The pottery room at MyPath has long been a place of familiarity and routine for Alan. Despite his many years of participation in the program, the 81-year-old has never once used the pottery wheel.
After years of watching his peers display their creativity, Alan recently built up the courage to step out of his comfort zone and sit on the pottery wheel for the first time ever.
Disability support worker Beth Woof, who has been involved in the program for nearly a decade, said she was surprised when Alan took up the offer to try the machine.
“There was one day where we had the pottery wheel out and everyone was having a turn. I asked if Alan wanted to come over and have a try. To my surprise, he said yes,” she said.
“There was one day where we had the pottery wheel out and everyone was having a turn. I asked if Alan wanted to come over and have a try. To my surprise, he said yes.”
Beth explained that there have been attempts in the past to get the 81-year-old to try the pottery wheel, but those efforts are often met with a firm ‘no’.
“Alan is someone who like having a routine. He is known as the resident bowl maker in the program. He rolls the balls of clay, presses it into a mould and then someone else finishes it off,” she said.
“Usually, he is very dismissive and likes to do activities that he knows. There are times where he will tell staff that he doesn’t want to be bothered.”
For someone who doesn’t like to stray too far from his trusted routine, Alan enjoyed the ability to sit on the pottery wheel and try something new and exciting.
Beth said she felt an immense sense of pride watching Alan try the machine for the first time. The smile the 81-year-old sported during the activity said more than words ever could.
“Alan had the biggest smile when he was on the wheel – it was amazing to see.”
“Over the years, you build strong relationships with the people in the program and to see them take such big personal steps fills you with a sense of pride.
“It may not seem like a massive achievement to others, but for Alan to step out of his comfort zone and try something he’s never done before is incredible.”
If you (or someone you know) would like to join MyPath or find out how Minda can support you to achieve goals in your NDIS plan, please contact us on 1800 164 632.