There wasn't much in the Shoalhaven for children with a disability, but the toy library and playgroup gave families in the same boat a chance to connect.

Forty years later, Noah's Inclusion Services works with 1000 children each year.

The organisation has grown far beyond its beginnings - although playgroups are still a central part of Noah's.

Speech pathologists, physical therapists and other experts are available to provide children and parents with the skills they need to grow and develop.

Noah's also advocates relentlessly for children with disabilities in the Shoalhaven.

Whether they're campaigning for funding, designing a new program, or working with schools and other community organisations, former CEO Ginger O'Brien believes the secret to Noah's success is simple.

"We listen to what parents want - then we find a way to make it happen," she said.

"It doesn't always work the way you think it will, but it does always work."

Ms O'Brien became CEO of Noah's in 1994, and oversaw much of its growth.

"We had about 12 kids to start with," she said.

"Often to establish programs we would have to fundraise, because there wasn't funding.

"When we showed the program worked, then government funding sometimes followed."

The fundraising was only successful because of significant support from the community, including the 816 squadron from HMAS Albatross, Bunnings and a number of other local businesses.

Often support came in the form of helping hands from those who had nothing else to give but their time and energy.

As it grew the organisation built relationships with other communities, such as the Wreck Bay Aboriginal community, local schools, preschools and universities.

A centre opened up in Ulladulla in 2003 and another in the Illawarra in 2013.

Noah's moved onto the Shoalhaven University Of Wollongong campus in 2015. The relationship didn't stop there.

Ms O'Brien said one of her proudest moments was when a peer-reviewed study into the efficacy of one of Noah's programs was published by UOW researchers.

The program, Kids Together, was run at a number of daycare centres and preschools to promote inclusion of children with a disability.

"Researchers found it was very effective in supporting children, families, daycare and preschools," Ms O'Brien said.

"It was toward the end of my time at Noah's, and just knowing the program had come about after listening to parents.

"It was nice to see it start that way and be proven to be very good. It really showcased how great the staff are at Noah's as well."

Current CEO Alice Lans has been with Noah's for nine years, firstly as a speech pathologist.

"It's been an enormous learning curve for me," she said.

"When I started we had 35 staff - now we have 70."

Ms Lans said the support from parents, volunteers and local businesses was instrumental to Noah's longevity.

"It's nice to think that 40 years later we are still advocating, connecting and supporting families of children with a disability right across our region," she said.

"It is really an honour to be involved with the organisation - and to begin planning for our next decade."