A Launceston start-up project is empowering locals living with disabilities through a love of all things baking.
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The Abled Kitchen project - formed as a collaboration between St.Giles, FermenTas and local bakery Sandy's Sourdough - allows the disability community to learn and enjoy the craft of baking sourdough bread.
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As part of the project's pilot program, which received funding by the Tasmanian Community Fund - Sandy's Sourdough owner Josh Crisp and FermenTas's Lauren "LT" Brown taught participants every stage of the sourdough making progress over the course of four workshops.
Following the success of the pilot program, the team behind The Abled Kitchen and now hoping to take it to the next stage.
"Our vision was to use sourdough baking as a way to include the disability community and make a pathway for employment by teaching these skills," Mrs Brown said.
"The next phase is about creating a structure around educational content so the participants can walk away with a certificate in hand and go get employment," she added.
Mrs Brown went on to say that going forward the program will also offer training in pasta and pizza dough making, alongside the sourdough workshops. St.Giles' Danielle Blewett said the pair were natural in their ability to teach sourdough baking. She went on to commend the project on its participant-led approach.
"The program works because it's not us imposing on people. We're saying 'here's something we think you'll love' and asking 'do you like it?' and 'would you like to keep doing it?'," she added.
That is certainly the case for participant Daniel Simons, who was part of the pilot program and is now a vocal advocate for its success.
"Sometimes when I'm around new people I can get nervous because of my autism, but as soon as I introduced myself to Josh and LT, I felt at home with all the other fellas in there."
Looking forward, Mr Simons hopes to use the skills he's learnt to help others on the autism spectrum.
"I want to get my foot in the door because I know other people on the spectrum that really struggle with working," he said. The new program is expected to kick off in the first quarter of 2022.
Joshua Peach
Got a story tip? Email me on joshua.peach@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Got a story tip? Email me on joshua.peach@austcommunitymedia.com.au
