About Us

In 1924, Lorna Hodgkinson founded the Sunshine Institute at Gore Hill on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, marking a revolutionary step in support for people with intellectual disabilities. Lorna, the first woman to earn a doctorate from Harvard University, was driven by her conviction that individuals with intellectual disabilities deserved education and meaningful lives rather than confinement in mental institutions. This belief challenged both governmental policies and societal norms at the time. She began with a leased house, which she later purchased, opening it as a residential school for six children. This initiative laid the groundwork for what would become Unisson Disability.

By the time of Lorna Hodgkinson’s passing in 1951, the Sunshine Institute had grown to support over 60 students at Gore Hill. Many of the initial children remained with the organisation into their adulthood, shifting the demographic to predominantly support adults with disabilities. Before her death, Lorna transformed the institute into a non-profit, governed by a board of trustees, bequeathing most of her estate to it. The institute was then renamed the Lorna Hodgkinson Sunshine Home. Throughout the years, the organisation expanded while steadfastly adhering to Lorna’s foundational principle of individualised support and care.

In the late 1970s, the Sunshine Institute began transitioning away from institutional living, marking the start of significant changes in disability support. Over the next two decades, the organisation acquired several units and homes, facilitating the move of many individuals into group living environments. A pivotal moment occurred in 1980 when students from the Sunshine Institute performed at the Sydney Opera House, an event documented in the film "Stepping Out." This performance not only highlighted their capabilities but also underscored the evolving perceptions and treatments of disability during this era.

In the early 2000s, the sale of the Gore Hill site funded Sunshine's expansion into community-based living, extending services across Sydney and into the Central Coast and Hunter region. By 2014, the organisation celebrated its 90th anniversary.

In 2017, to reflect its evolved identity and approach, Sunshine re-branded to Unisson Disability. The new name, selected to foster a deeper connection with the communities and individuals we support, marks a fresh chapter aimed at enhancing engagement and understanding. While the name changed, our core values and commitment to empowering people with disabilities remain steadfast, underscoring our leadership in the sector.