, Youth and Family Centre in Midland. It provides free early intervention and prevention support for children aged 0-12 years who are experiencing mild to moderate developmental, mental health, behavioural or emotional challenges.
You don’t need an appointment, Medicare card, referral or diagnosis to access this service. Families are welcome to walk in whenever they’re in need of support.
To find out more, contact The Kids Hub team on 0405 349 277 or email kidshub@parkerville.org.au.
In-home Baby Intervention Service (IBIS) with Ability WA
This free program provides evidence-based support to families of children aged up to 2 years who are at risk of development delay.
Ability WA’s therapists will work with you in the low-stress home environment to support your child’s development and build on key skills they will use now and into their adult lives.
To get started, email info@abilitywa.com.au to request a referral form.
Click here to find out more about IBIS.
Inklings with the Kids Research Institute Australia
Backed by decades of scientific research, the Kids Research Institute Australia’s Inklings program offers support for babies aged 6-18 months who are showing early differences in their social interaction and communication development. This can include baby’s not smiling back, not using eye contact, not responding to their name, or not pointing to show you things.
Over 10 fortnightly sessions (either online or in-person at a clinic), parents and carers will learn to recognise and respond to their baby’s unique communication needs.
This program is free for eligible WA families. Click here to find out more about Inklings.
First Focus Program with Therapy Focus
This early intervention program from Therapy Focus supports children aged 2-5 years who are transitioning to kindergarten or pre-primary.
It aims to help children with developmental delays and learning difficulties gain the skills and confidence to thrive in the school environment by familiarising them with the classroom setting and routines, encouraging social interactions and more.
To start the program, you will need to pay a small co-contribution of $10 per week or a one-time $80 payment upfront after your initial assessment.
Places in this program are limited. Click here to find out more.
Rocky Bay’s Early Start Intervention Program
Through their Early Start Intervention Program, Rocky Bay can provide no-cost support to children aged under 5 years who don’t have an NDIS Plan.
With a mix of research-based physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech pathology, your child will work towards their individualised goals at home and in the community. They will also have access to hydrotherapy and playgroups whilst in the program.
Click here to find out more about the program.
LINKS Playgroup at the Autism Association of WA
If your child is aged under 6 and showing signs of communication delays, difficulty playing or engaging with other children, or delayed play skills, they may be eligible to attend the LINKS Playgroup with the Autism Association of WA.
This playgroup runs during school terms and provides parents and carers the opportunity to speak to experienced therapists and play leaders about your child’s play and communication skills. Along the way, you’ll also learn information and techniques to help you best support your child at home.
Kiind has another guide to help you find inclusive playgroups in WA, check it out here.
Hannah’s House Respite Packages
Hannah’s House have a team of trained nurses and support workers who provide in-home care for children with life-limiting conditions and complex care needs, or those who require palliative care. They offer fee-free respite care packages for eligible families that are tailored to meet the support needs and goals of your child and family.
Click here to find out more. To enquire about these packages, please contact info@hannahshouse.org.au.
Variety WA Grants
Variety WA helps children with disability when no other supports are available by providing practical items and equipment through their grants.
Throughout the year, there will be opportunities to apply for their different grant categories including:
- ThriveKids: Provides equipment to support children’s behavioural regulation, physical development, independence, social needs and more. This can include mobility, medical and sensory equipment.
- EduKids: Supports children’s education by providing school equipment such as uniforms and stationery.
- TechKids: Provides assistive technology to support your child’s communication, educations, behavioural regulation and more.
- BeKids: Helps children access community extracurricular activities by providing items such as tablets, C-Pens and more.
Click here to find out more about Variety WA grants. You can also register to be notified when a new grant round opens.
Therapy Scholarships from Kids Are Kids
Kids Are Kids provide fully funded tailored therapy and support plans for children who have high therapy needs but limited or no access to any government funded services. This includes children who are ineligible for the NDIS or haven’t yet received a diagnosis.
Click here to find out more and subscribe to their mailing list to get notified when applications open.
Saba Rose Button Foundation’S RehabME Program
The Saba Rose Button Foundation can provide support for any child to access therapy with any provider in WA through their RehabME Program. This includes speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and music therapy. Depending on your child’s needs and goals, they may be able to access regular therapy, multidisciplinary therapy or intensive rehabilitation.
Applications open for a limited time only throughout the year. To make sure that you don’t miss the next around, sign up to their mailing list.
Click here to find out more about the program.
We know that finding the right supports and services for your child can be challenging. To stay informed about the latest opportunities for your child including recreational activities, subscribe to our What’s on activity and event guide.
The Kiind Peer Navigation team is here to help you through this time. If you would like one-on-one support from our team to discuss your family’s circumstances, book a free Pathway Planning session with us here.
