Cooking for Independence – Building Skills for a More Independent Life

Independence is a powerful word, it means having the ability, confidence, and opportunity to make your own choices and shape your own future. For many people with disability, developing independent living skills is not only a personal goal but a key part of their NDIS plan. One practical and empowering way to build independence is through cooking. Whether it’s making a simple sandwich or planning and preparing full meals, cooking supports confidence, autonomy, and life-long wellbeing.

At RCS, we champion the importance of daily living skills, and cooking is just one of the many ways our participants can build independence, reach their NDIS goals, and take more control of their everyday lives.

Cooking as an NDIS Goal

The NDIS supports people with disability to build capacity through funding for “Daily Living” supports. This can include developing skills like:

• Planning meals and shopping lists

• Preparing and cooking food

• Safely using kitchen equipment

• Understanding nutrition and food hygiene

For many participants, cooking aligns with their goals to live more independently, be healthier, and participate more in their community. It can also reduce the need for paid support, empowering individuals to look after themselves more confidently in their own homes.

More Than Just Meals: Other Ways to Build Independence

While cooking is a core life skill, there are many other areas that contribute to independent living. Some other popular skill-building activities supported through NDIS include:

🏠 Home Maintenance

Learning to clean, do laundry, make the bed, and keep spaces tidy can all be part of a participant’s independence goals. These skills boost confidence and reduce reliance on others for basic household needs.

🧾 Budgeting and Shopping

Money management, using ATMs or EFTPOS, comparing prices, or making a grocery list all empower people to make their own decisions and take responsibility for their spending.

🚌 Transport Training

Participants can be supported to learn how to use public transport, read timetables, or book transport assistance. This unlocks more social and work opportunities and gives people freedom to go where they want, when they want.

📅 Time and Routine Management

Using a calendar, setting reminders, and managing appointments can help participants stay organised and build a strong daily routine — a big step towards greater independence.

How Support Workers Help

Support workers at RCS are trained to help participants work toward these goals at their own pace. They offer hands-on help, step-by-step encouragement, and celebrate progress — no matter how big or small. These supports are always tailored to each person’s unique needs and preferences.

Sometimes that looks like cooking a meal side-by-side. Other times, it’s helping someone write a weekly meal plan, catch a bus to the supermarket, or clean up after dinner. The key is consistency, patience, and a person-centred approach.

Small Wins, Big Impact

When a participant learns to cook a meal, clean their kitchen, or budget for groceries, they’re doing more than just ticking a box — they’re building confidence and creating a sense of achievement. These skills create pathways to more independent housing options, better health outcomes, and greater participation in their community.

Cooking for independence is about more than food — it’s about choice, control, and confidence. With the right supports in place, including through the NDIS and with the guidance of dedicated support workers, participants can take real steps toward the independent life they envision for themselves.

Whether it’s a cheesy scone or a full week of planned meals, every moment in the kitchen is a moment of growth.