Royal Talbot Maker Space
In this month’s newsletter we bring news of a highly specialised studio, currently available to Craftspeople and Artists with disabilities.
Commencing in 2022, Talbot Maker Space is a unique NDIS-funded program, applying art, craft and design to cognitive and physical rehabilitation. This continues the 40-year tradition of Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre’s woodworking program, previously only offered to inpatients. Participants are engaged in the act of making, guided by flexible approaches to accommodate all skill levels, interests and disabilities. The studio also works to increase social interaction, community linking, skills development and purpose among its members.
‘I love working alongside people as they go through the myriad of logic and emotion inherent to designing and making an object.’, says the programs Coordinator, Michael O’Dwyer. ‘Patience, focus, imagination, disappointment and accomplishment. It’s all there and often with additional layers of individual support needs, balanced with access and autonomy. How a person with an upper limb impairment makes a box is different to how someone with cognitive impairment does, but we can all do it. We just need the right setup.’
The studio has adapted many traditional tools to accommodate individual needs. Jigs hold down power tools, handles and other alternative grips are designed, hydraulics enable benches to rise and fall to suit standing, sitting and different wheelchair heights. ‘I learn the everyday tips and tricks from people with disabilities and apply them to craft.’ Says Michael. ‘How does a person who can’t hold a knife cut an apple? Nine times out of ten the answer is MORE VELCRO, but I’m proud of the studios culture of sharing knowledge and working together to problem solve.’
The studio offers a range of set projects as well as opportunity to design one-off, custom made work. Its participant driven, goal orientated and accessible work environment, has aided participants to not only create high-end bespoke objects, but has shown to ignite their confidence to problem solve and re-engage with community.
Thanks so much, Maker Space. My client said his first session “Was fantastic!! So fantastic!”, and his wife sent a photo of him with a delighted grin and “Having a wonderful time at Maker Space!” Through the guided support of Maker Space, my client has resumed previous occupations of working with tools, for the first time since developing significant disabilities from several strokes. From an OT perspective, resuming participation in activities that mean so much to him is invaluable for building confidence and supporting progress with other capacity-building goals.
Kate, Occupational Therapist
If VWA members would like to find out more about the Talbot Maker Space, please follow the following links:
www.austin.org.au/talbot-maker-space
www.instagram.com/talbot_maker_space
Or contact Michael O’Dwyer at: maker.space@austin.org.au