Feel Good Story: Cat Cafe Activity Grows into Life-Changing Opportunity for Low Vision Students

January 24, 2025
Cat Cafe Activity Grows into Life-Changing Opportunity for Low Vision Students

In a world where independence is often taken for granted, Tomball ISD is paving the way for its students to thrive beyond the classroom. 

Through a hands-on educational activity, Tomball ISD students with low vision are gaining life skills as part of the Expanded Core Curriculum. Cat Cafe began back in 2018 by Tomball ISD’s Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Debi Long.

Cat Cafe is an opportunity for students to run an expansive cafe inside their respective campus. Students must select food options, type a list of all needed items and where they are located inside a grocery store, determine aisle numbers, make guesses on item prices. From there, items are purchased, put away, and determine the layout of the school for delivery. A flier is made for teachers, a cart is decorated, communication boards and/or switches are prepared for greetings, treats are made, and festive dress is encouraged. 

“The positive reinforcement and feedback from teachers and students creates confidence in the areas of communication skills, social skills, and personal growth,” said Debi Long and Andrea Ward, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists.

Students then deliver treats and offer options to classrooms based on the map that was created. Greetings are prepared and life skills are gained. 

Following the activity, thank you notes are written and distributed to teachers.  This activity has grown to implement skills such as: mapping skills, utilizing technology, low vision devices, following cooking instructions, turn-taking, fine motor skills, using communication devices, math skills, and making choices. 

Currently, seven campuses are participating in this activity, with it growing each year.

Every opportunity in Tomball ISD is preparing students for the future. By fostering an inclusive and empowering environment like Cat Cafe, Tomball ISD is ensuring that every student, regardless of their ability, has the tools to build confidence and a self-resilient future.