- Membership It is important to realise the benefits the Defence Special Needs Support Group can have for you as Defence families with special needs and to remember that every family joins the group for different reasons. Your special need may seem less than other families or you may have everything organised on a day to day level and are wondering what the group can do for you.
You probably don’t realise how much more to our group there is. We not only provide support, information and assistance we also do the following: Wide range of Programs, please head on over to our website to see what Programs DSNSG can offer to our families. Please email Membership forms to memberships@dsnsg.org.au New Membership form 2020 - Bi-Quarterly National Newsletters – keeping you up to date with relevant Defence initiatives, Special Needs specific information, contact points and updates from all of the DSNSG groups around Australia and much more. DSNSG Web site providing comprehensive Special Needs information for each State/Territory, including local information for each DSNSG area
- Local newsletters containing information on relevant events, courses and information from local organisations, news of family outings, guest speakers and local meetings, Defence initiatives, and related news.
- Variety of different events held throughout the year.
- An advocate on your behalf in dealings with health, education and government organisations including the Defence Force.
- Policy development relating to Special Needs issues whether it is within the Defence Department or other government departments.
- Access to our 1800 037 674 support and information line, email and you need someone to talk to who may be able to help, especially when that someone understands what you are going through.
- Posting Plans
- The purpose of a Posting Plan is to identify and look at what is required in the new location for the person with Special Needs and how to access or implement what is required so that the transition from the old location to the new location is made more smoothly. The National Coordinator/Local Coordinators manages the Posting Plan, helps the family identify and locate appropriate services and where necessary seeks additional advice and support on behalf of the family. The purpose of a Posting Plan is to identify and look at what is required in the new location for the person with Special Needs and how to access or implement what is required so that the transition from the old location to the new location is made more smoothly. The National Coordinator/Coordinator manages the Posting Plan, helps the family identify and locate appropriate services and where necessary seeks additional advice and support on behalf of the family. The plan is put together by the National Coordinator in consultation with the family and may cover:
1. Travel
2. Housing
3. Housing modifications
4. Early Intervention Programs
5. Schooling
6. Equipment
7. Support Groups
8. Respite
9. Post School Options
10. Employment
11. Medications
12. Medical and Hospital
13. Therapy
14. DCO SN Policy – Assessment of Assistance on Posting (or Recognition of Special Needs) - APSBS Grants:
- Grants can assist families with Special Needs to obtain equipment or other particular requirements relating to the person with special needs. APS Benefits Group (APSBG) commenced operations in 1905 and is a member-owned cooperative whose members include employees from all public service sectors and their families. APSBG will consider applications from families with Special Needs to assist with the purchase of equipment and other requirements relating to the applicant’s needs. However, please note that at least one member of the family must be a current member of the APS Benefits Group (for at least 12 months) to be eligible for consideration. These approved funds are grants and do not need to be repaid. Applications must be submitted on the APS Benefits Group’s forms which are available from the General Manager. Proudly Sponsored by APSBS
To find out more about this grant facility, and application forms please email: national.coordinator@dsnsg.org.au - Computer4Kids Program
- Computer 4 Kids is a program where we can assist with the purchase of an iPad for families to use to support their child or children with special needs, with their education and everyday living skills. An iPad is the best form of assistance as it is portable, lightweight; it can be taken everywhere and takes up minimal space. Families are able to download great applications suitable for the individual needs of their child. There are many applications to assist with behaviour, motor skills, learning, literacy, and can be essential for communication. Proudly Sponsored by Defence Health Computer-4-Kids-Guidelines-and-Criteria-2022 Computer 4 Kids-Application 2022
- Drive Safe Program
- Drive Safe Program helps gain confidence and self-esteem when learning to drive (16 years and above). This program was developed because we recognised that people with a disability needed specialised training and assistance to gain their driving licence. Having a licence will likely make job hunting more accessible to these young men and women and in turn, help reduce the financial strain of having a Special Need.
- Criteria
- Dependent needs to be over the age of 16 years and hold a current learner's permit. Other ages will be considered under “Exceptional Circumstances” as deemed by and at the discretion of the appointed National Executive Committee
- Supply supporting documentation of diagnoses.
- Membership details are up to date.
- Dependent needs to be over the age of 16 years and hold a current learner's permit. Other ages will be considered under “Exceptional Circumstances” as deemed by and at the discretion of the appointed National Executive Committee
- This program is sponsored by the Defence Community Organisation and DSNSG and Australian Military Bank 2020 Drive Safe Application V 2.1 (3) Drive Safe Guidelines and Criteria 2021
- Family Events Your local area Coordinator will have the responsibility of organising these events. Details will be forwarded to you through local newsletters, emails and in the DSNSG Facebook group. Coordinators and local families are able to suggest an event and if the National Committee approves, then details and Expressions of Interests are sent out to families. If sufficient expressions of interest are received, then families will be notified that the event will go ahead. Some examples of Family Events are:
• Locally Based Special Needs Information Sessions
• Family Fun Days
• Movie Nights etc.!
If you know of any events that would benefit your local DSNSG group can you please make contact with your local Area Coordinator? - FYI – The program provides financial support for families to attend workshops, Webinars and order resources books.
FYI is a program that provides the opportunity for families to attend workshops or guest speakers/webinars. Workshops include behavior support, additional information for parents and carers about the Special Need the dependant has, and other workshops/webinars that help meet the needs of the dependant. A different way of thinking, learning and managing emotions. Content will include - Cognitive Abilities: A different way of thinking and learning
- Managing Challenging Behavior
- Managing Feelings: Cognitive Behavior Therapy and its role in providing greater strategies to manage emotions and behavior
- The Emotional Tool Box, what it is and how to use
- Strategies to Improve Social Understanding and Friendship Skills
- Special Interests: Origins and constructive strategies
- Girls with Asperger’s Syndrome
- Sensory Sensitivity. The National Committee try to gather information in relation to various workshops/webinars that may be happening around Australia but sometimes it is hard to keep up to date. Information from families is appreciated in regards to education sessions, seminars, and workshops that may be happening in your area. Please provide as much notice as possible to ensure that information can be sent to families with enough time to purchase tickets. Details can be sent to families via E-mail, along with information on how to book and pay for the workshop.
For further information and advice as to how to undergo the Recognition of Special Needs through Defence Special Needs Support Group Inc please give the DSNSG National Office a call on 1800 037 674.
Defence Assistance
The ADF acknowledges that particular assistance may be required by the member with Family With Special Needs (FWSN), as a direct result of the member’s mobility and relocation. ADF support to FWSN is not to duplicate the support that families may be eligible for through other organisations eg Government Departments or Government-funded agencies.
Recognition of Special Needs
Below is the information on the Defence Policy in PACMAN (Pay and Conditions Manual) in relation to Special Needs. The Defence Community Organisation (DCO) administer the policy and for more information contact the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608
8.3 Dependants with special needs
Some Defence families have a dependant on special needs. A person with special needs might have a physical, intellectual or sensory disability. They might have a learning or behavioural disability. It can also include being gifted or talented.
If you have a dependant with special needs you might qualify for extra services and assistance.
These Could include therapy assistance, a pre-posting visit to arrange services or to have your special housing needs considered.
How do I apply?
In order to receive any of the assistance and support services available, you will firstly need to have your dependant with special needs formally recognised by Defence.
To have your dependant recognised you will need to complete Form AC 832.
You can phone the Defence Family Helpline for assistance or contact your nearest Defence Community Organisation Office and ask to speak to a social worker.
They will give you information and support to begin the recognition process.
Application to Reservists: No, except for Reservists on continuous full-time service.
Reference:
ADF Pay and Conditions Manual, Chapter 1 Part 3 Division 2
ADF Pay and Conditions Manual, Chapter 8 Part 6
Form:
AC832 - Application for recognition of member with Dependant with special needs
AC834 - Special Needs Pre-Posting Visit
AC835 - Application for Assistance for Respite, Personal Care, Therapy Services or
Equipment Hire
AE297 - Application for a Valet Unpack
Other forms of Assistance for Special Needs Families include:
AD301 - Application for Education Assistance
AD301- 1 Application of Education Assistance - Discretionary approval
For further information on Application forms and processes to the above applications, please call Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 or email DefenceFamilyHelpline@defence.gov.au
Important Contacts for families
Defence Special Needs Support Group Inc 1800 037 674
Defence Community Organisation 1800 624 608
Defence Families Australia 1800 100 509
Kookaburra Kids 1300 566 525 or 02 9525 7474
Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling (VVCS) 1800 011 046
Lifeline 13 11 14
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) 1800 277 328
Autism Advisory and Support Service 02 9601 2844
Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre 1800 052 222
Centrelink Financial Assistance 13 27 17
Housing Support risk of homelessness NSW: 1800 152 152 NT: 1800 682 288 SA 1800 003 308 TAS 1800 800 588 VIC 1800 825 955 WA 1800 199 008
Samaritans Disability Service 1300 656 336 NSW Area
Defence Care: 02 8088 0388
The Royal Australian Air Force Welfare Trust Fund: 02 6265 4632
Army Relief Trust funds: 02 6265 3715