About Café Inclusion:
For millions of Americans with disabilities, gainful employment continues to remain out of reach. More than 70 percent of adults with disabilities want and are able to work, translating into an untapped work force of 18 million people.

Our goal is to provide employment opportunities for people who are differently-abled so they may live productive and fulfilling lives through Café Inclusion, a full service restaurant providing no-cost culinary training and independent living assistance to its employees. 
The food industry is a wonderful environment in which to forge a career, make social connections and gain valuable life skills.

Over 25% of working adults got their first job experiences in restaurants, suggesting work in this industry is often a springboard to other types of employment and can be the first step in providing people with disabilities the experience and confidence to pursue their passions.

Our program will teach students the necessary skills for all aspects of restaurant operation from food prep to management, providing hands-on training for real world employment.  Effective communication, job interviewing and independent living skills will also round out the curriculum.

Why Café Inclusion?
Disability is not inability! Hiring a person with a disability is a win-win situation for everyone.  It not only provides opportunities for those who are differently-abled to make significant contributions and develop their own independence and sense of self-worth, but promotes disability awareness and makes good business sense.

People with disabilities possess valuable problem-solving skills because they are experts in finding creative ways to perform tasks others may take for granted.  Employees with disabilities have proved to be dependable, dedicated, hardworking and productive employees.

Companies can see firsthand how people with disabilities can contribute and discover that working and interacting with employees with disabilities raises morale and eliminates the mystery of workplace accommodations.  Positive experiences with persons with disabilities dispel fears employers have about giving people with disabilities a chance in full-time employment.  Additionally, hiring people with disabilities adds value to a business and attracts new customers.  Many businesses report that the experience of working with people with disabilities actually increases productivity!

There is a greater demand than ever for skilled labor.  People with disabilities represent the single largest minority group seeking employment in today’s market and are a source of qualified workers that is frequently overlooked.  America’s economic success depends on the ability of businesses to recognize and use the valuable and diverse human resources available. Tapping into the talents and skills of people with disabilities will benefit companies and communities nationwide. 

Universal Design and Accessibility:
Every area will be accessible to people with disabilities.  From the front door, to the specially designed kitchen and all areas in between, Café Inclusion will be universally designed to meet not only the needs of our students and employees, but those of our customers as well. 

Thanks to our Supporters!
A heartfelt thank you goes out to those individuals and organizations that have offered their time, advice and support to Café Inclusion, including:

Chef Devin Alexander
Thomas Beer/Inclusive Schools Network
Vince Bell
Cheri Blauwet
DHC
Geri Jewell
Jackie Jones/PACE Business Development Center
Dr. Terri Kennedy
King Ryan Events
Rene Kirby
Garth Larcen/Positive Vibe Café
Humble Journey Films
Chef Brian Malarkey
Jonathan Mooney
Casey Pieretti
Julieta Pomares/ Women’s Initiative for Self Employment
Christopher Voelker
Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship
Special People Helping Others
Stephanie Wright/ The Dinner A’Fare
Surfers Healing-A Foundation for Autism
Swingset Mamas