The Success of Persons with Disabilities' s Career Promotion Through the 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Cafe

Abstract

The purposes of this research are to: 1) study the implementation of 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Cafe, 2) study the vocational training model for people with disabilities, in each type of disability, and 3) study the factors that contribute to the success of 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Cafe in promoting careers for people with disabilities. This research is qualitative research. The data were collected from individual in-depth interviews and observations involving 4 groups of people, totaling 13 participants, and presented using descriptive analysis. The research results indicated that the implementation of 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Cafe is based on the concept of Disability Inclusive Business (DIB), which is a business model that allows people with disabilities to participate. This concept is provided by the Asia and Pacific Development Center on Disability Foundation, which organizes vocational skill training projects in food business for people with disabilities by requesting budget support from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities to cover training expenses. In addition, this project received knowledge support from networks with expertise in the food business, namely Thai Yamazaki Company Limited and MarkRin Chocolate Company Limited. Overall, the training model consists of seven processes, including requesting budget support for training people with disabilities, recruiting trainees, selecting trainees, assigning trainers, determining the duration of training, selecting training methods, and providing Internships. Furthermore, the success factors in promoting employment for people with disabilities include three elements: promoting the employment of people with disabilities, promoting occupational opportunities for people with disabilities, and supporting social enterprises. In conclusion, it is recommended that businesses accept people with disabilities in the workplace, based on learning and understanding how to work with them effectively. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities should advocate for policies that promote food and service opportunities for people with disabilities, moving from prototype cases to concrete initiatives. Moreover, the office of Social Enterprise Promotion should encourage businesses to be inclusive, allowing people with disabilities to participate at all levels.