Results: Socially Responsible AND Delicious!

Cristina's Tortina Shop was born out of love, and fuelled by the passion to advocate on behalf of those with special needs. The Brampton, Ontario bakery was the brainchild of Mary Iusso, who created the shop for her daughter, Cristina and others with Down Syndrome and other special needs. The idea was to advocate for equal employment opportunities for people with Down syndrome and other special needs - aka. Exceptionalities, in the words of the owner. The shop showcases people's capabilities and even its logo reflects its support for people of all abilities - the logo is of Cristina, and the three cupcakes and 21 polkadots on her apron pay tribute to Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), says Iusso. Her daughter Cristina has been a huge inspiration for the business, where Iusso hires people with Exceptionalities - like Down Syndrome, Autism, and other special needs - to be a part of her team. Their motto is "We bake to advocate", and Iusso hopes that other businesses will take a cue from her, and recognize the wonderful contributions these young adults have to offer. Have you ever frequented a businesses that is so socially responsible?

In 2009, when Iusso gave birth to a girl with Down syndrome, the staff at the hospital handed over a bunch of dated pamphlets to her and informed her it was unlikely Cristina would walk, talk or meet any developmental milestones. Once she got home, Iusso did a bit of research. She realized most of the material about Down syndrome was negative and dated. "When I read the information, I started to get angry at the way the world was already perceiving this little girl who didn't even take her first step," she said. "I knew I had to do something in a positive way to showcase my daughter's capabilities. I love to make cupcakes so we decided to open this store." She opened the store in 2013, and displayed prominently on the wall of the store is a heartwarming message from Iusso to her daughter that reads: "I wouldn't change you for the world, little C, but I promise to change the world for you, one cupcake at a time." Do you agree that people should not be pre-judged for their capabilities JUST because they have been "diagnosed" or determined to be "special needs"?

Have you ever eaten at any of these American restaurants that go out of their way to hire people with special needs?

One restaurant goes even one step further. Based in Toronto, Ontario, Famous People Players is a black light puppetry dinner theatre company. It is a non-profit organization which employs people with physical and intellectual disabilities. Those individuals share duties in dining room management, arts administration, and theatrical and visual arts performances. Since 1974, this company has shattered the idea of limitations, and has toured across Canada showcasing the abilities of their troupe, but the focal point is their Toronto theatre, where from dinner to show, all the participants have special needs. Have you ever attended a performance/dinner at this theatre?