Tag: disability

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All Of Me has my heart!

A Disability LOVE Story is the talk of the town!

a heterosexual couple both look at each other lovingly as they sit in their wheelchairs. Their family members stand behind them -the photo belongs to the new group producers of the show

ALL OF ME, a disability love story is breaking through barriers like never before!

The show opened at the end of April and has been the talk of the Disability Community. Why?

Well for starters, two of the leading roles are played by actors who use wheelchairs daily. It’s not able-bodied actors playing disabled characters, which sadly still happens quite often.

But with theatrical Shows like ALL OF ME, the landscape is changing slowly but surely. Directors are finally starting to get the message that if you want a truly authentic betrayal you need to have a disabled person playing a disabled role.

The beauty of this show is that not only does it feature one main star in a wheelchair, we get TWO! To my knowledge, in 9 years of NYC shows, I haven’t ever seen TWO characters in wheelchairs on stage together at the same time. One yes, but two? Fuggetaboutit! And oh, it gets even better. It’s a love story! Not some pity party. Then there’s the way they communicate with one another. Are you ready for it? Trust me you aren’t.

They use communication devices! Yeah, dat’s right friends. Communication Devices on a NewYork Stage In A Play! WHHHAAATTTT ? I swear I was grinning ear to ear the minute they started talking because I had no idea this would be happening. What was especially beautiful was to watch the amount of acting that took place just through their faces. There is so much humor in the show too and lord knows we all need a good laugh these days!

To top it off in true accessibility fashion, The New Group, producers of the show are offering different themed nights such as a date night, audio description night, and even a relaxed performance. Just to name a few! I wish every show had all these offerings don’t you ? I’m hoping by all of us talking about this show other theater producers will take note!

Get your tickets by clicking below my friends, you won’t want to miss it! https://thenewgroup.org/production/all-of-me/

I loved the play so much that I had to make a video sharing my thoughts. You can watch my review by clicking below. Please subscribe while you are at it!

https://youtu.be/vtnBziTH8Wg?si=5iqmIJF4D3aRljdU

Don’t forget to message me on Instagram or comment on Youtube letting me know how much you loved it! Talk again soon.

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We’ve Been Waiting For You Cafe Joyeux

cappuccino in white ceramic cup on white ceramic saucer

Exciting News for our neighborhood. New York’s first-of-its-kind inclusive
French coffee shop has made it from the heart of France to Midtown East.
Since 2017, Cafe Joyeux (pronounced joy-you) has had the mission of
providing employment and training for people with mental and cognitive
disabilities. With over 19 locations in Europe, making disability visible in
culinary jobs has proven to be a successful concept thus far. And what
better place to make their American debut than in the middle of Manhattan?
Centrally located at 52nd Street and Lexington Avenue, Cafe Joyeux
boasts warm hospitality and delicious French gourmet goodies served fresh
daily.


What makes it different from other coffee shops?


In the first place, not only does the family of cafes provide meaningful
engagement with society for its employees, but customers also gain the
opportunity to embrace differences in one another. Because, you see, 95 %
of their employees have a disability. As far as I know, there is no other
business in New York that this is the case. With this radical innovation of a
high intellectual disability employment rate, Cafe Joyeoux’s mission is to
open hearts and minds. By recruiting trainees who have a disability such as
Autism or Down Syndrome, for example, specialists work as a team to
teach vocational skills needed to work in a professional company
environment. Business Positions include greeter, food preparer, cashier,
and waitstaff. Employees learn the skills to do all positions then restaurant
managers adapt job roles to fit each person’s ability.


What do they serve?


All Joyeux team members are happy to serve the usual coffee varieties of
lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos. Homemade hot chocolate, tea, and
lemonade are also available. Drinks usually have a sprinkle of love and
kindness thrown in each cup. Prepared on-site are luscious French pastries
like almond croissants and triple chocolate cookies. Yum!
Beyond dessert, you’ll find savory treats such as bacon and cheese
bun, sweet potato soup, or a Waldorf salad.


Besides the people and food, you’ll want to spend time soaking up the
atmosphere. With high ceilings, plenty of seating, and large windows, you
can’t help but be in a good mood. After all, Joyeoux does mean happiness in
English. I’m pleased to report the Cafe is also accessible to people using a
wheelchair or walker. Complete with an accessible bathroom as well.
Cafe Joyeoux is on a mission to include people with intellectual disability in
society through work and everyday encounters. By gaining confidence and
experience, Cafe employees’ daily lives become filled with purpose and
belonging. I’m beyond thrilled that they are here. Let us support their efforts.
I think you’ll find The Joy Will Be With You.


Cafe Joyeoux
599 Lexington Ave
Hours 7:30 am-5 pm M-F
8:00 am-4 pm Sat
Closed Sundays
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