Artistas Cafe-Where individuals with Autism are coffee artistas.
February 8, 2011 by Real Autism Solutions
Javamo coffee’s Art for Autism foundation partners with Mercedes Benz of Tampa Bay to open the Artistas Cafe. Artistas Cafe is a coffee shop located inside the Mercedes dealership in Tampa, Florida. Similar to other local coffee shops they serve cappuccino’s, latte’s, mocha’s, tea’s and cocoas. The main difference between Artistas and the other local coffee establishments - the employees or “artista’s” (as they are called) are young adults with Autsm. Artistas cafe currently employs four coffee artista’s, who are responsible for greeting customers, taking orders, preparing drinks for customers, and handling payments. “Working in the Artistas Café is a great way for people on the autism spectrum to gain on–the-job training and to learn and practice social skills,” said Art for Autism’s founder Vicky Westra. Frank Cuteri, general manager of Mercedes Benz of Tampa, orginally considered opening a Starbucks inside the dealership, but changed his mind when approached by Javamo coffee and the Art for Autism foundation, and he saw an opportunity to give back to the community. Everyone involved hopes that this partnership will allow the community and other businesses to better understand the contribution that people with Autism and other developmental disabilities can make to the community and to businesses.
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My son is 17 years old and has autism. I am currently working on starting up a company that will hopefully employ people with autism. My son is amazing and has so much to offer, but he also faces challenges and when I read your story today it gave me the courage to keep pursuing my dream because there are moments that I feel overwhelmed and giving up seems like a great idea!
G-d Bless your efforts
Jeanette
Our 5 year old son has a passion for life. One of his interests is painting, albeit nature or nuture, he has grasped paint brushes since he was crawling.
Because of this zeal, he enjoys arts and crafts time at home and school. We think he may enjoy a community-based painting kids program this summer. You know…something for fun, not regimented, but skill-enhancing.
Well, like a PICASSO-in-the-making, at his school Valentines party, inspiration led him to the green, yellow and orange pallettes! Yep! After giving out his treats, he took the initiative to paint. Fortunately, his Teacher was quite excited about his independent activity selection (Requesting by actions) and joined in his free-expression moment. HaHaHa! photo-op!
By the way, our son has been diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum with Sensory Processing Dysfunction. He receives traditional therapies at school and privately(O.T., Speech/Language,APE, A.T.). Throughout the day, he follows a Sensory Diet to help him process/ integrate within various environments. Additionally, he enjoys aftercare P.AL.S.(Play And Learn SocialSkills) based on Model Me Kids and Committee for Children curriculum.
Presently, he is recouperating from a Mardi Gras season of balls, parades, secondlines, French Quarter fun and KingCakes! His ‘EnjoyHi5Autism’ repetoire includes: annual 2k Fun Run/Walk Fest, Easter Eggstravaganza and Principal Reading Reward Water Fun Day! Like painting, these activities are enjoyable because our son has a passion for life! He works very hard at not limiting himself. Now this positive attitude deserves many Hi5s! God Bless, KBJCosse’ Family
Our 5 year old son has a passion for life. One of his interests is painting, albeit nature or nuture, he has grasped paint brushes since he was crawling.
Because of this zeal, he enjoys arts and crafts time at home and school. We think he may enjoy a community-based painting kids program this summer. You know…something for fun, not regimented, but skill-enhancing.
Well, like a PICASSO-in-the-making, at his school Valentines party, inspiration led him to the green, yellow and orange pallettes! Yep! After giving out his treats, he took the initiative to paint. Fortunately, his Teacher was quite excited about his independent activity selection (Requesting by actions) and joined in his free-expression moment. HaHaHa! photo-op!
By the way, our son has been diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum with Sensory Processing Dysfunction. He receives traditional therapies at school and privately(O.T., Speech/Language,APE, A.T.). Throughout the day, he follows a Sensory Diet to help him process/ integrate within various environments. Additionally, he enjoys aftercare P.AL.S.(Play And Learn SocialSkills) based on Model Me Kids and Committee for Children curriculum.
Presently, he is recouperating from a Mardi Gras season of balls, parades, secondlines, French Quarter fun and KingCakes! His ‘EnjoyHi5Autism’ repetoire includes: annual 2k Fun Run/Walk Fest, Easter Eggstravaganza and Principal Reading Reward Water Fun Day! Like painting, these activities are enjoyable because our son has a passion for life! He works very hard at not limiting himself. Now this positive attitude deserves many Hi5s! Enjoy!
God Bless, KBJCosse’ Family