Mumbai, February 22 From brewing espresso to managing inventory and handling daily operations, adults with neurodevelopmental differences are redefining hospitality at a Mumbai cafe, where inclusion has become a thriving business model.
Cafe Arpan uses specialized training modules and visual aids to help staff navigate complex kitchen tasks, said a representative of the establishment, which emphasizes the "dignity of labor."
By placing individuals with neurodevelopmental differences in front-facing roles, the cafe seeks to dismantle societal stigmas and showcase the tangible economic contributions of a demographic often sidelined in the traditional job market.
The eatery, which started operating in 2018, recently relocated its operations from Juhu to Vile Parle (East).
"Neurodivergent" is an umbrella term covering various developmental and cognitive variations such as autism, dyslexia, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Beyond economic empowerment, many of the staff members have gained newfound independence, said Sushama Nagarkar, founder of the Yash Charitable Trust, which runs the cafe.
"Our mission was to move beyond the traditional 'charity' mindset. We wanted to create a professional environment where our team members are seen as capable employees rather than beneficiaries," she told