Tehran cafe run by people with Autism and down syndrome

Post Reply New Topic

Located near the bustling Vanak Square in north Tehran, the “Downtism Café” stands out from other coffee shops in the affluent neighborhood for its unique staff. All have either Down syndrome, like Aghaei, or autism, like Khakian, and run the entire operation themselves.

Opened only three months ago, the café — whose name combines “Down” with “autism” — is bustling.

With the restoration of American sanctions that had been suspended under the 2015 nuclear deal, and unemployment at 12.5%, jobs are hard to come by in Iran. It’s especially difficult for those with disabilities.

But the café not only provides work for those with Down syndrome and autism. It also shows how capable they can be, said Aylin Agahi, a 36-year-old musician who came up with the idea.
“The goal I had in mind by opening this cafe was to give these guys a role in society,” said Agahi, who has taught music to people with disabilities for 17 years and led several concerts with her students around Iran. “I wanted the people to become familiar with them. Many people do not have enough knowledge of Down syndrome. Here they get to meet them face-to-face.”

From her initial idea in 2016, she was able to open the café on May 1 with the help of 10 of her students’ families and some funding from Iran’s State Welfare Organization.

Agahi arranged for a month of training with a professional barista, and the cafe started out with 10 staffers. Three months later, it has 40 workers, mostly teenagers and adults in their 20s, who work short, three-hour shifts.
They earn minimum wage and split tips equally at the end of the month.

Unlike many dimly-lit cafés, the entrance and walls are covered with bright colors, framed paintings by the staff and balloons.

Sometimes parents of these kids send me photos late at night showing them having neatly prepared their shoes and work uniforms to go to the café the following day,” she said. “When they are told that it is not their shift, they insist on going anyway and say they just love to be here no matter what.