Inclusion Support Line, Family Navigation and Peer Support for Parents and Families of Children with Developmental Differences and Disabilities.
Our Services
The Process
Parent/Caregiver/Community Member → Calls Inclusion Support Line
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Step 1: Initial Support
We will listen to your concerns, assess the situation and refer to the most appropriate support.
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Step 2: Tailored Support Options
Inclusion Coaches
The Inclusion Support Line offers expert guidance and practical support for parents, caregivers, educators, and community members facing inclusion challenges. Staffed by trained Inclusion Coaches, the service provides a confidential space to discuss concerns and receive tailored advice. Whether you need help advocating for a loved one or creating inclusive environments, we empower you with the knowledge and resources to take meaningful action.
Family Navigation
Family Navigation is a hands-on support service that helps families with children and young adults (0-25) navigate complex systems like the NDIS, healthcare, education, and extracurricular activities. Our Family Navigators provide guidance, advocacy, and practical support, ensuring families can access the right services and make informed decisions for their loved ones.
Peer Support Groups
Peer support groups provide a safe and welcoming space for individuals to share experiences, challenges, and support each other. Led by trained peer facilitators, these groups connect parents, caregivers, educators, and community members who want to promote inclusivity and advocate for people with disabilities. Through emotional support, shared learning, and empowerment, participants gain valuable insights, practical advice, and a sense of community, ensuring they never have to navigate their journey alone.
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Step 3: Outcomes
Gain empowerment through guidance and support, knowing that we’re always here to address any concerns. If we can’t provide the help you need, we’ll point you in the right direction and connect you with the right resources, ensuring you’re never left without support.
Case Studies
Jenna and Ethan
Jenna was frustrated when Ethan, her 8-year-old son with ASD, was frequently sent home early from school and excluded from the school camp due to behavioral issues. As a single parent working full-time, Jenna found it difficult to communicate with the school and advocate for Ethan’s needs. She reached out to the Ripples of Change Inclusion Support Line for help.
Solution:
Rights Education & Empowerment: Jenna was educated on her rights and Ethan’s rights regarding school accommodations.
Coaching & Advocacy: The Inclusion Coach helped Jenna build confidence in advocating for Ethan, even without being physically present at the school.
Effective Communication: The coach assisted Jenna in drafting a formal email to the school and provided strategies for communicating with the school efficiently around her work schedule.
Meeting Support: The coach offered to attend meetings with the school if needed, providing advocacy support.
Outcome:
Jenna successfully communicated with the school and requested the necessary accommodations for Ethan. As a result, Ethan was included in the school camp and received the supports needed to participate in school activities. Jenna felt empowered and better equipped to advocate for Ethan’s inclusion and access to appropriate supports.
Sarah, Mark, Lily and Jacob
Sarah and Mark were feeling overwhelmed when their 18-month-old daughter, Lily, was diagnosed with developmental delay. While they had experience parenting their older son, Jacob, they were unsure how to navigate the complex systems of support, including the NDIS, healthcare, and education, for Lily. With a busy family life and the need to balance the needs of both children, they needed guidance on how to access the right supports for Lily and maintain a balanced family dynamic.
Solution:
Initial Support & Empowerment: The Ripples of Change Inclusion Support Line provided Sarah and Mark with an overview of their options, including how to access appropriate services and supports for Lily.
Referral to Family Navigation Service: Recognizing the complexity of navigating the NDIS and healthcare systems, the Inclusion Coach referred Sarah and Mark to the Family Navigation Service. This service offered personalised support to help them understand the NDIS process, connect with early intervention programs, and access additional healthcare and educational resources for Lily.
Ongoing Guidance: The Family Navigation Service helped Sarah and Mark complete NDIS applications, access therapy services, and provided them with clear guidance on their rights and options in the education system.
Outcome:
Thanks to the Family Navigation Service, Sarah and Mark received comprehensive support to navigate the NDIS, healthcare, and education systems. They felt more confident in advocating for Lily’s needs and were able to access the right resources to support her development. With this ongoing assistance, the family was able to manage their responsibilities and ensure that both Lily and Jacob received the care and support they needed.
Laura and Max
Laura reached out to the Ripples of Change Inclusion Support Line after Max, her 9-year-old son with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), was excluded from physical activities at school. Max’s condition had led to mobility challenges, and Laura was concerned that he was not being provided with the accommodations and support needed to participate in school activities. She also wanted to connect with other parents who had children with similar conditions for emotional support and to share strategies for managing Max's inclusion at school.
Solution:
Inclusion Support: The Inclusion Coach worked with Laura to understand Max’s rights and the school’s responsibilities in providing reasonable accommodations. The coach helped her develop a plan to communicate Max’s needs to the school and advocate for appropriate modifications, such as access to assistive devices during physical activities and adjustments to ensure Max could participate fully.
Peer Support Connection: Recognising the importance of emotional support, the Inclusion Coach referred Laura to a peer support group for parents of children with muscular dystrophy and other similar disabilities. This group allowed Laura to connect with other parents going through similar experiences, exchange advice, and provide mutual emotional support.
Ongoing Guidance: Through the peer support group, Laura was able to learn from others who had faced similar challenges in advocating for their children’s inclusion in school and extracurricular activities. She gained practical tips and built relationships with other parents who offered both support and friendship.
Outcome:
With the guidance from the Ripples of Change Inclusion Support Line and the peer support group, Laura successfully advocated for Max to be included in school activities with the necessary accommodations. She gained confidence in navigating the school’s processes and felt more empowered to ensure Max's needs were met. The peer support group helped Laura feel less isolated, and she built a valuable network of other parents who shared similar experiences, providing both practical advice and emotional solidarity.