about the inclusive café
Many social spaces aren’t fully accessible or sensory-friendly. The inclusive café aims to change that by creating a welcoming hub for wheelchair users, neurodivergent people, and the wider Trinity community.
about this project
The Inclusive Café is a pilot project exploring how campus social spaces can be more accessible, sensory-friendly, and welcoming for everyone. Designed with lived experience at its centre, the café brings together disabled and neurodivergent students, staff, and partners to co-create a space that supports comfort, dignity, and belonging.
This project is not just about a café — it’s about building community, testing inclusive design in practice, and learning together.
tagline
inclusive spaces. shared community. lasting impact.
student co-created specials
As part of the Inclusive Café pilot, we plan to invite students taking Trinity cookery classes to co-create a small number of menu items. This offers a supportive way for students to share ideas, build confidence, and contribute to a real campus space.
how it works
- students suggest or develop simple recipes
- items are reviewed using an accessibility checklist
- one or two items are trialled at a time
- feedback is invited, not required
what we prioritise
- clear ingredient and allergen labelling
- gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options where possible
- sensory notes (e.g. mild flavour, soft texture)
- choice without pressure for both students and customers
Participation is always optional, and students can choose how they are involved — from recipe ideas to tasting, naming, or feedback.
bring-your-own food welcome
Students are welcome to bring their own food and use on-site facilities, including a microwave. This supports dietary needs, sensory comfort, affordability, and choice.
accessibility & civic engagement
The Inclusive Café is a small, practice-based project exploring how accessibility, co-design, and civic engagement can come together in everyday campus spaces.
Rather than starting with fixed solutions, the project takes a learning-led approach — testing ideas, inviting feedback, and adapting based on lived experience.
As a pilot, the Inclusive Café is intentionally modest in scale. Its value lies not only in what it creates, but in what it helps us learn about inclusive design, community-building, and meaningful participation.
how the pilot would operate
Revenue from Inclusive Café sales would be used to cover wages and day-to-day expenses. All purchases and transactions would be managed through University systems, ensuring the pilot aligns with Trinity policies, including financial procedures, risk management, and reporting requirements.
key features
Accessibility, sensory comfort, and choice—built into the experience.
accessibility
- wide circulation space
- adjustable tables
- accessible toilets
sensory-friendly
- quiet pods / calm zones
- soft, adjustable lighting
- lower-noise layout
staff training
Staff trained in inclusivity, accessibility, and neurodiversity awareness.
food & labelling
- gluten-free options
- clear ingredient labels
- allergy-friendly choices
health & air quality
- HEPA filters
- mask-friendly approach
- openable windows
choice
Multiple ways to order: counter, table service, or digital ordering.
pilot proposal & timeline
A short pop-up pilot to test the idea, gather feedback, and improve the design.
what we’ll test
- space layout (movement, seating, comfort)
- sensory zones (quiet and lively areas)
- menus, labelling, and service options
- feedback methods that are accessible
timeline (example)
- planning: meetings & co-design
- setup: materials, training, layout
- promotion: posters, socials, invites
- pilot week: run the pop-up café
- evaluation: report + next steps
partners & co-creation
Students are co-creators, critics, and leaders—not recipients.
get involved
Want to support the pilot, partner, or share feedback?
Email: test@example.com (test email address)
accessibility statement
We aim to make the Inclusive Café website accessible, usable, and welcoming for as many people as possible.
The site is designed with clear structure, readable text, keyboard navigation, and optional accessibility tools such as a dyslexic-friendly font and easy-read mode.
This website is a work in progress. If you experience any barriers or have suggestions for improvement, we welcome your feedback so we can continue learning and improving together.