Accessible online activities: Able Australia’s Zoom baking story
Zoom Baking: Connection through technology
By Brydie Quinn · Originally published 2 July 2020
Original article
Brydie Quinn is the National Head of Innovation and Improvement at Able Australia. Brydie was the innovator who got the wheels moving on Able’s Zoom Baking Sessions amongst participants at Able’s Support Independent Living homes. This activity crossed borders and help build new connections for Able’s participants and staff.
Social isolation has been prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially it was an opportunity to think of different activities to entertain yourself and each other in our homes from playing card games, to meditation, to naughts and crosses. However, after several months of self-isolation life can become rather wearisome without having connections outside of our home.
As a means to break the monotony of social isolation for NDIS participants, and to connect with others outside of their home, the idea to give Zoom baking sessions was sparked.
The first Zoom baking session kicked off in May and encouraged participants to get involved in baking some mouth-watering scones and having a heap of fun along the way whilst being actively supported.
For the first session participants were able to get together as a team to agree on the type of scones they were going to bake, make an ingredient list, measure, mix and stir the ingredients, and time the cooking. Each home was able to add their own touch to their scones from sweet to savoury, to adding colour to scones with a range of vegetables to sultanas. Last but not least everyone was able to devour their delicious scones!
Along with all that is involved, baking provides fast results and the opportunity to give feedback about the experience whilst everyone is still together. The activity keeps everyone engaged as they await in anticipation to see everyone’s creations.
Baking offers a creative outlet for participants with one participant highlighting their enjoyment in mixing the scones with their gloved hands, using a scone cutter to cut the perfect shaped scone and most importantly enjoying getting messy!
Zoom sessions deliver participants with choice and control to continue to be practised. This was practised with participants choosing to actively bake in the kitchen throughout the session, whilst others chose to wait patiently for their baked scones.
This platform provides participants with the chance to connect and engage with people outside of their home by talking through the process of what they were doing from spreading jam on the scones, to what their favourite jam is, to where the apron they are wearing is from, to showing off their finished product. All the while being actively supported by supported workers.
Connecting via Zoom builds excitement amongst the home as they have a date they can look forward to. It builds anticipation in the house as to what they are going to bake and they discuss amongst themselves what they would like to bake.
Along with participants being actively supported, it is an opportunity for the participants to use technology from iPads to smart phones to chat and be connected with people who they wouldn’t normally have had the opportunity.
The Zoom baking sessions have been such a hit with the supported independent living homes they are continuing each week. The platform opens up a range of other opportunities as to what can be done next from art, crafts, music and so much more. What’s your Zoom activity in iso?
Clickability editorial update: October 2026
Choose how you want to take part
You might want to mix ingredients, select the recipe, talk with others or watch the activity. Discuss that preference before the session. Ask what communication support, camera setup or assistance would make it easier to join, and whether taking a break is straightforward.
Check the practical arrangements and costs with the organiser. If you use paid support, agree the worker’s role and check the applicable NDIS support rules. The online activity and ordinary ingredients should not be assumed funded simply because a support worker is present.
Plan the assistance around the person’s chosen role
Check who wants to do which tasks and what help they have requested. Prepare the workspace, equipment and communication setup so participation is possible without rushing. Address cooking risks using the person’s agreed support arrangements and your workplace procedures.
Respect privacy when using cameras and do not assume agreement to an activity includes consent to recording or publicity. Ask what worked afterwards and use that feedback to adapt the next session. Success can be choosing, watching or talking as well as completing the recipe.
Does this article confirm the sessions are still running?
No. It describes the provider’s 2020 activity.
Is an online baking activity automatically an NDIS support?
No. Check eligible disability-related support separately from ordinary activity and ingredient costs. Official guidance
Find support to join activities your way
Tell Clickability what activities you want help participating in. Compare reviewed and rated support work providers and discuss practical access and your preferred level of assistance.
