How accessible woodturning is helping people with disabilities explore the trades

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about The trades offer great career opportunities, but for many people with disabilities, getting started can be a challenge. That’s why the Council for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) and JA-NEO teamed up to launch our second Accessible Trades training program from February to May. This time, we introduced participants to woodturning, giving them a chance to develop new skills in a welcoming, supportive space.

A unique opportunity to learn woodworking

Woodturning is an essential skill in carpentry and cabinetry, and thanks to our partnership with the Artisans Centre in Peterborough Square, participants got to learn from expert instructors using professional tools. What made this program stand out even more was the wheelchair-accessible lathe which is the only one of its kind between Ottawa and Toronto.

This equipment makes woodworking more accessible for people with mobility challenges, opening the door to new career possibilities.

What participants learned

Over four sessions (a total of 12 hours), participants got hands-on experience with:
- Safely operating a lathe and using personal protective equipment
- Sharpening woodturning tools
- Turning simple and complex spindles
- Creating basic bowls and platters

All materials, lathes, and tools were provided, so participants could focus on building confidence and developing their skills.

What’s next?

The response to this program was incredible with every class filling up fast. With its success, CPD and JA-NEO are planning more Accessible Trades programs in the future. We want to keep making it easier for people with disabilities to explore careers in the trades and related industries.

This program is about more than just woodworking. It’s about breaking down barriers, creating new opportunities, and showing that the trades can be for everyone.

Stay tuned for future training sessions, and if you’re interested in learning more, contact CPD at info@pcpd.ca or 705-874-8661.