Cooking Success - An Outsiders Perspective
Post Created: 22 May 2025
Earlier this week, one of Onemda's Communications team had the opportunity to spend time with a group of Onemda participants taking part in the Cooking Program at our Westmeadows campus, and it’s fair to say they were completely taken aback by what they saw. Here is a first-person view on one of our most popular programs at Westmeadows!
With no prior experience in the disability sector, I walked into the space with curiosity and a genuine desire to observe and learn. What I witnessed was something far more impactful than I could have anticipated, a beautifully run, highly engaging program that empowered every person involved.
The day began with the group heading out from the campus to the local supermarket. There was excitement in the air, each participant had a clear role, collecting ingredients for that day’s lunch: chicken fried rice with a side of garden salad. The process of sourcing the items themselves was more than a task, it was a valuable learning moment in independence, budgeting, communication and confidence-building.
Once back on campus, the transformation was immediate. The kitchen came alive with energy and purpose. Every participant had a role in the preparation. From cutting vegetables to marinating and cooking the chicken, to making sure the rice was on point, every element was collaborative. Some needed more support than others, but what stood out was the way each person was encouraged to give it a go, regardless of their skill level.
What truly struck me was the connection between the staff and participants. There was a rhythm to their communication, a mutual understanding built on trust, patience and encouragement. The educators gave clear, structured instructions, and the participants responded with focused attention and determination. It was evident that these routines, these tools, and this setting had all evolved thoughtfully, and that every participant had grown through it.
As someone observing from the outside, I was most moved by the moments of joy. The smiles, the laughter, and the pride was evident as the food neared completion. There was an unspoken sense of achievement when the dishes were plated. Each participant sat down to enjoy a meal they had helped prepare and there was something beautifully symbolic about that. The food was shared, yes, but so too was a sense of ownership and belonging.
The space itself, the Westmeadows kitchen, offered the perfect backdrop. Open, modern and functional, it gave every participant room to move, explore and be involved. It’s clear this environment has been designed not just for functionality, but with respect for the people using it.
As I left the session, I found myself reflecting on the real impact of this program. Cooking was the task, but the outcomes stretched so much further: social connection, communication, sensory engagement, real-world skill development, and above all, confidence.
To anyone who hasn’t witnessed something like this before, I hope you get the chance. The experience has shifted my understanding of what’s possible in a setting like this. It was proof that when you combine the right environment, passionate staff, and programs with purpose, you create a space where people can truly thrive.
