Being a part of the Defence community comes with unique challenges, from long deployments to frequent relocations. For Defence families with special needs, these challenges are often magnified.
Whether it’s navigating healthcare systems which differ from state to state, finding appropriate educational resources, or securing consistent therapy services, Defence families who have members with special needs require additional support. Fortunately, there are resources and benefits available specifically for them.
Understanding the Additional Difficulties for Defence Families with Special Needs
With frequent relocations and postings both within Australia and overseas, maintaining continuity of care for a family member with special needs can be particularly challenging.
Many families find that every new location requires a fresh start in securing medical specialists, therapists, and support services. Educational consistency can also be disrupted, as schools may vary in their ability to accommodate children with additional learning needs.
In addition to these challenges, Defence families often face isolation, as they are frequently uprooted from established support networks of family, friends, and community services.
This can lead to emotional and mental strain for both the caregiver and the individual with special needs. Access to consistent care, advocacy, and resources are crucial in alleviating these pressures.
Since Dane joined the Army in 2004, he and wife Ruth have welcomed two children, James and Jarrod. James has a physical disability and is autistic, and Ruth has a disability herself.
How Does Defence Support ADF Families with Special Needs?
Defence recognises that families with special needs may require specific assistance. This support is intended to complement, not duplicate, the assistance families may be eligible for through other organisations, such as government departments or agencies.
If you have a resident family member with special needs, you might be eligible for extra services and assistance. Some of these supports include:
- Case Coordination: Defence Member and Family Support case managers can assist with coordinating care, accessing services, and helping families transition between locations.
- Education Support: Assistance with educational placements and ensuring that children with special needs receive the support they require in their new school environments.
- Financial Assistance: In certain circumstances, families may be eligible for financial support for medical or educational needs related to the special needs of a family member.
More on these areas below.
Recognition of Special Needs by Defence
You will need to have your resident family member with special needs formally recognised by Defence before you can access any available assistance and support services.
Defence may provide special needs benefits to assist with:
- physical disabilities
- intellectual disabilities
- sensory impairments
- learning or behavioural difficulties
- speech disorders
- other medical illnesses or impairments.
More information and a step by step guide to recognition can be found here.
For help with your application, you can also call Defence Member and Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 or email specialneeds.families@defence.gov.au.
Resources and Benefits Available to Defence Families with Special Needs
There are resources and support programs designed to assist families in navigating the additional difficulties of special needs.
1. Defence Special Needs Support Group (DSNSG)
DSNSG is a national non-profit organisation which provides advocacy, support, and guidance to Defence families who have members with special needs.
What began as a small group of Defence families, united by the shared challenge of finding appropriate services while living a mobile Defence lifestyle, has grown into a powerful community.
These families realised that navigating the complexities of special needs was easier when they worked together, sharing resources, advice, and support.
Today, DSNSG has evolved to operate support groups across Australia and even overseas, providing crucial assistance to families wherever Defence life takes them.
2. Defence and Veteran Carers Network
Around one in eight current or former ADF personnel have a partner, parent, sibling or child who provides care and support for them because of disability, long-term health conditions or old age.
This is a significantly higher rate than the rest of the Australian population, because of higher rates of long-term health issues in ADF personnel and veterans.
Carers Australia developed the Defence and Veteran Carers Network with funding from the Department of Defence.
This web hub provides information, support and advocacy to current and former ADF members and their families, where the current or ex-serving member is a carer, is being cared for, or has been impacted by the caring role.
3. National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The NDIS provides funding and support for individuals with disabilities across Australia. For Defence families, the NDIS can be a crucial resource for ongoing care and support. However, navigating the NDIS can be complex, especially during relocations. Defence families are encouraged to engage with the National Disability Insurance Agency early to ensure they receive consistent NDIS support, even during periods of transition.
4. Education Support
Educational stability is a top priority for Defence families with children who have special needs. Support from Defence may be available for educational assistance related to the special needs of recognised family, including:
- Assessment of needs – financial support to have a private assessment of your child’s special needs to develop a suitable education program.
- Therapy services – financial support towards a therapy service that meets a critical need for your child’s education.
- Compulsory tuition fees – financial support for compulsory tuition fees if your child needs access to a special program in your new location that can’t be provided by a government school.
Defence School Mentors (DSMs) are based in schools across Australia and help Defence children adjust to new school environments, including those with special needs.
Education Liaison Officers (EDLOs) have broad knowledge about the different state education systems, as well as an understanding of the unique needs of Defence children. Both can help manage transition to a new school for all Defence children.
The Education Assistance Scheme (EAS) provides funding for all Defence children who need additional education support to minimise the impacts of frequent postings.
Financial support includes:
For assistance with your application:
Image: Annastills/Canva
5. Relocation and Housing Assistance
Relocation can pose unique challenges for families with special needs. To help reduce the stress of relocation and ensure that families with special needs have the necessary support throughout the process, Defence offers a range of support services, which may include:
- Pre-Posting Visits: Families can arrange a visit to their new location before moving to establish direct contact with essential support services.
- Additional Travel and Transit Support: Extra travel time and specialised accommodation can be arranged during relocation to accommodate the needs of family members with special requirements.
- Access to Specialised Services: Support is available to ensure continuity of care, including access to special equipment and therapy services.
- Special Education Programs: Assistance with securing appropriate educational placements and resources for children with special needs at their new school.
- Additional Housing Considerations: Defence provides consideration for families needing extra housing accommodations tailored to specific needs.
- Valet Unpacking Assistance: Help with unpacking upon arrival to ensure a smoother transition into the new home environment.
More information can be found here.
6. Respite Care and Personal Care
You can get financial support for essential services for your resident family member who has special needs when you’re posted to a new location and no other forms of care are available.
Services include:
- respite or personal care
- therapy services
- equipment hire
- early intervention programs.
More information on respite care can be found here.
Building a Supportive Community
While the resources mentioned above can provide significant assistance, the emotional and social aspects of supporting Defence families with special needs cannot be overlooked.
Establishing a network of other Defence families, either locally or online, can be incredibly beneficial. Peer support groups, such as those offered through DSNSG, provide families with the opportunity to connect, share experiences, and offer advice.
For families, self-care is also essential. Taking the time to look after your own mental health ensures you are in the best possible position to care for your loved ones. Accessing respite care and reaching out to support services when needed is vital in maintaining balance and well-being within the family unit.
Image: StockPlanets/ Canva
Conclusion
Defence families with special needs face additional challenges, but they are not alone. Through dedicated support programs, advocacy, and community resources, families can access the help they need to navigate Defence life.
From specialised funding to education support, these resources aim to alleviate the pressures and ensure Defence families with special needs can thrive.
If your family needs assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Defence support services.
There is help available to ensure that your family’s needs are met, no matter where Defence life takes you.
For more information on available resources, or to connect with other families, contact the Defence Member and Family Support Helpline on 1800 624 608
*Before you access any benefits, please note there may be fringe benefit tax (FBT) implications. Please refer to the program website and investigate if this may suit your circumstances.
We would like to thank Defence Special Needs Support Group for checking the accuracy of this blog.