Activity: Disability Equality Training for Hoteliers
Highlight:
- Five trainees have already been placed in workplaces.
- Eight trainees were offered job opportunities by various hotels following the training.
As the final activity of this project, initiated with the generous support of Helvetas Bhutan and the European Union, DPON brought together hoteliers from Paro, Punakha, and Thimphu for Disability Equality Training (DET) and On-Board Recruitment of trainees with disabilities. These individuals had recently completed two months of inclusive housekeeping training, conducted in collaboration with the Bhutan Institute of Tourism and Hospitality. A total of 16 persons with diverse disabilities participated in the training.
The DET served as a platform to raise awareness about the Disabled People’s Organization (DPO), advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities to inclusive employment, and encourage the recruitment of trainees in various hotels.
Sonam Zangmo, one of the trainees, shared, “When it comes to communication between hearing and deaf staff, we can communicate through writing or text. Hearing colleagues can also learn simple Bhutanese Sign Language, such as the alphabet, and use gestures. This will make communication more inclusive.”
Tshering Dendup, a deaf individual working as a housekeeper at Le Méridien Thimphu, also shared his experience during the DET. “Initially, it was difficult,” he explained. He was recruited after an interview organized by the DPO and Le Méridien and underwent a month-long training to learn his duties. “The hotel staff are very patient and treat me like any other colleague. I’ve been working here for over a year, and I’m happy to be able to work and support myself.”
Sangita Rai, Assistant Manager at Le Méridien, remarked, “Tshering is very smart. Initially, we were skeptical about how he would perform, but he picked up the tasks quickly and is very good at his job. He also avoids unnecessary issues. We shouldn’t limit ourselves from recruiting individuals based on their disabilities—if others can do it, so can they.”
Sangay Chozom, Manager at Hotel Osel in Thimphu, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Before attending this training, I wasn’t fully aware of the capabilities of individuals with disabilities. We were also hesitant about recruiting them. Now, I realize how capable and dedicated they are to their work. I believe we must step forward and provide them with equal opportunities.”
