This Ability Crew run 1 on 1 woodworking and mobile handyman workshops for people with disabilities. Essentially, we help people make whatever they want or need, whether that’s gifts for friends and family or things they need around the house to make their lives a little easier. If you need something fixed or built around the house, we help you do that while imparting as much knowledge as possible throughout each project. All workshops are individually tailored to suit the learning style and needs of each participant.
At least $18k of costs have been saved for the crew from items made in the workshop, which would otherwise have had to be purchased. Labour costs have also been avoided through the handyman workshops for basic trade work. I.e. carpentry, painting and landscaping that would’ve had to be paid to a tradesman.
Additionally, to ease the burden that people with disabilities face from a lack of equal employment opportunity, we are on a mission to create a little bit of income for our participants by facilitating furniture orders from the community and helping our participants fulfil those orders, with 100% of profits going to whoever makes the item. So far, over $7k has been earned from nearly 90 individual orders (as at September, 2025), providing a real sense of purpose and achievement.
Aside from earning some money, these orders are a huge learning opportunity for our participants. They are walked through every stage of a project, from interpreting a customer’s brief, designing and sketching, quantity estimating, how and where to purchase materials from, right through to actually being assisted to complete the project. Learning which tools and fixings to use, as well as how to use them safely provides invaluable skills and lasting confidence, getting people one step closer to their desired level of independence, not to mention all the problem solving opportunities that arise throughout most woodworking projects when things don’t go to plan! This builds resilience by learning how to think critically and come up with solutions on the fly, all of which provides a holistic and impactful form of creative therapy to people of any age or ability.
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Hayley Swaffield
16 days agoWe have been incredibly impressed with the support and guidance provided through TAC sessions. Before commencing these sessions, our 15-year-old had very little engagement with people and found it extremely difficult to participate in activities with others. The difference we have seen since starting these sessions has been remarkable. Using carpentry as a therapeutic and practical activity has provided a fantastic way for him to develop new skills while also giving him a genuine sense of purpose and achievement. He is learning practical skills, following instructions, problem-solving, building his confidence and, perhaps most importantly, experiencing the feeling of being productive and accomplishing something tangible. What makes these sessions particularly successful is that they are built around his interests and strengths. He is genuinely excited to attend. Rather than feeling like he is simply attending a support service, he sees the sessions as something enjoyable that he looks forward to. One of the most significant changes we have seen has been his willingness to engage socially. Initially, he was only comfortable participating on a one-to-one basis. More recently, he actually welcomed another young person to join his session, moving to a 1:2 support environment. This was a huge step for him and demonstrated a level of confidence, trust and social willingness that we don't see often. Shevy has created an environment where he feels comfortable, capable and respected, while still encouraging him to stretch himself and develop new skills. The approach is patient, positive and strengths-based, and the progress has been evident not only during the sessions but in his overall confidence and willingness to engage. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity these sessions have provided. Seeing him develop practical skills, build confidence, enjoy being productive and, most importantly, genuinely want to engage with Shevy and his work has been fantastic. We would highly recommend this approach to anyone looking for a support worker who can think creatively about engagement and use a young person's interests to build confidence, independence, practical skills and social connection. The impact these sessions have had has been far greater than simply learning carpentry skills — they have helped him discover that he is capable, productive and able to connect with others. 100% RECOMMEND!
Jennifer Lanham
1 year agoOur son Stuart started Workshop sessions with Shevy in Jan this year and we’re thankful to have found this service in his first year out of school in a daunting time for him and us as parents. Shevy provides a great workspace which is safe, authentic and engaging, encouraging those attending to try new things and grow skills they didn’t realise they had. Stuart has been able to work at his own (slow) pace in a non threatening and comforting environment with Shevy patiently listening and showing genuine interest in his conversation. It is good for him to have this regular commitment as he likes routine and needs purpose in his daily life.. This Ability crew is part of this, not only in physical skills but holistically. The recent small group workshop Shevy organised was a good opportunity for Stuart to interact with others and look outside his own needs, challenging him to see others needs and encourage them. Certainly a place of much more than gaining woodworking skills.
Robyn Banks
1 year agoFrom Confidence to Craft: How This Ability Crew Changed My Son’s Life Over the past 12 months, my 20-year-old son has been attending This Ability Crew—and the transformation I’ve seen in him has been nothing short of incredible. When he first joined, he was eager to work with his hands, but like many young people, he lacked confidence in his abilities. Through the guidance, patience, and encouragement of Shevy, he has not only learned valuable new woodworking skills but has also mastered techniques he once found challenging. The difference in his self-belief is profound. He’s now built several projects—each one a symbol of his growth and dedication. But more than the physical results, what has truly touched me as a parent is the joy and satisfaction on his face when he completes something. That sense of pride is priceless. Perhaps the most meaningful part of his journey has been the connection he’s built with Shevy. Shevy has become more than an instructor—he’s a mentor, a role model, and a source of steady encouragement. It’s clear that the environment at This Ability Crew is not just about building things; it’s about building people. The skills my son has gained here will serve him well into the future, but the confidence and sense of purpose he’s developed are what I’ll be most grateful for. To any parent considering This Ability Crew for their child: it’s more than a workshop—it’s a place where personal growth and connection flourish. I’m so thankful we found it.