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Todd Whyte works at a lathe creating a rolling pin at the Mosgiel Abilities Resource Centre. Photo: Sam Henderson. <\/p>\nA Mosgiel day programme continues to forge vital connections for people with disabilities after 45 years.<\/p>\n
Mosgiel Abilities Resource Centre opened in 1981 and offers skills training ranging from woodwork to online safety.<\/p>\n
The service has about 66 members on its roll and sees up to 30 clients attend each weekday from as far afield as Waikouaiti.<\/p>\n
Vocational co-ordinator Jamie-Lee Taucher said the schedule adapted daily to match events and the interests of attendees.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s always something different to do,\u201d Ms Taucher said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s flexible as well, so if there are community events that are happening we can adjust our programme and we can get involved in those events.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo it is not boring.\u201d<\/p>\n
Participants engage in activities including computing, fitness, cooking, art and gardening.<\/p>\n
They also venture into the wider area for a walking group and swimming excursions.<\/p>\n
The women partner with a local rest home for visits and join a brain injury singing choir, while the men deliver Meals on Wheels.<\/p>\n
Developing independence is a core focus.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s obviously the goal for a lot of them is to be able to live independently,\u201d Ms Taucher said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo things like cooking, we get everyone cleaning.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll of those skills that they need to learn to be able to do those things.\u201d<\/p>\n
Attendees also take part in volunteer jobs at supermarkets and the local food bank to gain experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe volunteer work is really important,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Enrollee Todd Whyte said he was crafting wooden rolling pins to sell at the facility\u2019s annual market day on Friday, October 9 at Anzac Park.<\/p>\n
Todd Whyte works at a lathe creating a rolling pin at the Mosgiel Abilities Resource Centre. Photo: Sam Henderson. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis is my first time making rolling pins,\u201d Mr Whyte said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am going to make about three.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the computer room, member Perrin Pearson was busy planning a book.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m making a story about an orphanage, about a girl,\u201d Mr Pearson said.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/star24mosgielabilities3-jpg.webp\")
Perrin Pearson works on writing a story at the Mosgiel Abilities Resource Centre. Photo: Sam Henderson. <\/p>\n
Others completed courses on online safety, cyberbullying and scam avoidance.<\/p>\n
Ms Taucher said a major upcoming event involved a musical performance by the centre\u2019s cohort.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been doing a lot of musical performances out in our community visiting high schools, primary schools and doing some community performances with a song that we\u2019ve written,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The Lazy Sunday song incorporates New Zealand Sign Language and will feature during a spot at the Great Sunday Shindig.<\/p>\n
The free show is on Sunday, October 11 from 1pm to 5pm at South Dunedin Community Hall.<\/p>\n