A Seat at the Table
by Charlotte Skipper
For most of us, going out to eat is a routine activity that we often take for granted. But for individuals with acquired brain injuries and progressive disorders, dining out can be a challenging experience.
To help make things more inclusive for this overlooked population, the Orlando Health Advanced Rehabilitation Institute is expanding its Neuro-Friendly Restaurant Initiative – most recently to Seminole County.
Jessica Hooke, a speech language pathologist at the Institute, works primarily with patients who have experienced an acquired brain injury (ABI) – including tumors, traumatic injuries, and strokes – and individuals with progressive disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
While on outings with patients, Jessica noticed that most restaurants don’t have the necessary tools to cater to those with neurological conditions, which are often not immediately noticeable. She saw patients struggling with loud dining rooms, hard-to-read menus, and limited food choices that didn’t align with their recovery. To help make their dining experiences more welcoming and to promote healthy eating habits, she launched the Neuro-Friendly Restaurant Initiative in 2023.
“I’m always able to walk into a restaurant with no problem,” says Jessica, “but the areas that we address for patients – like cognition, communication, and difficulty swallowing food – weren’t really being addressed in the restaurant community. We’re collaborating with restaurants and making environments that are inclusive for this population.”
In February, the Neuro-Friendly Restaurant Initiative began partnering with Magnolia Yoga & Wellness Center and the GoodWay Vegan Café. The Longwood-based center and café are projects of Christian Relief Services Charities, a 501(c)(3) organization.
Feeling Seen and Heard
Located inside the center, the café provides a quiet, comfortable setting with appropriate tools for individuals with ABIs and progressive disorders to enjoy their dining experience. That includes assistive utensils that are easier to use, menus with photographs, quiet hours, and staff members who are friendly and patient. The café’s menu features French-inspired plant-based meals, emphasizing ingredients that promote brain wellness and heart health, as well as low-sugar options.
“People don’t think about all the little things that come in the aftermath of a brain injury, and how that impacts someone’s social interaction, engagement, and comfort in the community,” says Jessica. “This is just one way to help them feel more included and at ease.”
Lorena Castiglione, executive director of the nonprofit Magnolia Yoga & Wellness Center, understands the importance of inclusive, supportive environments for individuals with neurological conditions. Having experienced an acquired brain injury herself, she approaches this work with intention and care.
“This is a group of individuals whose needs are often overlooked in everyday spaces,” she says. “Our goal is to create a space where people feel supported, understood, and able to fully participate in everyday experiences like dining and community.”
Strike a Yoga Pose
The neuro-friendly initiative is now branching out beyond dining, with yoga classes at the Magnolia Yoga & Wellness Center. Magnolia is a trauma-informed studio focusing on yoga for mental and physical health. Taking the time to focus on somatic movement, breathing, and regulating one’s nervous system can increase overall well-being for anyone, she says. And for individuals with ABIs, yoga can be a game changer.
The goal is to keep expanding Orlando Health’s Neuro-Friendly Restaurant Initiative, with help from the community.
“If you have a favorite restaurant, tell them about this program,” says Lorena. “As someone who has implemented this, it’s not hard, and you’re opening doors to so many more individuals to make them feel seen.”
Restaurants or businesses interested in joining Orlando Health’s Neuro-Friendly Restaurant Initiative can call Jessica Hooke at 321-841-4166.