The highly anticipated “2025 Tamsui Art Street Carnival, New Taipei City” kicked off with great fanfare on the 27th, Sep. Organized by Eden Foundation under commission from the Social Affairs Bureau, New Taipei City Government's, the “Tamsui Workshop” led 20 service users with disabilities (referred to as partners), along with family members and volunteers, to participate wholeheartedly. Under the slogan “Moving Forward Together, Bridging the Future,” they radiated confidence and vitality. Among them, 24-year-old Hsiao-An, a young man with Down syndrome, stole the spotlight the moment he stepped on the street. His irresistibly charming smile and lively body movements made him the most dazzling presence.
Tamsui Art Carnival featured a lively street parade, with Eden leading a strong contingent of over 100 service users.
Hsiao-An joined the Tamsui Workshop in 2019. Through art therapy groups, occupational activities, and community participation, he has gradually transformed. He loves singing and eagerly expresses himself in front of others. During simulating café service activities, he took on the role of “shop manager,” using his own rhythm to reassure customers. His parents shared with emotion how their son, once slow to respond and rarely expressive, now communicates clearly and interacts with others with genuine care. His remarkable progress has brought them increasing peace of mind.
To participate in Tamsui Old Street's annual grand parade this year, the workshop began planning early in the year. Partners, educare givers, and volunteers spent nearly half a year rehearsing—from marching steps and formations to chants—refining every detail to build team cohesion. Parents actively supported the process, accompanying their children to complete the performance. On the day of the event, Hsiao-An and his peers donned blue-and-white uniforms symbolizing “bridges,” marching step by step through the bustling Tamsui Old Street. Their confident and endearing presence drew enthusiastic applause from onlookers lining the route. Hsiao-An's father shared that he had previously worried most about his child becoming disconnected from society. However, through Eden's courses and activities, his child's abilities had the opportunity to be seen. He expressed deep gratitude for the educare givers' dedication.
Hsiao-An, the simulating coffee shop manager from Tamsui Workshop, confidently marched through the streets with his parents.
Tamsui Workshop stated that having participants street parade and fully engage, and interact closely with the community marked significant progress. This event stands as one of the year's proudest achievements for the entire staff. The art parade is not merely a performance but a vital action promoting social inclusion. Service users not only learn to recognize emotions and express themselves, but family bonds also deepen. Community residents simultaneously challenge stereotypes about persons with disabilities, witnessing their potential and vitality.
The Meticulously CRPD float crafted by Eden's Le-An Disability Service Center drew significant attention.
For this event, Eden also mobilized several local service units—including Shalun Day Care Center, Aihu Development Center, Le Yuan Disability Service Center, Bali Chi-Fu Long-Term Care Service Center, and Le-An Disability Service Center—to jointly plan and coordinate. Together, they led service users in showcasing the passion and creativity of diverse services. Over 120 participants walked into the community, actively conveying the value of inclusion. Eden Foundation emphasizes that “Moving Forward Together, Bridging the Future” is more than just a slogan—it symbolizes a bridge of understanding and support. Moving forward, Eden will continue partnering with service users, their families, and the publics to foster inclusive community where love and acceptance become everyday realities.
Tamsui Workshop serves persons aged 15 to 64 who hold a registration disability ID card and have completed the needs assessment. For service inquiries, please call +886-2-2622-9287.
