Riding the DIY and baking trend, the Down Syndrome Foundation is setting up a sheltered workshop in the style of a tourist factory, producing handmade cookies and bread, as well as offering baking experience classes. It is inviting families and even tour groups for half-day or full-day visits. The Foundation recently selected nearly 100 ping (about 330 square meters) of space on the first floor of Xinzhuang National Sports Center, which is currently under intensive renovation, with plans to open as early as August.
Lin Cheng-hsia, chairman of the Down Syndrome Foundation, said that the newly built sheltered workshop, designed with the concept of a tourist factory, is the first of its kind in Taiwan. The nearly 100 ping space will house a baking classroom where baking instructors have designed hands-on experiences suitable for adults and families. Children with Down syndrome will serve as little assistants, guiding visitors in making cupcakes and various cookies and candies.
Lin Cheng-hsia said that the public still holds stereotypes about products from sheltered workshops, believing they are inferior to branded goods on the market and are purchased only out of charity. However, in reality, products from sheltered workshops are made to high standards, from ingredients to packaging. The Foundation hopes to gain recognition through quality, and encourages more people to see the efforts of people with disabilities while also promoting interaction between them and the community. This is the idea behind transforming into a tourist factory.
Chou Mei-ju, head of public welfare marketing at the Down Syndrome Foundation, said that the sheltered workshop at Xinzhuang National Sports Center will provide job opportunities for 12 individuals with Down syndrome and disabilities. In addition to selling products under the Foundation’s sheltered workshop brand “Love Without Hesitation,” the space will feature a central kitchen constructed with transparent glass. Most uniquely, it will offer a baking classroom with a variety of experience courses.
Lin Cheng-hsia said that the workshop is currently under intensive renovation and is expected to officially open in August. In the future, the Foundation also hopes to uphold the spirit of “mutual assistance among the disadvantaged” by showcasing quality products from other sheltered workshops in New Taipei City here.