All restaurant operators seek to provide a warm and hospitable environment for all diners. But what constitutes a hospitable environment can vary, particularly for people with autism, sensory input disorders, sensory sensitivities, or other physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities, and their families, friends, and caretakers. That’s where the Sensory Friendly Dining Hour comes into play. The Prairie Grass Cafe Sensory Hour provides an inclusive atmosphere for individuals of all ages and abilities to enjoy a meal in a relaxed and crowd-free dining experience with limited people and contact. This includes minimizing the noise, dimming the lights and updating service to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience. In this presentation, Chef Sarah Stegner and consultant Hannah Rose Higdon will discuss the Prairie Grass Cafe's award-winning approach to neurodiverse dining and will offer some advice for restaurant operators moving forward.
Senior Client Success Manager, LifeGuides
Hannah Rose Higdon is Native American Lakota and a part of the Hunkpapa (Leaders of the Circle) clan where she grew up on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. She has an MA in Disability Communications. Hannah has shown perseverance as a deaf individual living in a predominately hearing world. She regularly volunteers by giving back to the deaf community and serves as a deaf advocate. Hannah always brings her unique insights and abilities to create a more inclusive world through education.
Sarah Stegner, Co-Owner & Chef, Prairie Grass Cafe
Sarah Stegner is the co-owner & chef of Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook, IL. She is a two-time James Beard Award Winner and was named Restaurateur of the Year by the Illinois Restaurant Association. She is a founding member of Green City Market (501c3), a founding member of The Abundance Setting, (501c3), a co-founder of Chicago Chefs Cook and is a member of the Chef Corp for WCKITCHEN. She also acts as an advisor to Chef Sebastian White of The Evolved Network, which creates a wellness space through food, farming, and cooking for “our kids”.