DUAL ONLINE CENTER
Bank of Good Practices in Social Inclusion through WBL
Lufapo Hub Inclusive – Partnership with local associations
Overview
Lufapo Hub – Creative and Technological Hub is an organic unit of CTCV in Coimbra, Portugal. inspired by successful national and international initiatives of the New European Bauhaus. To promote social inclusion, CTCV has stablished a partnership with APPACDM to welcome a member of their community into its work environment. This now team member, aged over 40, is 95% visually impaired, has a cognitive disability, and some mild mobility limitations. Despite these challenges, she plays a meaningful and effective role within the Hub, taking on responsibilities such as welcoming visitors, clients, and stakeholders, assisting with event logistics, and distributing internal and external mail across the hub facilites. To ensure a successful integration, CTCV provides regular short training sessions that support the development of her professional skills. He is currently being trained in basic computer operations, enabling her to take on additional tasks and grow in confidence and autonomy. This inclusive initiative not only addresses practical staffing needs but also reflects the Hub’s commitment to social responsibility, diversity, and accessible innovation in the workplace.
Objectives
The main goal is to fulfil the social responsibility that CTCV assumes in the local community and to be an example of non-discrimination. This initiative reflects CTCV’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment where people with disabilities are given opportunities to contribute meaningfully to work-based activities. This practice helps underrepresented groups access Work-Based Learning by providing practical experience to individuals who may face challenges in traditional work environments. By integrating a person with visual impairment, cognitive disability, and mobility limitations, CTCV demonstrates that learning on the job can be accessible and valuable for everyone, regardless of their abilities.
It reduces barriers to participation in apprenticeships and vocational training by offering tailored support, such as regular short training sessions that develop essential skills, like basic computer operations. This approach ensures that the individual can gradually take on additional tasks and responsibilities, fostering confidence and independence. Additionally, by adapting work duties to the individual’s capabilities (e.g., welcoming visitors, event logistics, and mail distribution), the initiative makes it easier for people with disabilities to participate and succeed in the workplace, thus reducing barriers to entry in vocational roles.
It reduces barriers to participation in apprenticeships and vocational training by offering tailored support, such as regular short training sessions that develop essential skills, like basic computer operations. This approach ensures that the individual can gradually take on additional tasks and responsibilities, fostering confidence and independence. Additionally, by adapting work duties to the individual’s capabilities (e.g., welcoming visitors, event logistics, and mail distribution), the initiative makes it easier for people with disabilities to participate and succeed in the workplace, thus reducing barriers to entry in vocational roles.
Implementation
An agreement was signed with the Portuguese Association of Parents and Friends of Mentally Disabled Citizens.
Innovative features
Policy changes to encourage inclusive Work-Based Learning (WBL), Specialized training tailored to different learner needs, Includes mentorship and support networks.
Challenges and lessons learned
At first, there was some uncertainty about whether this new team member would be able to adapt to the pace of activities at Lufapo Hub. However, after a meeting with the APPACDM team, it quickly became clear that daily guidance and support would be enough to ensure there were no constraints. We learned that within the community, everyone can play an active role. We just need to be willing to make it happen.
- CountryPortugal
- SectorConstruction
- Target groupPeople with disabilities
Leading organisation
CTCV Ceramics and Glass Technology Centre
Date
2022, ongoing
Key stakeholders
• NGOs and social organizations
Number of beneficiaries
Above 100