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The Power of Giving Things a Go

“I can’t do that.”

Sometimes, those four words really mean, “I’ve never done that before.”

They might mean, “I’m nervous.”

Or perhaps they mean, “I’m not sure I can do it without some help.”

For young adults living with disability, trying something new can feel exciting, uncomfortable, challenging and rewarding all at once.

It could be cooking a meal for the first time. Joining a theatre performance. Learning how to use a tool safely. Ordering lunch independently. Trying a new sport. Catching public transport. Or simply walking into a room filled with new people.

At Blue Tongue Adventure, we see these moments all the time.

And quite often, “I can’t” eventually becomes “I did.”

That shift might seem small from the outside. However, it can represent something much bigger.

It can mean growing confidence, greater independence and discovering a new sense of what’s possible.

Confidence grows through experience

Confidence isn’t something we simply wake up with one morning.

It grows through experience.

Every time we try something unfamiliar, we gather information about ourselves.

We discover what we’re good at. We learn where we need more practice. We realise that making a mistake isn’t the end of the world.

Most importantly, we learn that we can try again.

For a young person who has spent years hearing what they may struggle with, opportunities to experience success can be incredibly valuable.

That success doesn’t need to be huge.

Perhaps someone prepares their first meal without as much assistance as usual.

Maybe they speak in front of a group when they usually stay quiet.

They might complete a woodwork project, perform on stage or participate in a community outing they once found intimidating.

Every achievement becomes another piece of evidence.

“I’ve done something difficult before.”

“Maybe I could do this too.”

That’s how confidence starts to build.

Why a supportive environment matters

Trying something new feels very different when you know someone is there to support you.

There’s a big difference between being pushed into an uncomfortable situation and being encouraged to challenge yourself at your own pace.

At Blue Tongue Adventure, our programs provide structured support while still encouraging choice and independence.

That balance matters.

We want our Crew to know that support is there when they need it.

However, we also want them to have opportunities to make decisions, solve problems and discover what they’re capable of doing themselves.

Sometimes a support worker might demonstrate something first.

Then they may complete it alongside the participant.

Eventually, they might take a small step back and allow the participant to take the lead.

That gradual process can transform something unfamiliar into something achievable.

Trying new things can help you discover what you love

You can’t know whether you enjoy something until you’ve had the chance to try it.

It sounds simple, but it’s an important part of growing up.

Young adulthood is a time for discovering interests, preferences and strengths.

You might learn that painting isn’t your thing, but digital art absolutely is.

Perhaps you never considered theatre until you stepped onto a stage.

Maybe cooking becomes something you genuinely look forward to.

Or you might discover that working with tools, playing sport or making music gives you a sense of achievement.

At Blue Tongue Adventure, our programs include opportunities across:

  • Art and digital art
  • Theatre
  • Dance
  • Music
  • Cooking
  • Woodwork
  • Sports
  • Mechanical activities
  • Community access
  • Social activities

Every program offers something different.

Therefore, participants have opportunities to explore their interests rather than being placed into the same routine every week.

You don’t need to be good at something before you start.

Sometimes the whole point is finding out whether you’d like to do it again.

New experiences build independence

Independence isn’t only about being able to live alone.

It can appear in hundreds of smaller decisions and everyday skills.

  • Choosing what you want to do.
  • Asking someone for help.
  • Paying for your own coffee.
  • Preparing food.
  • Following directions.
  • Managing your belongings.
  • Communicating what you like or don’t like.
  • Travelling somewhere new.
  • Working through a problem instead of immediately giving up.

These skills often develop naturally while we’re doing something else.

For example, a cooking program might look like a fun day making lunch.

But participants may also practice reading instructions, measuring ingredients and working safely.

Additionally, they might make decisions, communicate with others and clean up afterwards.

A community outing might involve much more than simply visiting somewhere fun.

Participants may practice navigating a new environment, handling money or ordering something independently.

That’s one of the things we love most about learning through adventure – the skill-building happens in real life.

Getting things wrong is part of getting things right

Nobody gets everything right the first time.

Yet sometimes, young people living with disability can have fewer opportunities to make mistakes independently.

Family members, teachers or support workers naturally want to help.

However, stepping in too quickly can sometimes remove an important part of learning.

Making a mistake.

At Blue Tongue Adventure, we believe safe mistakes can be valuable.

Maybe the recipe doesn’t look exactly like the photo. Perhaps a piece of artwork doesn’t turn out how you imagined. You might forget what you’re meant to say in a theatre exercise.

That’s okay.

Instead of focusing only on the outcome, we can ask:

What happened? What could we try differently? Do you want to have another go?

Learning that mistakes are manageable helps build resilience.

Eventually, a setback becomes less likely to feel like proof that “I can’t do it.” It becomes part of figuring out how.

Confidence can spill into other parts of life

Something interesting happens when you become confident in one area. Sometimes that confidence starts appearing elsewhere.

Someone who becomes comfortable speaking during a theatre program may feel more confident talking to new people.

A participant who learns to cook may begin helping more at home.

Someone who successfully navigates a community outing may feel more comfortable visiting somewhere unfamiliar later.

Joining a sports program might encourage someone to communicate more with teammates.

The original activity may not even be the most important outcome.

It’s what the participant learns about themselves while doing it.

“I can learn.”

“I can contribute.”

“I can ask for help.”

“I can try again.”

“I can do more than I thought.”

Those beliefs can influence everyday life.

Trying new things builds social confidence too

Walking into a new social environment can feel intimidating for anyone.

For some young adults living with disability, meeting unfamiliar people or joining group activities can feel especially challenging.

Regular group programs create opportunities to practice those interactions in a supportive environment.

You don’t need to become the loudest person in the room. You might start by sitting beside someone new. Then you might join a group activity. Later, perhaps you start the conversation yourself. Over time, familiar faces become people you know. And sometimes, those people become genuine friends.

Shared experiences make that process easier.

It’s often simpler to connect when everyone is already focused on the same activity. You can talk while cooking, laugh during sport or work together on a creative project. Friendship can develop naturally along the way.

There is no single definition of progress

Progress looks different for every person.

For one participant, performing on stage might be a huge achievement. For someone else, simply attending theatre rehearsal could be the win.One person may want to learn to travel independently. Another may be working towards confidently ordering their own lunch.

Goals don’t need to look impressive to anyone else. They need to matter to the person working towards them.

That’s why we believe individualised support is so important.

At Blue Tongue Adventure, we don’t expect every participant to enjoy the same activities or progress at the same speed. Some people jump straight in. Others prefer to watch first. Both are okay.

Support should meet people where they are while creating opportunities to move forward when they’re ready.

Fun and learning don’t need to be separate

Sometimes we think skill-building needs to feel serious. At Blue Tongue Adventure, we disagree.

A lot of learning happens when you’re busy enjoying yourself.

  • You might practise communication while joking with friends.
  • You can develop teamwork while playing sport.
  • You might build concentration while creating art.
  • Problem-solving can happen while you’re working on a mechanical project.
  • And independence can grow during a trip into the community.

The activity creates the reason to practice the skill. That can make learning feel far more natural.

Our mission has always been to combine learning, adventure and friendship.

Because when people enjoy coming to a program, they’re more likely to participate, and participation creates opportunities to grow.

Celebrate the small wins

It’s easy to focus on the big milestones: getting a job; travelling independently; moving towards independent living; completing a qualification.

Those achievements deserve celebrating.

However, the small wins matter too.

  • Starting a conversation.
  • Trying a food you’ve never eaten.
  • Speaking up about what you want.
  • Finishing something you nearly gave up on.
  • Joining the group instead of watching from the side.

Those moments add up.

Eventually, something that once seemed impossible can become part of everyday life.

That’s why we love hearing the words:

“I did it.”

Discover what’s possible at Blue Tongue Adventure

At Blue Tongue Adventure, we’re all about learning, adventuring and friendship.

Our programs are designed for young adults aged 17–30 with low to moderate support needs.

We keep things personal, with support ratios no higher than 1:3.

Most importantly, we want every member of our Crew to have opportunities to explore what interests them.

Maybe you’ve always wanted to try theatre. Perhaps you’d love to cook, create art, learn mechanical skills or get involved in sport. Maybe you’re simply looking for somewhere to meet new people and become more confident.

You don’t need to arrive knowing exactly what you want to achieve.

Sometimes you discover the goal along the way.

We’ll be there to support you, encourage you and celebrate the wins with you. Big ones. Small ones. And especially the ones that begin with:

“I don’t think I can.”

Because you might just surprise yourself.

FAQs

Disability day programs can provide supported opportunities to try new activities, practice skills and make decisions. Positive experiences can help participants become more confident in their abilities over time.

Depending on the program, participants can practice communication, teamwork, cooking, decision-making, community access and problem-solving. Programs can also support social skills, creativity and greater everyday independence.

That’s okay. You don’t need to feel confident before you begin. Our team can support you at your own pace, whether you want to observe first or get involved straight away.

Absolutely not. Blue Tongue Adventure is about exploring interests, learning and having fun. You don’t need previous experience in art, theatre, cooking, sport or any of our other programs.

Depending on your individual plan and goals, activities may help you work towards areas such as independence, social participation, communication and skill development. Your supports should always relate to your individual NDIS needs and funding.

Blue Tongue Adventure programs are designed for young adults aged 17–30 with low to moderate support needs.

Programs can include art, digital art, theatre, dance, music, woodwork, cooking, sport, mechanical activities, community access and social experiences. Program availability can vary, so speak with the team about the current calendar.

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How Blue Tongue Adventure Programs and SLES Help Young People Achieve Their NDIS Goals

Finishing school and stepping into adulthood can bring plenty of exciting possibilities.

It can also bring some big questions.

What do I want to do for work? How can I become more independent? How do I make new friends? What if I’m not ready for employment yet?

For young people living with disability, having the right support can make exploring those questions feel much more achievable.

At Blue Tongue Adventure, our programs focus on much more than filling a day with activities.

We create opportunities for young people to learn, connect, explore their interests and work towards their individual NDIS goals.

For school leavers, Blue Tongue Pathways also provides School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES). These supports help young people build confidence and develop skills for their future.

Together, these programs can create a pathway from learning and exploration towards greater independence, community participation and employment.

Turning NDIS goals into real-life experiences

An NDIS goal can look simple when it’s written in a plan.

You might want to become more independent, improve your social skills or participate more in your community.

However, achieving those goals usually takes practice.

That’s where practical experiences become important.

NDIS capacity building supports can help participants increase independence and become more involved in their communities. The NDIS specifically recognises activities that build social skills, friendships, community connections and independence.

At Blue Tongue Adventure, we work on these skills through activities young people can actually enjoy.

Our Crew might be cooking, playing sport, creating digital art, learning woodwork, dancing, making music or heading out into the community.

The activity itself is only part of the experience.

Along the way, participants can practise communication, teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making and independence.

Most importantly, they’re learning through doing.

Building confidence and independence

Independence doesn’t happen overnight.

Often, it develops through lots of small experiences.

Ordering something at a café. Paying for an item at the shops. Making a decision within a group. Following instructions for a recipe. Catching public transport. Speaking to someone new.

Each experience creates another opportunity to practise.

The NDIS recognises community participation supports as one way participants can build skills that may eventually support employment. These can include using public transport, managing money, meeting people and learning to work within a team.

At Blue Tongue Adventure, our goal is to create a supportive environment where young people feel comfortable giving things a go.

Sometimes that means succeeding straight away.

Other times, it means trying something, making a mistake, having another go and discovering that you’re capable of more than you thought.

That’s where confidence starts to grow.

Making friends and feeling part of a community

For many young adults, one of the biggest parts of life after school is finding a new social circle.

School naturally creates opportunities to see the same people every day. Once school finishes, those opportunities can suddenly disappear.

Unfortunately, people living with disability can face greater barriers to social and community participation.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIWH) reports that 19% of people with disability aged 15–64 experience social isolation. That compares with 9.5% of people without disability.

Newer AIHW reporting also shows that 29% of people with disability aged 15–64 reported often feeling lonely.

That makes meaningful opportunities to connect especially important.

Blue Tongue Adventure brings young people together through shared interests and experiences.

Our programs create space to have conversations, share a laugh and try something new together.

Over time, those repeated interactions can help participants improve communication skills and build genuine friendships.

For us, social participation shouldn’t feel forced.

It should feel like being part of the Crew.

Learning everyday life skills without sitting in a classroom

Not every important skill needs to be learnt from a workbook.

Some things make far more sense when you experience them in real life.

That’s why our programs incorporate practical skills into everyday activities.

Cooking can involve planning, following instructions, food safety and teamwork.

A community outing might involve planning transport, managing money or communicating with staff at a venue.

Woodwork can involve concentration, safety awareness and following a process.

Meanwhile, theatre, dance and music can encourage creativity, confidence and communication.

Different activities create different learning opportunities.

Therefore, participants can explore what works for them while developing skills they can use outside the program too.

Preparing for the next step after school

Many young people leave school without knowing exactly what they want to do with the rest of their life.

And they shouldn’t have to.

Some young people are ready to start looking for a job straight away. Others need more time to develop confidence and workplace skills.

Some simply need the opportunity to discover what kind of work they might actually enjoy.

That’s where School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) can help.

SLES-style employment supports are designed to help school leavers build the skills needed to move towards employment.

Current NDIS guidance recognises intensive employment support for school leavers transitioning into work. It can also support pathways towards further education, training, traineeships and apprenticeships.

At Blue Tongue Pathways, we start with the individual.

What are you good at?

What interests you?

What would you like to become more confident doing?

And, eventually, what type of work might you enjoy?

From there, we can start building a pathway.

What can you learn through SLES?

Employment involves much more than knowing how to perform one particular job.

You need to communicate with other people. You need to understand expectations. You may need to travel independently and manage your time.

You also need confidence.

That’s why our SLES program starts with foundation skills.

Depending on your individual goals, this may include:

  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Personal presentation and hygiene
  • Money management
  • Numeracy and literacy
  • Independent travel
  • Time management
  • Workplace behaviour and expectations
  • Understanding workplace rights
  • Teamwork
  • Building a positive work ethic
  • Problem-solving and decision-making

From there, participants can explore vocation-specific skills related to industries that interest them.

The NDIS requires employment providers to develop tailored supports around each participant’s employment goals, barriers and individual support needs.

That’s also how we approach SLES at Blue Tongue Pathways.

There isn’t one pathway everyone needs to follow.

What if I don’t know what job I want?

That’s completely okay.

One of the valuable parts of SLES is getting the opportunity to explore.

You might think you want to work in hospitality before discovering that you love something creative.

You might enjoy working with animals, working outdoors or helping other people.

Alternatively, you may discover that further study or training is the right next step for you.

You don’t need to have your whole career mapped out before you begin.

Supported work experiences can give young people an opportunity to understand what different workplaces actually feel like.

Once you’ve identified an area you’re interested in, Blue Tongue Pathways can help explore suitable work experience opportunities.

When you feel ready, support can then move towards job applications, resumés, interview preparation and employment.

What does a day at SLES look like?

At Blue Tongue Pathways, a typical SLES day runs from 9 am to 3 pm.

Most participants attend once or twice each week.

Mornings generally include small-group workshops focused on employment, independence and life skills.

Group discussions also give participants opportunities to practice communication and learn from each other.

Then, afternoons become more hands-on.

You might take part in a course, attend work experience, practice travelling independently or complete a mock job interview.

Support can be provided individually or in small ratios, depending on the activity and participant needs.

The aim is to gradually turn skills discussed in a workshop into skills you can confidently use in everyday life.

More than getting a job

Employment can certainly be an important goal.

However, becoming work-ready often creates benefits well beyond employment.

Learning to travel can increase community independence.

Improving communication can help with friendships.

Money-management skills can help with everyday purchases.

Learning to speak confidently in an interview can make it easier to advocate for yourself elsewhere.

Meanwhile, discovering your strengths can change the way you see your own future.

That’s why employment preparation and everyday capacity building often complement each other so well.

A job might be one destination.

The bigger goal is helping young people build confidence, choice, and independence along the way.

Why choose Blue Tongue Adventure and Blue Tongue Pathways?

At Blue Tongue, we believe learning works best when people actually enjoy being there.

Blue Tongue Adventure programs are designed for young people aged 17–30 with low to moderate support needs.

Our activities include theatre, dance, music, woodwork, art, digital art, cooking, community access, sports and more.

However, our programs aren’t about ticking activities off a calendar.

They’re about the “Crew” themselves.

We keep our support personal, with ratios no higher than 1:3 across our Blue Tongue Adventure programs. This allows our team to build genuine relationships and provide meaningful support.

For young people preparing for employment, Blue Tongue Pathways takes that same personalised approach into SLES.

We’ll work with you to explore your interests, build your independence and develop the skills you need for your next step.

Maybe that’s work. Maybe it’s study. Maybe it’s gaining the confidence to travel somewhere independently for the first time.

Whatever the goal, we’re here to help you work towards it.

Because adulthood isn’t about following one predetermined pathway. It’s about discovering yours.

Get in touch with Blue Tongue Adventure or Blue Tongue Pathways to learn more about our programs, SLES and how we can support your NDIS goals.

FAQs

NDIS day programs provide structured opportunities to build skills, social connections and community participation. Activities can include recreation, creative programs, cooking, sport and community outings. The specific supports available will depend on your NDIS plan, goals and funding.

Blue Tongue Adventure uses practical activities and community experiences to work towards individual goals. These might include improving communication, increasing independence, developing friendships, learning everyday skills or becoming more confident in the community.

School Leaver Employment Supports, commonly known as SLES, help eligible young people transition from school towards employment. Supports can focus on work readiness, independence, communication, travel, workplace skills, work experience and exploring different career pathways.

No. Exploring your interests can be an important part of School Leaver Employment Support (SLES). Blue Tongue Pathways can help you identify your strengths, learn about different industries and experience potential workplaces before deciding which direction you would like to pursue.

SLES can support work skills such as communication, teamwork, money management, independent travel, personal presentation, workplace behaviour and job preparation. Your program should reflect your individual employment goals and support needs.

NDIS programs can create opportunities to meet people and develop social skills. Blue Tongue Adventure participants take part in small-group activities, outings and shared experiences where friendships can develop naturally over time.

Blue Tongue Adventure programs are designed for young people aged 17–30 with low to moderate support needs. Whether a particular program can be funded through your NDIS plan will depend on your individual goals, supports and available funding.

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Choosing the Right Disability Day Program for Your Young Adult: What Really Matters

When school finishes, the next step can feel uncertain. The structure is gone. Social opportunities change. And for many families, there’s a real concern about what comes next.

Choosing the right disability day program isn’t just about filling the week, it’s about protecting your child’s confidence, wellbeing, and future independence.

Why the Right Program Matters So Much

The transition out of school can be one of the most challenging periods for young adults with disability.

Without the right support, it’s common to see:

  • Increased time at home
  • Reduced social interaction
  • Loss of routine
  • Lower confidence and motivation

Over time, this can impact not just daily life, but long-term independence.

The right program changes this trajectory.

A high-quality day program provides:

  • Structure and routine
  • Opportunities to build real-life skills
  • Social connection and friendships
  • A sense of purpose and belonging

What Parents Often Notice First: Confidence

While skill development is important, many parents say the first real change they notice is confidence.

When young adults are:

  • Encouraged (not pressured)
  • Supported to try new things
  • Given opportunities to succeed

They begin to:

  • Communicate more openly
  • Engage more socially
  • Show more initiative at home

Confidence becomes the foundation for everything else.

 Not All Day Programs Deliver the Same Outcomes

This is one of the most important things for families to understand.

Some programs focus on:

  • Supervision
  • Routine activities
  • Keeping participants occupied

While others focus on:

  • Skill development
  • Real-world experiences
  • Building independence
  • Social engagement

The difference is significant, and it directly impacts your young adult’s progress.

Thinking Long-Term

As a parent, it’s natural to think beyond today.

The right program can support your young adult to:

  • Feel more confident in the community
  • Build independence at home
  • Develop social and communication skills
  • Be more open to new opportunities

These are outcomes that carry into adulthood.

What to Look for as a Parent

When choosing a program, consider:

Does it build real-life skills?

Skills like cooking, communication, and daily routines should be part of the experience—not an afterthought.

Is your child actively engaged?

They should be participating, not just attending.

Are there opportunities for social connection? 

Friendships and belonging are essential, not optional.

Is independence a clear goal?

Every activity should be working toward helping your child do more for themselves over time.

Do the staff genuinely connect?

The right team doesn’t just supervise – they encourage, support, and build trust.

What Families Love About Blue Tongue Adventure

When families begin exploring disability day programs for young adults, they’re often looking for more than just something to fill the day. They want opportunities that help their loved one build confidence, develop independence, make genuine friendships, and continue growing after leaving school.

That’s exactly what many families say they find at Blue Tongue Adventure.

Parents and carers regularly tell us they’ve noticed positive changes in how their young person:

  • Engages with others and forms friendships
  • Approaches new experiences with confidence
  • Develops greater independence in everyday life
  • Participates more actively in their community
  • Builds practical skills that support adulthood

At Blue Tongue Adventure, participants are encouraged to learn through real-world experiences rather than traditional classroom-style activities. Every day is designed to support personal growth while keeping things engaging, social, and fun.

Young people are supported to:

  • Learn through hands-on experiences
  • Build practical life skills in real environments
  • Develop independence at their own pace
  • Strengthen communication and social skills
  • Connect with peers in meaningful ways
  • Explore new interests and discover hidden talents

A Disability Day Program Designed for Young Adults

What makes Blue Tongue Adventure different is that the programs are created by young adults, for young adults with disability.

Rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach, activities are designed around what young people genuinely enjoy. This creates an environment that is energetic, engaging, and full of variety—where participants want to be involved and excited to return.

No two days are ever the same.

Participants might be cooking in the kitchen, creating artwork, exploring the community, learning new skills, participating in sports, or working together on group projects. Every activity is thoughtfully designed to support both enjoyment and development.

Each day incorporates a balance of:

  • Creative activities
  • Physical movement
  • Social interaction
  • Life skills development
  • Community participation
  • Confidence and independence building

The beauty of the program is that learning happens naturally. Whether participants are ordering lunch, catching public transport, managing money, collaborating with peers, or trying something new, they’re developing real-world skills that support greater independence and prepare them for adulthood.

It never feels clinical or overly structured. Instead, it feels purposeful, exciting, and relevant to everyday life.

Supporting the Transition from School to Adulthood

For many families, one of the biggest challenges is navigating what comes after school.

Blue Tongue Adventure helps bridge that gap through programs specifically designed to support the transition from school into adulthood. Young people are given opportunities to build confidence, explore their interests, strengthen social connections, and develop the practical skills they’ll use throughout adult life.

For students who are still at school, Blue Tongue Adventure offers a Transition Program that helps prepare them for life beyond the classroom.

For young adults who have already finished school and are considering their next step, the team also offers a free “Try BTA for a Day” experience—allowing participants and families to explore the program, meet the team, and see firsthand whether it’s the right fit.

Because the best disability day programs don’t simply keep people occupied—they empower young adults with disability to build skills, develop confidence, and create a future filled with connection, purpose, and possibility.

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Check out our cover stars!

Read all about it – we’re front-page news!

Christian and Amanda from our Wynnum Blue Tongue Crew, along with Chef Allan from Blue Tongue Kitchen cooking school, are featured on the front page of the March edition of The Community Leader newspaper, as well as in their digital edition.

Thanks to The Community Leader for their wonderful article, which we’re sharing here.

Food brings people together.

Blue Tongue’s inclusive kitchen/café initiative serves up amazing gourmet goodies to appreciative locals from their Thorneside kitchen, uniting the community in the name of good food!

Each week, under the expert guidance of legendary Chef Allan, participants in Blue Tongue’s disability programs are learning culinary skills that are practical and confidence-boosting. On the weekends, the kitchen is abuzz with cooking workshops open to anyone willing to put on an apron and learn new skills. This month, children are invited to book an Easter cupcake-making class – more about that here.

Blue Tongue Kitchen (where cooking classes are held), alongside the organisation’s café Blue Tongue Pantry, serves up hearty helpings of community spirit and delicious food and is an asset to our vibrant local food scene.

We’re fortunate to be able to indulge in just about any type of cuisine we’re craving any day of the week, thanks to the creativity and talent of our local menu-makers. So, cheers to all the wonderful, hardworking cooks, chefs, and their teams who drive the diverse food scene that continues to grow throughout our suburbs and bring us together. Bon appétit!

Pictured: Christian Occhipinti, Chef Allan Groat and Amanda Whittle at Blue Tongue Kitchen, Thorneside.

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Our Ties to Blue Tongue Pantry in Thorneside

Have you ever heard of Blue Tongue Pantry cafe, overlooking the water in Thorneside on Brisbane’s bayside, and thought, “hmm, that name sounds familiar…”? Yep, you’d be right – we started that, and we’re still closely linked to the Pantry to this day!

Our thanks to Blue Tongue Pantry for sharing their origin story online – which we’re reposting right here:

Blue Tongue Pantry’s Origins in Disability Support

If you’ve dined with us before, you know Blue Tongue Pantry as a great cafè by the bay in Thorneside, for hearty breakfasts, leisurely lunches, and of course excellent coffee! But you may not know how we started, where we got our name, and what continues to fuel our values and goals each day.

Our roots, in fact, lay in the disability support sector!

A Cafe with a Cause

Blue Tongue Pantry began as a social venture to support Blue Tongue Adventure’s disability support day programs for young adults. Back in 2018, the growing ‘Blue Tongue Crew’ needed a space where they could gather as a group, develop friendships, and enjoy programs that would support them to learn new skills: whether for day-to-day confidence and growth, or to explore potential employment opportunities.  Opening the Blue Tongue Pantry cafè was the perfect solution.

A woman working in the kitchen space of a cafè. She has made a pie that is in a tin ready to bake.

The cafè became a favourite dining spot with the local community, and a space to embrace inclusion and accessibility. With our chefs and waitstaff on hand to guide the Blue Tongue Crew, they enjoyed immersive cooking workshops and learning cafè skills. For some of our participants, these opportunities opened their eyes to employment pathways. They went on to do work experience with the cafè, then study hospitality or barista courses, and now have jobs of their own in the hospitality sector. We couldn’t be prouder!

A quiet area at the back of the cafè also became a cosy, familiar space for the Blue Tongue Crew and their support team to gather each day and engage in their growing range of capacity-building programs, all designed with their goals and interests in mind.

Growing and Thriving

As a few years passed, Blue Tongue Adventure expanded its range of programs, and the Blue Tongue Crew grew in numbers. It became clear they were outgrowing the cafè space. Plus, with plans and goals for many more exciting hands-on programs, they needed facilities to make their dreams a reality! A solution was found with another social venture: the Blue Tongue Collectables showroom and centre, just a few minutes away on Tingal Road in Wynnum.

Three young men sit on the floor of a woodwork workshop, building a garden bed from wooden pallets. Two are smiling and giving the thumbs-up sign.

The new premises feature a wide range of spacious facilities including an art studio, a woodwork workshop, and room to store all the resources and supplies that help to make the hands-on disability support programs so successful. It also features a gallery space, where artworks and giftware items created by the Blue Tongue Crew in their programs are on display and available for sale.

Continued Connections

However, the move to a new centre hasn’t spelled the end of our connection with the Blue Tongue Crew! They’ve continued to join us at the Pantry for weekly cooking workshops, and this has been a main driver for the opening of our Blue Tongue Kitchen cooking school, right next door to us at Mooroondu Road Thorneside. With our expert pastry chef Allan at the helm, Blue Tongue Kitchen hosts the Blue Tongue Crew’s weekly workshops, as well as 10-week terms of capacity-building classes open to all NDIS participants. A select range of mainstream classes are also open to the general public on weekends.

So, both our cafè and the Blue Tongue Adventure crew have grown, but our core goals remain the same as they were back in 2018: to open opportunities for people with disabilities, to embrace our local community, and always to deliver uncompromised experiences.

Browse the range of Blue Tongue Industries giftware on the shelves at Blue Tongue Pantry on your next visit!

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Ethan Revs Up For The Future With SLES

From “doing nothing” at home to turning wrenches in a bustling workshop, Ethan’s journey is a testament to the power of opportunity and determination. At Blue Tongue Pathways, we’re bursting with pride to announce that Ethan Byrnes, an 18-year-old SLES participant, has landed a coveted mechanical apprenticeship at Aussie Tyres and Mechanical Toowoomba. His story isn’t just about a job; it’s about finding purpose, passion, and a future.

“I’m so keen!” says Ethan enthusiastically. 

“I love it there. The people make it a really fun place to work.” 

Ethan has been a car lover from a young age, and is now thriving in the workshop environment. 

“I started out cleaning, but now I change tyres, and help fix up engines … we do motorbikes and quaddies [quad bikes] too,” he says.  

“If the guys there show me what to do, I can easily do it. If they just tell me, it might take a while. But these blokes, they show me and I’m straight on it.” 

A Holistic Approach to SLES

It’s clear Ethan is revving up for a bright future in a hands-on role, but he’s worked hard to get to this point in the NDIS-funded SLES program, to build his skills and independence. 

“We did group work about things like time management, and money management – learning what to do with our money, how to budget and how to make sure we’re putting some away,” he explains confidently. 

Read more about the SLES program 

Blue Tongue Pathways Toowoomba coordinator, Christina Renata, couldn’t be prouder of Ethan. 

“The mechanics tell me, ‘he wants to learn, and he asks questions’ and I love that. Ethan’s got a real hunger and eagerness to learn,” she says.  

“He’s full steam ahead and they’re very impressed”. 

A Bridge Between School and Work for NDIS Participants

It’s a world away from where Ethan was when he finished school. With no particular plans or direction, he was spending a lot of time at home doing, as he says, ‘nothing’. 

“I actually wasn’t too keen at first when Mum told me about [Blue Tongue Pathways SLES program], but I said, ‘ok, I’ll give it a go’ and I’m so happy. I love it so much,” he says. 

Christina, too, is thrilled at how far how far Ethan has come, along with his friends in the SLES program.  

“That’s what I want for these guys, just to be proud of themselves, to have that smile on their faces and say ‘I’ve achieved that’. It’s awesome to see.” 

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Nick Connects With His SLES Goals

Nineteen-year old Nick Webster is a young man with a clear career focus already! He loves all things IT, from repairing computers, to computer networking, and he has goals to study for IT qualifications and eventually run his own business.  

But he knows there are a few areas where he’ll need a little extra support to achieve his goals.  

That’s where his NDIS-funded School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) with Blue Tongue Pathways come in. 

Nick sits at a table with various pieces of computer equipment in front of him. He has a piece open and is fixing the inner workings of the computer.

First Steps on the Pathway

Working closely with Nick, Blue Tongue Pathways Coordinator Christina Renata has found a supportive work experience environment where he can develop the particular skills he needs around routines, organisation and time management. That has led to him taking his first steps at All Styles Gym Toowoomba. 

“It’s helping me understand health, and getting into the routine of working, and the mindset of how much I can do before burnout. It’s a ground point of where to start,” Nick explains. 

He attends each Tuesday, and has a regular list of tasks to complete, including cleaning and preparing equipment and organising the space.  

“I like to challenge myself. It used to take me an hour, but now it only takes me 30 minutes to complete the entire gym,” Nick says proudly. 

“It’s challenging, but it’s good. I appreciate the routine, and I don’t need anyone to tell me what to do anymore, I know what I have to do to get all my work done.” 

 

Progress in a Supportive Space

Christina says the gym is a wonderfully inclusive environment for Nick to develop his workplace skills.  

“Michael, who runs the gym, is actually legally blind. So, it’s been good for Nick to see that your disability doesn’t have to define you. And Nick can feel comfortable here wearing his headphones for sensory comfort while he works,” she says. 

“Michael’s really fun,” Nick says. “He can be a bit strict, but that’s good for me with routines, as I can get a bit distracted.” 

With Nick making such strong progress, Christina is now investigating IT-related placements for him. 

Nick holds a punching bag steady so he can clean it.

“It’s important for our SLES participants to try different things,” she says. “I find they’ll either love the options, or hate them – but it’s good to try and know for sure.” 

Nick is also working steadily through small-group work at Blue Tongue Pathways, developing life and job skills. 

“Before SLES I had no idea how to do an interview, build a resume, or how to keep a routine or schedule. Now I’ve learned about time management, money management, and organisational skills. It’s fun too; we role play job interviews, and practice money management with Monopoly,” he smiles.  

“I’ve also made flow sheets for how to get my CCNA, which is a type of certificate in networking and IT,” Nick explains. 

“SLES has really helped with finding my direction.” 

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Deena Flexes her Muscles in SLES

In those final moments of a circuit workout, it’s common to see people puffing, exhausted, and maybe even struggling to complete the last few exercises. 

But not Deena Katawazi.  

With a broad smile on her face, Deena charges ahead of the pack in short sprints, and holds a ‘wall-sit’ position even longer than instructed.  It’s instantly clear that she loves exercise and fitness – and she has a firm career goal in this industry in mind. 

“I want to be a Personal Trainer”, she says confidently. “And I want to work here.” 

Deena holds a 'wall-sit' exercise position, with her back pressed against a wall and her knees bent. She is smiling.

Hands-on SLES Work Experience 

Deena has recently started regular work experience and familiarisation at Velocity Fitness and Health at Capalaba, as part of her NDIS-funded School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) with Blue Tongue Pathways.  Taking part in circuit workouts helps her to learn about different exercises and the areas they target.  

“My favourite is the wall-sit,” she says. “It really works your leg muscles.” 

Deena’s work experience has also included helping to keep the gym clean and tidy, as well as shadowing other trainers as they lead high-intensity classes – and she can’t hide her enthusiasm to learn and do more. 

“She’s been a great team player, and is always keen to take on new tasks and learn to use all the equipment,” says Blue Tongue Pathways coordinator, Mitch Brennan. 

“We’ve received great feedback from Deena’s supervisor, and they rave about her positive, give-it-a-go attitude when helping to facilitate and participate in sessions.” 

Deena sprints across an open space at the gym. Other people in her exercise class can be seen around the edges of the image.

A Big SLES Step

For Deena, this work experience is a milestone step in her SLES journey with Blue Tongue Pathways, which supports young adults with disabilities to develop their job readiness skills. Her involvement in small group workshops has helped build towards this work experience by: 

  • developing independence skills, including numeracy and literacy to lay the groundwork for workplace skills 
  • learning about workplace skills in general, such as presentation, professionalism and work ethic 
  • studying the skills and requirements she’ll need to become a personal trainer.  

To hone her knowledge in fitness, health and wellness, Deena took online classes, and created workout and stretch routines, which she guided fellow participants and coordinators through.  

“Those workouts always got the blood pumping!” says Mitch.  

“And for Deena they required planning, practice, and leadership skills to deliver challenging but accessible classes to her peers.” 

To witness Deena in action in the gym, it’s clear she’s up for the challenge. She’s excited to get back to the gym each week for her work experience, and to constantly learn, grow, and go far in this industry. 

“It’s hard work,” she says, breaking into another huge smile. “But it’s so much fun!” 

 

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SLES with Blue Tongue Pathways: Grow your independence and job skills

Finishing school is such an exciting time, full of opportunity! But if you’re not quite ready for the world of work, NDIS-funded SLES (School Leaver Employment Supports) is there to help you make a smooth transition, and develop the skills you need to get job-ready and chase your goals. And in the Blue Tongue Pathways SLES service, we’re all about the big picture, helping you grow in all the areas you need, to get on the pathway to success.   

“Independence skill-building is at the crux of it,” explains facilitator Mitch Brennan. “After all, that’s a foundation for life.” 

“Then we branch out from there, to work on getting job-ready!” 

Putting You On Your Chosen Pathway 

The two-year Pathways program starts out with a focus on building your confidence,  interpersonal skills, and communication skills – taking a holistic approach to developing your independent living skills. And it’s a chance to really narrow down your goals and how to go about pursuing them.  

In the second half of the program, it’s about implementing what you’ve learned, putting your skills into practice. This could include volunteering, work experience, or paid employment. 

SLES supports are customised to your own unique job goals and needs, but you’ll also benefit from working in a small group setting. 

“The start of the day in Blue Tongue’s SLES service is workshop-style, with group-led discussions. It’s great for relationship-building and team-building, and gets our participants really engaged,” Mitch says.   

“The topics of discussion might centre around expectations of a workplace, hygiene and presentation, time management, internet use and cyber safety, through to workplace health and safety. We even cover independence skills like opening bank accounts, paying cash vs credit, how to vote, or applying for a rental.”  

After a morning spent in theory-based workshops, it’s time to dive into hands-on, practical work. This is done with 1:1 or 1:2 support, depending on your needs and preferences. 

“That might be work experience. It might be mock job interviews,” says Mitch. “Sometimes it’s learning how to use public transport to get to work on time. It could mean attending a workshop and then coming back to practice the skills you learned.” 

Your Goals, Your Choices 

When you have a goal to work in a particular industry, Blue Tongue Pathways is deeply dedicated to supporting you to pursue it. Across our Brisbane and Toowoomba centres, our current SLES participants have a diverse range of job goals on the go. 

“We have a few guys who’ve just got white cards and forklift tickets. Hands-on, warehouse work is really popular. We have many who want to work with animals, one who wants to be a personal trainer … and one who’d like to be a train driver, so we’re working with Queensland Rail on that,” Mitch says.  

“They’re all really achievable goals – and we’re there to help get the ball rolling for them.” 

Support Every Step Of The Way 

Mitch’s skills and background as a social worker are a big part of his strengths as our SLES facilitator.  

“My advocacy skills from social work have come into play, to liaise with stakeholders, and create opportunities for our participants,” he says. 

“Also, I can pick up on nuanced barriers that might be in play. There could be mental health issues that affect confidence, or their ability to articulate what they need.  

“Some of our participants come in with goals that they feel they can’t achieve because of their disability.”  

“We can build their confidence and say ‘your disability is not your problem. Disability only exists because society won’t cater for you properly. It’s not on you to make room for others. Society needs to become more accessible for you.’ And you can really see their motivation lift when they understand that,” he says. 

Contact the team on hello@bluetonguepathways.com.au to find out more, and discuss a SLES service to put you on the pathway to achieving your goals! 

  • SLES stands for School Leaver Employment Supports. 
  • It is an NDIS funded support for senior school students and young adults with disabilities. Participants are generally 18-20 years old, but the cutoff age is usually 22. 
  • It assists participants in making a smooth transition from school to working life. 
  • SLES is generally funded for two years, under the NDIS support category Finding And Keeping A Job. 
  • To be eligible for the funding, you need to have goals in your NDIS plan such as “looking for work” or “building work readiness skills” 
  • SLES is a flexible support service, tailored to your individual needs and goals (it is not a formalised ‘course’). Progress is measured with regular check-ins with you, support workers and stakeholders to see how you’re progressing against your goals, and identify any areas that need further focus. 
  • Our SLES service runs from 9 am to 3 pm, and participants attend one or two days a week. 
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Building Life Skills in our Day Programs

One of the many great things about our day programs is the chance to develop life skills.  

The Blue Tongue Crew is a young-adult age group – from school leavers to age 30. And like many young adults, they want to learn to do things for themselves, and be more independent!  

But sitting through a booorrring lesson on how to do something like use a washing machine? No one wants to do that! (Press this, click that … no thanks!) 

So, we make sure that we build life skills into all of our programs. It’s learning, but it’s fun!  

Take, for example, a day in our ‘Plot to Plate’ cooking program.  The Crew isn’t simply given ingredients and a recipe. Take about 10 steps back, to see how we really start building some skills! Here are just some of the learning experiences and problem-solving opportunities we’ll work through as a small group: 

  • What are we going to make today? Is it nutritious? Does everyone agree on today’s meal plan? 
  • What ingredients do we need? What can we use from our garden? Let’s make a grocery list. 
  • How much money do we have to spend to buy those ingredients? 
  • How are we going to get to the shops? Can we take the car today, or do we need to find another way to get there? Could we walk to the shops? Could we catch a bus? 
  • Now that we’ve made it to the shops – where in this giant grocery store will we find the ingredients we need? 
  • What can we afford with our budget? Let’s compare prices.  
  • Great, got everything – now we need to pay. Where are the registers?  Shall we self-serve, or chat to the checkout operator at the big checkout? Cash or card? How much should it cost? How much money do we have left over? 
  • Now we have to get our shopping back to the kitchen, the way we came. 
  • Back at the kitchen, we can work as a team to get started on cooking up our feast! 

Once we’re in the kitchen, we’re learning everything we can about meal preparation.  

  • We learn and practice hygiene: having clean hands, wearing gloves, and not mixing utensils.  
  • We also learn about knife skills: how to chop, dice and slice ingredients safely, and in neat, consistent sizes. (They’ll cook better AND it looks better too!)  
  • We learn about working safely in the kitchen with others around hot appliances, or things that could spill.   

And of course, we’re following a recipe, paying attention to the procedure, step by step.  

Everyone’s favourite part comes when lunch is ready, and we can take the time to sit down with our friends and enjoy the meal we prepared together! Socialising over lunch helps us to build genuine relationships. 

Importantly, we learn to clean up after ourselves, keeping the kitchen clean and tidy! Everything must be washed properly, and put back where it belongs. Surfaces get wiped down, and we leave the place spick-and-span. 

So, in one fun and engaging day at the Plot to Plate program, we work on skills such as: 

  • working with others, and respecting others’ feelings 
  • planning 
  • budgeting 
  • problem solving 
  • grocery shopping 
  • money handling 
  • kitchen safety and hygiene 
  • meal prep and cooking skills 
  • team work 
  • following procedures 
  • cleaning up after ourselves and respecting our space
     

Plus, there are days when we need to maintain our herb and vegetable gardens, so we’re learning about sustainability, as well as the value of growing our own food. 

AND we do it all while hanging out with friends, sharing fun experiences and building genuine friendships! 

Hmm, isn’t it funny …  with all these skills under our belt, using the washing machine doesn’t seem so overwhelming anymore!