Disabled, independent, and employed? Yes, that is possible.

Solutions
Having a disability and coping with everyday life can be tough. Finding employment even more so. The Stadthaushotel Hamburg, the first “integration hotel” in Europe, has managed to find a solution.

Finding a job and entering the world of employment is never easy. Most people will tell you they can’t even count how many applications and interviews they had to endure before finding work. Now imagine what that process would be like if you were someone who had a disability, be it physical or mental.

According to the UN more than 50 percent of people with disabilities are unemployed due to various challenges including stigmatization and discrimination. Other problems entail complex job descriptions and unaccommodating application procedures. 

Disability and the workplace has only recently become a somewhat popular topic, with governments and organisations addressing the challenges that both disabled people and companies face.

One initiative has managed to overcome the hurdles. The Stadthaushotel in Hamburg is a trailblazer of its kind and is famous for being the first “integration hotel” in Europe.

It was founded in 1993 by eight parents, who wanted to make sure that even as adults their handicapped children would have a sustainable and lasting connection between work and home. The young adults had two years of training, in a course that was specially designed for them. This course is still going on today, giving individuals with disabilities a chance to develop employment skills.

The hotel is run by the same students since 1993. As the hotel grew, so did the staff. The job application procedure is just like any other hotel, but less discriminatory. Anyone can apply and will be assessed purely on their skills, with staff also encompassing former prisoners. Additionally, jobs and work procedures are catered towards each individual staff member and their competencies.

Stadthaushotel Hamburg

The hotel itself is exceptionally handicap-friendly and welcomes all manner of guests. Stadthaushotel claims to accommodate families, tourists, and businesspersons.

Later, other countries followed suit and the Hotel Dom in Switzerland opened its doors. What is unique here is the combination of people working with and without disabilities, which will hopefully help change misperception of marginalised groups in society. People with disabilities can be accommodated and should be able to enjoy the same rights that abled people do.

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