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September 4, 2025

Coffee, Kinship, and Accessibility are at the Heart of Monona’s JavaAbilities

City Cast Madison

Coffee, Kinship, and Accessibility are at the Heart of Monona’s JavaAbilities

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Sure, the coffee at JavaAbilities is great (it’s Madison-based Rusty Dog) but it’s the people behind the counter who truly make the space special. Part of the mission of the new coffee shop on Monona Drive, which opened in July, is to employ and celebrate adults with disabilities. The business is co-owned by Mary Kay Clark and Tim McDonald, who admit they don’t have much cafe experience but are both fully committed to uplifting people with disabilities. Today, host Bianca Martin talks to Tim about his journey to opening the cafe and the personal connections that inspired him along the way. 

🥕 Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers to the chefs and cheesemakers.

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