Early Years (0–6)
- NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) — access to therapy and support for children under 9 with developmental concerns. Contact your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIS directly (1800 800 110)
- State early childhood services — each state runs early childhood development programs, including child health nurses who can identify developmental concerns early
- Paediatric therapy services — public hospital allied health departments, private therapists, and CP-specific services like Cerebral Palsy Alliance
- Inclusive childcare and preschool — the Inclusion Support Program helps childcare services include children with disability
- Parent support groups — many CP organisations run groups for parents of newly diagnosed children
School Age (6–18)
- School disability support — state education departments provide funding for classroom aides, equipment, and modifications. Application processes vary by state
- Individual Education Plans (IEPs) — every student with disability should have a documented plan outlining their learning goals and support needs
- Assistive technology in schools — specialised software, adapted desks, communication devices, and laptops can be funded through the NDIS or education departments
- Transition planning — planning for post-school life should start early (around age 14–16), including work experience, TAFE, university, or supported employment
- School transport — most states provide funded transport for students with disability who cannot use standard school transport
Play, Sport & Recreation
- Wheelchair sports — wheelchair basketball, tennis, rugby, athletics, and swimming programs exist across Australia
- Paralympics and Para-sport pathways — for competitive athletes, para-sport development programs exist at state and national levels
- Inclusive recreation — many councils and community organisations run inclusive programs for children with disability
- Riding for the Disabled — therapeutic horse riding programs across Australia
- Accessible playgrounds — an increasing number of accessible and inclusive playgrounds are being built in parks across the country
- Camps and holidays — disability-specific and inclusive camp programs for children and young people
Family Support
- Carer Gateway (1800 422 737) — counselling, peer support, and respite for carers
- Siblings Australia — programs and resources specifically for brothers and sisters of children with disability
- Parent-to-parent programs — connecting families who are further along the journey with those who are just starting
- Family therapy — can be funded through the NDIS if related to the child's disability
- Financial counselling — free services to help families navigate the extra costs of disability
Your child is a child first. CP is part of their story, not the whole story. Let them play, explore, mess up, and discover who they are.