For young adults, transitioning to adulthood can be overwhelming. And for those with disability, the journey can present additional challenges.
Mosaic’s Learn2Adult program is designed to help young adults with disability (aged 12+) gain life skills to become confident decision makers.
For Sam*, one of our Learn2Adult participants, that journey started with a simple but powerful goal: learning how to cook.
Starting from scratch
Before this experience, Sam had never cooked a meal on his own. In fact, he had never even chopped a vegetable. Understandably, his parents were worried. Safety was a big concern, and the idea of using knives and a hot stove felt daunting.
But our Learn2Adult Coach, Sophie Hope, knew that with the right support, anything was possible. She worked closely with Sam to build confidence step by step. Sophie’s approach was calm and patient, focusing on safety and encouragement at every stage.
Breaking down barriers
The first sessions were all about building trust and learning the basics. Sophie showed Sam how to handle kitchen tools safely, measure ingredients, and follow a simple recipe. Each small step, either washing vegetables or stirring a sauce, was a critical milestone.
As Sam’s confidence grew, so did his skills. Soon, he was ready to take on a bigger challenge: cooking a full meal from scratch.
The taste test
Together, they decided to make Spaghetti Bolognese, a classic dish and a great way to practise several skills at once. From chopping onions and carrots to browning mince and boiling pasta, every step was a milestone.
Sophie worked with Sam on cooking meals such as Spaghetti Bolognese, Tacos, and Nachos, and supporting him to master cooking mince and explore its versatility across different dishes.
“It was amazing to see Sam’s determination,” Sophie said. “He was nervous at first, but once he started, you could see his confidence building with every step.”
The result? A delicious homemade dinner and a huge sense of achievement.
More than just cooking
This experience was about much more than food. It was about independence, trust, and self-belief. For Sam, cooking wasn’t just a skill. It was proof that he could set a goal and achieve it.
His parents were thrilled too. What started as hesitation turned into pride as they saw their son take on a challenge and succeed. It showed them what’s possible when the right support is in place.
Looking ahead
Now that Sam has mastered his first recipe, he’s excited to try more. Sophie is planning future sessions to explore other dishes and build on these new skills. Each new recipe will bring more confidence and independence.
Why life skills matter
Learn2Adult is all about helping young people with disability develop practical skills for everyday life. Cooking is just one example. Other examples include managing money, fostering relationships, or pursuing a job. These skills open doors to independence, boost confidence, and create opportunities for social connection.
Mosaic’s Learn2Adult program is designed to support people with disability to build everyday life skills. Delivered both in-person and via telehealth, the coaching is offered flexibly that fits around each person’s goals and lifestyle. You can access the Learn2Adult coaching service via NDIS funding or on a fee-for-service basis.
Want to learn more about Learn2Adult?
If you or someone you know would like to build life skills and confidence; our team is here to help. Contact us on 08 9314 8900 or visit our website to find out how Learn2Adult can support your goals.
* Name has been changed to maintain client privacy.