In a groundbreaking move towards workplace inclusion, Alamesa in Buenos Aires has become a beacon of hope for neurodivergent individuals struggling to find meaningful employment.
A Buenos Aires Restaurant Champions Employment for Neurodivergent Individuals
A Buenos Aires Restaurant Champions Employment for Neurodivergent Individuals
Alamesa is transforming the dining experience by prioritizing the inclusion of workers with neurological challenges.
Nacho Fernández Suárez reflects on a challenging past where he endured bullying and dissatisfaction as an administrative assistant in Argentina’s Congress, part of a now-defunct inclusion program for people with disabilities. He shares, “They bullied me, they pushed me, they treated me poorly,” highlighting the struggles faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities in traditional workplaces. However, that has changed significantly since joining the staff of Alamesa, a restaurant in Buenos Aires believed to be the first of its kind in Argentina, employing a mostly neurodivergent workforce.
At Alamesa, Mr. Fernández Suárez finds fulfillment and joy, feeling “indispensable” despite earning roughly a third of his previous salary. His mother, Alejandra Ferrari, celebrates this transformation, noting that her son’s happiness at his new role outweighs financial concerns. The restaurant sets out to redefine what inclusion looks like, offering a nurturing environment where workers are valued not just for their labor but also for their unique skills and perspectives.
Through this innovative approach, Alamesa challenges societal norms, demonstrating that workplaces can be inclusive for those often overlooked, allowing individuals like Mr. Fernández Suárez to thrive in an empowering setting. In doing so, the restaurant is paving the way for a more inclusive understanding of employment in Argentina.
At Alamesa, Mr. Fernández Suárez finds fulfillment and joy, feeling “indispensable” despite earning roughly a third of his previous salary. His mother, Alejandra Ferrari, celebrates this transformation, noting that her son’s happiness at his new role outweighs financial concerns. The restaurant sets out to redefine what inclusion looks like, offering a nurturing environment where workers are valued not just for their labor but also for their unique skills and perspectives.
Through this innovative approach, Alamesa challenges societal norms, demonstrating that workplaces can be inclusive for those often overlooked, allowing individuals like Mr. Fernández Suárez to thrive in an empowering setting. In doing so, the restaurant is paving the way for a more inclusive understanding of employment in Argentina.
