A recent Lifestart survey revealed that over 80% of parents and carers want more opportunities to connect with others in similar situations. Many families experience emotional and physical isolation, with therapy appointments and caring responsibilities limiting their social and professional lives. Navigating complex medical systems and NDIS processes can be confusing and impersonal, and funding ...
Lifestart Disability Services
Inclusive playgroup
GOAL
$10,000
Australia > NSW > Metro and Regional
Field of Interest
- Health/wellbeing and medical research
- Social inclusion and justice
Target Population
- People with a disability, illness or disease
- Young people (6-25)
Lifestart Disability Services
Founded in 1996 by parents at Turramurra Public School advocating for better opportunities for their children with disabilities, Lifestart has been a trusted voice in the disability sector for nearly 30 years. Some founding parents still serve on our Board, grounding our mission in lived experience. As a not-for-profit and registered charity, Lifestart supports children and young people aged 0–24 with disability, along with their families and carers.
We have played a key role in shaping disability services, including working with the National Disability Insurance Agency during the development of the NDIS. For the past seven years, we've proudly delivered early childhood programs as a community partner of the NDIS across Sydney.
Lifestart is committed to the social model of disability and believes every child has the right to participate meaningfully in everyday life. Our mission is to build inclusive communities; our vision is that all children and young people are included in their communities. We work directly with early education settings, schools, sports clubs, and community organisations—both individually with clients and broadly at an organisational level—to promote inclusion and create more welcoming environments for all children and young people.
We support children and young people through allied health therapy (speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy), behaviour supports and programs designed to promote inclusion and increase individuals own capacity. We want children and young people with disability to reach their full potential.
Project Summary
A recent Lifestart survey revealed that over 80% of parents and carers want more opportunities to connect with others in similar situations. Many families experience emotional and physical isolation, with therapy appointments and caring responsibilities limiting their social and professional lives. Navigating complex medical systems and NDIS processes can be confusing and impersonal, and funding has shifted away from supporting social connection. Traditional groups like Mothers Groups can feel alienating when children’s developmental milestones differ.
To address this, Lifestart will deliver an inclusive playgroup for families, creating a welcoming space to build friendships, share experiences, and access emotional and social support. The playgroup will also provide useful information in a relaxed, supportive environment. It will be led by a qualified allied health professional—either an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or speech pathologist—and run weekly and an accessible community venue.
With long wait times for NDIS early childhood services, this program offers timely, meaningful support that meets the needs of families now.
Project Outcomes
- Parents and carers who are in the early stages of navigating the disability journey can attend the playgroup to access not only information and advice from an allied health professional, but also social and emotional support and meet families who are experiencing a similar situation to them.
- Lifestart will build the capacity of parents and carers to advocate for their child and support their inclusion in attending mainstream playgroup and childcare settings.
- Parents and carers of children with developmental delays or disability can learn activities and strategies to stimulate their child's learning and development, for example supported sitting/walking, language stimulation, fine motor exercises etc. from qualified speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists. This is particularly valuable when families are on waiting lists and unable to access individualised therapy services.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $13,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Philanthropy | $3,000 |
| Funding Gap | $10,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Staffing costs for allied health staff | $8,000 |
| Venue costs | $1,500 |
| Catering for morning tea | $500 |
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