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A picture of group of people sitting in a living room on lounge chairs smiling at the camera. the image is on the left side of the banner, with the right side curving into a half circle. the image has a border of orange, which separates the image from the background of the right side of the banner. Which is yellow-green with black icons of butterflies, a heart and leaves spread around the background. Their is also black text that reads "Building a Good Life"

How families can create meaningful, inclusive futures for loved ones with disabilities

At Inclusion Tree, we believe everyone deserves a good life filled with friendships, security, purpose, and belonging. For many of us, these things develop naturally through everyday experiences. But for individuals with disabilities, accessing a genuinely inclusive, fulfilling life often requires intentional effort, especially when traditional disability services fall short.

That’s where The Good Life Building comes in, they are an online training program that aims to educate families on the “service for one” model and how it can benefit their oved ones.

What Makes a Good Life?

A good life isn’t defined by grand achievements but daily moments of joy, connection and autonomy. Research and lived experience tell us that a meaningful life includes:

  • Deep, lasting relationships – Friendships, family bonds, and community connections that provide love and support.
  • A sense of home and security – A stable, safe place where one feels valued and respected.
  • Purposeful engagement – Work, hobbies, or activities that align with personal interests and strengths.
  • Contribution and belonging – Feeling like a valued member of a community.
  • Health and well-being – Access to quality healthcare, nutrition, and physical activity.
  • Choice and control – The ability to make decisions about one’s own life.

For most people, these elements develop organically. But for individuals with disabilities, especially those with complex support needs, the path to a good life is often blocked by systemic barriers.

The Challenges of Traditional Disability Supports

Many people with disabilities spend their lives in segregated settings, special schools, day programs, group homes, and sheltered workshops. While these services aim to provide care, they often reinforce isolation rather than inclusion.

Why the Current System Falls Short

1. Generic Support Models

  • Most disability services operate on a one-size-fits-all approach, making it challenging to tailor support to individual needs.
  • Workers are often stretched across multiple clients, limiting their ability to build deep, trusting relationships.

2. Limited Community Connection

  • Many programs keep people within disability-specific spaces, reducing opportunities for natural friendships and community participation.
  • Without real social inclusion, people with disabilities can become invisible in their neighbourhoods.

3. Lack of Family Control

  • Families often have little say in how supports are delivered, leading to mismatched or inadequate care.
  • Parents may feel powerless when services don’t align with their loved one’s personality, preferences, or goals.

4. Vulnerability to Abuse & Neglect

  • Large, impersonal systems struggle to monitor quality, increasing the risk of exploitation or neglect.
  • Relationships, not just policies, keep people safe. Without strong personal connections, individuals with disabilities are at higher risk.
A group of people sitting and standing in and outdoor patio smiling at the camera. the image is in a circle cut out.

A Better Way: The Service-for-One Model

A Service-for-One flips the traditional model by focusing exclusively on one person. Instead of fitting into a pre-existing system, the system is built around the individual.

How Does It Work?

1. Family-Governed Support

  • The family (or a trusted circle of support) directly employs a dedicated team.
  • This allows for personalised hiring, ensuring workers align with the person’s needs and personality.

2. Deeper Relationships

  • Support workers truly know the person, leading to more meaningful interactions.
  • Consistency in staffing reduces anxiety and builds trust.

3. More Cost-Effective

  • Without the overhead of large organisations, funds go directly to support rather than administration.
  • Many families find they can stretch their NDIS budget further, allowing for more hours or better-quality care.

4. Sustainable for the Future

  • A micro-board or governance board (made up of family and friends) can take over management as parents age.
  • This ensures the person’s good life continues even when parents can no longer lead.

Who Benefits from a Service-for-One?

This model is compelling for the following reasons:

  • Individuals with complex needs (physical, behavioural, or mental health challenges)
  • Families frustrated with generic services
  • Those wanting more community inclusion
  • Parents planning for long-term sustainability

Meet Sheree Henley: A Mother Who Built a Better Future

“When my son Isaac, who lives with severe and profound disabilities, needed support that truly fit him, I didn’t just look for better services — I built them.” 

Sheree Henley’s journey began when she realised traditional disability supports weren’t enough for her son, Isaac, who lives with severe and profound disabilities. Instead of settling, she created Isaac’s Band Pty Ltd, a family-governed, Service-for-One that gives Isaac a proper choice, connection, and quality of life.

Today, as the founder of The Good Life Builders, Sheree helps other families do the same. With a master’s in education, a Diploma in Governance, and a background in business analysis, she combines practical know-how with a deep commitment to inclusion and dignity.

How The Good Life Builders Supports Families

1. Online Training & Workshops

  • Step-by-step guidance on setting up a Service-for-One.
  • Legal structures, NDIS compliance, HR, and governance.

2. One-on-One Mentoring

  • Personalised support for families navigating the process.

3. Peer Support Networks

  • Connecting families so they can share strategies and encouragement.

The "Service for One: Setup for Success" Program

Many families want to create a Service-for-One but don’t know where to start. Their program provides:

The Good Life Manifesto, texted laid out in a creative stylised fashion it reads: You are a good life builder you have a family member with a complex disability. You have a vision that you family member will have a life that is typical. Where they truly, truly belong in their community are safe and loved. You believe the future will be better than the past and take personal responsibility for making it so. You are purpose driven, you are up to something, you are not bound by low expectations or fear of rejection by the community. You are a committed action taker you do what you say you will do. You strive to understand what is important to and for your family member. You surround yourself with a tribe of like-minded people. You are a master delegator, you know you are smart and can find a way.

1. Building Strong Foundations

  • Choosing the proper legal structure (sole trader, company, or trust).
  • Setting up payroll, insurance, and NDIS claiming.
  • Developing policies and procedures to ensure compliance.

2. Creating a Governance Board

  • Selecting the right people to safeguard the person’s future.
  • Training board members in ethical and legal responsibilities.

3. Recruiting & Leading a Support Team

  • Writing person-centred job descriptions.
  • Interviewing for values and fit (not just experience).
  • Building a positive team culture focused on the individual’s goals.

4. Ongoing Support & Learning

  • Monthly Q&A groups for troubleshooting.
  • Webinar Club for continuous improvement.

NDIS Funding Eligibility

The program can be funded under NDIS Consumables (Support Category 03) as a subscription-based service with:

  • No lock-in contracts (cancel with one month’s notice).
  • Transparent billing (invoices clearly outline supports).
  • Flexibility (unused funds can be refunded).

Illustrative Scenarios: How Service-for-One Changes Lives

The following examples are to represent common outcomes.

Example 1: Sarah’s Journey to Independence

Sarah, a young woman with autism, spent years in day programs where she felt bored and disconnected. Her family set up a Service-for-One, hiring support workers who helped her:

  • Volunteer at an animal shelter (her passion).
  • She joined a community art class, where she made real friends.
  • Develop daily living skills at her own pace.

Now, Sarah’s life is full of purpose and joy—something her family never thought possible with traditional support.

Example 2: James’ Family Safeguarding His Future

James, a man with Down syndrome, lived with his aging parents, who worried about what would happen when they were gone. They established a micro-board of close friends who now oversee his Service-for-One, ensuring:

  • Continuity of care.
  • His preferences are always respected.
  • He remains connected to his community.

Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture

The disability support system is slowly shifting toward individualised funding (like the NDIS), but real change happens when families take control. A Service-for-One isn’t just about better support—it’s about:

  • Dignity – Respecting the person’s choices and autonomy.
  • Safety – Reducing vulnerability through strong relationships.
  • Belonging – Ensuring they are seen, known, and valued in their community.
A screen shot of a teams meeting. There are four people in the call, 3 of them are using their cameras one is not, they are represented with the letter J in and light blue circle.

Are You Ready to Build a Good Life?

The Good Life Building offers a proven pathway forward if you’re a family member seeking better, more personalised support for your loved one.

Get in contact today to learn how you can take the first step.

Because everyone deserves a life that’s not just supported—but truly good.

Check out their website here

We acknowledge the connections of First Nations People of Australia to the land, sea and community on which we live and work. As custodians of this sacred land we respect and acknowledge Elders, past, present and emerging.

Our Contacts

  • hello@inclusiontree.com.au
  • 1300 126 123
  • PO Box 126 PLUMPTON NSW 2761