Brewing Abilities Café
Twinsburg High School
Matt Socrates, Intervension Specialist
Abby Todd, Intervention Specialist
Twinsburg High School’s Brewing Abilities Café was born out of a real need for inclusive vocational training. When community-based programs began turning away some students because of their disabilities or skill levels, intervention specialists Matt Socrates and Abby Todd recognized the importance of creating an opportunity that welcomed everyone.
The café provides a space where students with disabilities can build job skills, practice social and academic goals, and feel a true sense of belonging. Through roles like barista, banking, and marketing, students gain hands-on experience while fostering friendships and confidence. This program not only addresses barriers to employment but also promotes empathy and inclusion across the school community, ensuring every student has the chance to thrive.
Twinsburg High School’s Brewing Abilities Café is transforming the school community by creating an inclusive space where students with disabilities can connect, learn, and thrive. The program goes beyond serving coffee—it fosters friendships, reduces isolation, and gives students ownership of meaningful activities.
Q&A with Matt Socrates
"The most rewarding outcome so far is seeing the pride and joy in our students when they are interacting with customers."
-Matt Socrates, Twinsburg High School Intervention Specialist
What inspired this project?
Matt Socrates: The Brewing Abilities Café was directly inspired by a recognized need for comprehensive and inclusive vocational training at Twinsburg High School. Our team faced significant roadblocks when seeking suitable community-based programs, as many started saying "no" to some of our students. This created a profound need to establish a program that could truly accommodate all students, regardless of their dexterity, disability, and current skill level.
We were determined to create a space that offers every student a chance to work on vocational skills right where they are. Brewing Abilities achieves this by finding a meaningful job for each participant and then adapting that job to ensure everyone has an opportunity to succeed.
What has been the most exciting or rewarding outcome so far?
MS: The most rewarding outcome so far is seeing the pride and joy in our students when they are interacting with customers. The faculty has been so thrilled with the interaction and of course the delicious coffee. Another exciting dynamic is expanding our menu relative to feedback from our customers. Our students love advertising and developing an ever-changing menu for Brewing Abilities Café.
What advice would you give to another educator thinking about applying?
MS: Narrow in on the most passionate reason you became an educator OR most passionate purpose for pursuing a particular endeavor.
