Caring for a child with Williams syndrome can mean lots of appointments, forms and phone calls. We’ve gathered the supports, concessions and outings that WA families tell us make life a little easier, all in one place. Pick what’s relevant to you, and remember that every family’s situation is different.
Information only. This page is general information and isn’t legal, financial or medical advice. Rules, amounts and eligibility change, so please check with the provider before you apply or travel. Links go to the official source wherever possible. Last checked: October 2026.
Money and Centrelink supports
Contact Services Australia (Centrelink) on 132 717 (Disability, Sickness and Carers line) or visit https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au
- Carer Allowance: a fortnightly payment ($162.60 per fortnight from 1 January 2026) if you give daily care to a child with a disability or medical condition. It isn’t taxable, and it’s not affected by income if you and your partner together earn under $250,000 a year. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/carer-allowance
- Health Care Card for your child: if you get Carer Allowance for a child under 16, your child gets a Health Care Card in their own name. It can help with cheaper medicines and some concessions. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/health-care-card
- Child Disability Assistance Payment (CDAP): up to $1,000 a year for each child you get Carer Allowance for. It’s paid automatically if you’re getting Carer Allowance on 1 July. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-disability-assistance-payment
- Carer Supplement: an annual payment of up to $600, paid automatically in July if you get Carer Allowance or Carer Payment. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/carer-supplement
- Carer Payment: an income support payment if you provide constant care that limits your ability to work. It’s income- and assets-tested, and your child’s care needs are assessed. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/carer-payment
- Synergy Energy Assistance Payment (EAP): $377.14 a year off your Synergy electricity bill if you hold an eligible card, such as a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card. Synergy also has a Dependent Child Rebate. Usually the card has to belong to the account holder, so ask Synergy whether a card in your child’s name counts. https://www.synergy.net.au/Your-home/Manage-account/Rebates-and-concessions
NDIS
- Williams syndrome is on the NDIS “List B”, a list of conditions likely to cause permanent impairment. That helps show the condition is permanent, but it doesn’t mean automatic access. You’ll still need evidence of how it affects your child’s daily life.
- Children under 9 (Perth metro): start with the NDIS early childhood partner, Uplyft (formerly Wanslea), 1300 969 645. They can help even before you apply. https://www.uplyft.org.au/programs/early-childhood-approach-eca
- Aged 9 and over: contact your local area coordinator, or the NDIS on 1800 800 110. https://www.ndis.gov.au/contact/find-us/ndis-each-state/western-australia
Medicare: allied health for eligible disabilities
Williams syndrome is one of the listed “eligible disabilities” for Medicare’s complex neurodevelopmental disorder and eligible disability items (for people under 25). With a referral, your child can get Medicare rebates for a set number of assessment and treatment sessions with eligible allied health professionals, such as speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, physiotherapists and audiologists. A paediatrician, psychiatrist or GP draws up the treatment and management plan. Ask your GP or paediatrician how many sessions apply to your child. https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?q=MN.10.3&qt=noteID&type=note
School supports (WA public schools)
- Individual Disability Allocation (IDA): extra funding a public school can apply for, on your behalf, to support an eligible student with disability, for example with adjustments, specialist support or equipment. Ask your school principal.
- Education support centres and schools: specialist settings, many next to mainstream schools, for eligible students who need substantial adjustments. https://www.education.wa.edu.au/education-support-centres-and-schools
- SSEN:D (School of Special Educational Needs: Disability): specialist advice and support to your child’s school. The principal can request it. https://www.oneclassroom.wa.edu.au/
Support for you as a carer
- Carer Gateway, delivered in WA by Carers WA: 1800 422 737 (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm). Free counselling, coaching, peer support, carer support packages and emergency respite. https://www.carerswa.asn.au/our-services/carer-gateway-services/ · https://www.carergateway.gov.au/
Getting around
- Companion Card WA: lets the cardholder’s companion get a free ticket at participating venues and events. It’s for people with a significant, lifelong disability who need attendant care to take part in most community activities. For children, the support needed must be well above what’s usual for their age. We couldn’t find a published application fee, but please confirm with Companion Card WA: 1800 617 337, wacompanioncard@nds.org.au. https://www.wacompanioncard.org.au/
- Transperth: up to two companions travel free with a Companion Card holder (the cardholder needs a valid ticket). Children 4 and under travel free. Primary and secondary students travel free Monday to Friday during the school year with a Student SmartRider. Health Care Card holders, and dependants listed on the card, get concession fares. https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/tickets-fares/concession-guide
- Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) (replaced the Taxi User Subsidy Scheme): helps with taxi fares, generally a 50% subsidy (up to a cap), for people whose severe or permanent disability stops them using public transport. Cognitive or intellectual disability is one of the eligibility categories. https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/on-demand-transport/passenger-transport-subsidy-scheme
- ACROD parking permit: please note, intellectual or cognitive disability alone doesn’t qualify. You’d need a significant walking restriction (for example, being unable to walk 60 metres, or walking that affects balance and safety around cars), needing a mobility aid, or being legally blind. https://acrod.org.au/eligibility/
Travelling
- Perth Airport Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard: free. Request one online and allow about 10 business days for it to be posted. Staff are trained to give extra help, time and guidance. It doesn’t replace security screening or an escort (ask your airline for that). https://www.perthairport.com.au/at-the-airport/accessibility-at-perth-airport/hidden-disabilities
- Perth Airport Sensory Room: in Terminal 1 International, past security, for departing passengers. It’s free, but you must book (1-hour sessions, up to 6 people). https://www.perthairport.com.au/at-the-airport/accessibility-at-perth-airport/sensory-room
- Qantas Carer Concession Card: for people who need one-on-one help from a carer during the flight. It’s issued by People with Disability Australia (an administration fee applies) and gives a discount on eligible fares for the passenger and carer. Phone bookings only. Check current discounts and fare types: https://pwd.org.au/services/qantas-carer-concession-card/
- Virgin Australia: offers a carer (disability assistant) concession for guests who must travel with a carer under its Independent Travel Criteria. Check current terms with Virgin Australia: https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/travel-info/specific-travel/specific-needs-assistance/independent-travel-criteria/
Sound-sensitive outings in Perth
Many children with Williams syndrome are very sensitive to sound. These places have quiet spaces or sensory-friendly options:
- Optus Stadium: free sensory room near aisle 149 on event days, with noise-reduction headphones, booths and soft lighting. No booking needed (first come, first served, capacity 16). https://optusstadium.com.au/the-stadium/facilities/sensory-room
- RAC Arena: purpose-built Quiet Room on Level 1 opposite Door 17. You can borrow noise-excluding headphones, fidget toys and Sunflower lanyards from the information desk, and social stories are online. https://www.racarena.com.au/venue-info/accessibility/
- Scitech: free sensory backpacks (ear defenders, fidget toy, social story) to borrow. The last two hours of the day are usually quieter outside school holidays. Carers get free entry with a Companion Card. Scitech also runs occasional low-sensory sessions. https://www.scitech.org.au/visit/accessibility-inclusion/
- AQWA: afternoons are generally quieter, so avoid school and public holidays. Check AQWA’s FAQs for current accessibility information. https://www.aqwa.com.au/about/faqs/
- Perth Zoo: a free accessibility map showing tranquil and rest areas, a social story, quiet zones in the playground, and free entry for a Companion Card holder’s carer. https://perthzoo.wa.gov.au/accessibility
- HOYTS sensory screenings: once a month on a Saturday, with lights up, sound down and early entry. Choose “Sensory Screening” in the filters on your cinema’s session times page. https://www.hoyts.com.au/events/sensory-screenings
Beach wheelchairs (northern suburbs)
- City of Joondalup: free beach wheelchairs at Mullaloo, Sorrento and Hillarys Boat Harbour, and all-terrain walkers at Mullaloo and Sorrento. First come, first served, with no booking. Lockers open with an MLAK key or a PIN from the City (9400 4000). Sorrento also has a Changing Places bathroom. https://www.joondalup.wa.gov.au/community-and-spaces/community-support/access-and-inclusion
- City of Wanneroo and other councils: programs change, so check your local council’s beaches page before you go. https://www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au/info/20001/sport_and_leisure/82/beaches/2
Need help or want to connect with other families? Contact WSAWA: wsawa@wsawa.org · 0498 202 445
Information only. Please check with the provider. Last checked: October 2026.