Creating A Culture Of Inclusion
Weaving Inclusion Into Everyday Places
Each year, The Arc of Spokane celebrates Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month with a spotlight on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and the community that supports them.
The power of local partnerships is on display during this month as three local Spokane favorites are joining The Arc to elevate the voices and experiences of people with IDD. Each business brings its own spirit of inclusion, helping The Arc highlight the many ways our community grows stronger when everyone is welcomed, supported, and seen. The focus isn’t just about awareness; it’s about what happens when a city like Spokane chooses to show up for one another. Inclusion grows strongest when it’s woven into everyday places.
Fortunata’s team includes artists on the spectrum, but their commitment goes beyond personal connection. They choose partners not because they relate to them, but because they matter.
“Whenever good people are doing good things, then we want to support them however we can,” said owner Noah Pasino. “We want to support any good cause and help get the message out, whether or not it’s something we can relate to.”
Fortunata is helping normalize a more expansive idea; we show up for each other because that’s what strong communities do. Inclusion becomes real when people meet each other face-to-face, over coffee, across a counter, or through shared creativity.
Culture doesn’t shift because of one big moment. Culture shifts because of small, consistent choices made by people and businesses who believe we can be more connected, more empathetic, and more inclusive than they were the day before.
Indaba founder Bobby Enslow referenced the profound impact employing one of The Arc’s Supported Employment clients has had on the community Indaba has helped create.
“Culture is formed by what we consistently practice. Partnerships like this shift mindsets. They replace assumptions with relationships,” said Enslow. “When our team builds real relationships with people of all abilities, inclusion stops becoming an initiative and starts becoming instinct.”
At its core, Indaba is a great example of what happens when communities put inclusion first. Enslow’s desire to uplift marginalized communities in Spokane motivated him to create a space where everyone felt welcome. That same commitment to belonging shows how individual choices can shape a community. When individuals work to make inclusion an instinct, it creates a ripple effect.
The Arc’s Community Center has made both Maple Street Bistro and Indaba part of their regularly scheduled visits during community outings each day. At Maple Street Bistro, their community investment is woven into the fabric of the business.
“As a small, locally owned business, our success is directly tied to the strength of our community,” said Maple Street Bistro co-owner Paige Cunningham. “Supporting nonprofits isn’t just something we do, it’s part of who we are.”
Each one of these incredible local businesses embodies how inclusion is meant to be lived out in practical ways by being patient, making small adjustments, and creating environments where people are trusted and seen.
“The Arc does more than advocate. They create real opportunities for people with [IDD] to contribute meaningfully. That aligns with what we believe at our core: every human being has inherent value and something to offer. Inclusion is not charity. It is recognizing potential and creating space for it to flourish,” said Enslow.
Celebrate DD Awareness Month With Our Community Partners!
FRIDAY, MARCH 6 | INDABA COFFEE + THE ARC OF SPOKANE
Visit any Indaba location on Saturday, March 7, and 10% of all sales will be donated to The Arc of Spokane!
Indaba Coffee is an award-winning, community-focused roaster with multiple locations. Named after a Zulu word for “gathering,” it aims to foster connection through quality coffee, local partnerships, and social responsibility. Love People. Love Coffee.
SATURDAY, MARCH 7 | MAPLE STREET BISTRO + THE ARC OF SPOKANE
Visit Maple Street Bistro on Friday, March 6, and 25% of the proceeds of all sales will be donated to The Arc of Spokane!
The Maple Street Bistro has been serving delicious espresso drinks and house-made baked goods in North Spokane since 2007. Each day, our bakers prepare fresh old-fashioned bagels, cinnamon rolls, scones, muffins, pecan sweet rolls, cookies, and many other treats to pair with our handcrafted espresso drinks.
FRIDAY, MARCH 13 | FORTUNATA TATTOO + THE ARC OF SPOKANE
Friday the 13th Flash Tattoo Event! Visit Fortunata’s website to schedule your newest tattoo creation, and 10% of the proceeds will be donated to The Arc of Spokane!
At Fortunata, tattoos are more than just ink; they’re a way to weave the stories of your life into your skin: reminding yourself of who you are, where you’re from, what you’ve gone through, and so much more. Those stories deserve the highest level of care and craftsmanship, which is why we have gathered a team of highly skilled, committed artists who take every measure to keep the workplace and tools clean, sanitary, and professional.