Moving to a new country and learning a new language can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges.

For parents and carers from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, navigating services and supports in Australia while raising a child with a disability may feel overwhelming.

We understand how difficult this can be and want you to know you are not alone. There are organisations that understand your journey and are here to support you and your family.

Here are some that can help:

 

Kin Advocacy

Kin Advocacy helps people with disabilities and their families from different cultures. They provide advice and programs, like English lessons for people with learning disabilities. They also have a community hub in Osborne Park where families can meet, share experiences, and get support.

Phone: 08 9388 7455

Email: admin@kinadvocacy.org.au

 

Multicultural Services Centre of WA (MSCWA)

The Multicultural Services Centre of WA (MSCWA) helps people with disabilities and their families live good lives. They offer support that is flexible and suited to your needs. They also have staff who speak over 75 languages. This means they can help you in your own language and understand your culture.

Phone: 08 9328 2699

 

Refugee Health Clinic (PCH)

The Refugee Health Clinic at Perth Children’s Hospital helps refugee children with their health needs, including children with disabilities. They work with other healthcare providers to make sure refugee families get the care they need.

Phone: 6456 0213 (Administration) or 0420 983 290 (Refugee Health Liaison Nurse)

Email: RefugeeHealth.PMH@health.wa.gov.au

 

National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA)

The National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA) fights for the rights of people with disabilities from different cultures. They focus on changing laws and rules to help families, but they don’t provide day-to-day care. They work to make sure the voices of families like yours are heard across the country.

Phone: +(61) 402 610 399

Email: comms@neda.org.au

 

Centre for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Detainees (CARAD)

The Centre for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Detainees (CARAD) helps refugee and asylum seeker families, including those who may have children with disabilities. They provide support, give advice, and help families adjust to their new lives in Australia.

Phone: (61) 08 9227 7322

 

Ishar Multicultural Women’s Health Services

Ishar Multicultural Women’s Health Services offers support to women from all cultural backgrounds and welcomes the LGBTQIA+ community. While not focused on disability, their services include women’s health, family violence support, youth services, mental health care, community education, social support, and advocacy.

Phone: 08 9345 5335

Email: info@ishar.org.au

 

Each of these organisations is here to make life a bit easier for families like yours, offering support that meets your unique needs.

If you feel like you need more help, we’re here for you. You can contact us or book a Pathway Planning session with one of our Peer Navigators. During the session, we’ll answer your questions, connect you with families like yours, and guide you in finding the support you need.

We offer Translating and Interpreting Services for these sessions, so if you need this support, please let us know when you fill out the booking form.

Click here to book a Pathway Planning session.

You’re welcome to reach out to any of the organisations listed above. We are all here to support you and your family as you navigate raising a child with disability in your new home.