Parenthood is a remarkable journey filled with joy, challenges and an abundance of love. However, for parents who also happen to have a disability, this journey can come with unique obstacles that require specialised Support. Fortunately, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a revolutionary program that is changing the lives of parents with disabilities by offering them the support they need to navigate the difficulties of parenthood while managing their disabilities.

The NDIS supports parents with a disability by providing reasonable and necessary supports they need to live an ordinary life and to reach their goals. These goals likely include caring for their children in the family home and can include assistive technology, transportation, home modification and assistance with household tasks.

At Maple, we understand that parents living with disabilities want to continue to provide the best possible life for their children as well as receiving the care and support they need. With the help of the NDIS we can provide a lifeline for parents with disabilities and offer a wide range of services and resources designed to enhance your quality of life and ensure you can embrace parenthood with confidence.

Challenges of parenting with a disability

Whether you have a physical, intellectual or mental health disability, the challenges we face with raising and caring for our children are exacerbated when you’re also trying to find care for yourself.

Accessibility challenges

One of the most significant challenges is the lack of accessibility in various aspects of parenting. From navigating strollers through inaccessible streets to facilitating daily needs such as cooking, cleaning and helping with homework, parents with disabilities often encounter physical and logistical barriers that can be frustrating and exhausting.

Financial and social challenges

Financial and social challenges that you encounter can significantly impact your employment prospects, making it more difficult to secure or maintain a job. Furthermore, the additional financial burdens associated with medical bills, assistive devices and therapies can strain your financial stability, affecting your capacity to adequately provide for your children and ensure their well-being.

Stigma and stereotyping challenges

Society’s misconceptions and stereotypes about disability can result in parents with disabilities facing discrimination and scepticism about their parenting abilities. On the contrary, many parents with disabilities can raise their children with strong empathy and insight, while learning about care and contribution can help them to develop important life skills.

Support challenges

Parents with disabilities may have limited access to family and friends who can assist them with childcare or household tasks. As well as limited access to parenting information and resources tailored to their specific needs. Parents with disabilities may face scrutiny from child protective services or others who question their ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children.

When there is too much responsibility on the children, this is likely due to lack of support for the family. That’s where NDIS and Maple Community Services can help.

Support for parents with a disability

Despite these challenges, many parents with disabilities successfully raise happy and healthy children by leveraging their resilience, adaptive strategies, and available support systems. The National Disability Insurance Scheme can offer support tailored to your unique needs, enabling you to provide a loving and nurturing environment for your children while overcoming the challenges associated with disability.

To be eligible for NDIS you must be either an Australian citizen, permanent resident or visa holder which enables you to live in Australia. Eligible recipients will be below the age of 65 and living with a disability caused by a significant impairment that requires assistance with daily living activities.

What can NDIS cover for parents with disability?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers a range of supports and services for parents with disabilities to help them in their caregiving roles and enhance their overall quality of life. Here are some of the areas that NDIS can cover for parents with disabilities:

• Assistive technology: NDIS can provide funding for various assistive devices and equipment that parents with disabilities may need to care for their children, such as mobility aids, communication devices, or adaptive parenting tools.
• Home modifications: NDIS can fund home modifications to improve accessibility and safety, making it easier for parents with disabilities to navigate their living space and perform caregiving tasks more comfortably.
• Personal care and support: NDIS can provide funding for personal care and support workers to assist parents with disabilities in daily tasks, including childcare, household chores, and personal care needs.
• Respite care: Respite care services can give parents a break from caregiving responsibilities, allowing them to recharge while ensuring their children continue to receive the care and support they need.
• Transportation: NDIS can cover transportation costs, including vehicle modifications or taxi services, to enable parents with disabilities to transport their children to school, appointments, and recreational activities.
• Support coordination: NDIS offers support coordination services to help parents with disabilities navigate the complex healthcare and support system, making it easier to access the necessary services and resources.
• Parenting skills and training: NDIS can fund parenting skills training and support programs tailored to the unique needs and challenges faced by parents with disabilities.
• Assistance with household tasks: Parents with disabilities may receive assistance with tasks such as meal preparation, cleaning, and shopping to ensure their homes remain safe and well-maintained.
• Educational support: NDIS can assist parents in accessing educational supports for their children, including tutoring, assistive technology to enable parents to help with homework and learning and accommodations within the educational system.

The NDIS support plans are individually tailored based on the specific needs and goals of each parent with a disability. Parents can work with your NDIS planner to determine the most appropriate supports and services that complement your unique circumstances

How can Maple Community Services help parents with disabilities?

Whether you are a single parent navigating the challenges of disability on your own or work in unison with a partner who may or may not have a disability, Maple is here to collaborate with you. Together, we can identify the most effective combination of services to support both you and your family.

Our team can assist you in effectively managing your NDIS plan, connecting you with our knowledgeable and experienced support coordinators or arranging for a dedicated support worker. Our goal is to empower your family to experience an enhanced and more enriching family life, tailored to your unique needs and circumstances.