Our history and aspirations
In April 1996, eight families came together with a vision. They believed a better way could be found to support children with intellectual disabilities and developmental delays and their families. They wanted a program that would help parents regain a sense of power. This vision became Lifestart Co-operative Ltd., developed by families working in collaboration with professionals to develop a program focussed on the needs and priorities of families.
Our philosophy and approach
We strive to give each child the Lifestart to help them reach their fullest potential, while respecting their individuality, unique qualities and future contributions. Lifestart provides services to families who have a child with an intellectual disability or delay in development. Lifestart is a parent-driven co-operative, primary service provider which:
- values and creates opportunities for family-to-family support;
- takes a family-centred team approach to intervention, with parents and professionals working across disciplines as a team with the family at the centre.
- supports the needs of the whole family.
- provides members access to experienced professionals.
- Lifestart professionals help the family to create and use strategies that support their goals for their child.
- provides play-based and child-initiated early childhood intervention within a context of structure and positive support for learning.
- supports parent/professional partnership based on mutual respect
- creates opportunities for family empowerment and education
- offers flexibility and choice
- remains responsive to the changing needs of families over time
- remains open to change and development in response to research-based best practice in the field of early childhood intervention, and school age services.
- supports the wider community through information, education and by remaining a centre of excellence.
Lifestart members
Families who receive services from Lifestart are members of Lifestart. The entire organisation is parent-led and parent-driven. This ownership and commitment creates the strong family focus of Lifestart. Families are encouraged to ask questions, knowing that a caring and supportive staff member or parent will answer their queries and concerns.
Lifestart leadership
A Board of Directors, and local Parent & Friends Committees lead Lifestart. In every instance more parents than professionals participate. This guarantees that the parent-powered origins of Lifestart continue.
Lifestart, committed to family-centred practice
Lifestart is an active participant in the NSW Government’s Early Childhood Intervention Co-ordination Program, which aims to promote the coordination of services and the understanding of family-centred practice throughout the state.
Each Lifestart branch works with other government and non-government services to ensure collaborative and co-operative linking of services in the area.