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Finding the right services for your child with disability in Brisbane can feel like an overwhelming task. Once you have your child’s NDIS plan in place, you have choice and control over the providers you select to support your child to help them meet the goals set out in their plan.

Depending on how your child’s plan is managed, you may select from NDIS registered providers and/or non NDIS registered providers to meet your needs.

But where do you start? There are so many providers available, how do you know which are right for your child and your family? Here are some quick tips to help get you started.

Tip 1: Ask for recommendations

Personal recommendations from within your support network are a great place to start. Those who are already involved in supporting your child and your family or perhaps just know you well personally, understand your situation and therefore may be able to recommend a provider that would be a good fit. Ask your child’s GP, hospital team, Support Coordinator (if applicable), other health professionals, staff from their school or friends who are parents of children with disability.

Tip 2: Research online

There is so much information available online from providers that gives you an insight into:

• the type of support that they provide
• where they can provide support
• their culture and vision
• the children that they already support

Starting your research online and creating a shortlist of providers that looks like they might meet the needs of your child and your family can help to filter through the many providers available. Check out providers social media channels as well as their website as you’ll get a really good sense of how they work.

Also take a look at online directories that are created to support families searching for services such as Clickability or the Source Kids Directory.

Tip 3: Pick up the phone

Picking up the phone and actually having a chat to potential providers will also give you an insight into whether they are the right fit. It will help you to understand whether they have availability or whether you need to go on a waitlist for services. The person that you talk to should be able to provide this information as well as detailed information about:

• support staff including their experience and training
• the locations in which support can be provided
• the ways in which support can be provided (eg in-home, at school and so on)
• the approach that they take to supporting children with disability
• the intake process if you choose to book services or supports

Find out more

If you’d like further information on how Xavier can support your child with disability and your family:

• call us on 1800 XAVIER
• email intake@xavier.org.au
• check out any of our services pages

At Xavier, we work with families to provide support and services that enable families of children with disability to live the best lives possible. We’ve been providing disability support in Brisbane for over 70 years.