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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Jennifer Lanham
6 months 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
10 months 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.
Danica Castles
1 year agoShevy’s supportive and understanding approach has truly brought out the best in Tristan, both in and out of the workshops. It's clear how much Shevy loves what he does and is evidenced in the way he runs his sessions with his amazing ability to meet Tristan where he is at every week. Tristan has always enjoyed woodwork, but Shevy’s enthusiasm is contagious, creating an environment where Tristan feels motivated to learn new things. This growth is reflected at home too, where Tristan’s speech, articulation, and confidence in connecting with others have noticeably improved. Beyond woodworking, Shevy teaches Tristan important life lessons—like how to be safe and appropriate in a workspace, plan ahead, and figure out what supplies are needed for projects. This well-rounded approach has been instrumental in shaping Tristan’s understanding of both the craft and the responsibility that comes with it. We are so grateful to be part of the This Ability Crew family!