Know of a useful site? Contact us to suggest the site
- Therapy and assistive technology
- Leisure and independence
- Home and community
- Training and Employment
- Professional Organisation and Associations
- Awards
- Publications
- NDIS and WA NDIS
- Spina Bifida resources
Therapy and assistive technology
Accessibility App – Essential Accessibility
The app provides tools for people with physical limitations to navigate the web hands free and more. View website
Autism Apps Website
Technology such as personal tablet devices have become common place in many peoples’ lives at home, work or school. This website has been developed in response to the many parents, teachers and individuals who have approached us asking for ideas about how to effectively use technology, specifically an iPad or tablet device. View website
Autism Association of WA – Autism app reviews
Read a review of nine new Autism apps (Dec 14). View website
Care For Me app – an app for carers $8.49
Care for Me is an App for iPad and iPhone that can make an enormous difference in the lives of special needs children and adults, their family, carers and their teachers. The App enables recording and storing of all care requirements in video, photo or text format in one central location for quick access to visualise the cares required. View website
Carson Street School FREE resources
Free resources for children and adolescents with disabilities focusing on promoting communication, self esteem, preventing cyberbullying, positive behaviour support, play and emotional literacy. View website
Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
Our mission at CerebralPalsySymptoms.com is to provide the public with accurate and up to date information on the many aspects of cerebral palsy and other birth injury complications. View website
iPod/iPad Resources
Independent Living Centre’s resources using Ipad, Iphones and Ipods. View website
Living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
A Perth family’s story on the impact of this diagnosis on their lives. View download
Therapy Choices
This site is a guide to choosing and finding the right therapist to enable you to reach your goal more easily or quickly. View website
Treat NMD
TREAT-NMD is a network for the neuromuscular field that provides an infrastructure to ensure that the most promising new therapies reach patients as quickly as possible. Since its launch in January 2007 the network’s focus has been on the development of tools that industry, clinicians and scientists need to bring novel therapeutic approaches through preclinical development and into the clinic, and on establishing best-practice care for neuromuscular patients worldwide. View website
Useful Apple and Apps-Related resources from Spectronics’ Consultancy Team
Welcome to this comprehensive collection of “All-things-Apple-and-App-Related” compiled by Spectronics’ clever team of speech pathologists, teachers and occupational therapists! We hope you find these resources helpful as you implement use of iPads, iPhones or iPod touches in special education classrooms or therapy settings. Also helpful in regular ed settings for support of students struggling with reading, writing or organisational skills. View website
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Leisure and independence
Act, Belong, Commit
Act-Belong-Commit is a comprehensive health promotion campaign run by Mentally Healthy WA that encourages individuals to take action to protect and promote their own mental wellbeing and encourages organisations that provide mentally healthy activities to promote participation in those activities. Visit their website to discover a range of activities, clubs and organisations suitable for you. View website.
As We Are
As We Are is an important community initiative in Western Australia that aims to bring joy and wellbeing to the lives of artists who have an intellectual disability and those who are part of the experience. View website
Basketball – Cockburn Cougars
Disability Basketball session, Thursday’s 10:30 -11:30am, open to all abilities, wheelchair users welcome. $5pp, no booking required. Cockburn Basketball Stadium (Bright Orange Building), Stirling Street, Hamilton Hill 6163, 08 9335 9101 – View website
Befriend BBQs monthly
Befriend events create the opportunity to meet new people and have new experiences, all over Perth. Our events vary in size from small group dinners, to a crowd of hundreds partying at our annual social Ball. All adults living in Perth are welcome. Whatever your interest, area or availability, we’ve got something for you. View website
Bowlability – Bowls WA
Bowls WA run the BowlAbility Program to support people of all abilities to enjoy the fantastic benefits of bowling. Phone: 0449 619 841 – View website
Companion Card WA
The Companion Card is a card issued to people with a significant and permanent disability who require attendant care support from a companion to participate at most venues and activities. Cardholders present their card when booking or purchasing a ticket from a participating business. Participating businesses will recognise the Companion Card and issue the cardholder with a second ticket for their companion at no charge. View website
Cricket Champs
Love cricket and want to get involved? Then here’s your chance. Cricket Champs is a fantastic new cricket program that caters for kids with various disabilities in local community club environments. Cricket Champs is a pathway program aimed at offering the sport of cricket to all young members of our community regardless of their ability or background. View website
DADAA – Art for Social Change
DADAA works across Western Australia to enhance the social inclusion and wellbeing of people with disability or mental illness through participation in the arts. View website
Dance Etc Perth (Balcatta and Doubleview)
Special needs dance classes held weekly. Dance etc. offers the best, most up to date and unique dance experience in Perth. We are dedicated to teaching the education that accompanies the skilled artistry of dance in both a fun and nurturing environment. Whether you have big dreams of becoming a professional dancer or just looking to have fun and stay fit through dance… you’ll find it here! View website
Department of Transport
Application for Concession Vehicle Fitted with a Wheelchair Hoist or Ramp. View application
Diversity Dance Australia
Be part of something AWESOME! Diversity Dance provides fun, inclusive dance opportunities for children of all abilities. View website
Discovery Holidays
Innovative supported holidays for people living with disability. View website
Dreamfit Foundation
The Dreamfit Foundation is a unique not for-profit-organisation that uses innovative engineering to fulfil dreams and overcome the challenges and frustrations of people with disabilities.View website. You can also download flyer: A4 Experience Package Flyer
Echoes Sound Healing (Canning Vale)
Echoes are now offering special sessions designed for children with special needs. Every Tuesday afternoon at 3:30pm – $20 per child (no charge for the carer/parent). Maximum capacity of 6 children and each child must be accompanied by a parent/carer. For any further information please contact Echoes 9456 3023 View website
Equal Footingball – Disability Inclusion
Equal Footingball is a community-minded initiative to ensure that people with disabilities have similar opportunities and access to football for fun, social participation and elite development compared to fully able-bodied players. Football West in partnership with the WA Department of Sport and Recreation employs an Inclusive Development Officer to (amongst other things) deliver fun football programs to involve people with disabilities in the world game. View website
Fishing
Go Fishing! The map identifies fishing locations across Western Australia categorised according to accessibility. The map presents appropriate locations for people to go fishing regardless of whether they are elderly, have poor balance or mobility, are families with young children, use a wheelchair, or are carers looking after persons with a disability.
Over 140 land based sites across WA which may be suitable for easy access fishing have been identified. Go Fishing
Focus on Ability
NOVA Employment is running the Focus on Ability Short Film competition aimed at raising awareness of the abilities of people with a disability. This year aims to be the biggest yet with all films entered to really showcase extremely talented people with disabilities. With over $50,000 worth of cash and prizes to be won this is a highly contested competition. The theme for the competition asks film makers to “Focus on the Ability” of people with a disability. View website
Independent Living Centre
Solutions include information, advice, support and training about suitable assistive technology and equipment, funding options, assessment and referral pathways. View website
IPwD (International Day of People with Disability)
IDPwD aims to promote an understanding of people living with disability and encourage support for their dignity, rights and well being. This includes information on local and national events for Disability Awareness Week in December, how individuals and organisations can get involved, sharing best practice approaches, and how to help facilitate the breaking down of barriers. View website
Kidz n Sport school holiday programmes
Kidz N Sport is a program for kids who are in pre-kindy to year 3 and focuses on general gross motor skills and introducing kids to sport without the competitive side. View website
Mandurah Taxis
Mandurah Taxis is an award winning taxi service offering 24/7 universal transport to the Peel Region and beyond. With 9 MPT/Wheelchair taxis available 24/7 and comprehensively trained Taxi Drivers we can assist everyone with transport. View website
Music Rocks Australia
Using music as a tool for inspiration and skills, Music Rocks Australia has focused on the music, social and personal development of their young participants, allowing an ethos of ‘music is for everybody’ and creating ‘the world’s most inspiring music experience for young people’. Music Rocks Australia operates in a different world from all other music programs as they have opened up learning in areas and for individuals who would have otherwise not had the opportunity or incentive to contribute musically. View website
Nican
Inclusive recreation for Australians of all abilities. Includes accommodation, travel, recreation, support and information services. View website
Nican Qantas Carer Concession
Nican administers the Qantas Carer Concession Card on behalf of Qantas. The Qantas Carer Concession Card is issued to people with a disAbility and high level support needs who require the full-time assistance of a carer whilst they are on the plane. A person is eligible if they need to have one-on-one support when seated on the plane for assistance with meals/drinks, transferring to the bathroom, orientation, communicating with the flight staff etc. A person would not be eligible if they only need assistance boarding the plane, or when they arrive at their destination. View website
Riding for the Disabled WA
Riding for the Disabled WA is dedicated to providing therapeutic and recreational equestrian activities to benefit people with disabilities. View website
Sailability
On a weekly basis we provide the opportunity for people with a disability, from agency networks or living independently within the community to sail. They can be assisted by a carer or join an experienced skipper in easily accessible, stable and safe boats. View website
Sensorium
Sensorium Theatre is a company of artists, theatre-makers, musicians and writers, led by artistic directors Francis Italiano and Michelle Hovane, who make sensory theatre for children with special needs. View website
Song Room
The Song Room is a national not for profit organisation that provides free, tailored, long-term music and arts-based programs for children in disadvantaged and high need communities. View website
Special Olympics
Special Olympics Western Australia brings the joy of sport and competition to children and adults with an intellectual disability giving them opportunities to achieve their personal best on and off the sporting field. View website
Swan Canoe Club
Paddling and skills training club including river and ocean trips. Thank you for generously storing the Rocky Bay canoe – View website
Theraquatics
Containment swim wear for people with incontinence and disability specific pool equipment like floatation devices (neck collars etc). View website
WA Disabled Surfers Association
The DSA is creating opportunities for disabled participants and able bodied volunteers to experience safe and happy surfing whilst under complete supervision from trained Team Leaders and Beach Marshalls. View website
WESA (Western Electric Sporting Association)
WESA is an organization dedicated to the promotion and co-ordination of Electric Wheelchair Sports in Western Australia. They encourage people with Neuromuscular conditions and physical disabilities who use electric wheelchairs to join in and enjoy playing sport and interacting with people in similar situations. View website
Youthlink Perth
Youthlink is a state-wide mental health program managed through the North Metropolitan Area Mental Health Service. YouthLink provides specialist mental health counselling, consultation, training and community development. They focus on enhancing the mental health and well being of young people that are marginalised and disadvantaged, particularly those who are experiencing insecure accommodation. View website
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Home and community
Access WA
People with disability, carers and seniors can search to find accessible business and community facilities in Western Australia. Access information will assist people of all ages and abilities, including people who use a wheelchair, have difficulty walking or who are blind or deaf. View website
Accessible Transperth Public Transport Services
Transperth provides special assistance at train stations. Customer Service staff are available at all stations to assist passengers accessing the Transperth network. Call at least one hour ahead of your journey to receive personal assistance from
one of their Customer Service staff. View website
Accessible Transit Specialists
Accessible Transit Specialists assist clients who require vehicles to be modified for wheelchair access. The consultative approach by their experienced team of professional staff ensures client’s needs are met. View website
Bite Back
BITE BACK is a new and ever-changing space where you can discover ways to amplify the good stuff in life, share real and personal stories with others, check out videos, blogs and interviews of interesting people, check and track your mental fitness, and get your teeth stuck in to a bunch of activities! View website
Clan WA
CLAN WA is committed to working alongside families in WA to help build resilience. Whether you are looking for support in parenting, relationships, reducing isolation or the impact of mental illness, Clan can help. View website
Dreamcatcher
Dreamcatcher is an interactive online space that aims to solve the dreams and challenges of the disability community by connecting people with practical, product-based solutions. This is done by providing a space for dreams to be shared and bringing together a wider community of people who use their skills, knowledge and experience to suggest products and equipment that will help fulfill these dreams. It could be as simple as an off-the shelf product or backyard project to a more complex custom-engineered solution. View website
Events around Perth relating to people living with disability
Rocky Bay’s Facebook page includes an album of all current events around Perth. Like the page to stay updated and have your say View page
Forum for people living with disability in WA
Rocky Bay’s community forum – View website
Freedom Housing
Freedom Housing is designed to house persons with disabilities and their families, or friends, under the same roof. View website
Friends of Autism
Friends of Autism was founded and is headed by Dee Marlow, a mother of 3 Autistic children who is passionate about improving the daily lives of those affected by autism, taking a holistic and family friendly approach. Why not take a look around their website to see if there is anything that might be able to assist your family. View website
Lifestyle Solutions
At Lifestyle Solutions they support people who, for various reasons, require a helping hand in their daily life. View website
Link Disability Magazine
Whether you want to be inspired or motivated, to get something off your chest, or just want help finding something disability-related, Link is likely the place you’ll be able to do it. View website
Livewire – Starlight Children’s Foundation online community
Starlight Children’s Foundation’s online community for young people aged 10-20 living with serious illness, chronic health conditions or disability, and their siblings. View website
My Disability Matters
Are you a person living with disability? Are you a family member or carer of someone with a disability? Do you work in the disability services sector? The MDM Club has been created just for you. The FREE social network for the disability community. View website
People Who Care
People Who Care Inc. (PWC) is an independent not-for-profit volunteer organisation which provides services (view a list of our services) to the frail aged, people with disabilities, carers and others with special needs to enable them to live independently for as long as possible and to avoid premature or inappropriate admission to long-term care facilities. The organisation operates from offices in Guildford, Warwick and Mandurah and covers the greater part of the Perth metropolitan and Peel regions. View website
Taxi Drivers in Perth (Women)
Women and people with disabilities are often hesitant to take taxis due to the fear of inappropriate behaviour or sexual assault from male taxi drivers.
There are two female taxi drivers here in Perth, both currently working for Swan Taxis.
Zoe – 0433 489 811 – South of the river
Noeline – 0401 950 884 – North of the river
They both drive Maxi Taxis and do wheelchair work, group bookings and and airport bookings. If they are unable to take your job themselves they can recommend other taxi drivers that are trustworthy.
The Spiers Centre
The Spiers Centre Inc is committed to making a positive difference to the lives of individuals, families and the community in the northern suburbs. They do this by providing assistance through our emergency relief and financial counselling programs, and through the provision of personal development programs and support groups and by engaging volunteers in a variety of activities. View website
WA Special Families
WA Special Families is an online Facebook community for families and carers of children with special needs. It is a place for families to communicate, share ideas and chat about life in a special needs family. View website
Westralian Commservice Patient Transport
Westralian CommService Patient Transport provides a non-urgent medical transport service by qualified health professionals, encompassing a budget friendly, quality service that is compassionate to individual needs. View website
Wheelies Away
Wheelchair users guide to travel, accommodation, food and fun. View website
Wheels2go RAC Membership
Keeping you mobile 24/7. At the RAC we understand that mobility devices, such as electric and manual wheelchairs, can breakdown too. This can be unexpected and inconvenient, preventing you from getting to where you need to go – that’s why we offer Wheels2go. Wheels2go provides members, who have a mobility device, such as a manual or electric wheelchair, access to 24/7 roadside assistance. If they’re unable to get you mobile, they can assist by arranging a taxi or calling a friend or carer on your behalf. View website
Wemoon Natural Menstrual Pads
With a super absorbent core and special leakproof layer Wemoon cloth pads are soft, comfortable and convenient. The “All-in-One” design of Wemoon pads means there are no liners to change. The pad simply fits over the inside of your panties. Wemoon natural cloth pads are just as reliable and efficient as ‘disposable’ pads, without the waste, or harm to your body or the earth. View website
You’re Welcome AccessWA
An excellent resource providing accessibility information for dining, pubs, clubs, hotels, restaurants, parks, cinemas, public toilets and so much more across Western Australia. View website
YOURCARE – Goods, Services and Social Support
YOURCARE helps people with disabilities, the elderly and their carers find goods, services and social support. View website
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Training and employment
Carers Careers
Jobs, information and careers advice for the care sector. View website
We Connect Now
We Connect is dedicated to uniting college students with disabilities in access to higher education and employment issues. View website
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Professional Organisations and Associations
Ability First Australia
Ability First are a national body of leading disability service organisations working to achieve a fair go for Australians living with a disability. View website
Avenue
Avenue is an on-line and marketplace retail store that sells unique, hand-crafted products, made by people with disabilities from all over the world. Avenue is a social enterprise and is run by a diverse workforce of people with disabilities in Sydney, with the sole focus on the empowerment of people with disabilities worldwide. View website
Carers WA
Carers WA is a non-profit, community based organisation and registered charity dedicated to improving the lives of the estimated 310,000 family carers living in Western Australia. View website
Cootharinga North Qld
Cootharinga is a quality service provider who has been supporting people with disabilities in North Queensland for over 60 years. Located at 20 Keane Street Currajong, Cootharinga provides accommodation and support services in Townsville, Cairns, Mackay and regions in between. View website
Developmental Disability Council of WA
DDC is a not-for-profit organisation which has been a leader in the disability sector for over 25 years. As the peak advocacy organisation in WA for people with intellectual and other developmental disability and their families, DDC welcomes membership from people who have an interest in advancing the rights and needs of people with disability and their families. View website
Disability Services Commission
The Disability Services Commission, established in December 1993 under the Disability Services Act 1993 (WA), is the State Government agency responsible for advancing opportunities, community participation and quality of life for people with disabilities. The Commission provides a range of direct services and support and also funds non-government agencies to provide services to people with disabilities, their families and carers. View website
Duchenne Foundation
Duchenne Foundation uses National and international collaboration to improve the quality and quantity of life for those living with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy and their families, through research, education and advocacy. View website
EDAC (Ethnic Disability Advocacy Centre)
EDAC is the peak advocacy organisation for people with disabilities from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in WA. EDAC provides individual and systemic advocacy services for people with all types of disability including physical, sensory, intellectual and psychiatric conditions. EDAC can advocate in areas such as the justice system, health-care, education, child-care, employment, housing, transport and others. View website.
HaDSCO (Health and Disability Services Complaint Office)
The Health and Disability Services Complaints Office (HaDSCO) is an independent and impartial agency. If you cannot resolve your complaint directly with the service provider, you can contact HaDSCO to discuss your concerns and find out more about the complaint resolution services they offer. All their services are confidential and free of charge. View website.
Fighting Chance
HeadWest
Headwest is the peak advocacy body in WA for people living with an acquired brain injury and their families/carers. View website
Jigsaw
Kalparrin
At Kalparrin they help families of children with disabilities and special needs to carry their load by providing practical information and support, and connecting them with the services that they need. Kalparrin helps families connect with other families in similar situations through Parent Link, and to take time out through regular respite activities. View website
Montrose Qld
Montrose provide therapy support services, respite and much more. Find out more about what they do for children and young adults with disabilities across Queensland. View website
Muscular Dystrophy Association WA
MDA WA fundraises for research in neuromuscular diseases and to support the Western Australian neuromuscular community. View website
National Disability Services
NDS is the national industry association for disability services, representing over 650 not-for-profit organisations. View website
National Relay Service
A phone solution for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment – View website
Northcott NSW
Northcott is an innovative and dynamic not-for-profit organisation that provides support to more than 11,400 people with a broad range of disabilities and their families and carers across NSW and the ACT by providing a range of services which promote a genuinely inclusive society. Some people with rare or lesser known disabilities find Northcott to be the only provider of appropriate support and services. View website
Novita Children’s Service SA
Provides therapy, equipment and home support services to children and young people with disability. View website
Office of the Public Advocate
The Public Advocate is an independent statutory officer appointed under the Guardian and Administration Act 1990 to promote and protect the rights of adults with decision-making disabilities to reduce their risk of neglect, exploitation and abuse. View website.
Parenting WA
Parenting WA offers an information, support and referral service to parents, carers, grandparents and families with children up to 18 years of age. Parenting WA services are free and no referral is needed. Many parents find life with a child a joyful but challenging experience. Children’s needs change as they grow and each stage brings new challenges. View website
People With Disability WA
Individual and systematic advocacy for people living with disability. View website
SECCA (Sexuality Education Counselling and Consultancy Agency)
Secca supports people with disabilities to learn about human relationships, sexuality and sexual health. View website
Senses
Senses provides disability support services to people of all ages throughout Western Australia, including the provision of services to people who are deaf or blind. View website
Scope Victoria
Scope’s mission is to enable each person they support to live as an empowered and equal citizen. Scope is a not-for-profit organisation providing disability services in Victoria. View website
SibsWest
SibsWest is a Peer Support Group for Western Australian Siblings of people living with disability. View website
St Giles Tasmania
St Giles can help you with reassurance, information, specialist advice and support if you are at all concerned about your child’s development. Their service centre is available to children located in either Launceston or Hobart. A doctor or health nurse can refer you, or you can simply call to organise an appointment. View website
SMA Australia (Spinal Muscular Atrophy Association of Australia)
SMA Australia provides ongoing support and information to families and sufferers of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. It also aims to provide financial support for special equipment and to establish an equipment pool so that no one may go without the tools they need. View website
TCCP (The Centre for Cerebral Palsy)
TCCP strives to ensure inclusion of people living with cerebral palsy and other disabilities in every facet of society. Their vision is for a community where all people freely exercise choice. They aim to achieve this by providing a range of quality services and promoting choice in order to address the unique needs of the people that they work with. View website
Therapy Focus – Helping children grow
Therapy Focus is a not-for-profit organisation providing therapy and support services to Western Australian children and young people with a disability or learning disadvantage. View website
WA Individualised Services
WAIS began as an unincorporated group of support organisations committed to individualised supports and services. This small group of organisations came together to work in partnership towards promoting individualised supports and services and towards supporting each other to deepen their practices. View website
Women with Disabilities WA
We are a non-profit incorporated organisation that is run BY women with disabilities FOR women with disabilities. We are currently supported in our work by the Ethnic Disability Advocacy Centre who provide the co-ordinator with office space and administration support. View website
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Awards
Young people who care
Volunteering WA – Volunteer of the year
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NDIS and WA NDIS
Reasonable and Necessary
This is a tool for Deaf and disabled people, to help them ask for what they need. This is a creative response to the NDIS. View website
WA NDIS/NDIS Peer Support
Facebook group: Peer Support for those living in WA in either the WA NDIS or NDIS trial sites. Comparison, information and advice. View website
Publications
Developmental Disability WA
Choosing what matters – ideas for families. Getting a life .. not just a service brochure. View brochure
Every Australian Counts
Every Australian Counts is a people’s campaign sweeping across the country, demanding the introduction of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), as recommended by the Productivity Commission. View website.
Link Disability Magazine
Whether you want to be inspired or motivated, to get something off your chest, or just want help finding something disability-related, Link is likely the place you’ll be able to do it. View website
Starecase Magazine
A magazine for people with disability, by people with disability. View website
Spina bifida resources
Australia
- The Spina Bifida Foundation of Victoria – View website
- Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Queensland – View website
- Contact details for the Spina Bifida Association of Tasmania- View website
- Westmead Children’s Hospital (includes factsheets on clean intermittent catheterisation, Mitrofanoff and Vesicostomy guidelines) – View website
Canada
- Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Canada – View website
Europe
- International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus – View website
United Kingdom
- A Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus group in the UK – View website
United States of America
- Spina Bifida Association – View website
Fact sheets
- Spina Bifida factsheets – View website
- Neural tube defects and Anencephaly fact sheets – View website
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