About
About LUZWith a 15-year history, Luz All Abilities is a tailored one-on-one program for individuals with diverse needs. Shifting the focus from disability and concentrating our efforts on maximising their abilities.
Our doors are always open. We believe that every person has a light (luz means light in Portuguese) inside their hearts. We are not here to heal or fix anyone. We are here to create a world of possibilities, to take our Luz Ability students on a transformational journey full of new discoveries, to broaden and to contribute with the community around us.
We take the word “care” quite literally, as they all become part of our caring Luz All Abilities family. Our participants vary in age – from early childhood into their adulthood. We proudly become a part of their journey and see them transform to learn to see themselves and the world around them with different eyes.
The Core of LUZ
Our brand brings all the purpose, strength, and values we stand for.
The flame
The name “LUZ, means “light” in Portuguese. We believe everyone has a light inside their hearts. The flame at the core of our logo represents the light within, a visual representation of the “light inside your heart.”
The Circle
The circle is the core, symbolic of wholeness, focus and inclusion. The lightest and brightest part of the flame represents the light inside the child’s heart. The outer rings represent the coaches, the parents, the community and the therapists, all working together to maximise the light inside.
Our FOUNDER
Sara is a senior Developmental Educator with extensive experience supporting transitional programs for children with diverse needs.
Sara holds a Bachelor of Speech Pathology and a Master of Autism Studies from the University of Wollongong.
She worked as a Speech Pathologist for several years in Brazil before moving to Australia in 2006.
Sara used to look after the children at her own home. She believed that the concept of a house as a centre was a way to help the children feel safer and comfortable and have more chances to start showing their true potential. The children could learn and generalise their new skills through play and daily living activities in different environments.
Sara has dedicated the last 15 years of her life to the Luz community. From the first years of the program until now, she is the beating heart of the Luz program. She still enjoys being close to families, sharing the ups and downs and especially making sure everyone can grow, learn and have fun.
THE STORY OF SARA AND DOUG
Shortly after arriving in Australia in 2006, Sara was introduced to Doug and his family. Little 5-year-old Doug has cerebral palsy and cochlear implant. His parents were struggling to find someone who could look after him.
The story of Doug & Sara is warm and inspiring and is where the journey for Luz began, a life-changing adventure for them both.
As Sara began to work with Doug to improve his skills, Doug began showing Sara a whole new world through a very different lens. A world that not everyone sees or understands, that many will judge, and that a few will embrace and get involved – a world of diversity!
The journey presented them with several challenges. Doug couldn’t walk, his speech was underdeveloped, and he needed full support in all aspects of his life. Sara also had her own obstacles to overcome. Back then, her English was still at a basic level; she was in a new country, far from her family and adapting to a new culture.
Every day they were presented with new challenges, but ultimately it made them stronger. They had fun, they laughed, they cried, they learned new words, they played sports, they fell, but they always stood back up! They went to school together, to parties, to trips. They learned from one another, and an eternal bond was forged. Doug’s family became Sara’s family, and Sara’s became Doug’s.
Along the way, Sara and Doug made new friends. Sara’s work with Doug paved the way for other families to join their community. As their circle grew wider, Sara saw the need to evolve Luz All Abilities.
Today, our Doug, now 20 years old, works here as part of the Luz team. Aside from being an inspiration for our Ability Students, their parents and ourselves, Doug actively helps others with their own journeys.
Just like Doug, everyone deserves a chance to learn, explore and unlock their ability; to achieve something, contribute, to make a difference!
Students
Specific purpose areas
programs
Years Established
Get In Touch
Location: 5 Sera Street, Lane Cove NSW 2066
Telephone: 02 80654284
Email: contact@luzallabilities.com.au
Operational Hours:
Mon-Fri: 9am - 5:30pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 4pm
Office Hours:
Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm