Pippilotta

People with mental disabilities have few chances on the job market. Most of them have not completed school and many training opportunities are not available to them. This makes it difficult for them to obtain their qualifications, which is necessary to get a job. 

The Pippilotta restaurant in Innsbruck is breaking new ground. People with disabilities are trained in modules, which allows them to demonstrate their skills. Pippilotta's modular training is based on the national qualification framework and is thus recognised by companies. This in turn helps trainees with their job entry. 

12 pedagogically and gastronomically trained assistants and cooks work at the Pippilotta restaurant. This team provides training for 15 people with disabilities in the kitchen and in service. The training takes place in a live setting. People with disabilities are in direct contact with guests during their training, while gathering relevant work experience. 

At the Pippilotta restaurant and at the school buffet, people with disabilities come into direct contact with guests. These encounters make their work visible and they receive immediate feedback. This helps in their professional development, and shows what people with disabilities are capable of. This is changing society permanently. 

It is important to give people with disabilities a chance and not to demand proof of training, but to train them directly in the company instead. Furthermore, their work becomes visible through encounters with people. Everyone can help and stand up for equal opportunities. 

Photos © Pippilotta / Lechner