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Repair Cafes

Repair Cafes offer a unique advertising and networking opportunity among circular economy initiatives, because their tactile, social environments encourage participation in a broader way than many other styles of programming. Below are suggestions to get the most our of this engaging reduce / reuse format!

Where to Advertise Repair Cafes?

  • Physio, Chiro and Concussion Management Clinics
    • Why?
      • Clinics that specialize in concussion and TBI recovery, vestibular therapy and hand rehab are an amazing place to spread awareness of your Repair Cafe. Tactile activities that practice fine motor skills represent a portion of each of these therapies. For concussion and vestibular therapies, practicing being in social / public environments is also a step all patients will eventually graduate to. Not only will your Repair Cafe potentially gain some incredibly skilled and knowledgeable members, but they in turn will have the opportunity to practice rehab activities outside of a clinical setting (a crucial step!), gain confidence in themselves post-disability, and perhaps even learn new job market skills!
  • Seniors Communities / Seniors Centres
    • Why?
      • 51% of Canadians work in construction or manufacturing, which lends itself to a huge retired population of skilled workers. In addition, we learned through the recent pandemic that the majority of seniors who have graduated to assisted living do not have regular, "essential" visitors in the form of friends or family, which makes Repair Cafes a potentially vital social outlet for those progressing through their senior years.
  • Group Homes
    • Why?
      • Many people with specialized needs and capabilities are abundantly creative and talented at tactile skills requiring visualization. Including Group Homes in your community advertising is a great way to contribute to the reduction of isolation that many people with disabilities (including trauma, if you have group homes for foster children in your community) experience.

Considerations To Make Repair Cafes Accessible and Inclusive

  • Utilize warm LED lighting.
  • Have extra ear protection on hand.
    • Utilize a sign-in and sign-out system if you are concerned about theft or someone accidentally leaving with them.
  • Ensure you have a table or counter space that can accommodate wheelchairs.
  • Keep walkways free of debris (cords, parts, items-in-waiting, etc.), and utilize slip-free flooring or mats wherever possible.
  • Ensure bathrooms can accommodate wheelchair access.
  • If it is realistic for your Repair Cafe, offer a "quiet hour," when power tools and music are not allowed.
    • If you intend to provide music outside of this, utilize sensory-friendly playlists:
  • Provide any necessary signage in text, infographic, colour coded and braille formats.
  • Contact me for a personalized assessment of your space at: cassidy@onlinemarketingsolutions.ca

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