About Lifestart

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.

We truly thank you for your support.