ATOT Grounds for Growth

A Competency-Based Barista Training Program for People with Disabilities

Executive Summary

ATOT Grounds for Growth is a tailored, competency-based training program designed to empower people with disabilities (PWD) to develop meaningful, transferable employment skills in the coffee and café industry.

Developed and delivered by ATOT, the program combines therapeutic support, skill development, and real-world practice to create genuine pathways to employment and community inclusion.

Program

Overview

Grounds for Growth is a hands-on, 8–10 week program built around individual learning goals, strengths, and progress.

Participants receive one-on-one occupational therapy-based training in real café environments, developing both technical and social skills required for meaningful employment.

The program is structured into progressive tiers, allowing participants to achieve short-term success while working toward long-term independence.

Objectives and Outcomes

The key objectives of ATOT Grounds for Growth are to:

Empower people with disabilities to achieve real, sustainable employment in the hospitality industry.

Provide structured, competency-based training with measurable goals and outcomes.

Create inclusive, community-based partnerships between local cafés, allied health professionals, and NDIS participants.

Promote dignity, and independence for participants.

Program

Structure

Each participant completes an 8–10 week block consisting of 1–2 sessions per week (1–2 hours per session).

Training is delivered in real work environments to provide authentic work experience.

The program follows a competency-based model with multiple tiers:

Tier 1: Foundational barista skills and workplace routines.

Tier 2: Customer service, more complex barista skills and teamwork.

Tier 3: Independent work readiness and leadership opportunities.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

ATOT invites local businesses, community groups, and disability support organisations to partner with us in delivering our Grounds for Growth Barista Skills Program — an innovative, evidence-based pathway supporting people with disability to build real-world employability skills.

Through this partnership, your workplace becomes a live training environment where participants develop confidence, technical ability, and workplace readiness — while your staff enjoy professionally prepared barista-style coffees at no cost.

ATOT provides everything required to deliver the program smoothly and professionally, including equipment, consumables, and qualified support. All we require is:
– A water source
– Bench space in or near your lunchroom
– Optional access to a fridge (helpful, but not essential)

Each program runs in 8-10-week blocks, allowing one participant to complete a full competency tier. While short-term participation is welcome, we are committed to building long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships, with the goal of running multiple programs over time as demand and capacity grow.

Sustainability is an important part of our values. We encourage participating workplaces to support environmentally responsible practices by using reusable cups where possible. Takeaway cups are provided when needed.

By partnering with ATOT, your organisation is directly contributing to inclusive employment, skill development, and meaningful community impact — while fostering a positive, engaging workplace experience for your team.

Together, we can create pathways that change lives — one coffee at a time.

Funding

and Sustainability

The program is designed to operate sustainably through NDIS funding streams for therapeutic supports. Participants’ training sessions are billed under occupational therapy or allied health assistant (AHA) services.

Overheads will be covered by ATOT (coffee beans, cups etc.)

Evaluation

and Impact

Program success will be measured using both quantitative and qualitative data, including participant feedback, skill attainment, employment outcomes, and partner satisfaction.
A competency logbook will be used to track individual progress. Long-term impact will be evaluated through follow-up employment and community inclusion metrics.

Contact Information

For partnership opportunities, funding discussions, or program inquiries, please contact:

ATOT (Ashlee Tronerud Occupational Therapy)
Website: www.atot.com.au
Email: info@atot.com.au
Director: Ashlee Tronerud, Occupational Therapist
Location: Canberra, ACT (Ngunnawal Country)