A WORLD OF #INCLUSION #WATWB – PART II

30 Comments#WATWB, Blogfests, Life

#WATWB We are the World BlogfestToday, I’m joining the We Are The World Blogfest (#WATWB), which posts on the last Friday of every month.

Started by Belinda Witzenhausen and  Damyanti Biswas and aided by a series of co-hosts (⭐), their credo is to bring light into an otherwise  dark world by sharing links to inspirational stories.

(⭐This month’s co-hosts: Sylvia McGrath, Lizbeth Hartz, Shilpa Garg, Mary Giese, and Belinda Witzenhausen.)

We Are the World Blogfest seeks to promote positive news. There are many cases of love and light out there, stories that show compassion and the resilience of the human spirit. Sharing these stories increases our awareness of hope…

This is a continuation of last month’s topic regarding inclusive hiring practices. (Read it HERE►) Research provided many shining examples. For brevity’s sake I could only share a few and felt a second installment was warranted: 

(Click on the titles to view individual websites)

Cristina’s Tortina Shop

Based in Brampton, Ontario, their unique cupcakery was created by Mary Iusso, for her daughter Cristina and other individuals with Down Syndrome and other special needs. Cristina’s Tortina Shop creates equal employment opportunities for people with Down Syndrome and other exceptionalities. As a team, they are advocates for recognizing and supporting the abilities of these individuals.

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The Lansdowne Cone

Based in Toronto, Ontario this is more than just an ice cream shop! A big part of the Lansdowne Cone is its employee training program. They’ve created 6 paid employment opportunities, and 16 unpaid training positions for youth with barriers to employment, in partnership with the Yonge Street Mission and the Geneva Centre for Autism.


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Website, ENABLES ME, offers a comprehensive list of
“27 Cafes & Restaurants Employing Persons with Disabilities Across Canada”.
Read More ►

There are many such cafés in the United States. For example:

DREAMERS MERCHANTS COFFEE COMPANY 

In 2015, Diane Grover began her company in hopes of assisting her daughter and other people with disabilities secure jobs. Through an online model, Grover provides opportunities for people with disabilities to become entrepreneurs. 


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BITTY AND BEAU’S COFFEE

Founder Amy Wright has two children (Bitty and Beau) who were born with Down syndrome. Aware of the difficulties of finding employment as a person with disabilities, Wright decided to open her own coffee shop to help support individuals in her community. They recently opened their third location and remain a popular destination in their communities.


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 Website, THE MIGHTY, offers a comprehensive list of
“27 Cafes & Restaurants That Hire People With Down Syndrome”.
Read More ►

A few more from around the world:

Inclusive Cafés in FRANCE ►  GERMANY ►  SPAIN ►  ISRAEL ►  INDIA ►   JAPAN ►

These cafés offer hope, dignity and pride to those who are often overlooked.
In a world full of hate and sorrow, isn’t that wonderful?

A WORLD OF #INCLUSION #WATWB - PART II #dogladysden #inclusionmatters Click To Tweet

As mentioned, this is a recurring monthly blogfest.
To read more inspiring stories, or join the festivities, click HERE ►

“In Darkness, Be Light…”

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Have you ever heard of or been to such a café?

Do you think starting that type of business would be difficult?
A little insight ►

Looking forward to your thoughts!

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30 thoughts on “A WORLD OF #INCLUSION #WATWB – PART II

  1. So happy to know about these businesses that are inclusive. They are providing wonderful opportunities. That’s why I love my workplace too. They should serve as an inspiration to other major establishments.

    1. My pleasure, Belinda. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the post. There are so many heartwarming entries in WATWB. Thank you for hosting it and for coming by today. Cheers!

  2. DEBBIE ~
    It’s very heartwarming to see folks who care for and have a concern for other people. Especially other people less fortunate than many of us in some ways.

    Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. That’s wisdom of the ages.

    Stuff like this always makes me feel ashamed that I haven’t done more for others than I have. Terrific post!

    ~ D-FensDogG
    STMcC Presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS

    1. I know what you mean, Stephen. 🙂 These wonderful people outshine most of us when it comes to helping the disadvantaged. And, it’s spreading all over the world, which makes it even more awe-inspiring. It’s about time society accepts everyone as they are. Thanks for coming by!

  3. Debbie,

    How wonderful to know there are establishments who seek out to empower those with special needs. I can’t imagine how difficult it is for these individuals but society’s misunderstandings about people with Downs or other perhaps more challenging issues have something to offer. We just need to find the right environment for them to shine. I think this is wonderful and hope all parties are rewarded equally. Thanks for sharing!

  4. Hi Debbie – how great to read about these restaurant owners giving the disabled opportunities they wouldn’t have otherwise. Thanks for this positive, uplifting post and for putting up part II!

  5. Hi Debbie – that’s great to read about … and wonderful as a mother she’s helping other families with children of similar ilk – it’s so difficult. My cousin’s daughter lives independently (nearly) in a home, and goes to work in a cafe/vineyard … just gives her opportunities to do other things … without tying her down to her limitations. Thanks for putting part II up and expanding our minds to what’s possible – cheers Hilary

    1. It seems that many of these businesses were started by parents wanting to help their children and it grew from there. It sounds like your cousin’s daughter is doing well for herself, Hilary. 🙂 Thanks for coming by and commenting on my WATWB entry. Cheers!

  6. Thanks for visiting my website, Debby. You are certainly a busy bee! I take it that you and Debby Gies are friends, both living in Toronto. I am impressed with your writing and traveling stats. Awesome!

    1. Welcome to The Den, Marian! 🙂 Debby and I have only recently met online. Although we live about 30 miles apart (the Toronto area is massive!), we have not had the chance to meet in person, so far. Something to anticipate! Thank you for your kind words. I have been writing – and travelling – since childhood. Cheers!

  7. What a wonderful project Deb. It’s great to see such wonderful programs to include those with disabilities. I noticed one of the grocery stores I shop at hire mentally disabled young men to keep law and order with the shopping carts. Proud of our city! <3

    1. It’s a positive trend which is spreading throughout the world. 🙂 Our local stores also hire disadvantaged people to manage the carts. I’m glad you enjoyed the post, DG. Thanks for coming by!

    1. Inclusive hiring practices have been catching on worldwide. Hopefully, they will become universal, eventually. Thanks for hosting this inspiring blogfest, Damyanti, and for adding to the conversation, here. Cheers!

  8. Thanks Debbie, lovely post and kudos to all those who start this initiative for those who are disabled and marginalised! Food is of course an ideal way 🙂

  9. Debbie, these are wonderful stories of inclusiveness. I commend and respect the owners and managers of these cafes who find it in their loving hearts to train and hire people with disabilities. I’m happy to see they are giving those an opportunity who may not otherwise hold a job. Thanks for sharing and participating in #WATWB.

    1. Thankfully, these hiring practices are catching on, all over the world! Your post about the Japanese restaurant is another prime example. 🙂 Thank you for co-hosting WATWB and for visiting here. Cheers!