Growing Abilities Together

Supporting NDIS participants to achieve their goals, growing their abilities together

About Us

Developmental Educator

What is a Developmental Educator (DE)?

Developmental Educators are highly skilled multi-disciplinary allied health specialists with passion and knowledge in developing the skills, independence, and quality of life of individuals with developmental and/or acquired disabilities.

They have a practical approach and work holistically across the life span to address issues that may affect the function, independence and social inclusion of individuals with a disability, their families and carers.

What do Developmental Educators (DE) do?

Developmental Educators implement and develop methodologies that enable the progress of effective strategies tailored to support the individual development in line with a person’s NDIS plan. This includes but not limited for people who experience challenges such as with acquired brain injury, physical and neurological disabilities, autism spectrum, intellectual disability, vision loss and other disabilities.

They also work closely with families and caregivers, and other allied health professionals who may be involved in the support of an individual.

Play based learning

Sarah McInness

Developmental Educator

DEAI Member 565
Sarah McInness

Sarah is an experienced and dedicated Developmental Educator, completing her Uni degree as an adult, after the first of her children was born with a disability. Wanting to educate herself on how to best support him, led her down the path to now working with other individuals and families with disabilities.

As an allied health professional based in the Adelaide Hills with regular visits to Kingston SE, Sarah specialises in working with NDIS participants of all ages and enjoys the diversity of the role alongside families and participants to promote inclusion and achieve their goals.

Sarah employs a diverse array of therapeutic techniques and a multifaceted approach to assist individuals with emotional regulation, social and community participation, skill development, and routine management, among other areas. Her work is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities or developmental delays, providing personalized support tailored to meet their specific needs.

Sarah's professional practice emphasizes a holistic and inclusive, person-centred approach, addressing the unique needs of each individual. She believes in the intrinsic value of kindness and compassion, advocating for equitable access to opportunities for all. Her philosophy underscores the belief that every individual should be valued equally, irrespective of their abilities or developmental challenges. By integrating these principles into her practice, Sarah ensures that her support not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term well-being and inclusion.

"I feel so humbled to be playing a role in helping people achieve their goals and that I can be a part of making a difference – I am constantly learning and feel that the people I work with teach me more than I teach them"

Sarah is passionate about her role in growing each person’s ability together, so they can live their best life.

Our Services

How can a Developmental Educator (DE) help?

Developmental Educators embrace a collaborative approach by working with health and educational professionals, support staff, employers, employees, families and caregivers to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of a person-centred approach in fostering positive support and enhancement of life outcomes.

A Developmental Educator, focuses on developing individualised learning strategies, tools and supports with positive outcomes for individuals across the lifespan, including but not limited to:

  • NDIS Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA) and Adaptive Behaviour Assessments with a comprehensive report, including recommendations
  • Vineland 3 Assessment
  • WHODAS 2.0 Assessment
  • LSP-16 Assessment
  • Sensory Profile assessment
  • Developing informative individual profiles
  • Individualised support plans (person-centred approach)
  • Goal and vision planning
  • Independence and Inclusion
  • Capacity building and community participation
  • Facilitating self-determination and self-advocacy
  • Establishing effective communication methods
  • Cultivating positive interpersonal skills / positive identity
  • Childcare / Kindergarten / Workplace / Education support
  • Workplace/education mediation and support
  • Transition Support – e.g. school to higher education, education to employment
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Fine and Gross motor skills
  • Advocacy
  • Executive functioning
  • Social skills
  • Developing independent living skills
  • Enhancing Quality of Life (QoL)
  • Working in alignment with the NDIS in providing Choice & Control overall services and supports provided

Our Success Stories

Fantastic knowledge and sharing with our family. Very encouraging with our daughter to help her learn and grow. The flexibility of hours and Sarah being able to travel to us is very convenient.

Giving us access to great resources and pointing us the right direction of where to find resources.

Thank you from our family for such wonderful support and guidance.

Dani

My six-year-old daughter, who is currently in Year 1, has been working with Sarah for about a year now, and the experience has been nothing short of exceptional. Sarah's approach is always positive, encouraging, and nurturing, which has been incredibly effective in fostering a positive and caring learning environment for my daughter. The support provided has been excellent, addressing her learning needs with great care and attention. Sarah’s ability to inspire and genuinely connect with my daughter has made a significant impact on her educational journey. We've noticed remarkable progress in her skills and a growing confidence in her abilities. I wholeheartedly recommend Sarah to any parent seeking an inspiring, supportive, and nurturing learning experience for their child.

Naomi

Sarah has been an amazing support to my son, but also for myself as a carer and parent; a support that I didn't realise I needed prior to our sessions together. Sarah has helped reinforce what my son has learnt with his other therapists, whilst introducing him to new and practical ways of participating in everyday activities, developing skills he will use throughout his lifetime. In addition to all that Sarah does for my son, she has also helped me understand my role better, including navigating and communicating with NDIS, advocating for us with health care providers and educators, and helping me better advocate for my son when required. My son is always asking for Sarah after we finish our sessions and I really honestly appreciate the time away from everyday life. You really do immediately notice when a person loves what they do, and I wholly believe that Sarah is one of those people. I highly recommend Sarah to anyone who feels they need some extra support from a caring and very knowledgeable person.

Bianca

Sarah has been supporting my daughter for 2 years now, during this time she has helped my daughter develop life skills, enabled her to better engage in the community.

Sarah is kind and genuinely cares about helping my daughter live her best life. I would highly recommend Sarah to support your person.

Kylie

Contact

Phone

0408 809 131