How this Mumbai cafe run by neurodivergent staff continues to inspire models of hospitality

From brewing espresso to managing inventory and handling daily operations neurodivergent adults are redefining hospitality at a Mumbai cafe where inclusion has become a thriving business modelCafe Arpan uses specialised training modules and visual aids to help staff navigate complex kitchen tasks said a representative of the establishment which emphasises the dignity of labourBy placing neurodivergent individuals in frontfacing roles the cafe seeks to dismantle societal stigmas and showcase the tangible economic contributions of a demographic often sidelined in the traditional job marketThe eatery which started operating in 2018 recently relocated its operations from Juhu to Vile Parle EastNeurodivergent is an umbrella term covering various developmental and cognitive variations such as autism dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHDBeyond the economic empowerment many of the staffers have gained newfound independence said Sushama Nagarkar founder of the Yash Charitable Trust which runs the cafeOur 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 PTINagarkar who drew inspiration from inclusive workspaces in the US and Europe noted that neurodivergent individuals who have long been relegated to exclusionary roles need a place to keep themselves busy They had to be made to realise that the world is wonderful when you are not afraid of it she saidThe cafe staff has been trained as per their specific needs strengths and how to capitalise on them The trust took the help of consultants to design the space so that neurodivergent staff can navigate easily Nagarkar saidOver the years people have become more accepting towards the neurodivergent community she pointed outWe are against the whole notion of feeling sorry for them They bring value to our society It is more about respecting them for who they are and thats what we are trying to work onbringing a change in the mindset she saidFor the patrons the experience is a lesson in empathy The service here is as professional as any highend cafe but there is a warmth here that you dont find elsewhere a customer saidThe cafe stands as a blueprint for how the private and social sectors can collaborate to create a more inclusive workforce another customer addedSince its inception Cafe Arpan has gained recognition for its inclusive business modelThe new location aims to tap into the dense communitycentric demographic further integrating the staff into mainstream societyMoving a business is a challenge for any professional but for our team it was a moment to prove that their skills are not just sitespecific but truly transferable Nagarkar saidIts a work in progress The staff of six need to relearn and unlearn as they settle into the new premises she said when asked if the team has adjusted to the new placeOn the logistical and social challenges in the initial setup process Nagarkar said her organisation is a public charitable trust and they need fundsThis is not about making a profit but bringing neurodivergent adults into the workforce and demonstrating to the community that they can contribute effectively We need resources and society should also see the neurodivergent adults as contributing individuals she saidRegular patrons and disability rights advocates have hailed the move as a sign of the cafes longterm sustainabilityNagarkar said their trusts tiffin service continues in the Irla area where the training and maintenance services are provided to the staff There is a community kitchen where 40 to 50 lunches are provided to young neurodivergent children free of cost and some families who live on the streets she addedThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever