The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

This session will feature Second Street Sundries, a café and coffee shop in Albemarle, NC, now in its second year of operation, owned by GHA Autism Supports, a service provider for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Utilizing a powerpoint, the presenters will detail the steps involved with the conceptualization and operation of this business and the micro-enterprises that are supported by the café gift shop. Individuals with ASD served by GHA in a rural area had difficulties finding and maintaining meaningful employment. To promote vocational access, GHA initiated plans to develop a small business. Community business gaps were analyzed and Starbucks was identified as a marketable resource, thus a business plan was developed for a coffee shop. The development of a business relationship with Starbucks, including creatively overcoming resistance to the location and education about the benefits of workers with ASD, will be discussed. Construction, marketing, funding, and the development of partnerships with food service and management companies, vendors, and a local bakery will also be detailed. The primary emphasis of the presentation will be on the employment of eleven individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder who work with neuro-typical peers in various staff positions at the coffee shop, enhancing their social and community engagement. One of the individuals with ASD has been recognized by Starbucks for his exceptional barista skills and accepted into an honorary training program. This session will increase attendees understanding of vocational development and support by examining an innovative $500,000/year business model built specifically to employ individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This model has already been visited by professionals in the autism field from Japan, India, and Canada.