MUSQUEAM TERRITORY and RICHMOND, B.C. – Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN) have unveiled Paper Planes Café, an inclusive and accessible coffee bar and the first of its kind at a Canadian airport.
The staff at Paper Planes Café will include a team of individuals of different abilities from the neurodiverse community. The team will prepare and serve an array of coffee, hot drinks and quick snacks for the millions of passengers who travel through YVR as well as thousands of employees and guests, creating inclusive employment opportunities and elevating the travel experience at YVR.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Paper Planes Café to YVR in partnership with Pacific Autism Family Network,” says Tamara Vrooman, president & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “Paper Planes Café is more than just a coffee shop, it’s a place where adults with diverse abilities can gain paid employment, training and valuable work experience. Travellers passing through YVR will have an opportunity to enjoy quality food and beverages while also upholding employment opportunities for individuals across the neurodiverse community in a safe and empowering place.”
“PAFN is so thrilled to be part of this new initiative at YVR. Building upon our programming, this will allow us to offer meaningful training in a paid position leading to hopefully employment. Thank you to YVR for helping us make a difference in the lives of individuals and their families across the neurodiverse community,” says Sergio Cocchia O.B.C. LL.D. (Hon), board chair & president, Pacific Autism Family Network.
Through the café, YVR and PAFN will deliver a training program for up to six months for all staff focused on tangible skills and expertise typical to the restaurant-and-service industry, such as barista talents, food preparation and customer service. At the end of the training, staff will also be supported with their job search in the community.
