My Child Has a Physical Disability Is a Guide for Families About How They Can Support Their Child’S Inclusion in Family and Community Life

Message from the Minister

Finding out your child has a physical disability raises many questions, especially about what information, supports and services are at hand for you and your family. A physical disability may be the result of a condition that a child is born with, or due to an injury, and every child will require their own level of support. Accessing specialist services during these early years not only provides important support for families, but can enable children to achieve crucial developmental milestones. My child has a physical disability is a guide for families about how they can support their child’s inclusion in family and community life. It includes practical information about your child’s development and early intervention services and supports that are available. The Queensland Government is focused on revitalising frontline services for families of young children. Through initiatives such as Parent Connect, and by increasing the number of speech and language pathologists for all children with a disability in Queensland schools, we are delivering direct assistance to families. As we deliver these new priorities for Queensland, I look forward to enabling a better future for Queensland families of children with a physical disability. Montrose Access and the Sunshine Coast Children’s Therapy Centre made important contributions during the development of this guide. I would like to thank them for their support and their ongoing commitment to Queensland children with a physical disability and their families.

The Honourable Tracy Davis MP Minister for Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services

My child has a physical disability: Information for Queensland families of 2 young children

Contents

1. About physical disability ...... 4

2. Diagnosis ...... 6

3. Early intervention services ...... 9

4. Early childhood education and care ...... 14

5. Starting school ...... 17

6. Aids, equipment and assistive technology ...... 20

My child has a physical disability: Information for Queensland families of 3 young children

1. About physical disability

This guide is intended to answer some the disability may come later, as a of the questions that you may have if result of an accident. you have concerns your child has a For others, the disability only becomes physical disability or your child has apparent over time, for example, when recently been diagnosed with a a child experiences difficulties or does physical disability. not reach expected developmental A physical disability or impairment can milestones. be described as a condition that prevents normal body movement or Are there different limits a person’s physical functioning, control, mobility, dexterity or stamina. types of physical A person may be born with a physical disability? disability or acquire it later in life There are many different kinds of through accident, injury or illness. physical disability. Physical disabilities have many Some of the most prevalent types of different causes including: physical disability are detailed in our other information resources. These  inherited or genetic disorders such include: as muscular dystrophy  conditions present at birth such as  cerebral palsy spina bifida  acquired brain injury  serious illness affecting the brain,  sensory impairments nerves or muscles such as  spinal cord injury. meningitis Below are two examples of conditions  accidents leading to spinal cord that cause physical disability. injury  accidents leading to brain injury. Muscular dystrophy is a genetic neuromuscular condition where over The impact of physical disability may time the body’s muscle fibres gradually be influenced by the cause of disability weaken. Children can have different or the severity of a condition or injury kinds of muscular dystrophy — causing disability, however, it will also Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is the be influenced by the child’s most common type. environment, including activities they are involved in and participation in Muscular Dystrophy weakens muscles their day to day life. over time, so children who have the disease can gradually lose the ability What are the early to do things they used to be able to do: such as walking or sitting up unaided. signs of physical Someone with this condition might disability? start having muscle problems as a baby or their symptoms might not be Symptoms will vary for different types noticed until much later. Some people of physical disability and also for each do not develop symptoms until they child. are adults. Some parents may know before their Information about the many types of child is born that he or she has a genetic neuromuscular conditions can physical disability. For some children,

My child has a physical disability: Information for Queensland families of 4 young children

be found at the Muscular Dystrophy More information Association. It is typical for a child to sit without Spina bifida is a birth defect which support at nine months and to stand occurs when the bones of the spine do with help by 12 months. not form properly around part of the baby’s spinal cord. The defect occurs in utero very early in pregnancy and occurs in two forms:  spina bifida occulta (the mildest Find out more form)  spina bifida manifesta Montrose Access (Meningocele or 3379 9200 Myelomeningocele). www.montroseaccess.org.au In the mild form of spina bifida, which Sunshine Coast Children’s is more common, there may be no Therapy Centre signs or symptoms. It usually does not 5441 7199 cause problems or need treatment. www.scctc.org.au The more severe forms of spina bifida Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus are less common. There are two types Queensland — meningocele causes fluid from the 3844 4600 spine to push against the skin and in www.spinabifida.org many cases there are no other Muscular Dystrophy Queensland symptoms. Myelomeningocele causes 1800 676 364 the nerves in the spine to be damaged www.mdqld.org.au resulting in problems with walking, bladder or bowel control and Cerebral Palsy League of coordination. Queensland 1800 275 753 Multiple disabilities www.cplqld.org.au Multiple disabilities occur when children with physical disability have other disabilities, such as intellectual, visual or hearing impairments. They may have communication difficulties or medical conditions such as epilepsy. The first sign of muscular dystrophy may be a swaying gait or difficulty in climbing stairs. How common is physical disability? While the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare statistics indicate one in five Australians has a disability, just how many have a physical disability is not known as there is no common definition.

My child has a physical disability: Information for Queensland families of 5 young children

2. Diagnosis

The early years are critical for your Who provides a child’s development. It is the time when your child’s brain is still diagnosis of physical developing and is especially responsive to supportive environments disability in and therapies. Queensland? Having your child assessed and In Queensland, a pediatrician can diagnosed as having a physical diagnose physical disability in young disability will enable access to children, although input to diagnosis necessary early intervention services may be sought from physiotherapists which aim to improve your child’s and occupational therapists, and physical and social abilities and speech and language pathologists. provide information and support for A diagnosis is based on information you as parents, about caring for your provided about a child’s development child. and observing their behaviour. There It is important to remember children may also be some tests for particular develop at different rates. Some kinds of physical disability. A GP can children develop more slowly than provide a referral to a paediatrician. others but catch up with time. A paediatrician can be seen privately However, if you are concerned your or through the public health system. child is not achieving developmental There will usually be costs for private milestones such as rolling, sitting, paediatricians, however, waiting times crawling, walking and talking see for an appointment may be shorter. advice from a GP or specialist. It is The consultation will be at no cost if it better to have your concerns checked is with a paediatrician in the public than to wait and see. health system. The plasticity of a young child’s Families living in rural and remote nervous system means there is areas can access a visiting greater capacity to recover from an Queensland Health paediatrician. Talk injury and children’s motor abilities can to your GP about getting a referral. develop differently and at different rates. There may be situations where After diagnosis your child’s paediatrician may want to defer or hold off on making a diagnosis It is normal for you to feel of physical disability until your child is overwhelmed when you first learn a bit older. about your child’s diagnosis. You may also feel uncertainty about your child’s future and it is important to Tips for parents recognise that you may need extra support. Keep a diary or video of any concerns you have about your child’s You may get this support from your development. This information will family and friends, but it is also good help you in your consultation with to talk to your GP and find out about your GP or paediatrician. local parent support groups and the availability of professional support such as a counsellor or social worker.

My child has a physical disability: Information for Queensland families of 6 young children

When your child receives a diagnosis Financial support your paediatrician will discuss the If you live in a rural or remote area and types of supports and services that will need to travel to attend specialist optimise your child’s development and medical appointments, you may be a treatment plan may be developed. eligible for the Queensland Patient Remember that the plan is about your Transport Assistance Scheme. Ask child so you and your family should be your GP for further information. involved in the development process. Should your child’s support needs You will also receive information on mean that you are unable to enter paid the services and supports available in employment, you may be eligible for your local community. Carer Payment. Centrelink can provide you with information regarding your Parent Connect eligibility as well as information on The Department of Communities, supplementary payments such as Child Safety and Disability Services’ Carer Allowance or Child Disability Parent Connect initiative supports Assistance Payment. parents of newborns and children newly diagnosed with disability. It is an early response service providing Find out more information and linking families to family support networks, community Child Health Services in the services and funding to access Community specialist services. 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) www.health.qld.gov.au Carers Queensland Carers Queensland Carers Queensland provides carers 3900 8100 with information, education, training, 1800 242 636 (Advisory Service) advocacy, counselling and other Queensland Patient Transport support services that may assist them Assistance Scheme in their caring role. The organisation www.health.qld.gov.au also raises awareness about the Centrelink valuable role and contributions of 132 468 carers. www.centrelink.gov.au Child health services in the Disability Online — family friendly community resources Staffed by nurses and allied health www.qld.gov.au professionals, free child health Disability Information Services services are available at community 13 QGOV clinics. Home visiting may also be www.communities.qld.gov.au provided. Child health checks are recommended at one, two, four, six and 12 months of age. Information is available on child health, parenting, child development, immunisation and nutrition. Families can be linked to local services and parent groups. For further information refer to your baby’s Red Book.

My child has a physical disability: Information for Queensland families of 7 young children

Find out more Parent Connect is provided by the following organisations: Cairns – The Benevolent Society 4045 0003 www.benevolent.org.au/ Townsville – The Cootharinga Society of North Queensland 4759 2008 www.cootharinga.org.au/ Rockhampton – The Cootharinga Society of North Queensland in partnership with The Umbrella Network 4928 6550 www.theumbrellanetwork.org/ Sunshine Coast – Sunshine Coast Children’s Therapy Centre 5441 4937 www.scctc.org.au/ Brisbane North – Mission Australia 3828 9311 Brisbane South – Mission Australia 3713 2602 Ipswich – Mission Australia 3713 2602 www.missionaustralia.com.au/ Gold Coast – The Benevolent Society 5644 9400 www.benevolent.org.au/

My child has a physical disability: Information for Queensland families of 8 young children

3. Early intervention services

Early intervention services are Early childhood intervention services important for children with a physical should be tailored to the individual disability to help them develop skills in needs of your child and family. play, communication, movement, It is important for you as a parent to social relationships and functional have a good rapport with your child’s behaviours. service providers and feel able to ask Early intervention services can also lots of questions about your child’s help develop your child’s programs and progress. independence and ability to adapt to Early childhood intervention services their environment, the skills they need can assist you and your family to to participate in child care and develop knowledge and skills and kindergarten, and their readiness for provide support to meet the needs of school. your child, optimise your child's A range of supports for families of development and increase their ability children with disability, including to participate in family and community children with a physical disability, from life. birth to school entry, can be provided. Professionals should spend time with These services include: you working on goals that can be  information and planning incorporated into your family routines  advice on your child’s and play activities. developmental needs  multidisciplinary therapy to support the child’s development and help reach developmental milestones Tips for parents  referrals to other specialist Encouraging your child’s services and mainstream services development through play and  coordination of services for helping your child communicate and children with complex needs develop social skills is an important  support with transitioning to a way you, as parents, can support kindergarten program and school your child at home.  counselling and linking families with other families and support groups. How will my child benefit from early intervention? Early intervention is most effective and provides the best possible outcomes for your child when provided as early as possible after diagnosis.

My child has a physical disability: Information for Queensland families of 9 young children

What types of early topics and will support you to connect with other services and supports such intervention are as playgroups, childcare and parent available for children support groups. Children are prioritised for services with a physical according to their level of need and disability? availability of places. The Queensland Government and the Early childhood development Australian Government fund early programs and services intervention services for children with a physical disability in Queensland. This Therapy and early intervention section details the main services services are available through the available. Queensland Department of Education, Training and Employment for children Early Intervention for Children with from birth to pre-Prep age who have a a Physical Disability initiative suspected or diagnosed disability with Children with a physical disability aged significant educational needs. This up to eight years of age can access includes children with a physical early intervention services through this disability. initiative of the Department of Programs and services may include Communities, Child Safety and playgroup session, outreach support in Disability Services. your home, centre-based sessions and Services include therapy support, support to transition to Prep. The information for families about their program can also provide access to child’s disability, referrals to other advisory visiting teachers, who have services, assistance to access aids specialist knowledge and skills to and equipment, and parenting support. support your child at school. Families can access the initiative directly through the Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland, Montrose Access and Sunshine Coast Therapy Find out more Services. Early Intervention for Children Services respond to the individual with a Physical Disability initiative needs of your family and will support Cerebral Palsy League of your child’s participation in family and Queensland community life. 07 3358 8011 Early intervention services www.cplqld.org.au The Department of Communities, Montrose Access Child Safety and Disability Services 07 3379 9200 provides early intervention services to www.montroseaccess.org.au children who have, or are at risk of, Sunshine Coast Children’s developmental delay. This includes Therapy Centre children with a physical disability. 07 5441 7199 These services can support your child www.scctc.org.au in their play and independence, as well Early intervention services as develop their communication skills, Disability Services service centres and gross and fine motor movements. 13 QGOV The department also provides www.communities.qld.gov.au information for families on a range of

My child has a physical disability: Information for Queensland families of 10 young children

Better Start Services include providing advice on Children with a physical disability your child’s developmental needs and resulting from cerebral palsy may be therapy services that encourage your eligible for supports and services child’s development. Parent education through the Australian Government’s and information sessions are also Better Start for Children with a provided. Disability initiative. Local Area Coordinators Through Better Start children can be Local Area Coordinators link children registered to access early intervention with a disability and their families in funding of up to $12,000 (up to a regional, rural and remote areas with maximum of $6000 in any one supports and services relating to their financial year). Families have up until individual needs and interests. their child’s seventh birthday to use this funding. Better Start funding can be used to pay for early intervention services Find out more provided by a range of early Early childhood development intervention professionals who are programs and services Better Start service providers. These Contact your local education regional professionals include speech and offices www.education.qld.gov.au language pathologists, audiologists, occupational therapists, Better Start physiotherapists, psychologists, Call Carers Queensland orthoptists and others. 1800 242 636 Up to $2100 (35 per cent) per year of www.betterstart.net.au a child’s early intervention funding can Child Development Services be used to purchase resources. 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) Resources must either be www.health.qld.gov.au recommended by a Better Start service provider, be directly linked to Local Area Coordinators an early intervention service or be for 13 QGOV the delivery of interventions in the www.communities.qld.gov.au family home.

Families living in outer regional or remote areas may be eligible for an additional one-off payment of $2000. This payment is to assist with additional expenses associated with accessing services.

Child development services The Department of Health provides early childhood intervention services to children up to nine years of age who have a moderate to severe developmental delay or disability. Priority is given to children not eligible to receive services from other Queensland Government agencies.

My child has a physical disability: Information for Queensland families of 11 young children

Support for parents times (e.g. going to sleep, mealtimes, choosing what clothes to wear, As a parent, it can be a challenge to dressing, toileting, going shopping and strike the right balance between going to the doctors). supporting your child with a physical disability and the needs of the rest of Stepping Stones Triple P can be your family. It is normal to feel accessed in different ways, including overwhelmed from time to time, information seminars, individual especially during times of change, sessions on specific issues, group such as when your child starts school. sessions, online options, and tip sheets and workbooks. Make sure you have a good network of people around you, and don’t be afraid Playgroups to ask your GP or early intervention Play is an integral part of all children’s service provider for information about development, including children with formal support such as classes, self- disability. Through play, a child learns, help groups or counselling. builds confidence and develops a You may find that the best support range of skills in readiness for comes from other parents who know childcare, kindergarten and school. what you are going through. Early Playgroups nurture children with play- intervention service providers will be based learning experiences during key able to give you advice about how to times of growth and development in link with other parents of children who their early years. have a physical disability. Playgroups offer a wonderful You may also find it useful to access opportunity for young children to come some of the following services which together and play in a safe, relaxed provide support for parents, carers and and welcoming environment. families of children with a disability. Playgroups are low cost and inclusive and all children under school age are Raising Children Network website welcome. Raising Children Network website is an Australian Government initiative Playgroups also help families by that provides a web-based source of providing social support for parents. information about parenting and child It provides an environment where development activities for children, parents can discuss and share including children with disabilities. parenting experiences and get information on how to address Triple P — Positive Parenting parenting issues. Program Triple P — Positive Parenting Program Find out more can help many families who have a Raising Children Network: the child with special support needs to Australian parent website creatively problem solve and develop www.raisingchildren.net.au flexible and supportive family routines and strategies to support their child’s Triple P – Positive Parenting learning and development. Program 3236 1212 Stepping Stones Triple P has been www.triplep-parenting.net specially tailored for parents of children with disability. It can help Playgroup Queensland parents address their children’s 1800 171 882 behaviour and emotional problems www.playgroupqld.com.au which may be more challenging at

My child has a physical disability: Information for Queensland families of 12 young children

There are a range of playgroups Find out more available, including community playgroups, supported playgroups, MyTime Groups PlayConnect and Playgroup Plus 1800 889 997 Program. www.mytime.net.au Baby Bridges MyTime groups Contact the Horizon Foundation Provide local support for mums, dads, 07 3245 4266 grandparents and anyone caring for a www.babybridges.com.au young child under school age with disability or a chronic medical condition. MyTime gives parents the chance to socialise and share ideas with others Find out more who understand the rewards and Search for specialists in your local intensity of the caring role. Parents area through the websites of can meet with people in similar professional therapy associations: circumstances to have fun, hear from others and find out about available The Australian Physiotherapy community support. Research-based Association parenting information is also available www.physiotherapy.asn.au at group meetings. Speech Pathology Australia Each group has a play helper who can www.speechpathologyaustralia. lead children in activities such as org.au singing, drawing, and playing with Occupational Therapy Australia toys, blocks or sand so parents can www.otqld.org.au spend time focusing on catching up with others. Australian Psychological Society www.psychology.org.au Baby Bridges Baby Bridges is a playgroup program for children with disability from birth to five years. Parents and carers hear up-to-date information from carers and specialists while their child attends a playgroup taken by professional occupational, music or speech specialists.

My child has a physical disability: Information for Queensland families of 13 young children

4. Early childhood education and care

What are early from qualified early childhood professionals and try new approaches childhood education to supporting the development of your and care services? child. Early childhood education and care As a parent child care can also provide services include child care and you with opportunities to return to kindergarten services. Children can work, study or to have time with other attend approved child care services members of your family from birth and all children are eligible to attend a kindergarten program in What supports are the year before they commence school available for my child (Prep). The Queensland Government provides funding support to approved to attend child care? kindergarten programs delivered in The Australian Government supports long day care or kindergarten services. children with disabilities who attend The early years of any child’s life have child care through the Inclusion and a significant impact on their future Professional Support Program. This health, development, learning and support may be available to: wellbeing. It is generally accepted that  subsidise the cost of additional children who participate in early educators or carers childhood education are likely to have  provide access to specialist better academic performance, better equipment to assist inclusion behaviour, and stay in education for  provide professional development longer. This includes children with a and resources for educators. physical disability. Participating in a quality early childhood education and care program Find out more can provide children with a physical disability opportunities to develop their Early childhood education and social, communication and play skills care services from an early age. Early years centres provide education, family support and health How will my child services for children 0 – 8 years. benefit from child www.dete.qld.gov.au care? or phone 13 QGOV Child care provides all children an early opportunity to relate to peers and other adults. This is no different for children with a physical disability. It can also be an opportunity for you to receive input

My child has a physical disability: Information for Queensland families of 14 young children

How will my child Tips for parents benefit from a Talk to your child’s kindergarten teacher about your child’s strengths kindergarten program? and areas that may need All children benefit from participating in development, as well as how your an approved quality early education child may prefer to learn new things. program, including children with a physical disability. Participation in a kindergarten program How will my child be can help your child to develop skills in communication, social interaction and supported in a behaviour. It can also assist your child to follow routines and to be exposed to kindergarten program? early literacy and numeracy concepts. Kindergarten teachers in Participation in a kindergarten program kindergarten services and long day will give your child a greater chance of care services can access support to successfully transitioning into Prep assist children with a physical and then into mainstream schooling. disability to participate in their programs. Kindergarten programs offer play- based learning in a fun and nurturing Children with disability, including environment. children with a physical disability, can receive additional supports to All children benefit from these early participate in a kindergarten program. learning experiences and develop Kindergarten services can apply under abilities such as: the Disability Support Funding  being involved and learning to Program through the Department of interact with other children Education, Training and Employment,  developing a desire to learn as well to receive additional funding to support as ways of getting involved in your child’s participation in their learning kindergarten program.  understanding and managing their Additional support may include: feelings

 learning about themselves,  equipment and play resources developing their identity,  training and professional confidence and independence development for kindergarten  building communication skills. teachers  extra teacher aide time to support the child’s inclusion in the kindergarten program. Tips for parents Kindergarten programs in long day Link your therapist or early care services, may be eligible for the intervention provider with your child’s Australian Government’s Inclusion and kindergarten teacher to help plan Professional Support Program which your child’s program and identify the provides professional development supports they will need, such as any and other assistance to child care aids and play equipment being used services supporting children with by your child. additional needs.

My child has a physical disability: Information for Queensland families of 15 young children

Kindergarten teachers can modify the kindergarten program to support the Tips for parents inclusion of your child. The wider Visual supports may be useful to kindergarten community can also be prepare your child for kindergarten, provided with information about such as photos of your child’s physical disabilities to encourage kindergarten teacher and their new inclusion of your child and your family kindergarten classroom and play in the service. area. How do I plan my child’s transition into a Other activities involved in transition planning for your child include visiting kindergarten program? to the kindergarten to become more Starting in a kindergarten program familiar with the environment and involves a significant transition for routines, and gradually adjusting children with a physical disability and routines at home to be similar to those their families. they will experience in the program. Your child will most likely need a period of preparation before they start in a kindergarten program, support to Find out more settle in, and ongoing support to ensure their needs are being met and Disability Support Funding they are achieving educational goals. Program, Early Childhood Education and Care Services and Successful transition planning requires Kindergarten Services a team approach with your family and www.dete.qld.gov.au the kindergarten teacher, which should begin six to 12 months before your Inclusion and Professional child starts in the service. Support Program (Australian Transition planning for your child to Government) start their kindergarten program www.mychild.gov.au involves a range of activities including enrolment, working with the kindergarten teacher to plan a suitable program for your child and help to identify the additional supports needed, such as training and educational and play equipment.

Tips for parents Learn about the activities and routine in the kindergarten program and introduce a similar routine at home, so your child becomes familiar with these activities and routines.

My child has a physical disability: Information for Queensland families of 16 young children

5. Starting school

Starting school is an important time for Getting to school — transport children and families. The transition to assistance school may present challenges for your child, as well as for the rest of While it is the responsibility of parents your family, and good planning for the to get their child to and from school, transition is critical. It is important to families who have had difficulty with start planning for the transition to transport for their child can contact the school at least 12 months before your Department of Education, Training and child is due to commence. Employment for an assessment to see if their child might be eligible for The choice of school is a decision transport assistance. parents will make depending on their child’s needs and abilities and the The types of assistance available resources available. It is best to seek include passes for public transport, an advice from your local school before allowance for driving your child to you make a final decision. school, taxi or minibus services, or other arrangements. Where can I enrol my child? Tips for parents All children are able to enrol at their local state school. It is best to talk to Check to see if the school you are the principal of the school that you are considering has an open day that considering to check the types and you can attend with your child. levels of support available for your child before completing enrolment forms. You and your child may be Is my child ready for asked to attend an interview with a Prep? staff member as part of the process. Prep is offered in all state schools as a Choosing a school for your child is an full five-day-per-week program. To be important decision. It may also be` eligible for Prep a child must turn five useful to talk to other parents who by 30 June in the year they start Prep. have children at the school you are With the introduction of the Australian considering. Curriculum, full-time attendance in Prep gives students, including students with a physical disability, the Tips for parents foundation they need for successful learning in Year 1. Introducing your child to the concept of timetables is a good idea for they If you are concerned that your child is start school. It also provides an not ready to start Prep at that time, opportunity to work with your child to you can choose to start your child a develop new vocabulary they will year later when they reach compulsory need at school. school age (six years and six months). You should discuss the specific needs of your child with the principal of the school you plan to enrol your child in, before you make a decision on when

My child has a physical disability: Information for Queensland families of 17 young children

your child starts Prep or school. The Make sure you check what other principal will help you determine the supports your early intervention impact of delaying your child’s entry service can offer you during transition. into Prep. In some cases your early intervention service may be able to attend planning Parents of compulsory school age meetings with you and your child’s children have a legal obligation to Prep or school staff. ensure their children are enrolled in school and attend every day of the educational program in which they are enrolled. Enrolment and full-time Tips for parents attendance at Prep fulfils this obligation. As a parent, you play a vital role in your child’s education. By getting How can I prepare my involved in the school, you can help your child make a smooth and happy child for school? start to their education. Beginning school is a big step for all Having good communication with children and their families. Children your child’s teacher will help your develop at different rates and in child to have a successful education different ways. It is important to show experience. It will also help you to your child you believe they are ready quickly sort out any issues that arise. for school and not show if you are worried. We recommend that you contact your How will my child be local school in the year before you enrol your child to discuss your child’s supported to learn at individual needs. This will give the school time for planning to ensure your school? child has a successful and positive The Australian Curriculum Foundation start to schooling. Year has been developed to give students in Prep the important If your child has been receiving foundational learning they will need for services from an early childhood successful progression to Year 1. intervention service or a kindergarten program, staff from these services can The Australian Curriculum started in provide information to the school about Queensland in the 2012 school year. It your child’s strengths and support aims to provide a high-quality needs, which will assist with the curriculum for all, while understanding transition process. the diverse and complex nature of students with disability. It is shaped by There are a number of things you can the proposition that each student can to do to help prepare your child for learn and the needs of every student transitioning to school. This should are important. include visiting the school many times before starting school, initially during The principal is responsible for quiet times of the day (possibly before ensuring that all students with or after school hours) and later at disability are provided with appropriate busier times so your child becomes adjustments to enable them to access familiar with the school environment. the curriculum. While some early intervention programs finish once a child starts Prep or school, other programs offer support during the transition period.

My child has a physical disability: Information for Queensland families of 18 young children

When required, students who have a Non-government schools physical disability can be supported Catholic Education’s Education through appropriate adjustments made Adjustment Program supports by teachers and schools in relation to: students who have a disability in  what a student learns Catholic schools by identifying the  how the student learns and educational adjustments required by instructional processes a school to meet the learning and  how the student demonstrates teaching needs of your child. Other what they have learned non-government schools may have  the environment in which the specialist services for children with student learns. a physical disability — check with the principal of the school you are Student support services considering. Students who have a physical disability are likely to require additional educational support so they are able to Local schools access and participate at school alongside their same age peers. Education for children with a disability: a guide for parents These students can be supported through the full array of student School Transport Assistance support services allocated to regions Program for Students with and schools. This may include Disabilities assistive technology, specialised Support for children with a equipment, special provisions for disability at school assessment, and access to specialist www.education.qld.gov.au advisory visiting teachers. Delayed entry to prep Students may also have access to www.dete.qld.gov.au speech and language pathologists, teacher aide support, physiotherapists, Australian curriculum occupational therapists and guidance www.australiancurriculum.edu.au officers. Talk to your child’s school about these services.

Equipment at school Education Queensland has an equipment loans service for students with disability who attend state schools. Schools can borrow specialised equipment and assistive technology from a regionally managed loans service to trial with students with disability. This helps schools to identify and make decisions about appropriate resources to support students’ educational programs. The equipment remains the property of the Department of Education, Training and Employment.

My child has a physical disability: Information for Queensland families of 19 young children

6. Aids, equipment and assistive technology

If your child’s disability affects their assistance, a prescription from your functioning across a range of areas, child’s therapist is required. you may need to access assistive technology, specialised equipment or The Community Aids Equipment other aids to assist them in their daily and Assistive Technologies living, communicating, learning, Initiative therapy and play. Professionals The Community Aids Equipment and involved in your child’s health, Assistive Technologies Initiative education and therapy will be able to subsidises aids and equipment for give you advice regarding the most eligible clients. Categories for aids and appropriate aids, equipment and assistive technologies include assistive technology to consider. Community Mobility, Communication This section details some services that Support, Active Participation and may assist you to access support in Postural Support. this area. Vehicle Option Subsidy Scheme Department of Health — Medical The Vehicle Options Subsidy Scheme Aids Subsidy Scheme supports people with disability, their The Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme families and carers to have improved (MASS) provides access to subsidy access to private transport. Subsidies funding for the provision of MASS are available to eligible clients for endorsed aids and equipment to assessment and prescriptions; vehicle eligible Queensland residents, modifications, and specialist driving including children with disability. lessons. The range of MASS aids and For more information, contact your equipment is aimed at assisting people nearest Disability Services service to live at home and include mobility centre. aids, communication aids, continence aids and daily living aids. Tips for parents Aids and equipment are subsidy funded either on a permanent loan Children with a physical disability basis, private ownership or through the may fatigue more easily than other purchase of consumables. children as they need to concentrate harder. Try more activities that will Department of Communities, Child help your child build their Safety and Disability Services concentration levels such as Assistance can be provided to structured play and reading activities. purchase aids, equipment and assistive technology for eligible children if the item is related to the disability and encourages independence and community participation. To access this

My child has a physical disability: Information for Queensland families of 20 young children

Membership is open to: Department of Education, Training and Employment  families with a child with a Education Queensland has an diagnosed disability equipment loan service for students  schools supporting a child or with disability. This service provides children with diagnosed disability specialised equipment for students  community organisations with disability if it supports their supporting a child or children with educational program. The equipment diagnosed disability remains the property of the school  children’s services supporting a when a student leaves. child or children with diagnosed disability LifeTec LifeTec Queensland provides  Professionals (e.g. teachers, information, consultation, and therapists) supporting a child or education on assistive technology children with diagnosed disability. which aims to help improve quality of life and increase independent living skills. LifeTec has offices in Brisbane Find out more and Townsville and has a mobile outreach team that offers services Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme across the state. www.health.qld.gov.au Disability Services service centres All Abilities Playgrounds 13 QGOV All Abilities Playgrounds are www.communities.qld.gov.au specifically designed to enable CAEATI children with and without disability to www.disability.qld.gov.au enjoy fun and challenging play together, side-by-side. There are 17 Education Queensland playgrounds located across the state. www.education.qld.gov.au There is also an All Abilities Lifetec ePlayground which offers free online www.lifetec.org.au fun and games for children of all All abilities playgrounds abilities. www.communities.qld.gov.au Noah’s Ark Toy Library Noah’s Ark Toy Library Noah’s Ark Educational Resources 1300 497 437 and Toy Library has a wide range of www.noahsark.net.au toys and equipment, some of which are designed and adapted for children with disabilities or special needs. To borrow from the Noah’s Ark Educational Resources and Toy Library, you will need to be a member of Noah’s Ark.

My child has a physical disability: Information for Queensland families of 21 young children

For further information contact the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services: Telephone:13 QGOV (13 74 68) Telephone Typewriter (TTY): 133 677 Email: [email protected] Web: www.communities.qld.gov.au If you are deaf, or have a hearing impairment or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service:  TTY users phone 133 677  Speak and Listen users phone 1800 555 727 then ask for 13 QGOV (13 74 68)  Internet relay users connect to the NRS (www.relayservice.com.au) and then ask for 13 74 68 Other languages and formats: If you need the assistance of an interpreter, please contact the Translating and Interpreting Service, TIS National, on 13 14 50 and ask to be connected to the Disability Information Service. This document is available in alternative formats (including large print) on request. If you would like a copy in another format, please contact Disability Information Service on 13 QGOV or email [email protected] * Calls from mobile phones are charged at applicable rates. Queenslanders now have access to disability related information at one easy online location. Visit www.qld.gov.au/disability to find out about government supports and services for people with disability, their families and carers. The website includes links to information about support groups and counselling, education and where to access help.

© The State of Queensland (Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services) 2014 Copyright protects this publication. Excerpts may be reproduced with acknowledgement to the State of Queensland (Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services). Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services GPO Box 806 Brisbane Q 4001

Images: iStockphoto/Thinkstock All images in this document are for illustrative purposes only. Information current as at March 2014

My child has a physical disability: Information for Queensland families of 22 young children