About Us

Our Vision is to enhance the lives of people with disabilities

Our Mission is to make the most of people's abilities through quality support services

Our Values

  • We have ethical and transparent dealings with all our stakeholders
  • We acknowledge and respect the contribution and value of the individual
  • We continuously focus on the needs and aspirations of people with disabilities
  • We accept diversity, embracing "one world one people"
  • We value professionalism, performance and teamwork

Our History

House With No Steps was founded by Lionel Watts in 1962 as a self-help and fundraising organisation to address the needs of people with disabilities so that they could take an active position in the community.

A true visionary; he dreamt of pathways that would make the most of people's abilities so that they could be as independent as possible, participate in gainful employment, develop their skills and further their education and training.

Building on this dream over the past 45 years, House With No Steps has developed into a diverse and highly effective organisation that continues to take a person-centred, strengths-based approach to making the most of people's abilities.

1962        Founded by Lionel Watts
1964
Built Recreational Sports Club at Narrabeen, Sydney
1966 Opened stage 1 of Head Office in Belrose, Sydney
  Established fundraising offices in Newcastle and Wollongong
1968
Service established in Alstonville, Northern NSW
1970
Service established in Forbes, Western NSW
1973 Branch opened in Manilla, Philippines

Our Principles

Our underlying principles are that people with disability be given the right to:

  • a life of dignity
  • make choices
  • realise their potential socially, intellectually and vocationally
  • participate as fully as possible in the decisions affecting their lives
  • participate in and contribute to their community and be accepted therein
  • aids and supports that maximise their independence
  • a pleasing environment to reflect and confirm their personal worth
  • a wealth of experience and knowledge to enhance their quality of life in the community and the workplace

pdf 2007_annual_review