In a bustling city adorned with cafes, one stands out not just for its delicious coffee and delectable treats but for its commitment to inclusivity and empowering individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs). Cafe Arpan, a venture under the Yash Charitable Trust, has been breaking barriers and redefining stereotypes for the past five years.
Café Arpan is about creating a supportive environment where team members can thrive and has successfully integrated neurodivergent individuals into its workforce, acknowledging the unique strengths each person brings to the table. Often marginalised from a young age, these individuals struggle to find meaningful employment opportunities after completing special school.
Café Arpan offers a welcoming platform for individuals with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other IDDs, providing them with an opportunity to share their unique talents and make meaningful contributions to society. According to Managing Trustee, Yash Charitable Trust & Co-Founder of Café Arpan, Sushama Nagarkar, “Cafe Arpan has to run with people in specific roles. Now the way we actually train and recruit is through our skill development centre, but for these specific roles, we look at the strengths of the individual's upbringing, even as they go through the schooling process and see where the best fit might be.”
Customers, often unaware of the diverse abilities of the team, have responded positively to the inclusive environment. Ashaita M, Trustee, Yash Charitable Trust & Co-Founder - Café Arpan, says, “Throughout, we've realised that 99 per cent of our customers are open to and very accommodating of all our team members. And these are people who have come in who may not even know what Café Arpan is all about.”
The café's success lies in its step-by-step process of integration. New team members are welcomed for interviews during regular work hours at the training center, allowing them to observe the other trainees and soak in the environment. A two-week period follows during which they familiarise themselves with customised training modules without specific duties. This approach helps in assessing the compatibility of the individuals with the organisation and gauge where what they want to do, what they are interested in so that a training path can be charted out for them.
The journey for each team member at Café Arpan is unique, with a focus on individualised training and support. The café has established a skill development centre to identify the strengths and interests of each participant. This personalised approach helps in finding the right roles for individuals, ensuring they not only contribute effectively but also find fulfilment in their work.
From using smartphone applications for attendance purposes to participating in various aspects of café management, team members are exposed to real-world experiences, preparing them for future endeavours. Café Arpan goes beyond providing employment; it fosters a sense of independence and responsibility among its team members.