Thursday, 21 March 2013 13:05

Creating Something Out of Nothing: Malta Day Program Operates Unique Woodworking Business

By Chelsea DiSchiano | Education

MALTA – It was November of 2003 when Saratoga Bridges’ Day Program in Malta opened its doors. Back then, the Day Program was a way for people with disabilities to create a presence in the community by volunteering at local nonprofits, which enhanced their independence.

 

Over 10 years later, participants aren’t just volunteering in the community—a woodworking program that has been developed as one of the Day Habilitation’s strongest on-site programs has people with disabilities operating their own business.

Though the woodworking program began with its 20 participants crafting small wooden products using only hand tools, it has since evolved to the use of almost all power tools to make products such as dressers, cabinets, wine racks, and even a full kitchen island stocked with 15 shelves. 

The program, led by Day Habilitation instructor Kevin Schweitzer, operates as an actual business with finished products being sold for $100 or less, depending on the product. All proceeds from the sold products go right back into the program, using the money earned to purchase new tools and more wood.

“We operate off of a sort of grandiose ideal—that nothing we do is ordinary,” Schweitzer said. 

Schweitzer said that only 20 years ago, day habilitation programs were having people with disabilities sitting down and making candles every day.

“We want them to be doing real things and not just sitting in a building,” Schweitzer explained. “That wasn’t enough to become truly independent—we want them to take pride in what they’re doing.”

The 20 participants in the woodworking program have found that they have gained more self-confidence and improved self-esteem since they began producing these wooden products. 

“Every time we finish a product, we all look at it and review what each of us did to build it,” Schweitzer said. “We do it to eliminate fear, and we praise them based on their accomplishments to improve self-esteem and confidence—for example, we’ll be able to say to them, ‘This was finished because you helped build that part and you did it so well.’”

Schweitzer added that he tries to create an atmosphere of positivity in the program by not allowing anyone to speak negatively. 

“If something breaks or doesn’t work and they get upset, we’ll say, ‘No, we’ll just do it differently and learn a new process. We can mess things up and make them better,’” Schweitzer said. “Nobody here can ever feel like they are not successful. It’s impossible for them to be a failure.”

Although there are risks involved with using power tools, every safety process is reviewed before a new project is instituted.  Each participant must demonstrate the ability to not only use the tools correctly, but be aware and understand the purpose of using necessary safety equipment, including special eyewear, dust masks, and gloves, according to Schweitzer. 

Besides their carpentry products, the group also produces their own brand of dog bones, engrave customized pens and write and illustrate children’s books. The first book was called “Harry Lester Beetle” and told the story of a beetle that was different than other beetles, because he had dots all over his back instead of stripes.

“He eventually overcomes his differences by putting himself in a garden of flowers where every flower is different, so they naturally accept him just the way he is,” Schweitzer said. 

“If there is any opportunity to produce something, we’re going to take advantage of it,” Schweitzer added.

Saratoga Bridges will be celebrating National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) for the rest of March, as the month was officially proclaimed by President Reagan in 1987. DDAM commemorates the progress self-advocates, families and volunteers have made toward improving the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Though DDAM only lasts through March, Saratoga Bridges’ employees like Kevin Schweitzer and those with disabilities who are participating in the woodworking program will work every day to continue to improve their lives.

“One of our mottos is, ‘Life runs at us,’ so we can’t stand still,” Schweitzer said. “And we don’t.”

 

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