In 2000, a family in Italy opened an exciting new restaurant in the hopes of providing an environment for their son with Down syndrome to gain work experience. Now, La Locanda dei Girasoli — The Sunflower Inn — is staffed by 13 employees, all of whom have some kind of genetic condition or disability.
Twenty-two year-old Anna is one such employee. Her father described how her work at the restaurant has helped her develop her self-confidence and grow as a person. He told The Tribune, “She’s gained autonomy. When she comes home from work, she is happy, proud of what she’s done.”
After struggling to get by during economic troubles in 2013, the restaurant is back on its feet and cooking up plans for a second restaurant to provide more opportunities for those with disabilities.
You can find out more in the video below.
Read more:
This new restaurant chain seeks hearing-impaired employees