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A visit to Hotel Etico
The Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Ben Gauntlett and the IncludeAbility Team recently visited Hotel Etico in the beautiful Blue Mountains.
Hotel Etico
Hotel Etico is a social enterprise and the 2022 Community Human Rights Award winner. Hotel Etico powers a program that provides employment and independent living opportunities to young people with disability. The program supports trainees to participate and contribute to the daily operations of the hotel and restaurant by rotating through a range of hospitality roles and participating in the Academy of Independence, where the trainees stay to experience supported independent living. The program primarily targets young adults with an intellectual disability interested in the hospitality industry and a more independent life.
One of the stories shared with the team was about Antonio De Benedetto, chef at Tacabanda Restaurant in Asti, Italy, home to the first Hotel Etico. Chef Antonio is adamant that the very first task assigned is where everyone is given a knife and has to chop parsley in the kitchen. From day one, the experience is that of a commercial kitchen, and the skills the trainees learn are those essential to working in a kitchen. The idea behind this task is to remove the preconceived notion that there are specific tasks that the trainees cannot undertake in the kitchen. No fingers have been sliced, and the trainees can build their skills from day one.
Hotel Etico and the Academy of Independence offer a unique product where the support does not just stop after the traineeship finishes but creates pathways to career progression.
Tracylee Arestideas, Board Director, said,
“[the program] is not just getting a job for someone, it is an area where people can have a career path, and you are not stuck doing just one thing". The traineeship offers various business units where the trainees learn different skills but also allows for the trainees to see the other possibilities. Tracylee credits this to them being an integrated part of the team. Tracylee said, “The social elements, feeling like you are contributing, that satisfaction, all of these things, that what counts."
CEO Andreas Comastri said,
“What we have proven is that it is the inclusive environment and the completely integrated environment, with the trainees being front and centre of the business, not just doing little things here and there, that’s where the difference is.” The impact of Hotel Etico is seen through trainees gaining open employment after graduating. Throughout running the traineeship, the team have shown dedication and passion, which they accredit to why they have received such incredible results. Andreas said if they had to be awake overnight to do something, “We do it, and we do it together.”
The work done at Hotel Etico creates various layers of changes, change for the trainees, employers, and the wider community. Andreas stated that,
“the biggest change is if we can change the attitudes of the employers”.
Tips for other employers
Saraya, General Manager- Independence Program, said,
“Ask for help… there is so much to disability. No disability is the same. Something that works for somebody may not work for the other person.” Saraya emphasised that there are lots of resources out there that can help.
Andreas mentioned the need for change to come from the top,
“The reason that the partnerships we have, especially with the Fairmont and the Fullerton, are successful is that their owners, their GM and their HR directors are fully onboard. Otherwise, it is not going to work. We work with them to help them change their internal culture. We provide them with training programs, resources and support. The change comes from the top. But then they need to bring people with them. You can’t just say “do it”; you need to enable it.”
It was great to connect with and visit Hotel Etico and see the impact of the work.
Interview with Josh and Luci, trainees at Hotel Etico
Josh and Luci spoke about all the skills they learnt from the Academy of Independence and working at Hotel Etico. Josh said he had learnt a lot, including how to cook and prepare food.
As part of the Academy of Independence, the trainees in the first three months will get a taster of each of the different areas of possible employment at the hotel, and then for the following nine months, can choose an elective; the area that they would like to work in the most.
Josh said he enjoys doing the guest services and floor breakfast and is looking forward to working behind the bar now that he has his RSA. Luci enjoys working on the floor and the bar and has learnt to pour beer and wine by herself. Regarding independent living, Luci has been enjoying making her own bed and having the support workers help her cook, and Josh has enjoyed the overall independence he has gained.
Luci and Josh said it had been a good experience and would recommend it to others.
The IncludeAbility team and Commissioner Gauntlett had an incredible time exploring and learning about Hotel Etico and the Academy of Independence. We would highly recommend a visit to Hotel Etico. For more information visit www.hoteletico.com.au or contact them at stay@hoteletico.com.au and 0438 511 352.
