Families with children with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to financial disadvantage, stress and marital breakdown. Risks to children also increase where disabilities are present – including risks associated with abuse and neglect.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is introducing some important opportunities for families impacted by a child’s disability, including increased funding to access therapeutic interventions (physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy), respite care and other supports to address the needs of children and their carers. However, many of the expenses associated with the consequential challenges of supporting a child with disabilities are unmet.

AccessEAP is working with CatholicCare, around Australia, to provide funding for resources to fill these unmet needs.