How Tao Group Hospitality Is Fostering More Inclusive Dining Not Just For Autism Acceptance Month, But All Year Long

Things many of us are accustomed to while dining out at restaurants, like waiting in lines, sudden loud noises, and strong smells, can, unfortunately, be emotionally and physically triggering for those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): approximately 1 in 36 children has been identified with ASD, which is defined as a developmental disorder characterized by communication, social, and behavioral challenges. Though levels, types, and symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, those living with autism and their loved ones agree on one thing: it’s incredibly difficult to navigate without proper awareness and support.

This is something Ralph Scamardella, Tao Group Hospitality Chief Culinary Officer, experienced firsthand when his youngest son was diagnosed with ASD in 2009. He was overwhelmed, recalling the initial feeling as “shocking and scary.” To help him gain a deeper understanding of ASD, Scamardella began volunteering during his free time at Autism Speaks, and enrolled his son at Eden II. After learning more about how those with ASD can struggle in everyday social situations like dining out, Scamardella realized the time was right to get Tao Group Hospitality involved.

Since 2016, Tao Group Hospitality has supported April’s National Autism Acceptance Month by turning each restaurant’s signature desserts, such as TAO’s giant fortune cookie, and certain specialty cocktails blue (the list is at the end of this story), and donating 10% of these items’ sales directly to autism-based charities all over the country, including Eden II Programs and Grant a Gift Autism Foundation.

But since autism awareness and acceptance shouldn’t stop on April 30, Tao Group Hospitality teamed up with KultureCity, a nonprofit championing acceptance for those with invisible disabilities, on sensory inclusion training—which includes learning how to create the most inclusive atmosphere for all guests and the importance of stocking Sensory Bags containing noise-reducing headphones, fidget tools, and non-verbal communication cards to reduce sensory overload—for all team members across 23 restaurants in New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Diego, and London. “Our staff now has the tools to help guests cope with this potential sensory overstimulation, to help ensure a more accepting and inclusive experience for all,” says Charles Lerner, Senior Manager of Community & Team Member Engagement of Tao Group Hospitality.

In addition, Tao Group Hospitality is hosting a work-study program with New York City Public School P226M, to help students with autism get ready for jobs in the culinary world. Led by TAO Downtown and LAVO’s culinary team, the program teaches students essential skills like teamwork, kitchen prep work, organization, and communication, will run through the end of the school year, and will expand to Tao venues in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago and the United Kingdom in the future.

From April 1 to April 30, Tao Group Hospitality is donating 10% of sales the following food and drink items from its New York City venues to charities including KultureCity, Eden II Programs. and Grant a Gift Autism Foundation.

Cathedrale: Potato Chip Omelet $35, Black Truffle Fettucine $59, Blueberry Clafouti $19, Zou Bisou Bisou $19

The Ready: Shrimp Tostada with Blue Tortillas $14, Blue Pina Colada Paletas $11

Legasea Bar & Grill: Backstage Pass $18, Tuna Tartare $27, Daves Bar Burger $29, Double Layer Blueberry Cheesecake $14

Magic Hour: Low Battery: Belvedere, Mint, Mandarin Orange, Coconut Red Bull $18, Shrimp Tacos $24, Midtown breakfast for brunch $24, Blue AF Giant Croissant $55

Sake No Hana: Spicy Tuna Tartare $33, Seared Scallop, miso brown butter $44 , Spring Tamago $18

Highlight Room: Sugar Snap Guacamole $22, Little Burgers $24

Silver Lining Lounge: Chicken Katsu Nuggets $20, Petite Cheeseburger $27

Lavo NYC: Bluebina Rosa $20, The Meatball $34, Penne a la Vodka $33, Blue Tiramisu $21

Beauty & Essex: Blue Fin Tuna Tacos $26, Blue Cheese Walnut Crusted 10oz Prime Filet $75 , Wonder Wheel $38. Cocktails by city: NYC’s Ume Thurman $19, Los Angeles’ Bubbles of Blue $21, Las Vegas’s Cielos Azules $22

TAO Downtown: Crispy Prawn Scallop Roll $28, Surf & Turf $ 85, Blue Fortune Cookie $18

TAO Uptown: Shattered Moons $20, Crispy Prawn Scallop Roll $28, Surf & Turf $ 85, Blue Fortune Cookie $18

TAO Las Vegas: Cielos Azules $22, Baked Blue Crab Hand Roll $26, Filet Mignon Japchae $59, Blue Fortune Cookie $18

TAO Chicago: Fuji Sky $20, Crispy Prawn Scallop Roll $28, Medium Fat Blue Fin Tuna $ 38, Blue Fortune Cookie $18

LAVO Las Vegas: Ol’ Blue Eyes $21, Beef Carpaccio $28, Blue Crab Ravioli $49, Blue Tiramisu $21

Hakkasan Las Vegas: Cielos Azules $22, Royal King Crab Crystal Jade Dumpling $24, Stir-fry Lamb Loin $58, Blue Dumpling $16