An institute for individuals with special needs started a cafe that will be run by it’s students on Monday.
Abilitea, the cafe, is an initiative of Manovikas Kendra, which has been working for the welfare and rehabilitation of children with disabilities since 1974.
Manovikas Kendra will celebrate its golden jubilee next year.
Running the cafe will give the students hands-on training in hospitality, the institute said.
“The cafe is part of our vocational training programme for our students. It is easier for them if we start training them here and gradually fade out our support. That will prepare them for the real world,” said Anamika Sinha, director, Manovikas Kendra.
Sinha said many of their former students have been placed in the food and beverage industry.
The cafe will be run by individuals with autsim, hearing impairment, and other special needs.
The cafe was inaugurated by chief guest Lovey Kapur, owner of Kookie Jar, and guest of honour M.K. Narayanan, former governor of Bengal.
“Over the years, we wanted to upgrade our services catering to the skill sets of the individuals. We must make our students employable. When they interact with the outside world it makes them gain confidence,” said Anuradha Lohia, chairperson, Manovikas Kendra.
The cafe, on the premises of Manovikas Kendra in Madudah, will be open to public between 9.30am and 3.30pm from Monday to Friday. The institute will extend the timing and days gradually.
Kapur said the training would open up opportunities for the students. “The food and beverage industry gives joy and confidence. They can create things and have a sustainable livelihood. It is not an industry where one needs to make a lot of investment and they can make things at home, too, and get into commercial ventures like us,” she said.
Unlike other cafes, this one is designed keeping in mind the needs of the individuals who are running it. There is enough space between tables so people can move freely. Most of the plates are not made of glass so they won’t break easily even if they fall.
“Against each item on the menu, we have a number so it is easy for the students to take a note of the order. The menu has been kept simple,” said Shalini Burman, consultant to Abilitea.
Sinha said when catering to individuals with special needs, it is important to break the task into simple easy steps. “They gradually get used to it,” she said.
The mats on each table are drawings made and laminated by the students.
The authorities at Manovikas Kendra believe that an interaction with the outside world or people without disabilities would not just help their students gain confidence but also make society more accepting of them.
“If we keep them secluded they would not develop the skill sets. Not everyone is the same and we as a society have to learn to live with each one of us,” said Lohia.