Living with an impaired child

Life changes at a stroke when parents find out that their child is born with a disability. It is no different for parents who receive the diagnosis that their child is not developing in line with their age or is chronically ill. After the initial shock, many questions arise. In this situation, sensitive advice is particularly important. Parents in North Rhine-Westphalia should know who they can turn to and where they can get the best possible support. Here on the Familienportal.NRW we have compiled the most important contact points for you.

Mastering the many challenges of life with a disabled child requires special help and support from fellow human beings and professionals. There are numerous family and parenting advice centers in Germany. Many of them focus on life with disabled children. You will also find facilities in your area that point the way to help and support. Don't be afraid to accept help. The first step is a consultation. A search on the Internet provides initial information, but above all addresses and contacts to specialist agencies.

• The inclusion portal of the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs of North Rhine-Westphalia provides an overview of the support services and activities in NRW as well as links to advice centers. You can find advice services for people with disabilities and their relatives in North Rhine-Westphalia via this search engine.
• The Pflegewegweiser NRW from the NRW consumer advice center and the state associations of long-term care insurance companies accompanies caring parents on their journey and sheds light on the jungle of support options.
• The Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) provides a guide for families with a disabled or chronically ill child on its portal Kindergesundheit-Info.
• The Kindernetzwerk e.V. is the umbrella organization for self-help for families with children and young adults with chronic illnesses and disabilities. The portal offers special information on many topics for parents of disabled children who are looking for advice and support.
• The Portal Familienratgeber from Aktion Mensch covers many topics relating to living with a disability, including those relating to children. There is also a large list of outpatient and inpatient facilities.
• The Lebenshilfe website provides an overview of many issues relating to life with a disabled child. Lebenshilfe is active nationwide in areas ranging from early intervention to integrative children's day care facilities and far beyond. On the website, you can quickly find out which services are available in your area.
• The German Red Cross also offers advice and support services for people with disabilities. On the pages of the DRK association you can find out about local assistance programs.
• The Caritas NRW supports people in various forms of disability assistance so that they can lead their lives as independently as possible. In addition, advice strengthens personal and social skills. You can find detailed information about the services offered by the church welfare association on the homepage.
• The Paritätische NRW forms the umbrella for around 3,200 organizations in the field of social work. This includes support for early intervention, participation and inclusion as well as open support for the disabled.
• The portal enableme.de of the MyHandcap foundation also offers tips for parents of children with disabilities.
• Mein Herz lacht is a network for parents with physically, mentally or emotionally impaired children. Here you will find exchange, knowledge and many other offers such as local parent groups, web meetings, an online community and much more.
• Funded by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, the Supplementary Independent Participation Advice Service (EUTB) supports and advises people with disabilities, people at risk of disability and their relatives free of charge throughout Germany on issues relating to rehabilitation and participation, even before they apply for benefits. Peer counseling is an important aspect of the counseling services provided.