Shoulder to Shoulder is a resource package specifically developed for Indigenous carers and their families.

It is particularly suited for families living in NSW, although some of the information in the package would be useful for families in other parts of Australia.

The resource package includes a 32-page booklet which gives information about how to support a child with disability. It also provides directory listings of disability services, respite services and Indigenous support agencies in NSW. The booklet features the stories and voices of Indigenous families who have coped with having a child with a disability.

It was developed for the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care by Gavin Jones Communications, GJC VIBE, with the assistance of the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) as an initiative of the NSW Government's Stronger Together: A new direction for disability services project.

The booklet begins with explaining disability what a disability is:

If your child has a medical, physical or intellectual condition that means it might not be possible for them to do everyday activities without some type of help, then this is known as a disability.

If you have been told your child has a disability, don’t worry – you are not alone.

Many other Aboriginal families are also caring for a child with a disability.

What can I do?

Disability can affect your child in different ways, so the amount and type of support needed may vary. The most important thing to do is to get information about how you and your child can have a strong and happy life.

Remember:

• there are people who can help you care for your child

• you can get financial support for your family and your child

• you don’t have to do it alone, so don’t be ashamed to ask for help

• you have the right to ask for help, but you need to ask the right people and you might have to ask more than once.

Places to find help

When you have a child with a disability there are going to be times when you need some help. The important thing is to not give up and to not be too ashamed to ask for help.

The Shoulder to Shoulder booklet contains many things you need to know about disability services, respite services (to give you a rest), and Aboriginal organisations that can make your life easier. You can get a free download of the booklet from this link:

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/publications/aboriginal

Or, call the Aboriginal Access and Assessment Team for more advice on services that can help you on 1300 797 606.