 |
NEXT EVENTSAVE THE DATE:SUNDAY 29 MARCH 2009 |
In a world where so many of us take our ability to learn and achieve for granted, children with additional needs and their families face a unique set of challenges. They need more help than their peers but with support, they do succeed.
Sometimes their disability is not obvious, but the day-to-day obstacles they face are real and on-going. The constant hard work this requires from their families can be exhausting, expensive and isolating.
Leading the Way
In 1996, eight families came together to create a support service for their children with additional needs (specifically intellectual disabilities and developmental delays). Their goal was to build a community based program managed by families, for families. The result was Lifestart which aims to empower families and secure positive outcomes for their children – in all aspects of their lives.
Today Lifestart has grown to seven branches around Sydney supporting over 320 families with many more on waiting lists.
Families work with professionals such as:
And are able to attend:
The heart of Lifestart's Early Intervention program is families and professionals learning and playing together in a group setting. Play-based learning enables families to develop and practice strategies in a comfortable, friendly and familiar setting.
Lifestart's School Age Services program is unique in Australia. It provides support to children from 6 to 18 years of age and their families. Lifestart promotes the inclusion of these children in schools, sporting and recreational clubs. By providing support, training, resources and strategies these organisations are better able to meet the needs of children with additional needs in the wider community.
Lifestart changes people's lives every single day.
Lifestart's Daily Reality
Lifestart is a not-for-profit charitable organisation and receives funding from the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care and the NSW Department of Education and Training. However, this falls far short of the funding required to provide the full Lifestart program to families.
Every year, Lifestart families pay annual membership fees and have the massive task of raising over $500,000 extra to keep the Lifestart program running
Lifestart also relies heavily upon charity events – often run by the families - the generosity of foundations and donations from corporations, clubs and individuals to keep the service operating.
Becoming Part of the Lifestart Family
Every child, regardless of their age or ability has unique strengths, interests and personality.
Every child has value and dignity.
Every childhood should be a treasured time of exploring and developing skills, interests and abilities.
Lifestart is there to ensure that reality is there for children with an intellectual disability as much as it is a given for any other child.
To visit the Lifestart website go to www.lifestart.org.au
Lifestart Co-operative Ltd
PO Box 3277
Putney NSW 2112
Ph: 02 9807 9700
Fax: 02 9807 9600
ABN 43 073 450 316
CFN 15767 (Certified Fundraising Number)
DGR 444769 (Deductible Gift Recipient)
© Copyright 2003 AROCsport Pty
Ltd | Disclaimer | Privacy
Policy
© photos by holimage and Mark
Watson © website
by Itchybrain Productions
Primal Quest Photos: © Photo Express-It Inc
