Links and Resources

Comprehensive support information for families navigating disability and NDIS services. Access essential resources, tools, and guidance to help you understand and maximize your NDIS supports while managing the everyday challenges of caring for a child with a disability.

Essential Information for Parents and Families

Whether you’re new to the NDIS or looking for additional support resources, this comprehensive collection provides facts and information specifically designed for parents of children with disabilities or medical conditions, including how to:

  • Understand and get the most from the NDIS
  • Manage everyday challenges
  • Manage uncertainty and grief
  • Look after yourself
  • Find resources and useful tools
  • Find and use early childhood and mainstream services

Condition-Specific Resources and Support

Listed below are a range of resources providing help and support in regard to the disabilities covered by the Better Start initiative, and other relevant information. Click on any link below to view the relevant resources available.

For Service Providers: If you would like to request changes to your contact details or to be listed on this website, please email: betterstart@carersaustralia.com.au

Cerebral Palsy

Northcott Disability Services (NSW)

Ph: 1800 818 286

Carpentaria Disability Services (NT)

Ph: (08) 8920 9424

CPL – Choice, Passion, Life (formerly Cerebral Palsy League)

Ph: 1800 275 753

Cootharinga North Queensland

Ph: (07) 4759 2000

Community Accommodation and Respite Agency

Ph: (08) 8347 4588

Spastic Centres of South Australia

Ph: (08) 8347 2664

Leveda (South Australia)

Ph: (08) 8256 9800

Novita Children’s Services (South Australia)

Ph: (08) 8243 8243

Cerebral Palsy Tasmania

Ph: 001 141

Cerebral Palsy Support Network (CPSN)

Ph: 1300 277 600

Scope Victoria

Ph: (03) 9843 3000

Yooralla (Victoria)

Ph: (03) 9666 4500

Ability Centre

Ph: 1300 106 106

Cerebral Palsy Alliance (NSW & ACT)

Ph: 1300 888 378

Cerebral Palsy Australia

Ph: (08) 8243 8202

Cerebral Palsy Education Centre

Ph: (03) 9560 0700

Senses Australia (WA)

Ph: (08) 9473 5400

Cerebral Palsy Group

Deafblindness

Senses Australia (WA)

Ph: (08) 9473 5400

Able Australia (Victoria)

Ph: 1300 225 369
TTY: (03) 9882 6786

Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children

Ph: (02) 9871 1233 (TTY/V)

The Deaf Society of New South Wales

Ph: (02) 8833 3600
TTY: (02) 8833 3691

Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome NSW

Ph: (02) 9841 4444

Down Syndrome Victoria

Ph: 1300 658 873

Down Syndrome Association of Queensland Inc

Ph: (07) 3356 6655

ACT Down Syndrome Association

Ph: (02) 6290 0656

Down Syndrome Tasmania Inc

Ph: 1300 592 050

Down Syndrome Association of Western Australia Inc

Ph: 1800 623 544

Down Syndrome Association of Northern Territory Inc

Ph: (08) 8985 6222

Down Syndrome Society of South Australia Inc

Ph: (08) 8369 1122

Foundation 21 (South Australia)

Ph: (08) 8367 8022

Down Syndrome Australia

Ph: 1300 881 935

Fragile X

Fragile X Association of Australia

Ph: 1300 394 636

Fragile X Alliance Inc (Victoria) – Clinic and Resource Centre

Ph: (03) 9528 1910

Senses Australia (WA)

Ph: (08) 9473 5400

Hearing Impairment

Aussie Deaf Kids

Ph: (02) 8197 0444

Australian Hearing

Ph: 131 797

The Shepherd Centre

Ph: (02) 9351 7888

Senses Australia (WA)

Ph: (08) 9473 5400

Deaf Children Australia

Helpline: 1800 645 916
TTY: (03) 9510 7143

Deafness Forum of Australia

Ph: 133 677
TTY: (02) 6262 7809

The Deaf Society of New South Wales

Ph: (02) 8833 3600

Parent Council for Deaf Education

Ph: (02) 9871 3049
TTY: (02) 9871 3025

Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children

Ph: (02) 9871 1233 (TTY/V)

Better Hearing Australia (Victoria)

Ph: 1300 242 842

ACT Deafness Resource Centre

Ph: (02) 6287 4393

Tasdeaf

Ph: (03) 6231 6501

Vision Impairment

Vision Australia

Ph: 1300 847 466
TTY: (02) 9334 3260

Blind Citizens Australia

Ph: 1800 033 660
TTY: (03) 9639 1728

Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children

Ph: (02) 9871 1233 (TTY/V)

The Royal Society for the Blind

Ph: (08) 8417 5599

Guide Dogs Victoria

Ph: (03) 9854 4444

Guide Dogs Queensland

Ph: 1800 810 122

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

Ph: (02) 9412 9300

Association for the Blind (Guide Dogs WA)

Ph: 1800 847 466

Guide Dogs SA/NT

Ph: 1800 738 855

Guide Dogs Tasmania

Ph: 1800 484 333

Royal Society for the Blind of SA

Ph: (08) 8232 4777

Senses Australia (WA)

Ph: (08) 9473 5400

Angelman Syndrome

Angelman Syndrome Association

Ph: 0438 835 886

Angelman Syndrome Association of Western Australia Inc

Ph: 0408 445 975

Senses Australia (WA)

Ph: (08) 9473 5400

Genetic Alliance Australia

Ph: 02 9295 8359

CHARGE Syndrome

CHARGE Syndrome of Australasia

Senses Australia (WA)

Ph: (08) 9473 5400

Genetic Alliance Australia

Ph: 02 9295 8359

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Association (Australasia) Inc.

Ph: (02) 9211 1462

Senses Australia (WA)

Ph: (08) 9473 5400

Genetic Alliance Australia

Ph: 02 9295 8359

Cri du Chat Syndrome

Cri du Chat Support Group of Australia Inc

Ph: (03) 9775 9962

Senses Australia (WA)

Ph: (08) 9473 5400

Genetic Alliance Australia

Ph: 02 9295 8359

Kabuki Syndrome

Australian Kabuki Syndrome Association Inc

Supporting Aussie Kids with Kabuki Syndrome

Ph: 0422 608 858

Genetic Alliance Australia

Ph: 02 9295 8359

Senses Australia (WA)

Ph: (08) 9473 5400

Microcephaly

Microcephaly Australia

Senses Australia (WA)

Ph: (08) 9473 5400

Genetic Alliance Australia

Ph: 02 9295 8359

Prader-Willi Syndrome

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) Association of Australia Inc

PWSA of Victoria

Ph: 0451 797 284

Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Western Australia

Ph: 0439 436 344

Genetic Alliance Australia

Ph: 02 9295 8359

Senses Australia (WA)

Ph: (08) 9473 5400

Williams Syndrome

Williams Syndrome Association of SA Inc.

Ph: (08) 7329 5409

Senses Australia (WA)

Ph: (08) 9473 5400

Genetic Alliance Australia

Ph: 02 9295 8359

Smith-Magenis Syndrome

Genetic Alliance Australia

Ph: 02 9295 8359

Senses Australia (WA)

Ph: (08) 9473 5400

Rett’s Disorder

Department of Social Services Information

Information on the eligibility of Ret’s Disorder for Better Start support – Click here for PDF

Government Support and System Information

Medicare Information

Click here for information on family and individual entitlements, as well as information for parents and healthcare professionals.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Website: https://www.ndis.gov.au/

Phone: 1800 800 110

Other Information and Services

Playgroup Australia

Raising Children Network

Better Start Early Intervention Service Providers

Better Start Early Intervention Service Providers are listed on the Department of Social Services website.

Aids and Equipment Services

If you have a disability, you may use aids or equipment to support you in various activities or to improve your quality of life. A number of schemes are available which provide some form of subsidy to eligible applicants for aids and equipment. More information is available at jobaccess.gov.au.

Evaluation of Better Start

An evaluation of Better Start is currently underway, being conducted by ACIL Allen Consulting on behalf of the Department of Social Services. This round of focus groups will discuss key issues regarding whether Better Start is meeting the needs of families and carers.

For information on upcoming consultations and to register your interest, please click here.

Getting Additional Support

If you need personalized guidance navigating these resources or accessing NDIS supports, BetterStart Health provides comprehensive support coordination and early childhood intervention services. Our experienced team can help you understand your options and connect with the most appropriate services for your family’s needs.

Contact our team at 1800 BETTER (1800 238 837) or info@betterstart.net.au to discuss how we can support your NDIS journey and access to quality early childhood services.

Disclaimer: Carers Australia does not endorse or recommend any of the agencies or organisations listed on this website; nor the services that may be provided by them. These details are provided to assist families to find suitable services and supports and to make an informed choice.