Dining out can be challenging for people with autism who sometimes avoid going out to eat altogether, but a Quebec-based restaurant chain is aiming to change that with its new sensory friendly experience in Ottawa.
Every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the lights are dimmed and the music is low at St. Hubert in Orléans.
“It’s the first time that we actually have this in Ontario, both Ottawa restaurants from St. Hubert are joining the initiative and last week all four in Gatineau also joined,” said Alain Bessette, the project manager for the inclusive employment initiatives at the company.
The autism-friendly dining initiative first launched in Quebec two years ago with support and guidance of Giant Steps, who have been inclusion advocates for more than 40 years.
“When I first heard about the program, I was very excited. Just the fact that we can make our restaurant more inclusive to more people so that other people can have the experiences of just being able to do the things everyone else does,” said server Paige Ladouceur.
Ladouceur has been a server at the Orléans location for three years and says training is a part of what goes into creating a sensory friendly experience.
“It went over explaining what autism is, what the difficulties can be, and then just tips and tricks on how to accommodate and just make the experience better,” she said.
In addition to creating a less stimulating environment, sensory kits are provided to tables upon arrival. The kits include items like noise cancelling headphones, sensory items, a communication chart and a visual-friendly Time Timer.
“Autistic individuals tend to have a different conception of time,” said Bessette. “If we tell someone your chicken is going to be ready in 20 minutes, I can set it to 20 minutes and see the time pass.”
Families can also prepare for their visit through a virtual tour to help ease anxiety.
“Being able to create that opportunity for other people so that they can have these moments, at the end of the day were just providing, delivering happiness,” said Ladouceur.
Reservations can be made online through St. Hubert’s website.
