Support for Parents of a Child with a Disability
Parenting is a challenging role and adjusting to the news your little one has been diagnosed with a disability can be difficult – but it is important to remember you are not alone and there is a lot of support available to you. Remember; it takes a village to raise a child.
Connect with disability support groups. They are a great way to make friends with others in a similar situation and to gather information and tips. MyTime groups are free to join and provide local support for anyone caring for a child under school age with a disability or chronic medical condition. www.mytime.net.au
Internet forums and discussion groups can also help you connect with parents in similar situations.
Sibling support groups for your other children can also be a great resource and help; Siblings Australia siblingsaustralia.org.au
The Association for Children with a Disability (www.acd.org.au) and the Raising Children Network (raisingchildren.net.au) are good places to start, as is The Queensland Government website: www.qld.gov.au/disability
All-Access Adventures and Experiences – Far North Queensland
There are so many amazing all-access adventures and experiences to enjoy in Far North Queensland… because enjoying paradise should be available to everyone. You may not be aware of it but the Cairns Regional Council has an amazing resource to discover and find out more about them. The Access for All Directory is a comprehensive list of accessible accommodation, services and facilities in Cairns and the Beaches, Port Douglas and Mossman. You can find it at www.cairns.qld.gov.au
In it you’ll find all you need to know about visiting and enjoying:
The Cairns Esplanade Walk and Lagoon, the Cattana Wetlands Boardwalk, Flecker Botanical Gardens and Tanks Arts Centre, the All-Abilities Playgrounds in George Davies Park, Mossman and Mill Rd, Edmonton, the Cairns Museum and Cairns Art Gallery (to name a few).
And other great experiences such as:
The Cairns Wildlife Dome, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, Kuranda Scenic Railway, Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway, Mareeba Wetlands Walk, Rainforestation Kuranda, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, the Daintree Discovery Centre or taking a trip out to the Reef.
Want to experience the great outdoors?
The Department of Environment and Science – Parks and Forests are ‘continually working to improve facilities and accessibility in (their) parks and forests for visitors with vision impairment or limits to their mobility, and for families with prams and strollers.’ They want everyone to enjoy the beauty of our region and have provided a website to help you discover Queensland national parks and State forests with accessible walks and camping grounds. Visit: parks.des.qld.gov.au/before-you-visit/park-accessibility. Want to spot a sea turtle from the wheelchair-accessible jetty on Green Island, or head on a guided tour of Road Cave at Undara Volcanic National Park? This website will tell you how.
Want to enjoy a day at the Beach?
Ellis Beach Surf Club has a Beach Wheelchair and Beach Access Mat Program. From April to November, a Beach Wheelchair is available for use on Saturdays from 12.00pm and all-day Sunday and public holidays. The beach access mat is also available during these times. www.ellisbeachslsc.com
Palm Cove also has a Beach Wheelchair Program. The Beach Wheelchair is free of charge to use. Simply see the Life Saver located at the Surf Lifesaving Hut to sign out the beach chair. You can also call the Palm Cove Surf Lifesaving Club on 4059 1244.
Enjoy Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas with the beach friendly wheelchair program. There is no cost to hire the Freewheeler, but you will need to sign an indemnity form.
