A new café has opened in the Vanak area of Tehran with a difference. This latest coffee enterprise is called “Downtism” and employs only adults with down syndrome and severe autism to help them in their employment financial needs.

The civic society-led idea is a first in Iran in the café sector and could become a more prominent trend as city councils look for ways to integrate the disabled community into daily life. Employing people with disabilities has been a growing trend in several industries over the past decade including in the production of several items related to the medical and care sectors.

The new café was officially opened by representatives from Tehran’s Social Services Organisation (SSO), which has helped with the opening of the café.

According to the manager of the café, ten capable people with autism and down syndrome will work at the café in several short shifts to give them a feeling of participation.

The café is on the upper floor of the Aeene Vanak Central Shopping Centre near Kurdistan Motorway.

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