New Resources for parents of children with a disability or develomental delay.
There are many different areas of developmental delay. It's the term used when a child is slower to reach milestones than other children. Delay may occur in the way a child moves, communicates, thinks and learns or behaves with others.
Here's a Raising Children Network link that covers the identification of developmental delay and a booklet called 'Through the Maze' an overview of services and support for parents of children with a disability from the Association for Children with a Disability. Call your GP or Maternal and Child Health Nurse if you would like to discuss this further. Here's a booklet (PDF) from the Royal Children's Hospital 'Developmental Delay' An information guide for parents
Changes to MyTime Locations - April 2013
MyTime groups commenced in 2008 to provide peer support, education and encouragement to parents and carers of children with a disability, developmental delay and chronic medical condition.
The FaHCSIA Funded program locations were allocated according to community demand which has changed over time. Subsequently MyTime Hillside and Deer Park groups will cease from April 2013.
We are pleased to announce that MyTime groups will continue in Altona Meadows, Footscray, Point Cook and Werribee Gold. MyTime @ Tweddle would like to thank parents and children for attending and providing support to the MyTime Hillside and Deer Park groups.
Please contact your local council to discuss alternative parent support groups in your local community.
MyTime - A time for You.
My Time is a service providing an opportunity to unwind and connect for mums, dads, grand parents and anyone caring for a child from birth to any school age with a disability or chronic medical condition. Parents can socialise and share ideas with others who understand the rewards and intensity of the caring role.
The peer group brings together parents and carers with similar circumstances, to make time for themselves, have fun and to share their personal experiences. Find out about available community support, gain knowledge and information on parenting skills, while children play, supported by a play helper. Have a hot cup of tea or coffee and take some time out for yourself.
Eleni Matskarofski - Tweddle's MyTime Coordinator - says that the common themes and willingness to share experiences validates the need for the peer support group. Sessions are reassuring for parents/ carers, who have expressed sincere relief. Uplifted discussion and interest often extends beyond time with an eagerness to meet again in the future.
Parents talk about MyTime
Watch Clip
Association for Children with a Disability visit MyTime
The Association for Children with A Disability spoke to thirteen mums attending the Point Cook MyTime group. After the mums chatted over tea and coffee, the discussion revolved around the importance of skilling families up on diagnosis, funding, respite and education. A passionate conversation followed around the frustrations, complications and inconsistencies with services.
The importance of assisting and supporting siblings and other children who share the lives with an autistic child was raised. As advocates of children with disabilities, parents and carers can sit down with school representatives to develop social, emotional, academic and individual learning plans to help underpin the child’s future outcomes.
Everyone agreed that while all children take a period of time adjusting to change, for autistic children, even the smallest change can be traumatic. Some parents spoke about how when a school teacher is absent, it throws out their child’s routine which is linked to their emotional security.
Families discussed funding for therapists and psychologists that help include children with additional needs into mainstream schools. Valuable stories were shared about how pathways into an autistic school are established.
MyTime@ Tweddle groups are held in six western locations. Helpful resources are available from the MyTime website www.mytime.net.au MyTime @Tweddle website www.tweddle.org.au and Association for Children with a disability website www.acd.org.au including ‘Helping You and Your Family’, ‘Through the maze’ and ‘Growing together’.
Deer Park Oaks Day
Who needs a flash Marquee when you’re getting together with supportive friends at the MyTime Deer Park Oaks Day. The ladies made the most of the morning dressed in their hats while enjoying a lovely morning tea with much horsing around.
This social event is one of many that forms part of the MyTime experience. The groups are about making friends and more, in a relaxed accepting environment. MyTime parents are often busy taking their children to medical and therapy appointments, except on a Thursday morning when they stop and take time out for themselves and share a cuppa and a chat.
Play helper Vilma joined the team 4 years ago and MyTime mum Nicole has also made the transition to play helper. Whether meeting at Deer Park or out for lunch, children enjoy facilitated, interactive play while parent or carer can unwind with friends.
Here’s a snap of some of the Deer Park Mums sharing time on Oaks Day. I’m not sure if the ladies picked any winners but the vibe was great fun. Come along and join in!
A Cuppa unites the community for parents of children with a disability.
On Monday 2nd August, Hobsons Bay and Wyndham parents of children with a disability joined supportive representatives in the community to raise awareness of the stalled outcome of the Productivity Commission’s findings into long-term disability care and support.
The event, called DisabiliTea and organised by Every Australian Counts, took place at Altona Meadows and Laverton Uniting Church at 10am. Tweddle MyTime facilitator and parent Kylee Brealey was excited about the event which saw council representatives from the Home and Community care sector and disability workers joined local families with a disabled child.
Every Australian Counts is the campaign for the introduction of a National Disability Insurance Scheme. The NDIS will revolutionise the way people with a disability, their families and carers are supported in this country. The NDIS will be a new support system for people with a disability, their families and carers. It will transform the way services are funded and delivered, ensuring people are better supported and enabling them to have greater choice and control.
“We need every Australian to say that people with a disability, their families and carers are Australians too, and that their hopes and dreams count. That they are part of our community, and that they count” said Kylee.
Tweddle run MyTime, a weekly peer support group for parents of preschoolers and school aged children with a disability or chronic medical condition. Groups are located across the west in Altona Meadows, Footscray, Hillside, Point Cook, Deer Park and Hoppers Crossing. The groups run every school term for eight weeks and average between four to ten families.
“When families find out their child has a disability it is often devastating and isolating, often resulting in losing friendships” Kylee added, “We need to show the government that there is widespread community support for change – and that the time for action has come”
for more information about MyTime@Tweddle call Eleni Matskarofski on (03) 8387 0638