VilacomVida Academy: Inclusion Through Employment in Portugal

Portugal is known for its culture and history, but also for its growing commitment to social inclusion. For many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), however, opportunities for education and meaningful employment remain limited. Without support, many face high dropout rates, unemployment, and the risk of lifelong exclusion.

That is where VilacomVida Association and Cafés Joyeux step in.

Portugal has an estimated 700,000 people with disabilities, including around 15,000 with Down syndrome, 50,000 with autism, and 22,000 with cerebral palsy. While schools provide some support, many young people with IDD still transition into adulthood without real opportunities. By focusing on employment as inclusion, Cafés Joyeux gives young adults not just training, but a pathway to independence and belonging.

Brought to Portugal in 2021, Cafés Joyeux is more than a café, it is a pioneering model of inclusion. Managed by VilacomVida, the cafés train and employ young adults with IDD, offering them dignity, independence, and a place in the workforce.

Each participant begins with a structured two-year training program at the VilacomVida Academy, where they receive:

• Professional instruction from certified teachers.
• Guidance from therapists, HR specialists, and culinary experts.
• Hands-on experience in cafés, working as baristas, cashiers, waiters, or kitchen staff.

After their training, many graduates secure permanent employment contracts with Cafés Joyeux.

Currently, 30 young people with IDD are employed at Cafés Joyeux across Portugal. This project directly supports these employees for a full year, ensuring their training, mentorship, and employment stability.

Employment is more than just a job; it’s about dignity, confidence, and community. Through Cafés Joyeux, Defi For Good helps create a society where everyone has a seat at the table.