Linda Marr from Navy Health presents a cheque to Margaret Fisk, National Coordinator for DSNSG.

Established in 1994, the Defence Special Needs Support Group now helps thousands of people with special needs and their families in the ADF.

Through various programs and supports provided by the DSNSG, Defence families are now finding it easier to move around Australia.

'Special needs are not just people in wheelchairs,' said Margaret Fisk, National Coordinator. 'Most of our families have children with learning disabilities, behavioural problems or speech delays, and we have got an ever increasing number of adults with special needs like chronic back problems or arthritis approaching us for assistance.'

The DSNSG operates as a national charity, independent of the Department of Defence. A number of specialised programs are provided to special needs families.

These range from posting plans to help families on the move; local support groups; a database of special needs information both at a local and national level; a freecall 1800 support and information line; and much more.

Both Mr Bruce Scott, Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence and Admiral Chris Barrie, Chief of the Defence Force are the national co-patrons of the DSNSG.

Initiatives of the DSNSG include the Learning 4 Life project for children in the Sydney area with severe learning disabilities, LINK UP - a national telephone support program for adults with chronic pain and mobility issues, Leaps 'n' Bounds - support for children or adults with mental health issues like depression and the Circle of Friends respite program.

Currently the DSNSG desperately needs families or Defence personnel to act as volunteer host carers for someone with a disability, as part of the Circle of Friends program.

This would involve one day, one night or one weekend - once a month. People who would like to enrich their lives and at the same time help out a fellow Defence member and his/her family should ring 1800 037 674 to find out how they can make a difference.

Volunteers required to help dig deep
October is Dig Deep for a Dollar Day, the national fundraiser for the DSNSG. All monies raised goes to provide support to Defence families.

If you can spare an hour sometime in October to undertake a Dig Deep Collection in your area, you will enable us to keep helping special needs families.

For more information, contact 1800 037 674 or email national.coordinator@dsnsg.com.au

Navy charity bike riders, through their Bike 2002 will be supporting Defence families with special needs: (L-R) Clem Hiscocks, Margaret Fisk and Rick Meehan.

Take Five Newsletter
'Take Five' is our short newsletter directed to DCO staff especially Family Liaison Officers, NWCC, DHA and NCGSF delegates.

The whole idea of 'Take Five' is that you take five minutes of your day and have a read of what we are doing and what we are up to.

Of course, 'Take Five' will not replace our very popular national newsletter, which is sent out to those who subscribe each year. If you wish to receive a copy, then please contact the National Coordinator.

DSNSG logo launch
The DSNSG is very excited to announce our new image to the Defence world, our families and supporters. We have come a long way since 1994, and as the supports and services that we provide to families with special needs expand, it is only fitting that we should present ourselves with a more up-to-date image.

The new corporate logo marks yet another milestone in our history. It has a fresh and vibrant look, which reflects the future directions of our group - looking ahead and reaching for the stars.

The simplicity of the logo and the vibrant colours imply hope and the ability to reach out to those who may require support. It aims to recognise and symbolise the uniqueness of each and every person and family that has special needs in our group.

The DSNSG is a national charity organisation made up entirely of volunteers. We have 33 local support group areas around Australia with many a coordinator whose main task is to get families together on a regular basis.

The National Executive Committee appoints coordinators and once the position becomes vacant, it is advertised both at a local level and through our national newsletter.

Whilst the DSNSG does not belong to the Defence Organisation, we have a wonderful working relationship with all aspects of Defence and in particular, the DPE area. In addition, we work closely with DCO and the NCGSF.

So just what have we done, and what are we now doing?

Since beginning in 1994 we have been very active in not only providing support, information and assistance to Defence Force families with special needs, but also for directly influencing policy within the ADF, and other Federal and State departments.

ADF Policy
After much effective lobbying by the group, the 'Special Needs Policy' was introduced to assist families with special needs.

The group was responsible for getting special needs provisions and removals in location for special needs families made exempt from FBT.

Extra provisions in child-care assistance on removal and now travel assistance between locations for special needs families has been implemented.

Funding
The DSNSG receives limited funding both at a national and local group level through the Family Support Funding Program.

In addition, the DSNSG has four organisations that assist the group in donating money towards various programs and supports for further assist families with special needs. These supporting partners are APS Benefits, Defence Health, Navy Health and DHA.

This has enabled equipment loaned to families under State equipment schemes, being allowed to move interstate when the family transfers. Prior to this coming into effect in 1995, families had to leave their wheelchair, walking frame or other equipment items behind.

Standardized Assessments
The group has worked hard with service providers around Australia and now all States/Territories have standardized assessments for early intervention and education. This should make it easier for families moving around, in that their previous assessment is recognised.

National Parent-to-Parent Link
This service links families with similar special needs, together so that they can share information and provide support to each other. This is particularly important on a posting, where one family's experiences can greatly assist another.

Computers for Kids
This program established two years ago sees the DSNSG tapping into organisations that can provide computers for children who are part of our group. Whilst one-off computers can be provided via a number of grant schemes that the DSNSG is the 'sponsor of the family', through Project Diary, 32 computers were successfully provided across Australia over the past two years.

The DSNSG provides a national network of support groups that links families to special need information, organisations and services.

We provide information to families via the DSNSG web site and the national newsletter, published bi-monthly. The DSNSG operates a freecall 1800 national support and information line to assist and support families.

The National Committee members include:
· Margaret Fisk, OAM, National Coordinator
· Leonie Argent, National Assistant Coordinator
· Rhonda Fisher, National Assistant Coordinator
· Karen Dobbin, National Treasurer
· Jane Bode, Public Officer

Contact details are:
13 Hickeys Road
Wurruk Victoria 3850
Phone: (03) 5144 6604
Email: national.coordinator@dsnsg.com.au
Web site: www.dsnsg.org.au or www.dsnsg.com.au